Intro Diving 2 Stops For Beginners with Pick-up and Lunch – Hurghada

Hurghada’s Red Sea reefs make a fine first taste of scuba, and this two-session boat trip keeps an instructor close from the first briefing to the return to the surface. You get equipment, lunch, drinks, hotel transfers, and two reef stops for $40, which is a lot of holiday activity for the price.

I like the calm, personal instruction and the chance to try scuba without signing up for a full certification course. I also like the simple plan: pickup, equipment, short lesson, two underwater sessions, lunch, then back to your hotel. The main caution is time in the water. Each session is advertised at 15 minutes, but some people have found the actual underwater time shorter, with long waits between activities.

Key points to know before booking

• Two beginner sessions of about 15 minutes: A short, guided introduction rather than a full scuba course.
• Instructors stay close: Bassiouni and Badr are among the guides praised for calm and friendly help.
• Coral and fish are the main reward: Expect coral gardens, schools of fish, and colorful Red Sea life.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Buffet food, bottled water, soft drinks, and hot drinks are provided on the boat.
• Pickup covers Hurghada hotels: Extra charges apply from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, Ahia, Safaga, and El Gouna.
• Bring $5 in cash: A national park or marine admission fee is not included.

What this $40 Hurghada trip really offers

This is not a certification course, and it is not a full-length scuba day for experienced enthusiasts. It is a low-cost introduction designed to answer one question: do you enjoy breathing underwater and moving around a reef with a tank on your back?

That distinction matters. You get two short underwater sessions, each listed at about 15 minutes, but the full outing lasts around seven hours because most of the day includes transport, boarding, safety instruction, waiting, lunch, and boat travel. Think of it as a full day on the Red Sea with two carefully supervised underwater visits, not two long technical sessions.

At $40 per person, the package covers an impressive amount: hotel pickup and return, a full-day boat trip, scuba equipment, safety equipment, an instructor, lunch, bottled water, soft drinks, and hot drinks. You still need to pay the $5 national park admission fee in cash. That small extra cost is easy to miss, so keep the money ready.

I see the value here in the low commitment. A formal scuba qualification requires several days, more money, and a bigger decision. This trip lets you try the basic experience first. If you enjoy it, you can consider a proper course later.

Hotel pickup and the early start

The listed start time is 8:00 am. Pickup is included from Hurghada hotels, which removes the need to find a taxi or arrange your own way to the harbor. That is useful in a resort city where hotels can be spread along a long coastal road.

Allow some flexibility around the pickup time. One account describes a late collection that did not affect the schedule, while another reports poor communication after a weather cancellation. The practical lesson is simple: confirm the pickup details in advance and keep your phone available the evening before.

Transfers from some nearby resort districts cost extra. Pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, or Ahia adds $5 per person. From Safaga or El Gouna, the extra charge is $10 per person. Check your hotel location before assuming the advertised price is the final amount.

The maximum group size is 30 people. That is not a tiny private outing, but the underwater instruction is handled in smaller working groups, with an instructor guiding each participant. The experience works best if you arrive ready for a group day rather than expecting a custom charter.

Getting fitted with equipment

At the start, you are fitted with the included scuba equipment and safety gear. The instruction covers how to use the equipment and what you need to know before entering the water.

For a first attempt, this briefing is one of the most important parts of the day. Scuba can feel strange at first. The mask, regulator, buoyancy, breathing rhythm, and hand signals all require attention. You do not need previous certification, but you do need to listen carefully and tell the instructor if you feel nervous or uncomfortable.

The strongest part of the experience is the guide support. Instructors are described as staying within easy reach throughout the underwater session. Bassiouni is praised for being careful and friendly, and Badr is singled out for looking after participants and helping them enjoy the experience. Those details matter more than fancy equipment when you are trying scuba for the first time.

Do not feel obliged to complete the second session if you are tired or uncomfortable. The trip allows you to give it up without pressure from the guides. That is a sensible approach for beginners, since enjoyment and confidence matter more than collecting two underwater attempts.

The first reef session

After the safety lesson, the boat heads to an underwater site. The exact reef location can vary, and the available information does not promise two completely different sites. One account describes both sessions taking place at the same general spot but heading in different directions.

That is worth knowing before you book. You might see a different section of reef on the second outing rather than travel to a wholly new location. The Red Sea scenery remains the focus: coral gardens, schools of fish, and smaller marine creatures moving among the reef.

The first session is usually the moment when the day either clicks or feels demanding. Beginners often need time to adjust to breathing through the regulator and controlling their movement. Your instructor remains nearby and guides you through the underwater route, which helps reduce the worry of having to manage everything alone.

The underwater time is officially about 15 minutes. Some accounts describe sessions closer to six minutes, so I would treat 15 minutes as an approximate target rather than a guarantee. Factors such as comfort, air use, group movement, weather, and safety decisions can affect the length.

That may disappoint anyone expecting long reef exploration. It is less of a problem if you see the outing as a supervised trial. You get a real taste of scuba in the Red Sea without spending several days on training.

The break between sessions

The gap between the two underwater visits can feel long. The boat day includes waiting for groups, equipment preparation, safety checks, and time for lunch. One of the sharper criticisms of the experience is that there can be a lot of standing around for relatively little time in the water.

This is where your expectations matter. Bring a relaxed attitude and think of the boat itself as part of the day. You can rest, have a drink, watch the sea, and talk with the crew and other participants. If you are booking only for maximum underwater time, this may not be the right package.

Lunch is served as a buffet of traditional Egyptian dishes. Soft drinks, hot drinks, and unlimited water are included. The meal is practical rather than a reason to book the trip, but it keeps the day moving and saves you from buying food on board.

Food quality can vary by personal taste, and the available details describe it as acceptable to good rather than luxurious. This is a budget boat trip, not a high-end dining cruise. Bring your own expectations down to earth and you should find the meal does its job.

The second underwater visit

The second session gives you another chance to settle into the equipment. Many beginners find the second attempt easier because the mask, breathing, and hand signals are no longer entirely new.

You may head in a different direction at the same reef area. The appeal is the chance to spot more fish and coral after you understand how to move through the water. The Red Sea is known here for colorful fish and coral formations, and several participants describe seeing many fish, including schools moving together.

The instructor’s role remains central. Guides lead you underwater and respond to different ability levels. That makes this suitable for someone who feels nervous but still wants to try. It is not a free-swimming session where you are left to figure things out.

Again, do not count on a full 15 minutes every time. Some sessions may be shorter. If the boat team cuts the underwater time for safety or organization, that is frustrating, but it is better than being pushed to continue when you are not comfortable. Still, I would ask at the beginning how the sessions are timed and how many people will be in your group.

Safety, organization, and boat comfort

Safety instruction receives strong praise, and the guides are generally described as professional, friendly, and attentive. That is reassuring for a first scuba attempt. The best sign is that the instructor remains close and explains what to do before entering the water.

Organization is less consistent. Some days appear to run smoothly from hotel pickup to hotel return, with a modern, clean boat and helpful crew. Other accounts describe confusion in the harbor, paperwork moving slowly, or too much waiting between activities.

The boat is described as modern and well maintained, but the toilet has drawn criticism for cleanliness. That is a small detail until you spend a full day at sea. I would use the facilities at your hotel before pickup and keep your personal items organized so you are not searching through bags on deck.

Weather can change the plan. Strong wind may cancel the boat outing, leading to a rescheduled date or a refund. In some cases, a shore-based alternative may be offered. Confirm exactly what is being proposed before agreeing, since a shore session may not provide the same full-day boat program or two planned reef visits.

Photos, extra fees, and what to pack

Underwater photographs are not included. A photo service may charge around €50, so bring your own waterproof camera or action camera if you want pictures and are allowed to use it safely. Do not let photography distract you from the instructor’s signals.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a light layer for the boat. The trip includes water and drinks, but your own small bag should also contain anything you need for a full seven-hour outing.

Keep $5 in cash for the national park admission fee. Transfer supplements may also be payable depending on your hotel. The advertised $40 price is strong value, but it is not quite an all-in figure for every pickup area.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The activity is near public transportation, though the included hotel transfer is usually the simpler choice. The available information does not provide a detailed medical screening policy, so anyone with a health concern should confirm suitability before booking.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this to a first-time scuba guest who wants a taste of the Red Sea without committing to certification. It suits couples, friends, and solo visitors who are comfortable spending most of a day with a group.

It is also a good fit if you are nervous. The instructors stay close, explain the basics, and do not pressure you to complete the second session. That calm approach can turn an intimidating first attempt into a manageable one.

It is less suitable if you already have scuba experience and want long underwater routes. The short sessions, possible waiting, and group format may feel restrictive. Snorkeling may also suit you better if you prefer to remain at the surface or dislike wearing a breathing regulator.

Families should check the participation requirements for each child before booking. The general information says most people can participate, but it does not provide a specific minimum age or detailed medical rules.

Should you book the two-session Hurghada trip?

Book it if you want a budget-friendly first taste of scuba, value close instruction, and accept that the day includes plenty of boat time. The coral, fish, lunch, transfers, and equipment make the $40 base price attractive, especially for someone who does not want a multi-day course.

Think twice if your priority is maximum underwater time or tight organization. Ask about the expected session length, pickup time, weather plan, and any extra charges before you leave your hotel.

My advice is to book with realistic expectations: this is a beginner introduction wrapped inside a full day at sea. With that in mind, it offers a friendly and affordable way to find out if Red Sea scuba is for you.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts about seven hours, starting at approximately 8:00 am.

How many underwater sessions are included?

Two underwater sessions are included. Each is advertised as lasting about 15 minutes, although the actual time can vary.

Is this suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. The experience is designed for first-time scuba participants and includes equipment instruction, safety guidance, and an instructor close by.

Is hotel pickup included?

Two-way hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada hotels.

Are there extra transfer charges?

Yes. Pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, or Ahia costs an extra $5 per person. Pickup from Safaga or El Gouna costs an extra $10 per person.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is included, along with unlimited bottled water, soft drinks, and hot drinks.

Do I need to pay a marine or national park fee?

Yes. A national park admission fee of $5 per person is not included and is payable in cash.

What happens if the weather cancels the boat trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund.