Hurghada, Professionals Diving in Open Water Tour with Lunch

Hurghada’s best underwater scenery is offshore, and this eight-hour Red Sea boat trip gives you two chances to see it. You sail to a first reef, receive guidance from the dive master, spend time underwater, eat lunch on board, then move to another site for a second session and optional snorkeling.

I like the two separate underwater sessions, since the second one lets you settle in after the first. I also like the small-group limit of 10 people, the hotel pickup in a new air-conditioned vehicle, and the simple lunch with water and soft drinks. The main caution is consistency: most feedback praises the staff and colorful reefs, but a few serious complaints describe overcrowding, poor organization, equipment problems, and inappropriate instructor behavior. Confirm the day’s arrangements before you leave shore.

Key points to know before you book

• Two Red Sea sites: You get a first session after roughly 40 minutes of sailing, followed by a second site later in the day.
• Beginner-friendly instruction: A guide leads the underwater portions, while experienced participants can ask for more independence if conditions and ability allow.
• Lunch and refreshments included: The boat provides lunch, mineral water, and soft drinks, so you do not need to plan a separate midday meal.
• Small-group promise: The advertised maximum is 10 participants, a useful detail for anyone who wants closer help in the water.
• €4 instructor fee: This extra charge is not included in the listed price and should be paid in cash.
• Hotel pickup in Hurghada: Send your room number in advance so the pickup guide can find you.

What a day on the Red Sea looks like

The schedule is built around a relaxed boat day rather than a fast series of shore stops. Pickup begins in Hurghada, using an air-conditioned vehicle for the ride to the departure point. The experience lasts about eight hours, with the listed times adding up to a full morning-to-afternoon outing.

I like this format because the boat ride is part of the day, not dead time between activities. You get open views of the water and coast as you travel, along with a chance to settle your nerves before entering the sea. If you are new to scuba, that first ride gives you time to listen, ask questions, and get comfortable with the equipment.

The advertised group size is limited to 10 people. That should make a real difference when you need help adjusting gear or want the instructor to notice how you are handling the water. Still, group size is one point I would confirm at pickup. One serious account described more than 20 people on board, which would be a sharp departure from the advertised arrangement.

The 40-minute sail to the first reef

The first listed sailing period takes around 40 minutes. From the boat, you can enjoy broad Red Sea views and the changing perspective of Hurghada’s coast. There is no sightseeing stop during this part, so the value is in the open-air ride and the preparation for your first underwater session.

Bring comfortable shoes and a sun hat. The sun can feel strong on an exposed boat, and the hat will be useful while you wait between activities. The supplied information does not specify whether towels or sunscreen are provided, so you should not count on either one being available.

The first site is where the guide explains the local conditions and the basics of the session. The activity is suitable for beginners and experienced scuba participants, but those two groups need different kinds of support. A first-time participant may need close hand signals and steady reassurance. Someone with previous training may prefer more room to move.

One account from a first-time participant described the first session as a very good introduction. Another person with prior experience said the instructor held a companion’s arm closely at first, then allowed more independence after seeing that both participants were comfortable. That is a sensible approach, but you should tell the guide clearly about your experience before entering the water.

First underwater session, about 35 minutes

The first session lasts about 35 minutes on the published schedule. You follow the guide around the site and get a close look at Red Sea coral and fish. The exact route, depth, and visibility can vary, so I would treat the time as a guide rather than a promise of a fixed underwater route.

The strongest praise for this trip centers on the reef scenery. One participant described colorful fish and coral at the first site, while another called the reef experience a dream and praised the care provided both on the boat and underwater. Those comments fit what makes Hurghada appealing: you do not need a long expedition to reach a marine setting that feels very different from the dry coast.

If this is your first scuba experience, pay attention to the briefing and stay close to the instructor. The guide leads the session, and the format is intended to help beginners as well as experienced participants. You should also speak up if you feel cold, uncomfortable, or unsure about a hand signal. A complaint about an instructor touching a participant inappropriately was serious and troubling. Any physical contact underwater should have a clear safety reason and should be explained respectfully before or after the session.

The activity description calls this a professional scuba experience, but the practical level is mixed. It works for a beginner’s first guided session, yet it is not necessarily a private trip for certified participants seeking a long, independent route. If you are an advanced scuba participant, ask how much freedom you will have and how long you can remain underwater.

Lunch on board after the first session

After the first underwater period, the boat pauses for lunch. The meal comes with mineral water and soft drinks, and the listed lunch period is about 45 minutes. This is a useful break, since you can eat, dry off, and let your body settle before the second session.

I appreciate having lunch included in the price. You are spending most of the day away from shore, and returning to Hurghada just to eat would cut into the time at sea. The meal is best viewed as practical boat fare, not a reason to book the trip by itself. The information provided does not specify the menu, so bring any special snacks you may need.

The drink provision is also basic. Mineral water and soft drinks are included, but the details do not promise coffee, tea, or alcoholic drinks. One complaint raised concerns about water not being fresh, so I would check the bottles when they are handed out and carry extra cash if you want a backup drink. That is a small precaution, but an easy one.

Lunch is also your best chance to talk with the crew about the second site. Ask how the next session will differ, how long it should last, and where you should meet your group. Clear communication matters more on a boat than it does on a normal city tour because you cannot simply walk away from a disorganized schedule.

The second site and 30-minute scuba session

After lunch, the boat moves to a new location for the second underwater session. The published time is about 30 minutes, slightly shorter than the first. A second site gives you variety, even if the actual scenery depends on weather, sea conditions, and the day’s operating plan.

This is often the more enjoyable part for beginners because you already know how the equipment feels. You can spend less time getting your bearings and more time looking at coral, fish, and the shape of the reef. I like the decision to use two sites rather than repeat the same location, though the shorter second period means you should not expect a full-length technical scuba outing.

Experienced participants should set expectations carefully. The trip supplies tanks and weights, and a guide leads the underwater work. It does not say that a private guide, specialist photography service, or advanced route is included. If you want independence, explain your certification and experience before the first session, then confirm what the guide permits.

There is also a safety reason to ask about tank supply and timing. One poor account alleged that the second session was shortened because the boat ran short of oxygen and that a participant’s regulator had to be taken over. Those are serious claims, not normal inconveniences. I cannot treat them as the standard experience, especially since other participants praised the care on board, but they are enough reason to confirm that tanks are prepared and that the boat has proper emergency support.

Optional snorkeling for a gentler finish

After the second session, the schedule allows about 45 minutes for snorkeling. This is a good option if you want more time in the water without another scuba session, or if a member of your group does not want to use a tank.

The snorkeling period also helps balance the day for mixed-ability groups. A confident scuba participant can enjoy the reef below, while a beginner or non-scuba companion can stay nearer the surface. The description does not state that snorkeling equipment is included, so ask the operator what is supplied before booking if this activity is important to you.

You can also use this time to swim or simply rest on the boat. I would choose based on your energy and comfort rather than trying to fill every minute. Two underwater sessions, a boat ride, lunch, and a snorkeling period make for a long day in the sun.

Staff, languages, and group comfort

Live guidance is offered in English, French, German, and Russian. That range is helpful, but language availability may depend on the crew assigned that day. One French-speaking participant had difficulty because a French guide was not available, despite expecting more help in French.

If you are not comfortable with English, confirm the language before departure and ask for a clear briefing. Underwater communication is already limited to hand signals, so you want to understand the equipment instructions, emergency procedures, and meeting points before you enter the water.

The staff feedback is mixed. Several people praised the friendly crew, the care during the sessions, and the quality of the day for first-time participants. At the same time, two very poor accounts describe aggressive conduct, bad organization, overcrowding, and equipment or supply problems.

For me, that makes the human side of the trip more important than the attractive schedule. At pickup, check that the vehicle is comfortable, ask how many people are booked, and make sure the instructor knows your level. If the boat is clearly over capacity or the safety briefing feels rushed, raise the issue immediately rather than waiting until you are offshore.

Is $72 a fair price?

At $72 per person, the package covers a great deal for a full day: hotel transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle, boat travel, two guided scuba sessions, tanks and weights, lunch, mineral water, and soft drinks. You also get snorkeling time and the convenience of staying out on the Red Sea instead of arranging separate transport and meals.

The value is strongest for beginners and casual scuba participants. You receive instruction, equipment basics, food, and transport in one booking. For an experienced scuba participant, the value depends on the actual group size and how much independence the guide allows. A large boat, short sessions, or limited personal attention would make the price less appealing.

Remember the extra €4 cash instructor fee. It is small compared with the total cost, but it should be part of your budget. The published price also does not list personal equipment beyond tanks and weights, so confirm what is available if you need a particular wetsuit size or other gear.

A size issue caused one especially unhappy experience. A participant had checked for a women’s small wetsuit, was told one was available, then received a short children’s suit in a different size. If fit matters, confirm the suit in writing and bring your own suitable gear if possible. A poor fit is uncomfortable at best and a safety concern at worst.

Who will get the most from this trip?

I would consider this experience for:

• A first-time scuba participant who wants a guided introduction rather than a qualification course.
• A couple or small group that wants two reef locations in one day.
• An experienced participant who is happy with guided recreational sessions.
• Someone who values hotel pickup and an included lunch.
• A mixed group where some people prefer snorkeling or swimming.

I would be more cautious if you need wheelchair access, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also not suitable for pregnant women. People with strict dietary needs, special equipment requirements, or advanced scuba plans should ask detailed questions before paying.

The tour suits someone who wants a straightforward day at sea. It is less suitable for anyone expecting a private boat, guaranteed language support, long technical sessions, or complete control over the route.

Practical preparation for a smoother day

Send your hotel room number before the trip so the pickup guide can identify you. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a sun hat, as requested in the activity information. Keep the €4 instructor payment in cash and carry any personal snacks or extra water you may want.

Tell the guide your experience level before the first briefing. If you are new to scuba, say so plainly. If you have certification or previous sessions, explain that too, along with how much help you prefer.

Check your wetsuit and other equipment before leaving the boat. If the fit is wrong, ask for a replacement at once. You should also confirm the group size, the two planned sites, the approximate underwater times, and what snorkeling equipment is available.

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve while paying later. That flexibility is useful when Red Sea weather or your Hurghada schedule is still changing. Pets are not allowed.

Should you book this Hurghada scuba trip?

I would book it if you want an affordable, all-in-one Red Sea day with two guided sessions, lunch, hotel pickup, and time to snorkel. The colorful coral and fish, friendly staff, and good first-time experiences give the trip a solid case, reflected in its 4.3 score from 80 ratings.

I would book with a few checks, not blindly. Confirm the pickup, language, wetsuit size, group limit, instructor fee, and safety arrangements before departure. If the operator confirms a group of no more than 10 and the equipment fits properly, this is a useful choice for beginners and casual scuba participants.

If you are highly experienced, ask about bottom time and independence first. And if the boat appears overcrowded or the crew dismisses safety concerns, do not let the low price talk you into entering the water. The Red Sea is worth enjoying, but it is worth enjoying with clear organization and respectful instruction.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada scuba trip last?

The activity lasts about eight hours, including hotel pickup, sailing, two scuba sessions, lunch, snorkeling or swimming time, and the return to Hurghada.

How many scuba sessions are included?

Two guided scuba sessions are included. The first is listed at about 35 minutes, and the second at about 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch, mineral water, and soft drinks are included on board.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and return from hotels in Hurghada are included in an air-conditioned vehicle. You should send your room number so the guide can locate you.

What languages are offered?

Live guidance is listed in English, French, German, and Russian. Confirm your preferred language before departure, since availability may vary by day.

Is anything extra charged?

Yes. An instructor fee of €4 in cash is not included in the listed price.