Two underwater sessions in the Red Sea fly by. This Hurghada tour pairs small-group coaching with lunch onboard as you cruise the coast, and I love how the instructors stay close for first-timers, then loosen the grip when you’re ready. The onboard meal and drinks are another big win because you’re not scrambling for food between stops; one catch is that a few past days have hinted at tighter-than-expected organization or equipment fit, so it’s worth going in with clear expectations.

Expect an 8-hour day with round-trip pickup in a comfortable vehicle, two separate underwater sessions led by the team, and time for snorkeling or swimming if you want it. The guide is typically English, French, German, or Russian, with small-group limits stated, but language matching can vary if you’re counting on a specific language.

Key Highlights

• Two separate underwater sessions with professional guidance, paced for your comfort level
• Onboard lunch plus mineral water and soft drinks so you stay fed and hydrated
• Hotel pickup in Hurghada and a comfortable vehicle for a smooth start
• Small-group format up to 10 people, which usually helps you get attention
• Snorkeling or swim time built into the day if you want to stay surface-friendly

Hurghada Red Sea Open-Water Scuba: The 8 Hours That Actually Make Sense

This is the kind of full-day trip that’s easy to plan around: you get picked up in Hurghada, you head out by boat for two underwater sessions, and you’re back later in the afternoon. The total time is 8 hours, which sounds long until you realize it covers travel, two underwater experiences, a proper sit-down lunch onboard, and downtime between sites.

What I like for your decision-making is that the schedule doesn’t pretend you’ll do everything at once. The day is split into a clear flow: sailing time out, your first underwater session, a lunch window, then a second underwater session, plus snorkeling or swimming time. That rhythm matters if you’re a beginner, and it still feels fair if you already have experience.

You’re also not just “dropped off and forgotten.” The tour is designed to follow a dive leader’s lead, with instruction and guidance built into both underwater windows.

Price and What You Really Get for $72 (Including the Cash Part)

At $72 per person for an 8-hour day, this price can feel like good value—especially because it includes round-trip transfers, tank and weights, and lunch with drinks. Those items add up fast if you were piecing the day together on your own.

Here’s the one cost detail you should know before you go: instructor fees are not included and are listed as €4 cash. That means you should plan to carry a little cash so you’re not hunting for it on the day.

Also, the tour includes mineral water and soft drinks onboard. That’s not just a comfort thing. When you’re out on the water in the Red Sea sun, staying hydrated helps you enjoy both underwater sessions instead of feeling drained.

Pickup, Boat Ride, and the Comfort Factor in Hurghada

The trip includes round-trip transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle, with pickup from your Hurghada hotel. The activity notes that you should send your room number so the guide can identify you—so if you want the easiest start possible, get that message sent early.

Once you’re in motion, there’s about 40 minutes of sailing time after pickup. That cruise time is useful: it’s when you get oriented, see the water and coastline views, and settle into a day that’s mostly about being calm and present. Boats here can move with the sea, but the stated format keeps the day structured enough that you usually don’t feel rushed.

One more detail that matters: the tour describes a small group limited to 10 participants. Smaller group days often mean less waiting, more hands-on attention, and quicker corrections when you’re learning buoyancy or getting used to gear. (Still, I’ll note a caution a bit later, because there have been inconsistent experiences reported.)

Your First Underwater Session: When Beginners Get Hands-On Support

The first underwater session is scheduled for about 35 minutes, after you’ve sailed out. This is where the tour earns its beginner-friendly reputation: experienced instructors guide you around the site and explain how the specific conditions work before you enter the water.

If you’re brand new, the biggest value is learning the basics in a real open-water environment with direct support. The gear is provided—tank and weights—so you’re not worrying about equipment sourcing before you arrive.

In at least one positive experience, the instructor stayed very close during the first session and closely supported a partner pair before gradually allowing more independence once comfort improved. That matches what you want as a learner: reassurance first, then confidence.

If you’re already comfortable with scuba, you’ll likely appreciate that your instructor doesn’t necessarily treat every person the same way. The goal isn’t to keep you tethered; it’s to make sure your skills match the plan for the site.

Lunch Onboard: The Break That Helps You Enjoy the Second Session

Between underwater windows, you get a dedicated lunch stop onboard (listed as 45 minutes). This is a big deal because hungry learners make awkward learners. A proper meal gives you energy, and it also gives your body a reset before the second underwater session.

Lunch comes with mineral water and soft drinks. That means you can focus on hydration and not scramble for snacks. You’ll also get time to relax onboard, which helps if you’re tired from travel, sun, and gearing up.

Even if you’re an experienced swimmer or scuba participant, this break is part of why the day works. Two underwater sessions can feel intense if you’re hungry or if you never catch your breath.

Second Underwater Session + Snorkeling or Swimming Time

After lunch, you head to a new site for the second underwater session (listed around 30 minutes). Changing sites keeps the day interesting and gives your body a fresh task instead of repetition.

There’s also snorkeling or swimming time (listed as 45 minutes). That’s a nice option if you want a lighter surface swim, if you prefer time watching fish and coral without the full gear, or if you want a buffer after your second underwater session.

In real life, this part of the day is where you’ll decide how much you want to push. If you feel great after scuba, snorkel and swim time lets you extend the experience. If you’re conserving energy or you’re still adjusting to how you feel, you can keep it easy.

Guide Style, Languages, and How to Avoid Misunderstandings

The tour offers a live guide with languages listed as English, French, German, and Russian. That’s a strong set of options. The practical issue: if you rely on a specific language, double-check what’s available on your exact day.

One experience described a situation where the expected French guide wasn’t available, leading to some difficulty understanding explanations due to limited English. That doesn’t mean the whole trip is unreliable—it just means you should be ready with patience and simple communication.

A smart move before you go: point out your language preference on arrival and ask that your learning points and key safety instructions are clearly understood. If you’re learning scuba, you don’t want to guess about buoyancy, hand signals, or what your instructor wants you to do.

Equipment, Fit, and What to Bring

The included gear is tank and weights. For comfort, the tour asks you to bring comfortable shoes and a sun hat.

That may sound basic, but it matters on a boat: you’ll likely step on wet surfaces, deal with sun glare, and spend time moving around before getting into the water. Comfortable shoes help you avoid slipping, and a sun hat saves your face and neck from getting cooked while you wait.

One caution from past experiences: there have been reports of wetsuit sizing not matching expectations on the day. So if you have a specific size requirement, it’s worth communicating ahead of time and arriving early so the team has time to solve it.

Safety Reality Check: What to Watch For Before You Trust the Day

Most of the time, this type of Red Sea experience runs smoothly because it has a clear plan: two underwater sessions, guidance, and equipment support. But there are a few important red flags you should know from past feedback so you can protect your own day.

One unhappy report described overcrowding compared to the small-group limit, plus oxygen or organization issues that led to much shorter sessions than planned. Another negative story involved a guide behavior complaint and a wetsuit sizing mismatch. Those are serious concerns and they’re not the norm—but they explain why I’d tell you to be alert.

What does alert look like in practice?

• If you arrive and the boat feels far more crowded than promised, ask calmly about ratios and how the sessions will be handled.
• If you feel unwell, cold, or unsure, say it right away and ask for the plan to be adjusted.
• If language isn’t clear, stop and request simpler explanations—don’t wait underwater to guess.

You can’t control everything on the day, but you can control whether you speak up early.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This works well for beginners and also for more advanced participants who simply want to enjoy the Red Sea with a structured plan. That mix—beginner support plus guided experiences—often makes the day feel less intimidating.

It may not be the best match if you:

• are pregnant (listed as not suitable)
• use a wheelchair (listed as not suitable)

Also, pets are not allowed.

If you’re traveling with a friend, this can be especially good because the format involves guidance and group support rather than solo wandering. And the lunch break helps keep the day friendly, not frantic.

The Provider in Plain Terms: Al Hajeej Travel Lux Egypt

The experience is organized by Al Hajeej Travel Lux Egypt. What that means for you is simple: you’ll be dealing with a professional travel operator plus the on-the-water team running the day.

If you care about smoother logistics—like pickup confirmation, language matching, and equipment readiness—send your hotel details (including room number) ahead of time as requested. That’s usually the difference between a stress-free morning and a scramble at the lobby.

Should You Book This Hurghada Open-Water Scuba Tour?

I’d book it if you want an 8-hour Red Sea day with two guided underwater sessions, onboard lunch with drinks, and hotel pickup in Hurghada. The price is competitive when you factor in transfers, tank and weights, and the meal.

I’d hesitate if you’re the kind of person who needs perfect language matching, flawless equipment sizing, and strict adherence to small-group limits with zero deviations. There have been enough negative notes about crowded conditions, shortened sessions, and equipment mismatch that you should go in with your eyes open and speak up early if something feels off.

Bottom line: for many people, this is a solid day built around learning and enjoying the Red Sea. For the best chance of a great day, message your pickup details early, show up on time, and confirm your equipment needs.

FAQ

How long is the Hurghada open-water scuba tour?

The duration is 8 hours.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is included from your hotel in Hurghada. You should send your room number so the guide can find you.

How many underwater sessions are included?

You get 2 separate underwater sessions with a guide.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is provided along with mineral water and soft drinks.

What equipment is included?

Tank and weights are included.

Are instructor fees included in the price?

No. Instructor fees are listed as €4 cash.

What languages is the guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English, French, German, and Russian.

Is snorkeling included?

The schedule includes a snorkeling time block, and there is also an option to snorkel or swim if you feel like it.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and a sun hat.

Is cancellation free up to a certain point?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.