REVIEW · HURGHADA
Intro Scuba Diving: 2 Dive Stops With Lunch & transfer – Hurghada
Book on Viator →Operated by The Rent Boat · Bookable on Viator
The Red Sea is waiting, and this trip makes it simple. I like that this is built for first-timers: hotel pickup, two underwater stops, and an on-boat lunch mean you spend less time organizing and more time on the water.
My favorite part is how the professional instructor approach helps you match your comfort level. I also appreciate the balance of time on the surface—one review noted plenty of snorkel time while others did their underwater sessions, so you’re not stuck feeling rushed.
One thing to consider: you should plan for extra cash costs. The package lists national park fees as not included, and certain nearby areas have an additional transfer fee paid on the spot.
In This Review
- Key highlights I’d bank on before you book
- Getting to the boat: 8:00 am pickup and air-conditioned comfort
- First taste of scuba in Hurghada: what the instructor support really means
- Two underwater stops in the Red Sea: how the day is paced
- Lunch on the water: a real break with soda/pop and water
- Equipment, groups, and comfort: what to expect on a max-40 day
- Price and costs that can hit your wallet: base fare plus add-ons
- Who should book this intro scuba experience (and who should skip it)
- Should you book this Hurghada intro scuba package?
- FAQ
- What time does the experience start?
- How long is the trip?
- Are hotel transfers included?
- How many underwater stops are included?
- Is lunch included?
- Is scuba equipment provided?
- What extra costs might I pay on the spot?
- Can I cancel for free?
Key highlights I’d bank on before you book

- Beginner-first setup with a professional instructor guiding your first steps
- Two separate underwater stops, so you get more than one look at the reef
- Snorkel-friendly timing alongside the underwater group
- Lunch on board with soda/pop and water included
- Small-ish group for a day trip (maximum 40 people)
Getting to the boat: 8:00 am pickup and air-conditioned comfort

This is an 8-hour outing that starts at 8:00 am, with hotel pick up and drop off included. That matters more than it sounds. In Hurghada, a smooth morning transfer helps you arrive calm, not sprinting around for directions, parking, or the right dock.
The transport is in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a real quality-of-life win in Egypt’s warmer months. You’ll also get a mobile ticket, and you’ll receive confirmation at booking, so you can keep everything in your phone instead of hunting for paperwork.
A practical tip: bring something easy to change into later. Even when conditions look calm from shore, you can get splashed during boarding and gear handling. Having a dry layer ready makes the rest of the day feel more comfortable.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hurghada.
First taste of scuba in Hurghada: what the instructor support really means

This experience is sold as an intro scuba day, and the key word here is “intro.” The package includes a professional instructor and use of scuba equipment, which is exactly what you want when you’re learning basics like breathing rhythm, buoyancy control, and how to communicate underwater.
Based on the review feedback, the instruction style is a big reason people rate this so highly. One comment specifically calls out that instructors are friendly and adapt to your capacities. That’s important because a first-time water day is mostly about confidence. If you feel comfortable, you’ll enjoy what you see. If you don’t, the whole trip can feel stressful.
I’d also expect the day to feel structured. When an instructor is running the show, you spend less time guessing what comes next and more time practicing the essentials safely. That safety focus is part of the value for beginners, even if you’re not trying to become a diver long-term.
Two underwater stops in the Red Sea: how the day is paced
The heart of the day is two underwater stops with scuba equipment and instructor guidance. In practical terms, two stops often means you get a second chance if conditions shift—light, currents, or visibility can change during a boat day.
What I like about the pacing is that it doesn’t treat the whole trip like one long underwater slog. There’s time built in where you can be on the surface, and one review noted plenty of time to snorkel while others were in their underwater sessions. That’s a smart way to keep a group happy: you can still enjoy reef life without feeling locked into scuba the entire time.
Here’s how you’ll likely experience it:
- You board and get briefed on the plan and gear basics.
- You move into the water for your first guided underwater stop.
- After that, you regroup and head back out for the second stop.
- The rest of the day stays relaxed enough that non-scuba moments don’t feel like wasted time.
As for what you’ll see, the trip is aimed at first-timers exploring reef habitats and marine life. You should come with realistic expectations: this is an intro course-style outing, not a deep specialty expedition. The payoff is being able to check off a new skill while still enjoying the scenery and water time.
Lunch on the water: a real break with soda/pop and water

A lot of “activity” tours forget that food is part of the experience. This one includes lunch served on board, plus soda/pop and water. That’s practical for two reasons.
First, it helps you avoid the common day-trip trap: you end up hungry, then distracted, then too tired to enjoy the later part of the outing. Second, it keeps you from scrambling off the boat to find a meal with questionable timing.
I’d treat lunch as a reset button. Hydrate before you eat, especially in Egypt when mornings can feel cooler but afternoons warm up quickly. Then enjoy the views. Even if you don’t care about boats, having time to sit, eat, and look out over open water makes the trip feel like more than just gear and instructions.
Equipment, groups, and comfort: what to expect on a max-40 day

Your ticket includes use of scuba equipment, and the group cap is listed as a maximum of 40 people. That size matters because it affects how crowded the process feels—gear distribution, boarding, and any waiting can feel very different between small and large groups.
You can also take comfort in the structure. When equipment is provided, you don’t have to figure out where to rent gear, which saves both time and stress. Since this is aimed at first-timers, the organizers are already set up for beginners’ needs: basic gear, guided support, and a day plan that doesn’t assume you know the routine.
A couple of comfort notes I’d follow:
- Wear swimwear under your clothes so you can change fast.
- Use a towel you don’t mind getting wet again (a spare small towel helps).
- If you get cold easily, bring a thin layer for after lunch and between stops.
Also, service animals are allowed, if that applies to you. It’s good to see that called out in the trip details.
Price and costs that can hit your wallet: base fare plus add-ons

The listing price shown is $5.00 per person, which is unusually low for an organized boat day. But you should still budget for the two add-ons that are clearly stated as not included.
1) National park fees: listed at 5 € per person, paid in cash on the spot.
2) Extra transfer fees from El Gouna, Safaga, Somabay, Makadi, and Sahl Hasheesh: 10 € per person, paid in cash on the spot.
So the real value depends on where you’re coming from. If you’re in the standard pickup area, this can feel like a bargain: transportation, instructor support, equipment, two underwater stops, and lunch are all included. If you’re coming from one of the listed areas, the extra transfer fee can change the math, but you’re still paying for a full structured day, not just a stand-alone activity.
My practical advice: bring cash in euros if possible, because the park fee and some transfer add-ons are specifically described as cash payments on site. It’s one of those small details that can otherwise turn into an awkward wait.
Who should book this intro scuba experience (and who should skip it)

This is a strong match for you if:
- You’re trying scuba for the first time and want guided support
- You like the idea of two underwater stops but still want the option to enjoy surface time (snorkeling)
- You want a day that’s organized around a smooth morning and an included meal
- You prefer a group outing rather than arranging multiple vendors yourself
It may not be your best pick if:
- You’re searching for an advanced training program or long, repeated underwater sessions
- You hate paying cash for add-ons like the national park fee
- You’re extremely sensitive to waiting around as groups shift between boarding, briefings, and gear checks
If your goal is simple and clear—first scuba experience in Hurghada with a good instructor setup—this fits.
Should you book this Hurghada intro scuba package?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward “first-timers” water day with real structure: pickup at 8:00 am, two underwater stops, equipment provided, and lunch on board. The high rating and the repeated praise for friendly instructors who adapt to different comfort levels make it especially appealing when you’re new to the water skills.
Do the small prep, though. Bring the right swim basics, expect that national park fees are extra, and if you’re not in the standard pickup area, plan for the stated transfer add-on. If you handle those, the day-to-day experience should feel easy and well run.
If you’re the type who wants to feel safe, learn quickly, and still enjoy time up top to snorkel, this is a smart value play in Hurghada.
FAQ
What time does the experience start?
It starts at 8:00 am.
How long is the trip?
The duration is about 8 hours.
Are hotel transfers included?
Yes. The package includes hotel pick up & drop off and an air-conditioned vehicle.
How many underwater stops are included?
You get two underwater stops.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch is included, along with soda/pop and water.
Is scuba equipment provided?
Yes. The tour includes the use of SCUBA equipment.
What extra costs might I pay on the spot?
You may need to pay national park fees (5 € per person, cash on spot). If you’re picked up from El Gouna, Safaga, Somabay, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh, there’s also a 10 € per person transfer fee (cash on spot).
Can I cancel for free?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
























