Ready to Dive In? Your Guide to the PADI Open Water Course in Hurghada
Learning right here in Hurghada or Makadi Bay is pretty special. Think warm, clear water and incredible underwater sights!
This course takes you from a complete beginner to a certified scuba diver. Once you pass, you get a license (your PADI card!) that lets you dive down to 18 meters (about 60 feet) with another certified buddy, pretty much anywhere on the planet.
So, how do you actually become a certified diver? It’s easier than you might think and broken down into three main parts:
Part 1: Learning the Basics (Knowledge Development)
Before you jump in, you need to know a bit about how diving works safely. This part covers the important stuff like:
How pressure affects your body underwater (don't worry, it's simple science!).
How your scuba gear works.
Planning your dives safely.
The basic rules of diving.
How you learn: The easiest way is with PADI eLearning®. You can do all this reading and watch videos online before you even leave home. That means more time enjoying the sun and sea when you get to Hurghada! You can also use a book and learn with your instructor here. Either way, there are some quick quizzes and a final check to make sure you understand the key ideas.
Part 2: Practicing in Calm Water (Confined Water Dives)
This is where you first get wet and try out the gear! You’ll head to a swimming pool or a very calm, shallow spot in the sea that’s like a pool. Here, your instructor will show you how to:
Set up your scuba gear.
Get used to breathing underwater (it feels amazing!).
Clear water from your mask if any gets in.
Find your regulator (the breathing thingy) if it pops out of your mouth.
Float perfectly still underwater (this is called buoyancy control).
Practice important safety skills, like sharing air with your buddy.
Why start here? It’s all about building confidence. You get comfortable with the skills in a super safe and easy place before heading out to the sea. If you're feeling a bit nervous, learning these skills in a private setting (just you or your family/friends with the instructor) can be great, as you get 100% of their attention and can go at your own speed.
Part 3: Exploring the Red Sea! (Open Water Dives)
Okay, this is the best part – your first real dives in the open sea! You'll do four dives, usually over two days, from a comfortable boat out on the beautiful Red Sea.
What you'll do: You'll practice the skills you learned in calm water, but this time you'll be surrounded by colourful fish and amazing coral reefs! Your instructor will guide you as you explore, practice finding your way around a little, and just enjoy the incredible feeling of diving.
Going Deeper: You'll start with shallower dives and gradually go a bit deeper on the later ones, down towards the 18-meter (60 feet) limit you'll be certified for.
Why is Hurghada Awesome for Learning to Dive?
Honestly, it’s pretty much perfect:
Like a Warm Bath: The water is warm most of the year, so learning is comfy.
See Everything: The water is usually super clear, making it easy to see your instructor and all the cool stuff around you. Less intimidating!
Calm Seas: Often, the sea is nice and calm, especially in the spots used for training.
Amazing Sights: Seeing bright fish and corals while you're learning? It makes it way more fun!
Great Teachers: Lots of experienced, friendly PADI instructors work here.
Dive All Year: You can learn pretty much any time you visit Hurghada. It's great right now (late March 2025)!
What About SSI or Other Dive Schools?
You might see courses from SSI (Scuba Schools International) too. They're another big, respected dive organisation. The basic skills you learn in their beginner course are very similar to PADI's. Both teach you to be a safe diver. PADI is just the most well-known name worldwide. What really matters most is having a good, patient instructor you feel comfortable with!
Ready for an Adventure?
Getting your PADI Open Water Diver certification is an awesome achievement. It opens up a whole new part of the world for you to explore on future holidays. Starting that journey here in the beautiful Red Sea is something you won't forget.
Think you’re ready to take your first breath underwater and see what all the fuss is about? Click Here
Get in touch to ask questions or book your PADI Open Water Diver course. We focus on private courses, giving you the best, most comfortable start to your diving life!
Email: info@dive-red.com WhatsApp: +201096956474
