Open Water Diver
Become a certified diver in 3 days. Lifetime certification, dive anywhere in the world.
- Duration
- 3 days
- Total dives
- 4
- Max depth
- 18 m
- Group size
- Max 4
- Min age
- 10+
- Languages
- English · Arabic · German
What Open Water Diver actually involves
The world's most popular scuba certification. In 3 days you'll learn the theory, master the core skills in confined water, and complete four open water training dives on Hurghada's house reefs — emerging as a fully certified PADI or SSI Open Water Diver, qualified to dive to 18 metres anywhere in the world.
Why certify in Hurghada?
There are very few places on earth where the conditions for learning to dive are as forgiving as the Egyptian Red Sea. Year-round 22–28°C water, visibility that routinely exceeds 25 metres, almost no current on training sites, and reefs alive with friendly, photogenic fish from the moment you put your face in the water. Whatever else happens in your diving life, your first four dives will stay vivid forever — and Hurghada makes them spectacular.
PADI, SSI or SDI — which should you choose?
All three certifications are recognised worldwide and qualify you to dive to 18 metres for life. PADI is the most globally recognised brand and has the slickest digital learning platform. SSI offers free digital materials and is favoured in Europe and Asia. SDI was the first agency to teach with dive computers from day one and has a more technically rigorous approach. We'll happily talk you through it — but in practice, the certification card matters less than the instructor behind it.
Your schedule
- 1 Day 1
Theory & confined water
Morning: review the eLearning theory you completed before arrival, introduction to your gear, and assemble your kit for the first time. Afternoon: confined water session in our shallow training area — breathing, buoyancy, mask clearing, regulator recovery.
- Equipment setup
- First breaths underwater
- Skill mastery #1
- 2 Day 2
Open water dives 1 & 2
Morning boat departure for two open water dives at sheltered Hurghada reefs (max depth 12 m). You'll repeat the skills you learned in confined water, then enjoy a guided exploration of the reef.
- Boat dives
- Skill demonstration
- Reef exploration
- Logbook entries
- 3 Day 3
Open water dives 3 & 4 + certification
Two more boat dives, this time to a maximum of 18 metres. Final skills include underwater navigation with a compass and a controlled emergency swimming ascent. After the second dive, you'll be a certified Open Water Diver.
- Underwater navigation
- Max 18 m
- Final exam
- Certification!
What's included (and what isn't)
What's included
- Digital learning materials (eLearning code)
- Full scuba equipment for the entire course
- All boat trips and tank fills
- Certified PADI/SSI/SDI instructor (max 1:4 ratio)
- 4 confined water sessions
- 4 open water training dives
- Hotel pickup & drop-off daily
- International certification card and digital logbook
- DAN dive insurance for the duration of the course
Not included
- Lunch on dive days (€10/day)
- Tips
- Underwater photo package
No deposit — pay on arrival
What you'll be able to do
- Equipment assembly and pre-dive checks
- Buddy system and dive planning
- Buoyancy control and trim
- Mask removal, replacement and clearing
- Regulator recovery and air sharing
- Controlled emergency ascent
- Underwater navigation with a compass
- 5-point descent and ascent
- Cramp removal and tired diver tow
From the water
FAQ
Can I really get certified in 3 days?
Yes — provided you complete the theory eLearning before you arrive. We send you the link as soon as you book. Without the eLearning, the course takes 4 days.
What if I don't feel ready by day 3?
We never push anyone to certify if they're not comfortable. If you need an extra day or extra dives, we add them at cost (€60/day). Safety and confidence always come first — about 5% of our students take an extra day, and they always thank us for it.
Is the medical questionnaire a problem?
For 95% of people, no. If you tick 'yes' to any condition (asthma, heart issues, recent surgery, etc.) you'll need a doctor's note clearing you to dive. There are doctors in Hurghada who can do this on the day for around €50 if needed.
Will I see sharks?
On training dives, almost certainly not — we stay on shallow, sheltered reefs. Reef sharks are more common on advanced sites further offshore. Once you're certified, ask us about Brothers and Daedalus liveaboards if shark diving is on your list.
What happens after I'm certified?
You'll be qualified to dive to 18 metres anywhere in the world with a buddy of equal or higher certification. Most students stay an extra day or two to do guided fun dives on the deeper, more spectacular Hurghada sites — or jump straight into the Advanced Open Water course.
Does the certification ever expire?
No. Your certification is for life. We do recommend a refresher if you've been out of the water for more than a year.
Related courses
Advanced Open Water Diver
Five new dives. Five new skills. Doors open to wrecks, depth, and night.
Discover Scuba Diving
Your first breath underwater — no certification, no commitment, one unforgettable afternoon.
Sound right?
Message us on WhatsApp with your dates — no deposit, no commitment.