Open Water Diver
Learn theory and confined-water skills, then complete four open-water training dives. The planned 3-day schedule depends on progress and conditions. Certification requires successful completion of the chosen agency's requirements; depth and supervision limits depend on age, training and agency rules.
Group size: 2
- Duration
- 3 Days
- Total dives
- 4
- Group size
- 2
Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna and Soma Bay. Pickup and return included.
Compare certification prices
Choose from the agencies available for this course. The price shown is for the complete course with that agency.
€395
€365
€365Included
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 1:2 ratio)
- 4 confined water sessions
- 4 open water training dives
- Hotel pickup & drop-off daily
- Hot lunch and soft drinks on every dive day
- International certification card and digital logbook
- DAN dive insurance for the duration of the course
Additional costs
- Tips (optional)
- Diving camera rental (€20/day)
Min age: 10+
- Age 15+ for full Open Water Diver
- Age 10–14 for Junior Open Water Diver (lower depth limit — see the table below)
- Able to swim 200 m unaided
- Able to float for 10 minutes
- Reasonable health (medical questionnaire required)
200 m continuous swim and 10-minute float
Your day, made simple
- 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 further training dives, within the age-appropriate limits of your chosen agency. For PADI ages 10–11, the maximum is 12 m; eligible older students may train up to 18 m. Navigation and emergency skills are taught under instructor supervision. Certification is awarded only after all required skills, knowledge and dives are successfully completed.
- Underwater navigation
- Age-appropriate depth limits
- Final exam
- Certification on successful completion
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
View details
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.
Junior Open Water — what changes with age
| Age | Max depth | Certification | Must dive with |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10–11 | 12 m | Junior Open Water Diver | A professional, or a certified parent or guardian |
| 12–14 | 18 m | Junior Open Water Diver | Any certified adult |
| 15+ | 18 m | Open Water Diver | Any certified buddy |
PADI Junior Open Water rules are summarized here; confirm the selected agency's current requirements before booking. A replacement card may have a fee. Source: PADI junior certification guidance.
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.
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.
My child wants to do this — how young can they be?
From age 10, subject to the selected agency's requirements and instructor assessment. For PADI Junior Open Water, ages 10–11 are limited to 12 m and must dive with a PADI professional or a certified parent or guardian; ages 12–14 must dive with a certified adult. Ask about the rules for your chosen agency and any card-update fees.
I already did a try-diving day. Do I get anything off?
Yes — the full amount. A Beach Day or Boat Day comes straight off the course price if you book within 300 days: the standard €50 day brings it to €345, the €80 Discover Scuba option brings it to €315. You keep the credit whether you decide that afternoon or months after you've flown home.
What if I don't feel ready by day 3?
Certification depends on completing the required skills, not a guaranteed number of days. If you need more practice, discuss an adjusted schedule and any additional costs with your instructor before continuing.
Is the medical questionnaire a problem?
Complete the current diver medical questionnaire before training. Follow its instructions for physician evaluation; neither this website nor a general percentage can determine whether you are fit to dive. Arrange any required clearance before travel.
Will I see sharks?
Sharks live in the Red Sea, but sightings cannot be promised. Wildlife encounters are not risk-free. Follow your guide's briefing, respect closures and never feed, chase or touch marine animals.
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.
Read guest reviews
"We had an amazing experience with Azure Diving Club! Aladdin and Mohamed were incredibly kind, knowledgeable and patient with first-time divers. They made us feel completely safe and comfortable, while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and enjoyable. Thank you both for a fantastic experience — we're coming back many times!"
"Very good, happy diving instructors, and true gentlemen. Totally worth it!"
"I did my Open Water Course with Aladdin and really enjoyed the experience. Every day was different. The coral reefs were beautiful and I really enjoyed my experience! Will be coming back!"