Hurghada, Professionals Diving in Open Water Tour with Lunch

The main appeal here is simple: you get a full day on the Red Sea, two guided underwater sessions, a boat lunch, and time to snorkel, all for $72. I like the two separate sites, since the change of scenery gives you more than one look at the reef. I also like the hotel pickup and small-group format, which remove much of the usual Hurghada fuss.

The main caution is that the advertised group limit and the actual boat experience may not always match. I would also budget for the €4 cash instructor fee, confirm your equipment size before pickup, and make sure the operator knows your room number.

Key points at a glance

• Two Red Sea sessions: You spend about 35 minutes underwater at the first site and 30 minutes at the second.
• A full boat day: The schedule includes a 40-minute cruise, lunch, refreshments, and a 45-minute snorkeling stop.
• Good for first-timers and qualified participants: An instructor leads beginners while more confident participants may receive more independence.
• Small group advertised: The limit is 10 people, though I would confirm the boat’s final passenger count.
• Useful language coverage: Guides may speak English, French, German, or Russian.
• Bring cash and practical clothing: The €4 instructor fee is extra, and comfortable shoes plus a sun hat are recommended.

What your $72 buys on the Red Sea

At $72 per person, this is priced as a full-day water outing rather than a short introductory session. The package includes round-trip transport from your Hurghada hotel, tanks and weights, lunch, mineral water, and soft drinks. That makes the price fair for someone who wants several activities bundled together instead of paying separately for a boat trip, meal, and hotel transfer.

You should note one extra charge. The instructor fee is listed as €4 cash, so keep a small amount ready. The price also does not promise every piece of personal equipment, so it is sensible to confirm what is supplied before you leave. Tanks and weights are included, but the supplied information does not spell out every item of clothing or gear.

I see this as a good-value choice for a first underwater introduction or for a qualified participant who wants an easy day at sea. It is less attractive if you want a specialist trip built around advanced sites, long underwater times, or a highly private experience. Each session is fairly short, and the boat includes both beginners and more experienced people.

The advertised rating is 4.3 from 80 ratings, which suggests a generally positive experience but not a perfect one. The strongest praise centers on friendly staff, colorful coral and fish, and calm support for people making their first underwater attempt. The weaker experiences focus on organization, equipment sizing, group numbers, and guide conduct. Those are not minor points on a scuba outing, so I would ask clear questions before paying.

Leaving Hurghada after a 40-minute cruise

Pickup begins in Hurghada in an air-conditioned vehicle. You need to send your room number in advance so the guide can identify the correct pickup details. The transfer is one of the practical strengths of the day, especially if you do not want to arrange a taxi before sunrise or find a marina on your own.

Once you reach the boat, expect about 40 minutes of sailing before the first site. This is not wasted time. You get broad views of the Red Sea and the Hurghada shoreline, while the crew prepares the tanks and explains the day. Bring a sun hat, water-friendly clothing, and comfortable shoes for moving around the boat.

The group is advertised as limited to 10 participants. That would be a comfortable size for personal instruction and less crowding at the equipment area. Still, one serious account described more than 20 people on the boat. I would not ignore that discrepancy. Ask the provider to confirm the expected passenger count and how many people will be assigned to each instructor.

The available languages are English, French, German, and Russian. This helps, but language support may depend on the guide assigned that day. If you do not speak English comfortably, request your preferred language when booking. One French-speaking customer had trouble when no French guide was available, so I would not assume that every listed language will be present on every departure.

First underwater session, about 35 minutes

At the first reef, the instructor explains the site and leads you into the water. Beginners can expect close supervision and an introduction to basic underwater procedures. If you are new to scuba, the first session is likely to feel more like a carefully managed lesson than a free swim, which is exactly what you want at the start.

A first-time participant described the experience as excellent, with the staff providing the support needed for a first session. Another account explains that the instructor held a companion’s arm closely at first, then allowed more independence after seeing that the pair already understood the basics. That tells you what the supervision may look like: firm and hands-on at the beginning, with more space once the guide trusts your control.

You should tell the instructor honestly how much experience you have. Do not present yourself as advanced simply because you have snorkeled before. On the other hand, if you already hold qualifications or have recent experience, explain that clearly and ask how much freedom you can expect during each session.

The underwater sites are described as colorful, with coral and plenty of fish. I would set your expectations sensibly. This is a day trip with short sessions, not a technical expedition. Visibility, marine life, and conditions can change, and no specific reef or species is guaranteed in the supplied details.

One serious safety concern appears in the feedback: a participant reported unwanted physical contact from a guide underwater. I cannot verify the incident, but it is important enough to mention. You should expect all contact to have a clear safety reason, and you should say immediately if a guide touches you in a way that feels unnecessary or uncomfortable. A professional operator should respect that boundary.

Lunch and refreshments on the boat

After the first session, the schedule allows about 45 minutes for lunch. Eating on board keeps the day moving and means you do not have to return to shore between water activities. Mineral water and soft drinks are included, which matters in the strong Egyptian sun.

The lunch break is also your chance to dry off, check your equipment, and decide how much energy you want to spend on the second session. Eight hours on a boat can feel long if you arrive dehydrated or skip breakfast. I would eat beforehand, use sun protection, and drink regularly even when you do not feel thirsty.

The information does not give a detailed menu, so do not book this expecting a particular cuisine or special diet unless you confirm it directly. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, ask before departure. The package specifically promises lunch, water, and soft drinks, not a custom meal.

This pause gives the itinerary a pleasant rhythm. You begin with instruction and an underwater session, then have time to relax before going back into the water. For first-timers, that break can be useful because it lets you process the first experience instead of rushing straight into another descent.

The second session at a new site

The boat moves to a different location for the second underwater session, planned for about 30 minutes. The new site is the best reason to choose this outing over a single-site introduction. You get another chance to practice your breathing and movement, while the reef setting may offer different shapes, fish, and colors.

For a beginner, the second session may feel noticeably easier. You already know how the mask, regulator, tank, and weights feel, so you can spend more attention on the reef. Stay close to the instructor, follow the agreed signals, and avoid trying to prove anything. Thirty minutes is enough time to enjoy the setting without turning the day into a test of endurance.

For a qualified participant, the value depends on how the crew manages mixed abilities. An experienced person may be allowed more independence after the guide sees that the basics are secure. That was the pattern described by one participant who had prior experience. Still, you should ask about depth, buddy arrangements, and guide ratios before entering the water if you are not a beginner.

A troubling account from an experienced participant described shortened underwater times and limited depth, allegedly linked to poor organization and an oxygen shortage. This is a serious operational complaint, even though it conflicts with the more positive accounts. I would ask the crew to confirm the planned duration of both sessions and check that the boat has the required air supply before departure. If anything seems unsafe, speak up rather than accepting pressure to continue.

Snorkeling for a quieter hour

After the second session, the itinerary includes about 45 minutes of snorkeling. This is a useful option for companions who do not scuba, and it gives you a less demanding way to enjoy the Red Sea after two underwater sessions.

You can also choose to swim or simply remain on the boat. That flexibility matters. Eight hours in the sun and water can be tiring, especially if this is your first time using scuba equipment. Use the snorkeling period as a chance to slow down rather than feeling obliged to stay active.

The snorkeling stop also makes the outing more inclusive. A mixed group can enjoy the same boat day even if everyone has a different comfort level in the water. I would still ask what snorkeling equipment is included, since the stated inclusions specifically name tanks and weights but do not list masks, fins, or snorkels.

Transport, group size, and the day’s pace

The new air-conditioned vehicles are a welcome part of the package. Hotel pickup and return save time, and you do not need to navigate Hurghada’s roads yourself. Send your room number ahead of time and be ready at the agreed pickup point, since the guide uses that information to identify you.

The advertised eight-hour duration includes transport, sailing, two water sessions, lunch, snorkeling, and the return journey. The listed activity times add up to less than eight hours because they do not account for every transfer, boarding procedure, equipment setup, and pause. You should keep most of the day free rather than planning another fixed activity immediately afterward.

A maximum of 10 people would make this a small group, but the conflicting account about a larger boat means you should verify the number. A crowded deck affects everything: changing gear, listening to instructions, finding a place to sit, and getting personal attention in the water. If a small group is central to your decision, ask for written confirmation.

The crew is identified as Al Hajeej Travel Lux Egypt. The feedback also refers to a center called Colona and names Oussama in one serious complaint. Because the supplied details do not explain the exact relationship between the travel company, boat crew, and center, ask who will operate the boat and who will lead your sessions. That simple question can prevent confusion on the day.

Who should book this Red Sea outing?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• A first-time participant who wants instruction and two chances to practice.
• A couple or small group wanting a complete day on the water.
• A qualified participant who is happy with guided recreational sessions.
• A non-scuba companion who would rather snorkel, swim, or relax on the boat.
• Someone staying in Hurghada who values hotel transport and an included meal.

I would be more cautious if you need wheelchair access, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also not suitable for pregnant women. The boat format, water entry, and equipment handling require a level of mobility that is not available to everyone.

You should also reconsider if you are looking for advanced training, guaranteed long underwater times, or a private instructor. The schedule is built for a mixed group, and the sessions last about 35 and 30 minutes. That is enough for a pleasant introduction, but it may feel limited to someone seeking a serious technical day.

What to bring and what to confirm

Bring comfortable shoes and a sun hat. I would add swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and a small waterproof bag, although those extra items are not specifically listed as included or required.

Before booking, confirm these points:

• The expected number of people on the boat.
• Which guide language will be available.
• Your wetsuit or equipment size, especially if you need a small women’s size.
• What personal equipment is included beyond tanks and weights.
• The €4 cash instructor fee.
• The planned timing and depth for both sessions.
• The name of the company and guide operating the boat.

The equipment-size point deserves special attention. One participant had confirmed a women’s small wetsuit but was given an ill-fitting short child’s suit instead. That is uncomfortable at best and a safety concern at worst. Get confirmation again shortly before pickup and inspect the suit before entering the water.

Pets are not allowed. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those terms make the booking less rigid, but they do not replace the need to check weather, health, and equipment questions before departure.

Should you book this Hurghada experience?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, full-day Red Sea outing with two guided sessions, lunch, hotel transport, and snorkeling in one package. The colorful coral and fish, supportive instruction for first-timers, and change of site give the day real appeal. At $72, the bundle is sensible for someone who values convenience.

I would book only after confirming the group size, equipment availability, language support, and extra instructor fee. The positive experiences describe a friendly crew and beautiful underwater sites, but the complaints about crowding, organization, air supply, and guide behavior are serious enough to warrant direct questions.

My call: this is a promising choice for beginners and casual recreational participants, but not a blind booking for experienced scuba enthusiasts. Go in with clear expectations, verify the practical details, and treat safety or comfort concerns as reasons to stop and speak up.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada scuba tour last?

The activity lasts eight hours, including pickup, sailing, two underwater sessions, lunch, snorkeling, and the return to Hurghada.

How many underwater sessions are included?

Two guided sessions are included. The first is planned for about 35 minutes, and the second for about 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch, mineral water, and soft drinks are included on board.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Round-trip pickup and return from hotels in Hurghada are included. You need to send your room number so the guide can identify the correct pickup details.

What languages are offered?

Live guide support is listed in English, French, German, and Russian. You should request your preferred language when booking because availability may vary by departure.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The experience is described as suitable for beginners and experienced participants, with instructors guiding people at the underwater sites.

Is the instructor fee included in the price?

No. An instructor fee of €4, paid in cash, is listed as an extra charge.

Who cannot join this activity?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. Pets are also not allowed.