Diving in Hurghada – A Beginner's Guide to Your First Red Sea Dive
November 4, 2026 · 6 min read
Trying diving for the first time is one of the most memorable things you can do on a Red Sea holiday, and you do not need any experience to start. This guide explains how an introductory dive from Hurghada works, what the rules are and how to choose between the two diving trips we offer.
What is an introductory dive?
An introductory dive lets you breathe underwater with full equipment while an instructor stays with you. On our Intro Diving trip from Hurghada you spend a full day on a boat, with two introductory dives at coral reef locations. Before the first dive you get a safety briefing and your equipment is fitted with your instructor.
Do I need experience, and how deep will I go?
No previous diving experience is required. The dives go to approximately 6–8 metres, depending on conditions and your instructor's assessment.
Who can join?
- Minimum age: 10 years. All participants in the booking must be at least 10.
- Health: diving is subject to medical and safety requirements. Please tell us about any health conditions before booking. The instructor makes the final decision on participation.
- Non-divers: this trip is booked for divers only. If someone in your group would rather snorkel, please contact us, or see our guide to snorkeling trips from Hurghada.
A typical day
The trip runs daily, at approximately 08:00–16:00, and your exact pickup time is confirmed before the excursion.
- Hotel pickup in Hurghada and transfer to the marina.
- Boarding, safety briefing and equipment fitting.
- First introductory dive at a coral reef.
- Lunch and soft drinks on board.
- Second introductory dive at another location.
- Return to the marina and transfer to your hotel.
Beginner or certified: which trip is for you?
Children aged 10–11 pay $17.50 on the Intro Diving trip, and participants aged 12 and over pay the adult price.
Practical tips
- Mention any health conditions before you book, not on the day.
- Listen carefully during the briefing and follow your instructor's signals.
- Personal expenses and gratuities are not included.
- Our Red Sea boat trip packing guide helps you prepare for the day.
Travelling with someone who does not dive?
The Intro Diving trip is booked for divers only. On the trip for certified divers, children aged 5–11 can join the boat as non-diving passengers at 50% of the adult price, and infants aged 0–4 travel free. Children and infants on that trip are boat passengers and do not dive.
What certified divers should know
If you already hold a certification, the certified trip may suit you better. A valid diving certification is required for everyone who dives, and you provide proof of it before your booking is confirmed. Medical screening applies. The dive team chooses the sites on the day, based on sea conditions, and the maximum advertised depth is 20 metres. The trip runs from approximately 09:00 to 16:00.
How to book
- Choose the trip that matches your experience.
- Select an available date and the number of participants.
- Enter your hotel and contact details.
- Choose a 30% deposit or full payment, and pay the selected amount.
If anything could affect your participation, tell us first. It is much easier to sort out before the day than on the boat.
Frequently asked questions
- Can children come on the certified trip without diving?
- Yes. Children aged 5–11 can join as non-diving boat passengers at 50% of the adult price, and infants aged 0–4 travel free.
- What do certified divers need to provide?
- A valid diving certification, with proof provided before the booking is confirmed. Medical screening also applies.
- Do I need to know how to dive?
- No. The Intro Diving trip is designed for beginners: your instructor gives a briefing and accompanies you underwater.
- What is the minimum age for an introductory dive?
- The minimum age is 10 years. All participants in the booking must be at least 10.
- How deep are the dives?
- Approximately 6–8 metres, depending on conditions and the instructor's assessment.
- What is included in the price?
- Hotel pickup and return transfer, the boat cruise, two introductory dives with an instructor, diving equipment, and lunch and soft drinks on board.
- Can someone in my group join without diving?
- The Intro Diving trip is booked for divers only. If someone would like to snorkel only, please contact Harmony Tours.
Explore with Harmony Tours
Ready to see more? Discover our excursions and turn your Red Sea inspiration into a real experience.
