Full-day Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners & Lunch – Sharm El Sheikh

The best part of this Sharm El Sheikh outing is the chance to see Red Sea coral reefs and tropical fish without already holding a scuba certificate. You get a full day on the water, guided instruction, equipment, lunch, and hotel transport for $38, which is a remarkably low price for an introduction to the sea.

I like the calm, one-to-one support some instructors provide, especially for children and nervous beginners. I also like the simple boat-day rhythm: learn the basics, spend time underwater, eat lunch, then enjoy the sea air and perhaps spot dolphins nearby. The main caution is that organization and food quality can vary, and the advertised number of underwater sessions should be confirmed before you go.

Key points to know before booking

• Two guided underwater sessions: The included package specifies two stops with a professional instructor, while the general description refers to about three stops.
• Beginner-friendly instruction: You receive a safety briefing and basic skills training before entering the water.
• A full day on a shared boat: The trip lasts up to eight hours and can include as many as 30 people.
• Hotel transport is included: Pickup and drop-off from Sharm El Sheikh come in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Bring a warm layer and motion-sickness medicine: The boat can feel windy and cold, and some people feel queasy at sea.
• Budget price, mixed execution: At $38, the package is excellent value if the day runs well, but it is not the polished small-group experience some visitors expect.

What the $38 Sharm El Sheikh package really includes

At $38 per person, this is priced as an accessible introduction to scuba rather than a quiet private charter. Your fee covers hotel pickup and return, an air-conditioned vehicle, up to eight hours aboard the boat, equipment, professional instruction, two underwater stops, lunch, coffee, tea, soda, and water.

That is a lot for the price. You would normally pay separately for transport, boat access, equipment rental, instruction, and food on a more specialized outing. Here, those costs are bundled together, making this a practical choice if you want to try scuba without committing to a course.

You also need to carry €5 in cash for mandatory government fees. That charge is not included in the advertised price. Photography is another possible extra, and you should decide in advance how you feel about buying photos, since the photography service has been described as expensive and, at times, overly persistent.

The low price comes with a tradeoff. This is a shared trip with a maximum of 30 people, so you should not expect the personal schedule or quiet atmosphere of a private instructor and boat. If value matters most, the arrangement makes sense. If you want a carefully paced first underwater lesson, ask clear questions before payment.

Starting at 8:00 am and getting to the boat

The day begins at 8:00 am, with hotel pickup in Sharm El Sheikh. The included air-conditioned vehicle is useful in the morning heat and saves you from arranging a taxi to the marina.

The handoff at the pier deserves attention. One of the recurring practical complaints is poor communication once people reach the boats. You may need to look around, identify your group, and work out where to go rather than receiving a crisp, step-by-step welcome.

I would keep your phone charged and have the provider’s contact details ready. Wear swimwear under comfortable clothes, and bring a cover-up for the return ride and the open deck. The boat can be surprisingly windy and cool, even on a warm Egyptian day.

The shared format also affects timing. With as many as 30 people, equipment fitting, boarding, instructions, meals, and return transport may take longer than expected. The stated duration is about eight hours, but a long day on the water can feel even longer if the schedule is not clearly explained.

Learning the basics before entering the Red Sea

Beginners receive a safety briefing and basic skills training before the first underwater session. This is the right approach for a first attempt: you need time to understand the equipment, breathing, and basic underwater signals before worrying about fish and coral.

The instructor is central to the experience. Some instructors have been praised for taking people down one at a time, staying close, and helping nervous participants remain calm. Yehya is specifically noted for being friendly and helpful, while Samir is described as funny, thoughtful, and reassuring.

Those personal details matter more than a glossy boat description. A new scuba participant may feel awkward at first, and a patient instructor can make the difference between enjoying the Red Sea and spending the whole session worrying about the equipment.

Still, this is not a full certification course. The trip gives you an introduction and guided sessions, not the classroom and pool work required for an independent diving qualification. If you cannot swim or feel very uncomfortable in the water, you should ask about participation requirements before booking. One account describes the experience as slightly difficult for people with no swimming experience.

The first reef stop and what you may see

The first underwater stop is your chance to put the lesson into practice. In the clear Red Sea water, you may see colorful coral and a variety of tropical fish. The exact reef location is not specified, so conditions, visibility, and marine life can vary from day to day.

This is the point where the trip earns its appeal. You are not simply looking at the sea from a boat. You are moving slowly above coral formations with an instructor nearby, learning how the equipment feels while seeing the reef at close range.

Some participants have seen a turtle, and dolphins may swim near the boat, but neither sighting is guaranteed. Treat wildlife as a welcome possibility rather than part of the promised schedule. Coral and fish are the dependable focus.

The pace may not suit everyone. One complaint describes restrictions on moving hands and feet during the underwater session. For a new participant, that may be an attempt to keep control and safety simple, but it can also feel rigid if the instructor does not explain the reason clearly.

Ask for instructions before entering the water. Find out how long the session lasts, how the group will move, and what signal to use if you feel uncomfortable. Clear communication is especially important when several languages are being used.

The second stop, plus an important wording issue

The included details specify two underwater stops with a professional instructor. The general description, however, suggests about three stops, and one account says the second session was presented as an extra. Because of that mismatch, confirm exactly how many sessions your $38 covers before boarding.

If both sessions are included, the second stop gives you a chance to relax and look around more naturally. You already know the basic equipment, and you may feel less focused on simply breathing and more able to notice fish, coral shapes, and the changing colors below the surface.

The two sites may offer different coral and marine life, although specific locations are not provided. Keep your expectations flexible. This is not a guaranteed route to a particular reef or animal, and conditions may affect the order or length of the stops.

A second session is valuable for beginners because the first attempt often goes quickly. You spend part of the initial session adjusting to the mask, regulator, and buoyancy. The next one can feel more enjoyable because the equipment is no longer entirely unfamiliar.

Lunch, drinks, and time on the upper deck

Lunch is served on the boat after the underwater activities, giving you time to dry off and rest. Coffee, tea, soda, and water are also included, which is helpful on a long day in the sun.

Food quality is the least consistent part of the package. Some people have found the meal very good, while others have found it disappointing. Vegetarian choices may be limited, so tell the operator about dietary needs before the morning pickup. Do not assume a broad vegetarian buffet from the basic lunch description.

The boat itself is part of the experience. You can sit back between stops, enjoy the fresh air, and watch the Red Sea from above. This is also where the shared-group format becomes most obvious. You may spend a fair amount of time waiting for equipment, other participants, or the next activity.

Bring a towel, sun protection, and a warm layer. Even when the sun is strong, wind across a moving boat can make you cold. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking your usual medication before departure, following medical advice. One participant was affected by the sea conditions and specifically recommended preparing for it.

Boat standards, staff, and photography

Staff performance appears uneven. Several instructors and boat crew members have been described as friendly, professional, and reassuring. That is important, since beginners need staff who explain rather than rush.

At the same time, complaints include poor organization, a boat in poor condition, and scuba tanks rolling and knocking together on deck. Those are not minor concerns. Proper equipment handling and clear deck procedures matter for both comfort and safety.

Photography can also shape your impression of the day. An underwater photographer may offer useful images of your first Red Sea session, but prices have been described as high. A separate photographer has been criticized for pushing too hard and using guilt to encourage purchases.

You can say no. Decide before the trip if photos are worth paying for, and do not let an awkward sales pitch change your budget. The staff may be warm and helpful in the water while the photo sales process feels quite different.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend this experience to a first-time scuba participant who wants a low-cost introduction, hotel transport, equipment, food, and a full day at sea in one booking. It also suits families with older children who are comfortable in the water, since instructors have been praised for reassuring young beginners.

It is a good fit if you care more about seeing the Red Sea than about luxury boat conditions. The coral and fish are the central reward, and the friendly instructors can make the first attempt feel manageable.

You should think twice if you want a small group, precise communication, a high-end boat, or a carefully designed lesson. A group of up to 30 can make the day feel crowded and slow. You may also be disappointed if you expect every promised session to be clearly included without asking questions.

People with no swimming experience should check directly with the operator before booking. Most participants can take part, but the activity still requires comfort in the water and the ability to follow safety instructions.

Practical advice for a smoother day

A few simple steps can improve the experience:

• Confirm that two underwater sessions are included in the price.
• Ask where and when you will meet the boat at the pier.
• Bring €5 cash for the government fee.
• Pack a warm cover-up for the windy return trip.
• Bring motion-sickness medicine if you normally need it.
• Tell the operator about vegetarian food needs.
• Bring only what you need on the boat.
• Treat dolphin and turtle sightings as luck, not a promise.
• Set a clear budget for optional photos.
• Keep the cancellation deadline in mind: cancel at least 24 hours before the 8:00 am start for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refundable.

The activity is confirmed at booking, service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. Those details are useful, but they do not replace asking about swimming ability, language support, and the exact underwater schedule.

Should you book this Red Sea experience?

I would book it if you want an inexpensive first taste of scuba in Sharm El Sheikh and can accept a busy, shared boat day. The combination of guided instruction, coral reefs, hotel transport, lunch, and equipment is strong value at $38.

I would not book it blindly. Confirm the number of underwater sessions, ask how the pier meeting works, and prepare for uneven food and organization. The best version of this trip includes a calm instructor such as Yehya or Samir, beautiful coral, and a relaxed boat ride. The weaker version feels rushed, unclear, and crowded.

For a beginner who is flexible and budget-minded, the possible reward is high. For someone seeking polished service and careful personal attention, pay more for a specialist operator with a smaller group.

FAQ

What time does the experience start?

The stated start time is 8:00 am.

How long does the trip last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours, including up to eight hours on the boat.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Sharm El Sheikh are included in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Is this experience suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity includes a safety briefing, basic skills training, equipment, and guided underwater sessions with a professional instructor.

How many underwater sessions are included?

The included details specify two underwater stops with a professional instructor. The general description mentions about three stops, so confirm the final schedule before boarding.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included, along with coffee, tea, soda, and water. Vegetarian choices may be limited.

Is there an extra fee?

Yes. A mandatory government fee of €5 must be paid in cash on the spot.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations and changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not refundable.