Hurghada, Professionals Diving in Open Water Tour with Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada boat trip happens below the surface: you get two separate scuba sessions at different Red Sea sites, rather than one quick introduction from shore. Between them, you have lunch, drinks, and time to swim or snorkel while the boat moves on.

I like the small-group limit of 10 and the simple all-day format. Hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle removes a lot of morning fuss, while the boat gives you broad views of the Red Sea as you leave Hurghada behind. The main caution is that the experience has had uneven organization, so I would confirm the group size, equipment, language support, and extra instructor charge before setting off.

Key points at a glance

• Two underwater sessions: About 35 minutes at the first site and 30 minutes at the second, with guidance for beginners and experienced participants.
• Red Sea scenery: The 40-minute boat ride gives you open-water views before the first session.
• Lunch on board: A 45-minute meal break includes lunch, mineral water, and soft drinks.
• Snorkeling included: You can spend about 45 minutes snorkeling or swimming after the second session.
• Small advertised group: The limit is 10 participants, though I would verify this before departure.
• One extra fee: Instructor service costs €4 in cash and is not included in the listed $72 price.

Two Red Sea sites in one full day

This is not a short harbor lesson. It is an eight-hour outing built around two trips into the water, with a boat ride, lunch, refreshments, and a final chance to snorkel.

That structure matters. If you are trying scuba for the first time, the first session lets you get used to the equipment and the feel of breathing underwater. If you already hold certification or have previous experience, the second site gives you another chance to enjoy the reef without treating the whole day as a basic classroom exercise.

The exact reef locations are not specified, so you should not book this expecting one named wreck or a particular famous coral garden. Conditions, weather, and the day’s operating plan can affect the site choice. Still, the Red Sea is the reason to choose this trip: warm open water, coral, fish, and clear coastal scenery are the central attraction.

The strongest praise has been for the underwater scenery and the care provided during the sessions. One account describes colorful coral and fish, while another first-time participant found the arrangement ideal. That is encouraging, but the practical quality of the day may depend heavily on the instructor and boat operation assigned to you.

Leaving Hurghada after a 40-minute cruise

Pickup begins in Hurghada, with a return transfer in a new, air-conditioned vehicle. You need to send your room number so the guide can identify the correct hotel pickup point.

The boat ride lasts about 40 minutes. This is a useful buffer before the first session. You can settle in, look across the Red Sea, and get a feel for the pace of the day instead of rushing straight from a hotel lobby into the water.

The cruise is also part of the value. At $72 per person, you are not paying only for time below the surface. The package includes transport, boat access, two underwater sessions, equipment tanks and weights, lunch, water, soft drinks, and snorkeling time.

Bring comfortable shoes and a sun hat. The sun can feel strong on an open boat, and you will be glad to have something on your head during the surface intervals. Pets are not allowed, and the trip is not suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women.

The first 35-minute underwater session

The first session is scheduled for about 35 minutes. Before entering the water, an instructor explains the site and the basics you need for the session. Beginners are welcome, and the experience is also intended for people who already have scuba experience.

For a first attempt, the instructor’s approach makes a real difference. You will need to handle unfamiliar equipment, control your breathing, and stay calm while adjusting to the water. A careful start is more useful than a rushed route around the reef.

The available feedback shows both sides of this. One first-time participant found the supervision very good, while another account describes an instructor holding a beginner’s companion by the arm at first, then allowing more independence after recognizing their prior experience. That can be reassuring if you need close support, but experienced participants may want to explain their certification and comfort level clearly before entering the water.

Language is another point to settle early. The listed languages are English, French, German, and Russian, but one French-speaking participant had difficulty because a French-language guide was not available that day. If your English is limited, ask specifically which language the instructor on your boat will use, rather than relying only on the general language list.

Lunch, water, and a 45-minute break

After the first session, the boat pauses for lunch. The scheduled meal break is about 45 minutes, and lunch, mineral water, and soft drinks are included.

This is a simple but important part of the day. Two water sessions can be tiring, especially if you are new to scuba. A meal and a proper rest period give you time to dry off, eat, and decide how much energy you want to use during the second session.

Do not expect a restaurant-style meal or a wide choice of drinks. The information provided confirms lunch, water, and soft drinks, but not a detailed menu. If you have dietary needs, ask before booking because no special meal arrangements are stated.

The boat setting also means practical limits. You are eating on board, not returning to shore. Keep your expectations focused on a convenient meal between water activities rather than a long, leisurely lunch.

The second 30-minute session at a new site

The second underwater session lasts about 30 minutes and takes place at a different location. This change is one of the trip’s better features. You get a second view of the Red Sea instead of repeating the same short route.

The shorter time is not necessarily a problem. By this point, you have already used some energy and had lunch. Thirty minutes can be enough to enjoy coral and fish while keeping the day manageable for beginners.

Certified participants should note that the advertised format is guided and recreational. It is not presented as an advanced technical outing, a wreck expedition, or a private session. The guide leads the group, and the day is designed to serve mixed ability levels.

This is where organization matters most. A serious complaint described a boat carrying more than the advertised 10 people, limited underwater times, and poor equipment management. I cannot tell you that this will happen on your departure, but I can tell you to confirm the group size and the day’s plan before you board. If the boat is significantly larger than expected or the schedule changes sharply, raise the issue early.

Forty-five minutes for snorkeling or swimming

After the second scuba session, the plan allows about 45 minutes for snorkeling or swimming. This gives non-scuba companions something to do and lets certified participants stay in the water without another formal session.

You can also use this time simply to rest. Not every part of a Red Sea boat day needs to be active. If your first two sessions have taken more energy than expected, sitting on board with a soft drink may be the sensible choice.

The snorkeling period also makes the trip more flexible for mixed groups. A confident scuba participant can enjoy the guided sessions, while someone who does not want to use a tank can still see the water from the surface. The activity data does not specify whether snorkel equipment is included, so ask what is supplied if snorkeling is important to your plans.

What the $72 price really covers

At $72, this is a fairly full package for an eight-hour day. You receive round-trip hotel transport, the boat outing, tanks and weights, two guided scuba sessions, lunch, mineral water, soft drinks, and time for snorkeling or swimming.

The price is strongest for first-time participants who want an organized introduction without arranging transport, equipment, meals, and a boat separately. It is also useful for experienced participants who want a relaxed recreational day rather than a private charter.

There is one extra cost to remember: instructor fees are listed as €4 cash. That should be added to your budget, even though it is small compared with the main price. Bring the correct cash if possible, and confirm whether the charge applies to every participant.

The value becomes less clear if you are expecting a highly personal experience. The advertised group limit is 10, but one serious complaint reported more than 20 people on board and shortened sessions. Ask the provider to confirm the expected number before you commit. A small group can mean more direct help and less waiting. A crowded boat changes the experience completely.

Safety, equipment, and the mixed feedback

The trip is suitable for beginners and experienced participants, but scuba is not an activity where you should ignore uncomfortable signs. The instructor should explain the equipment, the site, and the basic procedures clearly before you enter the water.

Most of the positive feedback focuses on friendly staff, good supervision, beautiful coral, and a satisfying first experience. One first-time participant described the day as perfect apart from the lack of a French-speaking guide. Another account praised the care provided both on the boat and during the underwater session.

There are also two serious negative accounts that you should take seriously. One person reported receiving an unsuitable wetsuit after being told a women’s small size was available, along with inappropriate physical contact from the guide. Another described overcrowding, poor organization, questionable water supplies, insufficient air, and much shorter sessions than expected.

These reports do not prove that every departure has the same problems, but they identify the questions I would ask before booking:

• Is the group still limited to 10 people?
• Which instructor and language will be assigned?
• What wetsuit sizes are available?
• What is included in the equipment package beyond tanks and weights?
• Will both sessions run for the planned times?
• Is the €4 instructor fee payable in cash?

You should also tell the instructor about your experience level before the first session. If you are new, ask for close support. If you are experienced, explain what independence you are comfortable with, while still following the guide’s safety instructions.

Who will enjoy this Hurghada boat trip

I would recommend this outing most strongly to:

• First-time scuba participants who want two guided attempts in one day.
• Couples or small groups with mixed comfort levels in the water.
• Experienced participants seeking a straightforward recreational day.
• People who value hotel pickup and an included meal.
• Anyone who wants snorkeling time as well as scuba.

It is less suitable if you want a private instructor, a named wreck, technical training, or a guaranteed specific reef. It is also not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

The trip may work well for a mixed group because snorkeling and swimming are included after the second session. Still, the schedule is long, and the boat environment may not suit anyone who dislikes extended time on the water.

Booking advice and final verdict

I would book this tour if you want a reasonably priced introduction to Red Sea scuba with transport, lunch, two guided sessions, and little planning work. The colorful coral, fish, and second site give the day more substance than a single short lesson.

I would book only after confirming the group size, the available wetsuit, your preferred language, and the €4 cash fee. Those checks matter because the strongest positive experiences came from attentive instruction and beautiful sites, while the serious complaints centered on crowding, equipment, and poor organization.

For a first underwater experience, this can be a good fit if the operator delivers the advertised small-group format. For an experienced participant, the value depends more on time in the water and group control. Ask direct questions before departure, and you will have a much better chance of getting the relaxed Red Sea day this itinerary promises.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada scuba tour last?

The full experience lasts about eight hours, including hotel pickup, the boat ride, two scuba sessions, lunch, snorkeling or swimming, and the return to Hurghada.

How many scuba sessions are included?

You receive two guided sessions. The first is scheduled for about 35 minutes, and the second for about 30 minutes, at different water sites.

Is the experience suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity is intended for beginners as well as experienced participants, with instructors guiding you at the sites.

What is included in the price?

The listed price includes round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, tanks and weights, lunch, mineral water, and soft drinks.

Is there an extra fee?

Yes. Instructor fees are listed separately at €4 cash. This charge is not included in the $72 price.

What languages are offered?

Live guidance is listed in English, French, German, and Russian. Since language availability may vary by departure, confirm your preferred language before going.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. After the second scuba session, you have about 45 minutes for snorkeling or swimming. The available information does not specify all snorkeling equipment, so ask what is provided.

Is hotel pickup available in Hurghada?

Yes. Pickup and return from your hotel in Hurghada are included. You should send your room number so the guide can identify your pickup details.