Sharm: Introductory Dive from the Shore & PADI Courses

Sharm El-Sheikh puts the underwater world within easy reach, and this shore-based beginner session keeps things simple. You meet at Fanar Beach in Hadaba, learn the basic equipment and safety points, then enter shallow water with an instructor rather than heading straight onto a boat. That makes it a sensible first try if you are curious but nervous.

I like two things here: the hotel pickup and return take away transport fuss, and the multilingual instructors can explain the basics in Arabic, English, or Russian, with Italian also listed in the tour information. The chance to take underwater photos is another nice touch, though pictures cost extra. The main caution is that the operation has had an uneven day-to-day record, so clear communication about pickup, equipment, and anxiety is important.

Key points at a glance

• Fanar Beach setting: Meet at the entrance to the beach in Hadaba for a shallow-water introduction.
• Two ways to participate: Choose one introductory session, or take the 2 to 3-day PADI Open Water course.
• Beginner-friendly instruction: Your instructor explains the equipment, site, and basic skills before you enter the water.
• Underwater photography: Photos are not included, so ask about the price before the session.
• Small extra costs for certification: The PADI fee is €81, and the manual or e-learning is paid separately.
• Strongest praise: Calm, patient instructors and smooth hotel pickup received the best comments, especially instructor Nader.

A gentle first look at Sharm’s reef life

The appeal is clear: you do not need prior scuba experience to see what lies below Sharm’s coast. The activity is designed for beginners, with shallow water and an instructor beside you as you learn how to breathe through the regulator, use the equipment, and move at a comfortable pace.

This is not sold as a full-day boat expedition to distant reefs. It is a more accessible introduction based at Fanar Beach, in the Hadaba area. That matters if you have limited time, dislike boats, or simply want to find out how you feel underwater before spending more on a longer course.

The exact session length is not provided, so I would not build a tightly timed sightseeing plan around it. Hotel pickup can be arranged for a suitable time, but you still need to arrive on schedule at the meeting point if you are making your own way there.

Fanar Beach and the Hadaba meeting point

Your stated meeting point is Fanar Beach in Hadaba. The guide meets you at the entrance, which sounds easy enough, but it is worth confirming the pickup details before the day begins. One difficult pickup involved a driver waiting out of sight near a hotel, leaving the customer unsure where to go. A quick message or call can prevent that sort of needless start.

At the beach, expect the practical side of the activity first. You receive equipment, hear about the site, and learn the basic rules before entering the water. The instructors are meant to guide you through the session rather than leave you to work things out alone.

Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, and a towel. A towel is not included, and food and drinks are not part of the one-time introduction, so carry water and a snack if you need them. The course option does include lunch and soft drinks.

What happens during the one-time session

The introductory option is aimed at people who want to try scuba without committing to certification. The instructor explains the equipment and the specific site, then helps you practice the basic skills in shallow water.

That shallow start is the key feature. If you feel uneasy, you have a better chance to pause, adjust your mask or regulator, and tell the instructor what is wrong before going farther. The stated goal includes helping you overcome fear of water, but that should never mean being pushed past your comfort level. If you have ear trouble, anxiety, or a past injury, say so clearly before getting in.

Once you are comfortable, you explore the underwater area with the instructor. The precise route and depth are not stated, so you should think of this as a controlled introduction rather than a guaranteed tour of a particular reef or list of marine species.

Underwater photography is promoted as one of the highlights. It can make the memory more lasting, especially if this is your first time seeing Sharm below the surface. Photos are not included in the $47 price, however. Ask who takes them, how many images you receive, and the cost before you agree.

The 2 to 3-day PADI route to 18 meters

If the one-time session leaves you wanting more, the PADI Open Water course follows a more structured path. The advertised program takes 2 to 3 days and leads to certification for depths of up to 18 meters.

On the first day, pickup takes you to the center. You select your equipment and watch course videos in your preferred language. Your instructor then explains the essential information before you practice in shallow water during two sessions.

The second day continues with more instruction and two further sessions. After that, the plan takes you to an 18-meter session, followed by the exam and certification. The description also says the course may take 2 to 3 days, so confirm the exact schedule before booking flights, transfers, or other fixed plans.

The course price needs careful checking. The information gives the $47 rate for the experience, but it does not clearly state a separate total price for the full PADI course. On top of the course charge, you pay a PADI fee of €81 directly at the PADI office. The PADI manual or e-learning is also extra and paid directly to PADI.

That can still be reasonable if you are serious about getting certified, since equipment, instruction, lunch, and soft drinks are included in the course arrangement. But do not assume that the headline price covers every certification expense. Ask for the full course total, including learning materials and the €81 fee.

Calm instructors matter more than fancy equipment

The strongest positive comments focus on the instructors. A calm and patient guide can make all the difference when you are trying to breathe normally underwater for the first time. Several positive comments specifically praised clear explanations, a friendly manner, and a reassuring approach.

Nader is named as a particularly caring instructor. If you are able to request him, it is worth asking, though the information does not promise that he will lead every session. The team is listed as speaking Arabic, English, and Russian, while Italian is also mentioned elsewhere in the activity details.

That language support is useful, but do not rely on a language listing alone. If you have medical concerns, ear problems, or strong anxiety, explain them in advance and make sure the instructor understands. One serious complaint described a participant who felt ignored after raising concerns about an old ear injury. That is not a small matter. You should feel heard before entering the water.

There was also a complaint about tanks being handled roughly and about a participant being made to feel unwelcome while choosing not to take part. I cannot verify the circumstances, but the practical lesson is sound: if the equipment or staff behavior makes you uncomfortable, stop and speak to the guide or organizer. You are allowed to decline the session.

Pickup, equipment, and the pace of the day

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, which is helpful in Sharm, where beach clubs and hotel entrances can be spread around different areas. The activity allows pickup at a time suitable for you, but the actual timing depends on the arrangement you make.

Be ready at the agreed spot and confirm where the vehicle will wait. Do not assume the driver will be directly in front of your hotel. If you are meeting at Fanar Beach instead, arrive at the entrance on time.

Equipment is included for both the introductory option and the course. The information does not give a brand, age, or maintenance schedule, so you cannot judge the kit in advance from the booking details. I would ask to check the mask fit and explain any concerns before you enter the water.

The one-time option includes one introductory session. Food and drinks are not included for that option. The course package includes lunch and soft drinks, which makes the longer program easier to manage, especially with several sessions over more than one day.

What the $47 price really covers

At $47 per person, the introductory experience is priced as an accessible first step rather than a full certification package. The value comes from the instruction, equipment, hotel transport, and the chance to see Sharm’s underwater environment without buying a multi-day course.

That price works best for three types of people:

• You are curious about scuba but do not know if you will enjoy it.
• You have a free part of the day and want an activity beyond the usual hotel pool or beach.
• You want an instructor-led introduction in shallow water before considering certification.

The value is weaker if you expect professional underwater photography, a long session, a specific reef, or a full meal. Photos cost extra, towels are not supplied, and the exact session duration is not stated.

For the PADI route, treat $47 as a starting figure only unless the provider confirms otherwise. The €81 PADI fee and separate manual or e-learning charge must be added. Certification is a bigger commitment, but the included equipment, lunch, soft drinks, instruction, and route to 18 meters may make it worthwhile for someone planning to scuba again.

Safety, comfort, and who should skip it

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or children under 10. Those restrictions are clear and should be taken seriously.

You should also think carefully if you have ear problems, strong water anxiety, or a medical condition that could affect scuba. The activity is designed to help beginners build confidence, but it is not a promise that every participant will feel comfortable. Tell the instructor about your concerns before the session, not after you are already in the water.

The best approach is to agree on a simple signal for stopping and to make sure the instructor knows you expect a slow start. A patient instructor received strong praise, and that quality matters far more than rushing to a particular depth.

The activity has a 4.4 rating from 19 comments, with several high marks for friendly, clear, and calming instruction. At the same time, the two very low ratings raise practical concerns about pickup confusion, staff attitude, and responsiveness to discomfort. I would not ignore either side. This looks like an experience where the individual instructor and the organization on the day can shape the result.

Book it if you want a low-commitment first try

I would book the introductory session if you want a straightforward way to test scuba in Sharm, especially if shallow water, hotel transport, and multilingual guidance matter to you. Ask for Nader if possible, confirm the pickup location, and budget separately for photos.

I would choose the PADI route only after getting the full price and exact timetable in writing. It suits you if you want certification to 18 meters, can spare 2 to 3 days, and are ready for study, practice, and an exam.

Skip it if you need wheelchair access, are pregnant, have a child under 10, or feel that your medical or personal concerns are not being taken seriously. The underwater setting can be memorable, but no holiday activity is worth ignoring your comfort or safety.

FAQ

Where does the activity meet?

The stated meeting point is Fanar Beach in Hadaba. Your guide meets you at the entrance when you arrive.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Sharm are included, with pickup arranged for a suitable time. Confirm exactly where the driver will wait.

What is included in the $47 introductory option?

The price includes hotel transport, diving equipment, and one introductory underwater session. Food, drinks, towels, and underwater photos are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, and a towel.

Are underwater photos included?

No. Underwater pictures are an extra cost, so ask about the price and what you receive before taking them.

Can I take a PADI Open Water course?

Yes. The course is advertised as a 2 to 3-day PADI Open Water program leading to certification for depths of up to 18 meters.

What extra fees apply to the PADI course?

The PADI fee is €81, paid directly at the PADI office. The PADI manual or e-learning is also extra and paid directly to PADI.