Two tanks is a smart way to spend a day. This full-day trip from Hurghada pairs a smooth boat ride with two separate open-water scuba sessions, plus lunch and soft drinks onboard. What I like most is the way the day stays beginner-friendly while still letting experienced snorkel/scuba folks enjoy a proper plan—though there are a few caution flags around language, wetsuit fit, and (rarely) tight organization.

I also love that you’re not just “dropped off and hoped for the best.” You get a live guide (English, French, German, Russian) and the lead instructor on-scene, and the underwater time is built around two different sites. One thing to watch: the tour aims for small groups (up to 10), but there’s at least one outlier report about an overcrowded boat, plus a separate outlier about instructor behavior and equipment fit.

If you want a straightforward Red Sea day—transfer, gear, lunch, two underwater sessions, and a snorkeling window—this can be good value. It’s also not for everyone: it’s listed as unsuitable for pregnant women and wheelchair users, and pets aren’t allowed.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Hotel pickup and AC transfer from Hurghada, plus return to your hotel
• Two separate open-water scuba sessions led by the team on site
• Onboard lunch with mineral water and soft drinks included
• Small group size (up to 10 people) to keep things manageable
• Snorkeling/swim time built into the schedule after the main sessions
• Instructor fee of €4 cash not included in the $72 price

Hurghada to the Red Sea: the 8-hour flow that keeps things simple

This is built like a classic “day on the water” plan. You start with pickup in Hurghada, then you roll to the harbor and get out on the boat for a cruise along the Red Sea coast. Expect a bit of sailing time before you hit the first underwater site, which helps the day feel less rushed and more like an actual outing.

The schedule then follows a steady rhythm: underwater time, then a proper break for lunch onboard, then a second underwater site, and finally a snorkeling window so you can keep enjoying the water even if you’re done with scuba. That structure matters. When the day is tightly packed, you often end up cold, tired, or hungry at the wrong moments. Here, lunch is planned and included, which makes it much easier to stay comfortable.

The whole trip runs about 8 hours from pickup to return. Since the pace is tied to boat timing and underwater session timing, it’s best to treat it as a full-day commitment and plan to keep the rest of your evening easy.

Getting to the boat: comfortable AC pickup and quick check-in

One of the practical wins here is transportation. You get round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, so you’re not stuck sweating across town before you even step aboard. If you’ve done enough Hurghada tours, you already know the difference between a smooth pickup and a chaotic scramble.

You also get a “skip the line” style of entry through a separate entrance. That doesn’t sound exciting, but it often saves your first hour of the day—especially when multiple groups show up at once.

The tour operates with a live guide in English, French, German, and Russian, which is helpful if you’re trying to understand safety instructions clearly. Still, a useful tip: if you’re counting on a specific language, it’s smart to confirm what you’ll actually get for your date.

First open-water scuba session: training support without suffocating the fun

The first underwater session is scheduled for about 35 minutes, which is long enough to feel like you did something real but short enough that first-timers don’t feel overwhelmed. The team leads you at the scuba site, explains the specifics, and then you go in and explore the underwater world.

If you’re a beginner, what you want is calm, repeatable instruction—plus someone who watches your comfort level closely. There’s an indication of that style of help in the way instructors are described: in some cases, the team stays very hands-on during early moments so your buddy isn’t drifting off on their own.

If you’re more experienced, you’ll likely appreciate that the guide can shift how much direction you get. On one occasion, an instructor was described as allowing more autonomy after confirming that the group already knew the basics—still staying nearby, but not hovering.

One consideration: scuba in the Red Sea is amazing, but it also takes focus. Bring a clear mindset: you’re there to follow the plan, breathe steadily, and stay relaxed. If you go in tense, underwater time feels longer and less fun.

Lunch onboard: the included meal that saves your energy

Lunch comes after the first underwater session, with about 45 minutes scheduled onboard. This is one of the best parts of the day because food isn’t an afterthought here—you get an actual meal break, not just a quick snack and a glare at the clock.

What’s included: lunch plus mineral water and soft drinks. That matters more than it sounds. Scuba days can drain you fast—sun, salt air, and effort all stack up. Having drinks included helps you avoid the classic “I waited too long and now I’m sluggish” problem.

A simple pro tip: eat normally, don’t overdo it, and keep hydrated. After your first underwater session, you’ll feel much better for the second one if you treat lunch as recovery, not as a party meal.

Second underwater session plus snorkeling: two chances to enjoy the Red Sea

After lunch, you head to a new site for the second underwater session, scheduled for about 30 minutes. Different sites often mean different coral and fish patterns, and that alone is why splitting the day into two sessions works better than doing one long one.

There’s also a snorkeling window in the schedule (about 45 minutes). That’s a great add-on for people who want to keep seeing underwater life even if they’re not in the mood for another full scuba moment at the end.

If you’re the type who likes options, this helps. The schedule allows time to snorkel or swim as you feel up for it, which keeps the day from being “all or nothing.”

One thing I’d keep in mind: your second session depends on conditions and the group’s readiness. If you want a very specific goal (like staying within a certain depth range), ask the lead instructor early how they plan to run the day.

What’s included (and what isn’t): gear, transfers, and the small cash extra

Here’s what’s covered as standard:

• Round-trip transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Tank and weights
• Lunch, mineral water, and soft drinks

Not included:

• An instructor fee of €4 cash

That €4 isn’t huge, but it can be annoying if you show up without cash. I’d plan ahead and bring it in small bills.

You’ll also want to bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Sun hat

And don’t bring:

• Pets

You might also want to think about your wetsuit fit. One outlier report mentioned a wetsuit size issue, and that’s the kind of thing that matters for comfort—especially in open-water conditions. If you have any fitting needs, tell the team in advance and confirm what they can provide.

The underwater experience: colorful coral, fish, and the value of steady coaching

The Red Sea is famous for a reason, and this tour is designed to put you in the water long enough to appreciate it. A common theme in the experience descriptions is the mix of colorful life—fish and corals at the sites—and the feeling that the team is structured enough to keep you safe while still letting you enjoy yourself.

If you’re new to scuba, the biggest payoff is guidance that feels practical. You don’t just get a lecture. You get a lead instructor who explains what to do at the site and helps you manage the basics while you’re underwater. There are accounts of very attentive supervision during early moments, which is exactly what you want when buoyancy and comfort are still being learned.

If you already know how to scuba, you’ll likely care about calm operations: clear instructions, equipment that works, and enough gas so your plan isn’t shortened. Most of the time, that’s what you’d expect from a professional setup.

Still, it’s worth addressing the rare negatives. One unhappy account described equipment and organization problems, including shortened sessions and an oxygen-related issue, and another raised concerns about instruction behavior. Those are not typical expectations for a well-run scuba day, but they do matter when you’re choosing where to spend your money. If you’re safety-first, I’d treat this as a sign to ask pointed questions before you go.

Price and value: is $72 a fair deal for Hurghada?

At $72 per person for an 8-hour day, the value mostly comes from three bundled pieces:

1. Round-trip AC transfer (you don’t have to manage your own logistics)
2. Two underwater sessions plus snorkeling time
3. Tank and weights, plus lunch and drinks

Many tours charge extra for one or more of those items, so having them included makes it easier to budget. The one extra cash item—€4 instructor fee—still keeps the total reasonable, but you should account for it.

The small group size (limited to 10) is also part of the value equation. Smaller groups are easier to manage underwater and on the boat, which usually means less waiting and smoother instruction.

When you should be cautious: outlier issues worth taking seriously

Most tours run smoothly and professionally. But this one has a couple of outlier reports that you should take seriously before booking, especially if you’re sensitive about safety, equipment, or behavior.

• Overcrowding risk: The tour is meant to be small-group, but there’s an outlier report of a much larger-than-expected boat group. If that happens, it can affect how much attention instructors can give.
• Session changes due to gas supply: One unhappy account described shortened sessions due to an oxygen supply problem. That’s not the norm you want.
• Wetsuit and fitting problems: A report mentioned a wetsuit size issue and fit discomfort.
• Instructor behavior concerns: There’s also a complaint about inappropriate conduct by a guide, including an account naming a person (Oussama) and the associated diving center name (COLONA).

These are not reasons to panic, but they are good reasons to book with your eyes open. If you go forward, set expectations early: ask how many people will be on the boat, confirm wetsuit size availability, and be clear that you expect professional, respectful coaching.

Who this tour fits best

This trip makes sense if you:

• Want two separate open-water scuba sessions in a single day
• Are a beginner who wants structured instruction and a team-led plan
• Are someone who still wants the fun of snorkeling at the end
• Prefer pickup and an included meal so you don’t waste your day on logistics

It may not be the best match if you:

• Need accessibility accommodations (it’s listed as unsuitable for wheelchair users)
• Are pregnant (listed as unsuitable)
• Are very specific about language support and wetsuit fitting—because there can be mismatches depending on your date and instructor team

Also, bring a calm attitude. Even the best setup can feel stressful if you expect everything to be perfectly tailored to your individual preferences.

Should you book this Hurghada open-water scuba day?

I’d book it if you want a full, well-rounded Red Sea day with transfer, gear, lunch, two underwater sessions, and snorkeling all in one. The price is reasonable for a package that includes what you’d otherwise pay for separately, and the small-group approach is a big plus.

I’d book with caution if safety, equipment fit, or professional behavior are your top priorities, based on the outlier reports. If you decide to go, ask direct questions before you board, especially about wetsuit sizes and how the day will run if the group is larger than expected.

If you’re flexible, stay responsive to the instructor, and show up prepared with a sun hat and comfortable shoes, this can be a genuinely satisfying way to spend eight hours on the Red Sea.

FAQ

How long is the Hurghada professionals open-water scuba tour?

The total duration is 8 hours.

How many underwater scuba sessions are included?

You get 2 separate open-water scuba sessions.

Is hotel pickup in Hurghada included?

Yes. Round-trip transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle is included, with pickup from your Hurghada hotel.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are tank and weights, lunch, mineral water, and soft drinks.

Is there any extra cost you should bring money for?

Yes. An instructor fee of €4 cash is not included in the price.

What languages are available for the live guide?

The live tour guide is available in English, French, German, and Russian.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring comfortable shoes and a sun hat.