Scuba Diving 2 Dives from the Boat

REVIEW · SHARM EL SHEIKH

Scuba Diving 2 Dives from the Boat

  • 5.039 reviews
  • From $83.51
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Operated by Pirates Dive Club · Bookable on Viator

Two reef days can feel like one big logistics test. This one is built around small groups and Nitrox + 12L tanks included, with two standout Red Sea sites plus snorkeling. The main trade-off: food isn’t included, and Ras Mohamed national park entrance fees are extra.

The boat part is actually thoughtful. You’re on a 16-passenger, 3-level vessel with space to sit, shaded sun areas, toilets/showers, and time to reset between underwater stops. One more thing to consider: a third underwater session is optional, and it costs extra.

If you’re comfortable with the basics and have your scuba certification paperwork in order, you’ll get a day that feels focused—not crowded. Just make sure you bring the required passport details and recent proof of underwater training, since they check those before you go.

Key highlights you’ll care about

Scuba Diving 2 Dives from the Boat - Key highlights you’ll care about

  • Two underwater sessions included plus snorkeling as part of the day
  • Nitrox and 12-liter tanks included, so you don’t have to guess or pay on the spot
  • Small groups of up to six per underwater session, guided throughout for better control and comfort
  • 16-passenger boat with toilets/showers and multiple decks, partly shaded
  • Flexible routing when conditions change, so you still get quality time in the water
  • Optional upgrade: buffet lunch with meats, salads, and rice (not included by default)

From pickup to open water: how the day really runs

Scuba Diving 2 Dives from the Boat - From pickup to open water: how the day really runs
Your day starts at 8:30 am, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. That matters because Sharm el Sheikh traffic and finding the marina can drain a morning fast. Instead, you get taken in a private vehicle, then it’s straight to gear-up and briefings.

The day runs about 8 hours, and the rhythm is simple: you’ll head out, do an underwater session, relax on the boat while you travel to the next site, then do the second underwater session. You’ll also have snorkeling time as part of the overall experience—so even if you want a lighter moment, you still get Red Sea time.

The operator caps the overall group at 16 travelers, but the underwater work is in smaller clusters (up to six per underwater session). That split is one of the biggest reasons this trip scores so well. It’s easier for your guide to spot issues early and keep things comfortable, especially if you’re not 100% confident yet.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Sharm el Sheikh

The boat between stops: comfort you notice after the first hour

Scuba Diving 2 Dives from the Boat - The boat between stops: comfort you notice after the first hour
Boat days can be hit or miss: some are basically a platform with gear. This one is built to keep you functional for the full day.

You’re on a 3-level boat with toilets and showers, plus a saloon area and sun deck seating. There are sunbathing areas and portions that are partly shaded—handy when your skin is still getting used to desert sun. In practice, that means you can get off your gear, rinse off, eat (if you’ve brought snacks or grabbed lunch via the optional upgrade), and keep your head clear before the next underwater session.

It also helps that the boat is sized for a 16-passenger crowd. It won’t feel like you’re waiting on a pile of people to get organized. You’ll still have the normal boat-day waiting (briefings, equipment checks), but the flow stays manageable.

Two Red Sea underwater sites: what this format gives you

Scuba Diving 2 Dives from the Boat - Two Red Sea underwater sites: what this format gives you
The best value here is not just that you get two underwater sessions. It’s how they’re planned: two separate sites, with time to travel and reset between them.

Site 1: the morning underwater experience

Your first underwater session will be one of the Red Sea locations commonly paired on this route. The company’s name is linked with reef outings that include places like Woodhouse and Jackson Reefs, so you may see that type of habitat depending on conditions.

What I like about this setup: morning conditions are often better for visibility, and you’re fresh. You also get your first guided session early enough that you’re not spending the whole day “catching up.”

Site 2: the afternoon payoff

Then you’ll head to the second underwater site, described as including Ras Mohamed and the Tiran Island coast. Those areas are popular for good reason: you’re in the Red Sea, and you’re working with different reef-and-current environments across the day instead of repeating the same view twice.

A practical note: routing can change due to high winds or other conditions. One review specifically mentions wind altering plans. That’s not a bad sign—it’s a real-world sign of operators adapting to keep your day productive.

You can also read our reviews of more scuba diving tours in Sharm el Sheikh

Snorkeling time: a no-pressure bonus

Between the two underwater sessions, you’ll also get snorkeling. This is a nice buffer if you want to conserve energy or if you’d like extra time seeing reef life without the same pressure of staying submerged for a longer period.

Nitrox + 12-liter tanks included: the value math

At $83.51 per person, it’s easy to assume you’re paying mostly for “the experience.” But here’s what makes the price look fair: the cost includes key gear items—12-liter tanks and Nitrox—and you’re not left hunting for upgrades later.

That’s big for three reasons:

  • Less hassle: you don’t have to arrange Nitrox separately.
  • More consistency: the operator builds the day around what they’re supplying.
  • Better planning: if you’re experienced with Nitrox, this can help you manage your time underwater more comfortably.

You still need certification rules met (more on that below), but from a pure value standpoint, including Nitrox and equipment use is a meaningful chunk of what you’d otherwise pay separately.

Also included: a professional guide, plus transport by private vehicle and hotel pickup/drop-off. The overall fee looks more like an organized day than a barebones rental with a boat tacked on.

What’s included vs not included (so you don’t get surprised)

This tour is clear about what’s covered, and it’s worth reading like a checklist before you go.

Included

  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transport by private vehicle
  • Use of scuba equipment
  • Nitrox and 12-liter tanks
  • Two underwater sessions and snorkeling
  • Maximum group size: 16 travelers (and small clusters for underwater sessions)

Not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • DVD (available for purchase)
  • Entrance fees to Ras Mohamed national park

In other words, don’t assume lunch is handled. There is an optional buffet lunch upgrade (meats, salads, and rice). If you want a full-meal reset, consider the upgrade so you’re not stuck with snack math at sea.

If you’re diving in an area with park fees, plan for that extra cost too. Ras Mohamed national park entrance fees are not included, so budget for it if that’s part of your route on the day.

Safety and guide attention in groups of six

One of the most praised parts of this experience is the human side: friendly, professional crews and guides who help you feel secure. Reviews highlight confidence-building guidance and a buddy-like approach for someone new to the water.

You’ll spend your underwater time in smaller groups—up to six people per underwater session—which is exactly what you want if you care about personalized support. In a big crowd, you can feel like you’re being shepherded. Here, the guide has room to check on you, manage buoyancy and spacing, and keep the group moving in a way that feels calm.

For solo travelers, that small-group structure also helps. You’re not isolated, but you’re not wedged into a mass either. You get a guide rhythm you can follow.

Timing, conditions, and how to set yourself up for an easy day

This is an eight-hour-style outing with early departure. That means your success depends on the unglamorous stuff:

  • showing up ready for gear
  • staying hydrated before you get on the boat
  • paying attention during briefings

Since wind can change the plan (one review notes a shift), it helps to pack a flexible mindset. If the first site changes, you still want the second slot to feel like a real payoff. That’s where a calm crew and good guidance matter.

Practical packing tips (based on what’s not included)

Because food and drinks aren’t included by default, consider whether you want:

  • water and small snacks before the boat day gets moving
  • something for shade comfort if you burn easily (the boat has partly shaded areas, but sun still happens)

And since you need your scuba paperwork and passport details correct, don’t wait until the morning of travel to assemble documents.

Who this Red Sea underwater day is best for

This experience is a strong fit if you:

  • want a structured day with two different underwater sites rather than repeating one spot
  • prefer small groups and more direct guide attention
  • value Nitrox and 12-liter tanks being part of the base offer
  • like the idea of snorkeling as a bonus instead of only underwater time

You’ll also need the basics met:

  • evidence of recent underwater training within the last 12 months
  • confirmation of scuba certification if you’re doing a certified underwater session
  • passport details submitted at booking and a current valid passport on travel day
  • moderate physical fitness

If you’re brand-new to scuba and unsure about comfort, the best strategy is to confirm your certification path and readiness before you book. The structure here can help, but it still expects the documentation and readiness criteria to be met.

Optional lunch and the third underwater session: choose based on your energy

Two underwater sessions can be a full day in warm water, especially with transport time and boat downtime. That’s why I like that the trip gives you options:

  • Optional buffet lunch upgrade (meats, salads, rice)
  • Optional third underwater session for an extra charge

If you know you get hungry and you’d rather not think about food while traveling, the lunch upgrade makes sense. If you’re confident in your underwater pacing and want more time, the third session can be a good add-on—just remember it’s not included.

Quick reality check on the experience’s biggest trade-offs

Here’s what you should weigh before you commit:

  • Food and drinks aren’t included unless you upgrade for lunch.
  • Ras Mohamed national park entrance fees aren’t included.
  • A third underwater session is extra.
  • Routing can change due to wind or conditions, even though the operator aims to keep the day productive.

On the other hand, the most praised elements—professional guidance, friendly crew, small-group structure, and strong confidence-building support—are exactly what you’re paying for.

Should you book this 2-session Red Sea day?

I’d book it if you want a well-run Red Sea outing with two guided underwater sessions, snorkeling, and real gear value (Nitrox and 12-liter tanks included). It’s also a good match if you appreciate comfort on the boat and want smaller groups rather than a cattle-call format.

I’d think twice if you’re trying to keep every cost to a minimum. With optional lunch, optional third underwater session, plus park entrance fees and food/drinks, the final total can rise. Still, for a day that includes professional guidance, pickup/drop-off, and Nitrox, the baseline value stays strong.

Bottom line: if you show up ready, documents in order, and you like the idea of being part of a small group on a comfortable boat, this is the kind of Red Sea day that feels organized from start to finish.

FAQ

How many underwater sessions are included?

The tour includes two underwater sessions, plus snorkeling time. You can also add a third underwater session for an extra charge.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Is Nitrox included?

Yes. Nitrox is included, along with 12-liter tanks.

What equipment is provided?

You’ll get use of scuba equipment as part of the tour.

Is food included?

Food and drinks are not included by default. A buffet lunch upgrade is available with meats, salads, and rice.

Are Ras Mohamed national park entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees to Ras Mohamed national park are not included.

How big are the groups?

The maximum group size is 16 travelers, and underwater sessions are limited to small groups of six people per session.

What do I need to participate with scuba certification?

You must provide evidence of scuba certification, and proof of underwater training within the last 12 months. A current valid passport is also required.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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