Learn to Dive in Egypt: PADI Courses on the Red Sea

Warm, clear, calm water and shallow house reefs make the Egyptian Red Sea one of the best places in the world to learn to dive — and to keep progressing once you are certified. This guide walks through why Egypt is ideal for beginners, the course pathway, how long it takes, where to learn, and what happens after you qualify.

Why learn to dive in Egypt?

Gentle, protected bays, excellent visibility, year-round warm water and affordable, professional dive centres make for a relaxed, confidence-building first experience. Many house reefs are accessible straight from the beach, so you spend more time diving and less time travelling to sites.

The course pathway

Try Dive (Discover Scuba)

A half-day taster in shallow water with an instructor — perfect if you just want to see whether diving is for you, with no certification required.

Open Water Diver

The core entry-level certification that qualifies you to dive independently with a buddy. It combines theory, confined-water skills and open-water dives, and typically takes three to four days.

Advanced Open Water

Builds your skills across five adventure dives (such as deep and navigation) and opens up more advanced sites like Elphinstone and drift reefs.

Specialties & beyond

Add Nitrox, Deep, Wreck or Underwater Photography specialties, or continue toward Rescue Diver and Divemaster as your logbook grows.

How long does it take & what you need

An Open Water course typically takes three to four days. You will need to meet a minimum age, be in reasonable health and complete a short medical questionnaire (a doctor’s sign-off is needed if you answer yes to any condition). Basic swimming ability is required. Your dive centre supplies the equipment and guides you through every step.

Where to learn

The sheltered house reef at Marsa Nakari is ideal for training, with easy shore access and calm water — and Sharm El Sheikh has excellent teaching sites too.

After you qualify

Put your new certification to use straight away with unlimited house-reef diving and easy day trips, then build experience toward offshore reefs and, eventually, liveaboards. Logging dives soon after your course is the best way to cement your skills.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to learn to dive?

You need basic swimming ability and comfort in the water, but you do not need to be an athlete — the course builds your confidence gradually.

How long is an Open Water course?

Usually three to four days, combining theory, pool/confined-water skills and open-water dives.

What is the minimum age to learn to dive?

Junior certifications are available for younger divers, with full certification from age 15; your dive centre will confirm the details.

Can I do the theory before I arrive?

Yes — many agencies offer online theory (eLearning) so you spend more of your holiday in the water.

Plan your course

Tell us your level and dates and we will build a learn-to-dive package around you — see all Marsa Alam diving options or customise your trip.