PADI Open Water Diver Course

Ready for your first time under the surface?

This PADI Open Water course in Sharm el Sheikh turns classroom prep into hands-on training in the Red Sea, so you leave with a globally recognized certification to dive independently to 18m. The structure is straightforward, and the group stays small, up to 15 people, with an 8:30am start.

I especially like that you get a PADI professional instructor plus all the required gear, so you can focus on learning instead of shopping. I also like the day-to-day flow, because you’re not just sitting in theory, you’re spending time on the water with lunch and soft drinks included.

One drawback to plan for: the price doesn’t cover everything. PADI certification and the manual are listed as not included, and the e-learning material is also excluded, so you may pay extra for paperwork and study.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Lifetime, worldwide certification to dive independently to 18m after you complete the course
• 4 open-water sea sessions plus 5 confined-water skill sessions and 5 theory sessions
• Small groups, max 15 travelers, which helps the instructor actually watch your form
• Included hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, plus lunch and soft drinks on the boat
• Red Sea marine life is part of the point, not an afterthought
• Weather and medical rules matter, so build in flexibility and complete the health questionnaire

Sharm el Sheikh is a smart place for Open Water training

Sharm el Sheikh is built for underwater training. The Red Sea area is known for clear, photo-worthy sea life, and that matters because you learn faster when the “why” feels real.

This course is also designed for fast progress. You’re looking at about 3 days, with theory and skills practice rolling into the sea sessions. If you want a compact scuba goal on a vacation, this timing is hard to beat.

And because the certification is PADI Open Water, you get a license that’s recognized worldwide. That’s useful if you plan to keep diving later, even in other countries.

Your 3-day schedule: theory to sea sessions without feeling rushed

The course is laid out as a mix of classroom-style sessions and water time. You get 5 theory sessions, plus 5 confined-water skill sessions, then 4 open-water sea sessions.

What that means for you in real life: you’ll learn how to handle the basics on dry land first, then you’ll practice those exact skills in a controlled environment. After that, you apply them in the sea during the open-water training.

The start time is 8:30am, so you should expect early mornings. That’s not a problem if you’re on vacation already, but it is something to consider if you hate getting going before breakfast.

Also pay attention to the rhythm of the days. The program includes lunch and soft drinks on the boat, and that can make the long training day feel manageable instead of exhausting.

Confined-water skills: where you build control first

Confined-water sessions are where most first-timers find their footing. This course includes 5 confined-water skill sessions, and that’s the training block that teaches you the mechanics, buoyancy basics, and how to handle yourself calmly underwater.

I like this setup because it reduces guesswork. You learn the motions and safety checks in a place where conditions are more predictable, then you move on to the more exciting open water.

From the center’s instructor reputations, one theme comes up again and again: patience. In particular, names like Amr, Mina, Mena, and Mohamed Abdelkarim show up in student feedback for calm, clear instruction. That kind of teaching style matters most during the skills part, because it’s normal to need repetition when you’re new.

The open-water sea sessions: learning with the Red Sea in view

Once you reach the open-water portion, the course aims to get you comfortable in real conditions. You’ll complete 4 open-water sea sessions in the waters of the Egyptian Red Sea.

This is the part you’ll remember after you’ve forgotten the details of every checklist. It’s not just about meeting requirements. It’s about getting your first real sense of how buoyancy, breathing, and movement come together when you’re surrounded by sea life.

If you’re hoping to see coral and fish quickly, Sharm is a good bet. It’s the same reason people come back for extra training or just rent gear later. Even if you’re anxious at first, the goal here is to make you confident enough to handle yourself independently at the certification depth.

Equipment, boats, and comfort details that actually matter

The course includes use of all required scuba diving equipment. For your budget and sanity, that’s a big plus. It also means the instructors can fit and standardize gear across the group, which helps consistency.

You also get bottled water, and there’s lunch and soft drinks on board the boat. Those meal details sound minor, but they really affect energy on a multi-day course. A hungry, tired student learns slower, and this format reduces that risk.

Transportation is included too: hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle. Sharm traffic can be unpredictable, so having pickup included keeps the schedule from turning into a stress test.

Finally, the group size is capped at 15 travelers. With a small group, you’re more likely to get the hands-on coaching you actually need when something feels off.

Certification depth, lifetime license, and what changes when you’re certified

This is a PADI Open Water course, and it’s designed to lead to a worldwide certification. After completing the course, you’re certified for independent underwater activity to 18m.

There are also age rules if you’re bringing a younger diver. The minimum age is 10 years old. Children from 10 to 15 years old are certified to 12m, and when they turn 15, the certification allows 18m as an adult.

Two practical points to keep in mind:

• The course includes a structured path, but PADI certification itself and the manual are listed as not included, so you should plan for that cost.
• You’re still expected to complete the required health steps before you go in the water.

Safety rules, health questionnaire, and when you should pause

This course is not for everyone. It’s listed as not suitable for pregnant women and for participants with back problems, heart complaints, or other serious medical conditions.

Before you start, you’ll complete a health questionnaire. That’s standard, but it’s also a real safety gate. If you have asthma, heart conditions, or similar issues, the data says you may be prevented from going underwater, so talk to a doctor before you commit.

Also note the timing rule: underwater activity within 24 hours of flying is not recommended. If you’re flying in for a vacation, build your schedule so you have at least a little buffer before the first day.

If any part of that sounds like you or your travel group, don’t treat it as a formality. Better to figure it out early than lose money on a course that ends up medically unsuitable.

Price and value: what $411.31 includes, and what you may still pay for

At $411.31 per person, the value comes from what’s bundled. You get:

• A PADI professional instructor
• All required scuba equipment
• Confined-water sessions plus open-water sea sessions
• Theory sessions
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Lunch, soft drinks, and bottled water

That’s a lot of the expensive stuff handled for you, especially equipment and instruction. For many first-timers, that alone can make the package feel fair.

But remember what’s excluded:

• PADI certification and the manual
• E-learning material
• Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

So my advice is to treat the total cost as “course package plus certification paperwork.” If you budget only the listed price, you may end up surprised at the end.

Who this course fits best in Sharm

This is best if you want a classic first scuba qualification without dragging it over a full week. With about 3 days of training and early mornings, it’s a good match for vacation schedules.

It’s also a strong choice if you prefer structure. The course format, with theory plus confined skills plus open water, is designed to teach you in the order you need, not randomly.

If you like small groups and hands-on coaching, the 15-traveler maximum is a real benefit. And if you’re anxious as a beginner, the instructor style matters. Names that get praised for being calm and patient, like Mena, Mohamed Abdelkarim, Amr, and Hani, suggest the center takes instruction seriously, especially during the skills stages.

One caution: if you want the lowest-stress trip possible, you still have to accept the weather factor. The activity is subject to favorable conditions, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a change of activity.

Should you book the PADI Open Water Diver course in Sharm el Sheikh?

If you meet the medical rules, you can handle early starts, and you’re okay budgeting a bit extra for certification and the manual, I’d say this is a smart booking. The included equipment, instructor time, and boat-day basics like lunch and transfers make it feel practical rather than touristy.

Book it if:

• You want PADI Open Water and the 18m certification goal
• You want a compact 3-day training plan
• You want equipment and instruction handled for you

Consider alternatives if:

• You’re short on time to manage the health questionnaire and any medical clearance steps
• You don’t want extra out-of-package costs for certification and study materials
• You know weather risk would ruin your schedule, since the program depends on conditions

Bottom line: for most people who are ready to work through skills and theory, this is a solid, high-value route to a real global certification, delivered in the kind of water people travel to see.

FAQ

How long is the PADI Open Water course in Sharm el Sheikh?

It runs for about 3 days, with the duration listed as approximately 3 days. The program is also described as taking 3 to 4 days in general.

What time does the first day start?

The start time is listed as 8:30am.

How many confined water sessions and open water sea sessions are included?

The course includes 5 confined water sessions and 4 open water sea sessions. It also includes 5 theory sessions.

What depth will I be certified for after completing the course?

The course is described as leading to independent underwater activity to 18m. For children aged 10 to 15, certification is to 12m, and when they turn 15 they get certification that allows 18m as an adult.

What is included in the price?

Included items are the PADI professional instructor, use of all required scuba equipment, the confined water sessions, open water sea sessions, theory sessions, lunch and soft drinks on board, hotel pickup and drop-off, and bottled water.

What is not included and should I plan to pay for?

Not included are the PADI certification and manual, the e-learning material, and souvenir photos (available to purchase).

Do they provide hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What is the minimum age, and are there medical limits?

The minimum age is 10 years old. It is not suitable for pregnant women or for participants with back problems, heart complaints, or other serious medical conditions. You will also complete a health questionnaire before diving.

What happens if weather conditions are poor?

If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a change of activity.