Intro Diving 2 Stops For Beginners with Pick-up and Lunch – Hurghada

Hurghada’s Red Sea coast gives first-time scuba guests a quick look at coral gardens, schools of fish, and clear water without the cost or time of a certification course. This two-session beginner trip keeps an instructor close, which matters when breathing underwater feels strange at first.

I like the easy hotel pickup and the fact that lunch, water, soft drinks, and hot drinks are included. I also like the low price of $40, though you should budget another $5 for the marine or national park fee, paid in cash. The main drawback is the short underwater time: each session is advertised at about 15 minutes, and some guests found the actual time shorter.

Key points to know before booking

• Two short underwater sessions: Each is planned for about 15 minutes, making this a taste of scuba rather than a full training course.
• An instructor stays close: Beginners receive a short lesson, equipment guidance, and direct supervision underwater.
• A full day on the boat: Much of the seven-hour outing is spent sailing, waiting between groups, eating, and relaxing.
• Strong value at $40: Transfers, gear, instruction, lunch, and drinks are included, but the $5 marine fee is extra.
• Simple hotel logistics: Pickup and return are included from Hurghada hotels, with extra transfer charges from several outlying resort areas.
• Good coral and fish sightings: The Red Sea scenery is the real prize, though the exact route and visibility depend on conditions.

What this $40 Hurghada trip really offers

This is an introductory scuba outing, not a qualification course. You receive a short safety and equipment lesson, then make two supervised underwater sessions from a boat. The instructor remains within easy reach, and you do not need prior certification.

At $40 per person, the package covers a lot: hotel transport, a full-day boat trip, equipment, safety gear, an instructor, lunch, bottled water, soft drinks, and hot drinks. That makes it a practical way to test scuba before spending money on a multi-day course.

The price does not cover the $5 national park or marine admission fee, which must be paid in cash. Transfer supplements also apply from Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh, from Ahia, and from Safaga or El Gouna. The listed charges are $5 per person for the first group of areas and $10 per person from Safaga or El Gouna.

I would treat the low price as good value, but not as a promise of a polished luxury cruise. The boat is described as clean and modern by some guests, while the food is viewed as simple rather than a major feature. This is a day built around seeing the Red Sea, not fine dining.

The early pickup and trip to the boat

The stated start time is 8:00 am, with pickup from your Hurghada hotel. The transfer removes one of the more annoying parts of a boat outing: finding the harbor and arranging a taxi before breakfast.

Pickup timing can vary. A late collection did not affect one reported schedule, but you should still be ready early and keep your phone available for final pickup details. The group can reach up to 30 people, so the morning may include paperwork, equipment checks, and organizing different groups before the boat leaves.

One useful point is that the instruction appears to happen before you enter the water. You are fitted with the supplied equipment and shown how to use it, then given a safety briefing. This is exactly what you want as a beginner. Ask questions before leaving the deck, especially if you are nervous about breathing through the regulator, clearing your mask, or equalizing your ears.

The trip description refers to a private instructor by your side, but the maximum group size is 30. That means you should expect the boat to carry a wider group, with underwater instruction organized in smaller sets. Names praised in the supplied feedback include Bassiouni and Badr, both described as calm and attentive. Instructor assignments can change, so do not book solely for a particular guide.

Getting comfortable with the equipment

The equipment and safety gear are included, so you do not need to bring your own set. The staff fit you out and explain the basic controls before the first session.

For a first attempt, the short lesson is important. Scuba is not hard because the swimming is difficult. The unusual part is staying relaxed while breathing underwater and responding to simple hand signals. A calm instructor can make the difference between enjoying the reef and spending the whole session trying to settle your nerves.

The strongest part of this arrangement is direct supervision. Several comments describe instructors leading the group for the entire underwater period and adjusting their help to each person’s ability. One particularly useful detail is that you are not forced to take the second session if you decide the first was enough.

That flexibility matters. You might expect to feel comfortable immediately, but many first-time participants find the first few minutes harder than expected. Tell the guide if you need to slow down or return to the surface. A good beginner outing should leave you curious about scuba, not pressured to prove anything.

The first 15-minute underwater session

The first underwater stop is your chance to put the lesson into practice. You move among Red Sea coral and marine life while the instructor remains nearby. The short duration can be useful for beginners because it limits the amount of time you must manage new equipment and unfamiliar breathing.

The coral is the main attraction. Accounts describe beautiful coral, many fish, and, at times, schools moving through the water. You may see a colorful underwater scene, but the exact animals and visibility depend on the day, weather, and site selected.

Do not expect a long exploratory session. Fifteen minutes passes quickly, especially when some of it is spent getting settled, descending, checking equipment, and following the instructor. One practical criticism is that actual underwater time can feel closer to six minutes on a poorly organized day. I would ask the crew before leaving the harbor how long the planned underwater periods are and how they handle delays.

The first session may also reveal how you respond to the equipment. If you feel uneasy, that is not a failure. You can use the break afterward to ask for help, adjust the mask, or decide not to continue. This is a sample of scuba, not a test.

The second session and the gap between them

The second underwater session gives you a chance to relax and enjoy more of the setting once the equipment feels familiar. The two stops may not always be completely separate reefs. One account describes both sessions at the same general location but in different directions.

That detail is worth keeping in mind if you expect two dramatically different sites. The appeal may be more time in the water and a new angle on the reef than a major change of scenery. Still, a second route can reveal different coral formations and fish activity, particularly when the instructor guides you away from the first path.

There is usually a substantial break between sessions. You may spend it on the boat, eat lunch, talk with the crew, or wait while other groups complete their turns. This is where the full-day format can feel slow. Some people like having time to rest and enjoy the sea. Others find the waiting excessive when the total underwater time is only around 30 minutes.

I would book this trip if you enjoy a relaxed boat day as much as the activity itself. I would look for a longer scuba course if your main goal is maximum underwater time.

Lunch, drinks, and life on board

Lunch is included and consists of a buffet with traditional Egyptian dishes. Soft drinks, hot drinks, and unlimited water are also included, so you do not need to pack a full day of refreshments.

The food is best viewed as practical fuel between sessions. It is not a five-star meal, and the trip’s low price makes that a reasonable trade. You are paying for access to the reef, equipment, instruction, transport, and a boat day, not a restaurant experience.

The boat is described in positive terms by several people, including comments about a modern, well-maintained vessel and a helpful crew. The onboard toilet has received criticism for cleanliness, so I would keep expectations modest. This is a working excursion boat, not a resort facility.

The waiting period also gives you a chance to enjoy the surface scenery. If you do not take the second underwater session, you can still spend the rest of the day on board, but the core value of the package is reduced.

Safety and the quality of instruction

For a first scuba experience, safety matters more than jokes, music, or the appearance of the boat. The strongest comments focus on clear briefings, careful instructors, and staff who respond to different comfort levels.

Bassiouni is specifically praised for being careful and friendly during a first session. Badr is also singled out for looking after a participant and helping make the experience comfortable. Those details suggest that the human side of the trip can be a major strength, although staff assignments are not guaranteed.

The instructors are described as staying with beginners underwater rather than sending them off alone. You should still speak up if you feel uncomfortable. Tell the guide before entering the water about any concern, and do not let the schedule pressure you into the second session.

The trip is described as suitable for most people, and service animals are allowed. The supplied information does not give a detailed medical or age policy, so you should check directly with Sea Memories if you have a health concern or need a specific accommodation.

Weather cancellations and the practical risks

The sea controls the schedule. If poor weather makes the boat trip unsafe, the activity may be canceled and you are offered another date or a full refund. That is sensible for a water-based outing, but it can disrupt a tightly planned holiday.

One account describes a boat trip being replaced by a shore session after windy conditions. The result was only a short underwater period, followed by disappointment about what had been delivered. If weather changes the plan, ask clearly what the alternative includes before agreeing to it.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made less than 24 hours before the scheduled start are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. Keep the local cutoff time in mind, especially if you are arranging the trip near the end of your stay.

Photos, extra costs, and what to bring

Underwater photos may be offered for an additional charge. One account puts the price at €50, which is a steep extra cost compared with the $40 trip itself. If you have a waterproof camera or action camera and it is permitted, bringing your own may be the better value. Confirm the rules before using it.

Bring cash for the $5 marine or national park fee. If your hotel is outside the standard Hurghada pickup zone, confirm the transfer supplement before booking. The extra charge is $5 per person from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, or Ahia, and $10 per person from Safaga or El Gouna.

You should also bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and any personal medication you need for a full day away from the hotel. The supplied information confirms water and drinks, but it does not specify towels or personal toiletries, so do not assume those are provided.

Who should book this beginner scuba outing?

I think this suits you if you want a low-cost first taste of scuba and do not want to commit to a formal course. It is also a good fit if you enjoy boat time, simple meals, and a relaxed schedule with a small amount of underwater activity.

It works especially well for a nervous beginner when the assigned instructor is patient. The option to skip the second session also reduces pressure. Couples and friends can try something new together without needing previous certification.

I would be more cautious if you are an experienced scuba participant. Two sessions of about 15 minutes will probably feel too short, and long waits between turns may frustrate you. I would also hesitate if you want guaranteed access to two completely different reefs, since the route may use one area in different directions.

The maximum group size of 30 is another consideration. The underwater groups may be managed separately, but the boat itself can feel busy. If you want a quiet, highly personal day, ask Sea Memories about group numbers and instructor arrangements before paying.

Should you book the Sea Memories experience?

Book it if you want an affordable introduction to Red Sea scuba, reliable basic support, and a full day that includes transport, equipment, food, and drinks. The coral and fish are the main reward, while the calm instructors can make the first underwater attempt feel manageable.

Go in with realistic expectations. You are not buying a certification, a long underwater expedition, or a luxury cruise. You are buying two short supervised sessions, with plenty of time on the boat between them.

At $40, I consider it good value for a curious first-timer, provided you are comfortable with the possible waiting and the extra $5 cash fee. Confirm pickup, weather backup plans, and the expected underwater time before departure. If those terms suit you, this is a sensible way to find out if scuba is for you.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada scuba experience last?

The activity lasts about seven hours, including hotel transport, the boat trip, instruction, two underwater sessions, lunch, and time between sessions.

How long is each underwater session?

Each session is advertised as lasting about 15 minutes. The actual time can vary, so ask the crew to confirm the plan before entering the water.

Do I need previous scuba certification?

No. This is designed for beginners and includes an introductory lesson, equipment, safety gear, and an instructor.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Two-way hotel transfers from Hurghada are included. Transfers from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and Ahia cost an extra $5 per person. Transfers from Safaga and El Gouna cost an extra $10 per person.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is included, along with unlimited water, soft drinks, and hot drinks.

Is there an extra marine or national park fee?

Yes. The national park admission fee is listed as $5 per person and must be paid in cash.

What happens if bad weather cancels the boat trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.