Hurghada, Professionals Diving in Open Water Tour with Lunch

What makes this Hurghada day trip interesting is the mix of small-group boat time and two separate underwater sessions with professionals at the wheel. You get picked up from your Hurghada hotel in a comfortable newer vehicle, then you’re quickly out on the Red Sea where the scenery does most of the talking.

I love the practical structure: each water time is instructor-led, with guidance that works for brand-new swimmers and also helps more experienced people feel comfortable. I also like the onboard break, because you get an onboard lunch with mineral water and soft drinks, not just a quick snack before you’re back in the water.

One possible drawback is that, while most reports sound positive, there are a few serious negative accounts involving equipment and organization problems. One account named Oussama and mentioned issues connected with the COLONA center, and another mentioned a missing women’s wetsuit in size S plus allegations about how an instructor handled a participant’s comfort needs, so you should pay attention to how the day is run and speak up early.

Key things to know before you go

• Two guided underwater sessions paced for beginners, with room for more autonomy if you’re already comfortable
• Small group (up to 10 people), which usually means less waiting and more actual time with the instructor
• Onboard lunch plus drinks that keep the day feeling like a real full-day outing, not a rushed transfer
• Short, clear time blocks (sailing, two water sessions, then snorkeling) that fit an 8-hour schedule
• Instructor fees of €4 cash not included, so bring the right change
• Language support in English, French, German, and Russian via a live guide

Hurghada to the Red Sea, and why this format works for most skill levels

This is a full-day Red Sea outing that’s built around a simple idea: you get on a boat, you get organized instruction, and you get two different underwater experiences in one day. For me, the best part is the balance. You’re not thrown into the deep end with zero structure, but you’re also not stuck doing the same thing for eight hours.

The price at $72 is easier to justify when you look at what’s included. You get round-trip hotel transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, tank and weights, plus lunch and drinks onboard. In other words, you’re not paying extra just to be kitted up and fed.

The day is timed tightly, too. Sailing takes about 40 minutes, then you have a first underwater session around 35 minutes, followed by a lunch stop, then a second underwater session around 30 minutes. After that, you get about 45 minutes for snorkeling or an easier swim.

Pickup, check-in, and the short boat ride that sets the tone

Your day starts with pickup from your Hurghada hotel. The vehicle is described as very comfortable and newer, and that matters in Egypt where travel time can vary depending on where your hotel sits. It’s a big quality-of-life point if you want to keep the day relaxed rather than spent negotiating with taxis.

After pickup, you head out and sail for roughly 40 minutes. That chunk of time is more than transportation. It’s your buffer for first-timers who may need a bathroom stop, a quick safety talk, or just a chance to get used to the boat feel before you gear up.

There’s also a note about a separate entrance that helps you avoid waiting in line. While it’s not always obvious why a boat trip would need that, it’s still a good sign for smoother check-in if the dock area gets busy.

Your first underwater session: guidance you can actually use

The first underwater session runs about 35 minutes. That’s long enough to learn the basics of controlling buoyancy, getting comfortable with your regulator, and understanding how the site works. It’s also short enough that you don’t feel rushed by the clock, which is a real issue when you’re still learning.

In practice, this is the session where instructors tend to take the most active role. One positive account highlighted that the instructor did not let go of their companion’s arm during the first underwater time, then later gave more autonomy once the person showed they could handle it. That kind of progression is exactly what you want, because it means you start safe and guided, then you build confidence.

If you’re experienced, you should still see value here. The instructor explains the specifics of the underwater location, so even if you’ve done similar water before, you’re likely to pick up local adjustments and site habits.

Practical tip: if you’re new, it helps to tell your guide early what you’re worried about, like breathing rhythm, mask comfort, or staying relaxed underwater. The more specific you are, the faster the coaching can land.

Lunch onboard: not fancy, but it matters

Between underwater sessions, you get a lunch break onboard for about 45 minutes. It includes mineral water and soft drinks, which is the kind of detail that keeps people from turning cranky at the wrong time.

This isn’t a gourmet meal, and that’s fine. The goal is to give you calories and hydration so your second underwater session feels steady instead of sluggish. In hot weather, that simple reset can be the difference between feeling great underwater and feeling drained before your last hour.

You’ll also have time to relax. That’s important because the Red Sea can be windy at certain times of day. Having a “sit, breathe, and recover” stretch helps you enjoy the rest rather than rushing from one checkpoint to the next.

Your second underwater session: more freedom, still with pros watching

The second underwater session is shorter, around 30 minutes. This is normal for air use and for keeping the day’s schedule working, but it also nudges the experience toward quality, not quantity. Think of it as a second chance to apply what you learned in the first session.

If you’re a confident swimmer with good control, this is where you may feel the instructor stepping back. One account described how, after re-briefing they had prior experience, the monitor allowed autonomy while staying positioned ahead to guide the group. That’s a good sign when it happens, because it suggests the team adapts instead of treating everyone the same.

If you’re a beginner, don’t interpret a shorter time as less support. The lesson is: use the second session to practice what the guide told you earlier, like steady breathing and maintaining your depth without fighting your buoyancy.

Snorkeling after the second session, or an easier swim if you prefer

After lunch and both underwater sessions, you get around 45 minutes for snorkeling or swimming. This is a great way to extend the day’s underwater feel without the pressure of gear, training moments, or careful weight checks.

This part is also your best bet for taking in the reef colors and fish at a slower pace. Even if you were focused on technique earlier, snorkeling is usually where people start noticing the smaller details, since you’re not managing depth and air in the same way.

Practical tip: if you’re prone to sunburn, this is the part where it sneaks up on you. Bring a sun hat, and use sunscreen before you go out, since long boat days have a way of catching you even when the sky looks friendly.

Gear, weights, and the one fee you must plan for

Tank and weights are included. That’s a real value point because it saves time and avoids hidden rental costs. You’ll just need to show up ready for the basics of scuba comfort, like wearing appropriate swimwear under your clothes.

The only extra cost mentioned is an instructor fee of €4 cash that is not included. If you show up without cash, you may slow the process. I’d treat that as a “bring the exact change” moment rather than something to wing.

Wetsuit availability can be a sticking point. One negative account said a women’s wetsuit in size S was confirmed before the trip, but on the day it wasn’t available, and a smaller adult or child-sized alternative was provided. If wetsuits matter for your comfort, contact the provider ahead and confirm what sizes are genuinely available for your gender and measurements.

Also bring comfortable shoes for getting on and off the boat and a sun hat for the deck time. Those sound basic, but they’re the difference between a smooth day and a day where you keep adjusting your outfit.

Small group, language support, and what to watch for on a busy day

This tour is listed as a small group limited to 10 participants. In my experience, that limit is often what makes the coaching feel personal, because the guide can actually keep track of everyone’s readiness and spacing.

It also has live tour guide language support in English, French, German, and Russian. That doesn’t mean every guide will be perfect in every language, but it does mean you can usually get explanations in one you understand. One account mentioned a mismatch, where the person expected a French guide but got limited English instead, which made instructions harder to follow. If language matters to you, it’s worth double-checking what language you will receive when you book.

Here’s the important part: one serious negative account tied to the COLONA center, naming Oussama, complained about oxygen supply and organization problems, plus the boat reportedly having more people than the promised limit. They also described a reduced time plan for participants who were more advanced. I’m not saying that’s the norm, but it is enough to take seriously.

If you want to protect yourself, arrive early, listen closely to the safety briefing, and ask straightforward questions on the spot. And if the boat feels chaotic, crowded, or rushed, trust your instincts. Your job is to follow the plan, not to become a passenger in someone else’s mess.

Who this is best for, and who should skip it

This is a solid choice if you want an 8-hour Red Sea day with structure: two underwater sessions plus snorkeling, lunch onboard, and hotel pickup. It’s described as suitable for beginners and experts alike, mainly because instructors guide the first session and then adjust pacing or autonomy based on comfort.

It’s especially good if you’re the kind of person who likes having a plan. When you’re in Egypt, boat days can feel smoother when logistics are handled for you, including tank and weights.

It is not suitable for pregnant women and it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. Pets are also not allowed. If any of those apply to you or your travel group, you’ll need a different plan.

The real value: paying for organization, not just ocean time

At $72, you’re paying for the package: transportation, gear, instruction, and food. That’s better value than piecing it together yourself because you avoid sourcing tanks, arranging boat access, and chasing instructors.

You’re also getting a schedule that’s not all-or-nothing. You get a first underwater session even if you decide the experience isn’t for you later, then you can still enjoy snorkeling or easier swimming. And because lunch and drinks are included, you aren’t scrambling for meals between water stops.

That said, this is still a shared group experience on the water. The biggest variable is not the reef, it’s how smoothly the team runs the day. The majority of positive accounts focus on attentive staff and solid results for first-timers, and that’s what you want to bet on. Just keep your eyes open, especially around language fit, wetsuit sizing, and whether the boat feels crowded relative to the stated group size.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a straightforward Hurghada day trip with hotel pickup, two guided underwater sessions, onboard lunch, and a small-group feel. It’s a good option for first-timers who want someone to keep things calm and clear, and it can work for more experienced participants if the instructor adapts instead of forcing one-size-fits-all behavior.

Skip or reconsider if wetsuit sizing is critical for you and you can’t confirm availability, if language support is a must and your preferred language may not be available, or if you notice the operation seems disorganized once you arrive. A few serious negative reports tied to Oussama and the COLONA center are enough that you should verify the details before the day starts and be ready to walk away from any situation that feels unsafe or overly rushed.

If you do book, I’d go in with one mindset: listen hard during the briefing, communicate early about comfort, and treat the day as two learning steps plus a relaxed snorkel finish. The Red Sea part is the payoff, but the planning part is what keeps it fun.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The total duration is 8 hours.

Where does pickup and return happen?

Pickup and return are in Hurghada, with round-trip transfer included in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are round-trip transfer, tank and weights, and lunch with mineral water and soft drinks.

What is not included?

Instructor fees of €4 cash are not included.

Do I need to be an expert swimmer?

No. The experience is described as suitable for both beginners and experts, with professional instructors leading the way.

What languages are offered by the guide?

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

Is it suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, and pets are not allowed.