Chasing turtles beats a normal day. I love the easy setup for first-timers and the two-site plan that gives you real value for a $60 day. One catch to keep in mind, the first underwater session can start on a bit choppy water when conditions bunch boats together.

I also like that you are not thrown in alone. You get a briefing before each underwater session, and the team keeps things orderly so you can focus on breathing, buoyancy, and not panicking.

If you want a smooth day from Hurghada without lots of planning, this is built for that. With pickup, equipment, and a buffet lunch included, it is one of those trips where you show up, get geared up, and spend your energy on the Red Sea.

Key points before you go

• Small group cap (max 15) helps keep the instructors in control of everyone’s pace.
• Two underwater sessions with time limits (20 to 30 minutes) makes the day feel manageable.
• Beginner-friendly coaching includes learning how to use scuba equipment on the boat journey.
• Free mineral water and coffee on board keeps the between-session wait from feeling like a long slog.
• Photos are extra so if you want souvenirs, budget for them (and possibly negotiate).

Hurghada Pickup, Gear Check, and the Boat-Ready Start

The day begins on land, with a representative picking you up from your hotel area. This trip covers Hurghada, Makadi, Shahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna, and it includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Expect an organized start and an air-conditioned vehicle, which matters when you are leaving for a full day.

Before you head out, you check your scuba equipment. That pre-trip step is more important than it sounds. When gear is familiar and fit correctly, you waste less time sorting issues in the first minutes of your first underwater session.

Then you board the boat and get ready to sail. For a trip like this, timing is part of the experience. One of the best pieces of feedback I see here is simple, the team shows up on time, and that makes it feel calm instead of chaotic.

Also worth noting: you receive a mobile ticket, so you do not need to hunt down printed paperwork. That is a small thing, but on a travel day, small things keep stress low.

Two Underwater Sessions Tailored to Beginners and Certified Scuba Fans

The core idea is straightforward: two underwater sessions from two different sites, selected based on experience level, weather, and availability. Each session is planned for 20 to 30 minutes. That time window is usually long enough to enjoy the scenery and short enough that you are not exhausted before lunch.

For beginner scuba students, the setup is built around learning. You get guidance on using scuba equipment, plus briefings before each underwater session. The plan keeps you within a beginner-friendly limit, with a maximum depth of about 8 to 10 meters. And the structure includes an instructor right there with you.

For certified scuba divers, you still get a guided plan, with a dive guide listed for the day. The difference is you can skip the early tuition focus and spend more energy on seeing marine life. Either way, the trip is designed around safe sites, not random jumping.

You also have a choice at the between-part. After the first site and lunch, you sail to another location and you can do a second underwater session, or simply relax. That flexibility is useful if the first session leaves you tired, or if you just want a lighter day.

What the Boat Day Looks Like, From Check-In to Back on Shore

A typical flow looks like this. You get picked up, you arrive at the diving center, you check equipment, and you board the boat for the journey out to the Red Sea. The crew handles the schedule so you are not guessing what happens next.

Once you are on board, you prepare for each underwater session with briefings. These briefings are key for first-timers. They help you get your bearings fast, understand what to expect underwater, and reduce the chances of small mistakes turning into big problems.

After the first underwater session, you return to the boat, settle in, and move to lunch. The time between sites is not just dead waiting. It is when you hydrate, warm up, and reset your gear checks. Then the crew sails to the second site for the second underwater session.

When the day ends, you return to the marina. There is then a practical step that I really appreciate: you go back to the diving center to wash and return your equipment. After that, you get back to your hotel with the day done and your gear handled for you. It is one of those details that saves you from extra errands.

Duration is listed at about 7 hours, so plan your day accordingly. You will want a relaxed evening after you get back.

Depth Limits, Age Rules, and Safety Reality in Egypt

This is an outdoors trip, so weather matters. The trip requires good weather, and if it cannot run due to poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. That is the right kind of policy for scuba, because going out in bad conditions is not worth the risk.

For safety, the beginner track has a clear limit: maximum depth is listed as 8 to 10 meters. Sessions are kept to 20 to 30 minutes each. Those two factors help keep the learning curve manageable and reduce fatigue.

Age rules are listed in two spots, which is something you should confirm when you book. The beginner notes mention a minimum age of 10 years. The additional info lists a minimum age of 12 years. If you are booking for a child, I would treat 12 years as the safer baseline and double-check directly with the operator.

Minimum age matters because the trip includes instruction and a controlled underwater environment. Kids can do it, but they need to be mature enough to follow instructions and stay calm.

On the safety front, multiple pieces of feedback point to an experienced captain and crew, with a focus on keeping everyone comfortable. Names you may hear include Akmad (an instructor) and Roma (the boat operator). That kind of continuity can feel reassuring when you are learning something new.

Equipment, Instructor Support, and How Your First Minutes Should Feel

This trip includes all diving equipment, and for a first-time student that is huge. It means you are not scrambling to rent gear at the last second. You just show up, check your setup with the team, and move forward.

The instructor model is also designed to keep you supported. For beginners, you get tuition on the boat journey and coaching on equipment use. You also get a briefing before each underwater session, and the instructor stays close during that first underwater experience.

One review detail I found especially helpful is how small the instructor coverage can be in practice. In some cases, there are two instructors covering small groups and a photographer also on board. That does not mean every day runs exactly the same way, but it explains why the experience feels controlled rather than crowded.

If you are a certified diver, you still get guidance. That matters because the team chooses sites based on availability and conditions, not just what looks good on a map.

One more practical point: after the sessions, you wash the equipment at the center before returning it. That step reduces the hassle at your hotel. It is also a good moment to ask questions, confirm what you used, and get tips for your next Red Sea trip.

Lunch on Board, Coffee Breaks, and the Between-Site Reset

Between sessions, you get a buffet lunch served on board. For a full-day activity, lunch can make or break the mood, and here the feedback is mixed but generally positive. Some people loved the lunch as solid and satisfying. Others felt the food and beverage selection could be tastier or better sized.

You can also rely on two comforts listed for the day: free mineral water and coffee on board. That is a simple win because many day trips forget hydration details. On a boat, small drinks and warmth matter more than you think.

Also, remember the pacing. Each underwater session is relatively short, then you have downtime. Use that time strategically: slow breathing, rehydrate, and take a moment before you put your mask back on. If the sea is a little rough, this is where you decide how hard you want to push for the second session. The trip lets you relax if you prefer.

Overall, the crew keeps the between-site rhythm moving. It is not a lazy day, but it is not a constant grind either.

Price and Value: What the $60 Includes, and What Costs Extra

The headline price is $60 per person. For what you get, that is the value story. Included in the price are hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transfers, a multilingual scuba instructor with a license, buffet lunch, and all diving equipment.

That is a lot bundled together. When you compare it to the real cost of renting gear, paying for instruction, and arranging transport, the $60 starts looking less like a cheap deal and more like a practical package.

Two things are not included. First, the Red Sea National Park entrance fee is listed as not included. Second, photo and video souvenirs are not included in the package, and many people choose to buy them separately after the day. One tip from experience is to negotiate the price for photos and videos. If you want them, set aside extra money before you go, so the decision is not stressful.

Also, timing matters for value. On average, this trip is booked about 12 days in advance. That suggests it fills up at least some of the time, so if you want a specific day, book early rather than rolling the dice.

Guides, Group Size, and the Photo Surprise

This is a small-group day, with a maximum of 15 travelers. That size helps the crew manage buoyancy checks, equipment tweaks, and spacing underwater. It also means you are more likely to feel looked after.

You may meet recognizable staff names during your trip, including Akmad as an instructor and Roma as the boat operator. Having names like that is not just trivia. It also suggests the team runs in a consistent way, which is comforting when you are on day one.

About photos and videos: you can end the day with a visual memory. Some people loved the photos. They also noted that the photos are not included in the base package. If you are the kind of traveler who always wants proof you went, plan for an upsell. If you are more budget-minded, tell yourself up front that you will be satisfied with the experience alone.

One review also mentioned that there were two underwater sites where the second was amazing, while the first started a bit choppy due to multiple boats moored together. That is a reminder to stay flexible. Your eyes will adjust fast once you are underwater, and conditions often improve as the day goes on.

Who Should Book This Trip, and Who Might Reconsider

This is a great fit if you want a first scuba experience with structured support. Beginners benefit from instruction before and during the sessions, plus a limited depth plan. The result is less guesswork and more time learning the basics correctly.

It is also a smart option for certified divers who do not want to organize a full logistics chain. You get a guided plan and a choice of two sites. You can focus on seeing marine life rather than coordinating with multiple vendors.

If you are sensitive to sea conditions, think about it. The first site can be choppier, and boat rides can feel rough depending on the day. You can still do the second session, but the option to relax between sites helps.

If you need a fully private experience, this may not be the best match because it is built for a group of up to 15. It is not a bad thing, it is just the style. This is about shared instruction and shared scheduling.

If you are traveling with kids, pay close attention to the age rule notes and confirm in advance. The minimum age appears as 12 years in one place, while the beginner section notes 10 years. That mismatch is a clear reason to verify before you commit.

Should You Book This Hurghada Scuba Trip with Pharaohs Tours?

I would book this if you want value and support in one day. The package covers pickup, equipment, a multilingual licensed instructor, buffet lunch, and two guided underwater sessions. For first-timers, the structure and briefings make the day feel less scary. For certified divers, you get guided planning and a solid chance at colorful marine life.

Book it sooner rather than later if you have fixed dates, since average advance booking is about 12 days. And if you care about photos, go in ready to pay extra, and consider negotiating.

Skip it or choose something else if you need a fully private schedule, or if your travel style requires long downtime between activities. This trip is efficient, not slow.

If you are ready to trade hotel beach time for a controlled, coached day on the Red Sea, this one is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the Hurghada trip?

The trip duration is listed as about 7 hours.

How many underwater sessions are included?

The experience includes two underwater sessions in a single day, and each session is listed as 20 to 30 minutes.

What is the maximum depth for beginners?

For beginner divers, the maximum depth is listed as 8 to 10 meters.

Does the price include equipment and lunch?

Yes. The experience includes all diving equipment and a buffet lunch.

Is hotel pickup included, and where does it pick up?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off is included in Hurghada, Makadi, Shahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna.

What is the minimum age?

The information lists a minimum age of 12 years. The beginner section also mentions a minimum age of 10 years, so you should confirm the correct requirement when booking.

Is the Red Sea National Park entrance fee included?

No. The entrance fee for the Red Sea National Park is not included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The trip requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.