How Much Does Diving Cost in Hurghada?

Diving in Hurghada is generally good value compared with many other well-known dive destinations, but prices vary between operators, seasons and what is included. This guide explains what you are paying for so you can compare quotes sensibly. We deliberately avoid quoting exact prices, because they change and differ between centres. Always ask for a current, itemised quote before you commit.

What makes up the price

A dive price usually combines several things: the boat or shore access, the guide or instructor, tanks and weights, hotel transfers, and sometimes lunch and drinks. Equipment hire, park fees and certification materials may be included or charged on top. Two prices that look similar can cover very different things, so the first job is to find out exactly what is in each one.

Discovery dives for beginners

A discovery dive (often called Discover Scuba) is a supervised introduction for people who are not certified. It usually includes a short briefing, some skills practice in shallow water, and a dive with an instructor, all with equipment provided. Prices are normally quoted per person and can vary with whether you do one or two dives, and whether the trip is by boat or from the shore. Our guide to your first scuba dive in Egypt explains what the experience feels like.

Fun dives for certified divers

If you already hold a certification, you will usually pay per dive or buy a package, such as one, two or three dives per day, or a multi-day bundle. Packages generally reduce the cost per dive. A full day on a boat with two dives is the most common format. Ask whether the price covers the guide, tanks, weights and lunch, and whether you need to rent anything else.

Equipment rental

Some operators include a full set of equipment in the dive price, while others charge a separate daily rate, or charge for individual items such as the regulator, BCD, wetsuit and dive computer. If you own some of your own gear, ask whether a discount applies. A rental set that is well maintained and fits properly matters more than saving a small amount.

Open Water course costs

An entry-level certification course is the largest single cost for new divers. It typically takes around three to four days and includes theory, pool or confined-water sessions and open-water dives. Check whether the quoted price includes learning materials, certification fees, equipment and the boat dives. Our Open Water course guide walks through the structure, so you know what you should be getting.

Boat versus shore

Boat diving generally costs more than shore diving because of boat running costs, but it gives access to a wider range of sites and often better reefs. Shore diving from a house reef can be cheaper and flexible, though it offers less variety. Which is better value depends on your experience and what you want to see. We compare the two in house reef versus boat diving.

Park fees, transfers and other extras

Many popular reefs and islands in the area are within protected zones, and a park or marine fee is usually charged. Some operators fold it into the price; others list it separately. Hotel transfers can also be included or extra, especially if you are staying far from the marina. Other possible add-ons include nitrox (an enriched-air mix some divers choose for longer no-decompression limits), underwater photography, a private guide and drinks on board.

Tips and gratuities

It is common to tip boat crew and guides if you are happy with the service. This is discretionary, and the amount is up to you. It is worth bringing some small notes in local currency so you are not caught short at the end of the day.

How to compare operators fairly

• Ask for an itemised quote: what is included and what is extra.
• Compare group sizes and the ratio of guides or instructors to divers.
• Check the age and condition of the equipment, and whether it is serviced regularly.
• Ask how many dives per day and how long the boat trip is.
• Find out the cancellation and weather policy before paying a deposit.
• Read recent independent reviews, not just the operator’s own site.

Be wary of the very cheapest price

An unusually low price can be genuine, but it can also mean larger groups, older equipment, lots of add-ons or less time with an instructor. Value is the quality of what you get for the money, not only the number at the top of the page. Equally, a high price does not automatically mean better service, so ask questions either way.

Does the season change the price?

Prices can move with demand. Peak holiday periods such as school holidays and the cooler winter months tend to be busier, and some operators adjust their rates or fill up earlier. Quieter periods may offer more flexibility on dates and smaller groups. If your dates are fixed, book early; if they are flexible, ask whether a different week would change the price or the crowd. Water temperature also affects what exposure protection you need, which can alter rental costs, so see Red Sea water temperature by month when planning.

Packages versus paying as you go

If you plan several days of diving, a multi-day package usually works out cheaper per dive than paying daily. The trade-off is flexibility: if you feel unwell, tire or want a rest day, unused dives may not be refundable, so ask whether a package can be extended or paused. For a first trip, many divers book a smaller bundle and add more days once they know they are enjoying it. Check how long a package stays valid and whether it covers both boat and shore dives.

Insurance and costs you may forget

Remember to budget for travel and diving cover, certification card fees, and a medical questionnaire or doctor’s sign-off if you have a relevant health condition. For general background on cover for divers, see our plain overview of diving insurance in Egypt. Egypt X Ltd is not an insurance company and not a healthcare provider; this is general information, not medical or insurance advice. More general travel health information is on our travel health page.

Ask for a current quote

Egypt X Diving runs diving and snorkelling trips in Hurghada, and you can ask about what is included and current pricing via our contact page. If you are still deciding where to dive, our dive sites by level guide is a useful starting point.