Reviewed · SCUBA DIVING

Intro Scuba Diving: 2 Dive Stops With Lunch & transfer – Hurghada

★ 5.0 · 31 reviews Operated by The Rent Boat · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Hurghada’s Red Sea is the star here: clear water, coral reefs, and the chance to see marine life from below the surface. You get two guided scuba stops, so this is more than a quick pool-style introduction. It gives you enough time to settle your breathing, learn the basic rhythm, and enjoy a second underwater session with greater confidence.

I like the practical setup. Hotel pickup, equipment, lunch, water, and soft drinks are included, and the boat gives you a place to rest between sessions. I also like that non-divers, or anyone waiting for a turn, can snorkel while others are underwater. The main consideration is the group size, which can reach 40 people, and the extra cash fees for some resort transfers and national park access.

Key points at a glance

Intro Scuba Diving: 2 Dive Stops With Lunch & transfer - Hurghada - Key points at a glance

  • Two underwater stops: You receive two separate chances to practice and explore, rather than one short session.
  • Designed for beginners: A professional instructor guides the activity and can adapt the experience to your ability.
  • Snorkeling between sessions: You can still enjoy the Red Sea while another person or group is underwater.
  • Hotel transfers included: Pickup and return use an air-conditioned vehicle, making the early start easier.
  • Lunch on the boat: Food, soda, and water are included, so you can rest without arranging a separate meal.
  • Bring cash for extras: National park access costs €5 per person, and transfers from several resort areas cost €10 per person.

Starting at 8:00 am in Hurghada

The day begins with hotel pickup at 8:00 am. That early start matters because this is an approximately eight-hour outing, not a quick morning appointment. You will want breakfast before pickup, since lunch comes later on the boat and is not a substitute for an early meal.

The included vehicle is air-conditioned, a useful detail in Hurghada’s heat. Pickup and return are included for the standard Hurghada area, but you should check your hotel location before booking. Transfers from El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, and Sahl Hasheesh cost an additional €10 per person, paid in cash on the day.

The trip is operated by The Rent Boat. The exact pickup time can depend on your hotel, but the stated start time is 8:00 am. Keep your phone available after booking, since confirmation is issued at booking and pickup details are part of making the morning work smoothly.

Getting ready for your first Red Sea session

Intro Scuba Diving: 2 Dive Stops With Lunch & transfer - Hurghada - Getting ready for your first Red Sea session

This outing is aimed at people who have not yet earned scuba certification. That makes the instructor especially important. You will use supplied scuba equipment and receive guidance before entering the water, then take part in two supervised sessions.

The best way to approach this is to treat the first stop as your learning period. You may spend part of it getting comfortable with the equipment, your breathing, and the sensation of moving underwater. That is normal for a first attempt. The second stop gives you a better chance to enjoy the scenery once the basic routine feels less strange.

The instructors are described as friendly and willing to adapt to different abilities. That is a major plus for beginners. One person may be relaxed in the water right away, while another may need a slower pace and more reassurance. Tell the instructor clearly if you need help, a pause, or another explanation.

You should not expect the independence of a certified scuba trip. This is an introductory experience, and your instructor directs the underwater activity. That arrangement limits freedom, but it is exactly what makes the trip suitable for people starting from scratch.

What the two stops add to the day

Intro Scuba Diving: 2 Dive Stops With Lunch & transfer - Hurghada - What the two stops add to the day

Two stops give this outing a better rhythm than a single introductory session. At the first location, you can focus on the basics and get used to the equipment. Once you have had time to settle in, the second location offers another chance to look around and enjoy the coral and marine life.

The supplied details do not name the reefs or promise particular animals, so you should not book this expecting a guaranteed turtle, ray, or dolphin sighting. The Red Sea is known for coral and varied sea life, and the trip is built around seeing that underwater environment, but nature sets the schedule.

The break between sessions also helps. You are not asked to remain underwater for the whole day, and the boat gives you time to rest, eat, and look out over the sea. If you find the first session tiring, the pause lets you recover before deciding how much energy to put into the second.

A useful detail from the experience is that you can snorkel while others are underwater. This makes the trip more flexible for couples or families with mixed interests. It also means you are not simply sitting on the boat waiting for the scuba group to return.

Snorkeling for the in-between moments

Intro Scuba Diving: 2 Dive Stops With Lunch & transfer - Hurghada - Snorkeling for the in-between moments

Snorkeling is not listed as a separate guided activity, but the experience allows time for it while other people are below the surface. That can be valuable if you want to see the reef without scuba equipment, or if you need a quiet break between sessions.

You should bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and any personal items you normally use for a boat day. The supplied information confirms equipment for scuba use, but it does not specify whether personal snorkeling gear is included, so ask the operator if you need a mask or fins for that part.

The snorkeling option also helps companions who are not taking part in the introductory session. They can still enjoy the sea rather than spending the entire day on board. Just remember that this is primarily a scuba excursion, so the schedule and instructor’s priorities will follow the two underwater stops.

Lunch with sea views

Intro Scuba Diving: 2 Dive Stops With Lunch & transfer - Hurghada - Lunch with sea views

Lunch is served on board after the underwater activities, along with soda and water. This is a simple but useful inclusion. You do not need to return to shore hungry or search for a restaurant during an eight-hour outing.

The meal also marks the change from activity to rest. After using unfamiliar equipment and concentrating underwater, you can sit down, eat, and enjoy the sea views. The boat setting gives the day a holiday feel without requiring an additional restaurant stop.

No menu is provided, so you should not book this expecting a particular dish or dietary plan. If you have allergies, medical dietary needs, or strong preferences, contact the operator before the day. Water and soft drinks are included, but you may still want to carry anything personal that you know you will need.

How the price affects the value

Intro Scuba Diving: 2 Dive Stops With Lunch & transfer - Hurghada - How the price affects the value

The listed price is $5 per person, which is exceptionally low for a full-day boat outing with two scuba sessions, equipment, an instructor, transport, lunch, soda, and water. Because the amount is unusual, I would confirm the final price and any booking conditions before relying on it for your holiday budget.

The extra charges are clear. National park fees are €5 per person, paid in cash on the spot. If you stay in El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh, the transfer supplement is €10 per person, also paid in cash.

That means the headline price is not the full cost for everyone. For a standard Hurghada hotel, the package appears to offer strong value if the advertised amount is current. For a resort outside the included pickup area, add the transfer fee and park charge before comparing it with other boat trips.

Group size matters to the value calculation too. The maximum is 40 people, so this is not a private charter. A larger group can mean more people sharing the boat and instructor attention, though the instructor’s ability to adjust to different capacities is helpful for beginners.

The practical side of a 40-person boat

Intro Scuba Diving: 2 Dive Stops With Lunch & transfer - Hurghada - The practical side of a 40-person boat

A boat carrying up to 40 people may feel social and busy rather than quiet and personal. That is not automatically a problem, especially if you enjoy meeting people and want a lower-cost introduction. Still, you should have realistic expectations about personal space and the timing of each activity.

For a first scuba experience, clear instruction is more important than luxury. Pay attention to the safety briefing, stay close to the instructor, and speak up if you feel uncomfortable. The supplied details do not promise a private instructor or small group, so anyone wanting one-to-one coaching should ask before booking.

The boat format does offer some freedom. You can rest, eat, enjoy the views, and snorkel during the periods when others are underwater. The day is not limited to one brief turn in the water, and two stops give the schedule a useful sense of progress.

Who should book this experience

Intro Scuba Diving: 2 Dive Stops With Lunch & transfer - Hurghada - Who should book this experience

I would recommend this outing to a first-time scuba participant who wants a full Red Sea day without arranging transport, equipment, food, and instruction separately. It is also a good match for couples or families where one person wants scuba and another prefers snorkeling.

It suits you best if you are comfortable with a shared boat and a set schedule. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed, but the details do not explain specific mobility arrangements or boat access. If you have mobility, medical, or accessibility concerns, contact the operator before paying.

This is not the obvious choice for a certified diver looking for advanced sites, special photography support, or a private boat. The experience is built around introduction and supervision, not technical training or a custom route.

Booking timing, cancellation, and what to carry

The experience is commonly booked about 13 days ahead, so I would reserve early if your Hurghada dates are fixed. Confirmation arrives at booking, and mobile tickets are supported.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, so watch the local cutoff rather than relying on the time zone at home.

Carry cash for the €5 park charge and, if relevant, the €10 transfer supplement. A swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a change of dry clothing will make the boat day easier. The supplied information does not state that towels or personal toiletries are provided.

The best reasons to choose it

The strongest feature is the balance between instruction and free time. You receive professional supervision for two underwater sessions, but you also get a boat ride, lunch, sea views, and time to snorkel. That makes the day feel broader than a basic first lesson.

The second strong point is the instructor flexibility. Beginners do not all progress at the same speed, and an instructor who adjusts to your ability can make the difference between a stressful first attempt and a rewarding one.

The main weakness is the lack of detail about the exact reef sites, meal menu, pickup window, and group arrangement. None of that makes the trip a poor choice, but you should ask direct questions if those details affect your decision.

Should you book this Hurghada scuba outing?

Book it if you want your first Red Sea scuba experience wrapped into one easy day, with pickup, equipment, instruction, two sessions, lunch, and a chance to snorkel. The very low listed price makes it especially attractive, provided you confirm the current amount and add the required cash fees.

Think twice if you want a private boat, a named reef, advanced underwater time, or a small personal group. For most beginners who value convenience and a gentle introduction, this is a practical choice with a good mix of water time and rest.

FAQ

What time does the experience start?

The stated start time is 8:00 am.

How long does the experience last?

The outing lasts approximately eight hours.

Are hotel pickup and return included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.

How many scuba stops are included?

The experience includes two scuba stops.

Is scuba equipment provided?

Yes. Use of scuba equipment is included.

Is an instructor included?

Yes. A professional instructor guides the introductory scuba activity.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch, soda, and water are included and served during the boat trip.

Are there extra fees?

Yes. A €5 national park fee per person is paid in cash on the spot. Transfers from El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, and Sahl Hasheesh cost an additional €10 per person, also paid in cash.

How many people can join the experience?

The maximum group size is 40 people.

More like this

Scuba Diving, compared.

The full Scuba Diving list →
Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 3,714 reviews· from $190

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

Read our review →
First-Time Scuba Diving in Honolulu + Free Videos
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 3,123 reviews· from $89

First-Time Scuba Diving in Honolulu + Free Videos

Read our review →
Oahu Shark Dive
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 2,903 reviews· from $99

Oahu Shark Dive

Read our review →
Diving Between Tectonic Plates – Meet on Location
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 2,139 reviews· from $254

Diving Between Tectonic Plates – Meet on Location

Read our review →
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,895 reviews· from $181

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Read our review →
Beginner Scuba Diving with Turtles and Videos, San Juan
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,743 reviews· from $109

Beginner Scuba Diving with Turtles and Videos, San Juan

Read our review →
Your First Scuba Diving Experience in Turtle Area
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 1,679 reviews· from $84

Your First Scuba Diving Experience in Turtle Area

Read our review →
Discover Scuba Diving
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,676 reviews· from $127

Discover Scuba Diving

Read our review →

Browse the lists this dive appears in

Scroll to Top

Explore the water

Pick a kind of dive, an animal, or a certificate.