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Certification
PADI Open Water DiverThe first full scuba certification level.PADI Course Details
PADI Open Water Course in Hurghada
A 3-day beginner course built around clear instruction, calm shallow-water practice, and real Red Sea boat diving
PADI course3 daysBoat-based training
Structured Details
Course Info
Duration
3 daysOrganized as three proper boat-based training days.
Location
Hurghada, Red Sea, EgyptShallow 2-5 meter practice areas followed by open-water dives.Training Level
Complete beginner courseNo previous certification is required.Minimum Age
15 yearsFrom age 10, the suitable route is Junior Open Water.
Max Depth
12 metersPlanned maximum depth for this Open Water program.Group Size
Small groupsMore instructor time and clearer skill progression.
Equipment
Full equipment includedPrepared for the whole course from day one.Materials
eLearning and certification includedPADI learning materials and final processing are part of the course.Price
From €360Clear pricing for the complete Open Water package.Payment
Local course confirmationThe exact start schedule is confirmed directly with the center.Experience Overview
Overview
Open Water is the right starting point if you want to learn properly from the beginning. At Diving Star, the course is organized from the boat with small groups, simple progression, and shallow training areas selected around comfort, control, and real confidence in the water.
3-day course
Clear progression through theory, skills, and certification dives.
Complete beginner level
Built for guests starting from zero experience.
Shallow-water skill work
First sessions happen in calm 2-5 meter areas.
Boat-based training
The whole course follows the rhythm of a real Red Sea boat day.
PADI Open Water is the first full scuba certification level and the best choice for guests who want to move beyond a try-dive and learn with proper structure. At Diving Star, we keep the course practical, calm, and easy to follow from the first briefing to the final certification dive.
The course is organized over 3 days
The course normally runs across 3 boat days. We combine theory review, in-water skills, and your four required open-water dives into a schedule that feels progressive rather than rushed.
How we run the in-water training
All training is boat-based. For the first skill sessions, we choose shallow, calm areas around 2 to 5 meters so you can focus on breathing, mask skills, buoyancy basics, and comfort in the water before moving on to the full certification dives.
Once the shallow-water work is steady, you continue into the four PADI open-water dives required for certification. The goal is not only to complete the dives, but to finish the course feeling more relaxed, more in control, and better prepared to dive after the course.
Who this course is for
This course is designed for complete beginners who want a real certification path instead of a one-day experience. You do not need previous diving experience, but you should be comfortable in the water, in suitable health for diving, and ready to follow a structured training sequence across the full course.
Why guests like doing it this way in Hurghada
The Diving Star approach keeps the course clear: small groups, direct instructor attention, practical boat organization, and a better connection between the training skills and the real Red Sea environment where you will actually dive.
Course Flow
Course Itinerary
Day 1
Theory review (physics, equipment, safety), equipment setup, and first confined-water session in calm 2 to 5 metre depth (mask clearing, regulator recovery, buoyancy basics).
Day 2
Skill consolidation in slightly deeper water, then your first two open-water certification dives on a real reef, under direct instructor supervision.
Day 3
Certification dives 3 and 4, final adjustments, PADI final exam if not already done, and certification processing. You finish the day as a certified PADI Open Water diver.
What Is Covered
Included / Excluded
Included
Cost Includes
- PADI eLearning / knowledge development
- Instructor supervision throughout the course
- Shallow-water skill sessions
- Four Open Water training dives
- Full scuba equipment
- Boat days with onboard support
- PADI certification processing
Excluded
Cost Excludes
- Transfers from El Gouna, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh
- Personal onboard expenses
- Private one-to-one training unless requested separately
Need To Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PADI Open Water course suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. Open Water is designed for complete beginners and is the normal starting point for new divers who want a real certification.
Where do the first training skills happen?
The first skill sessions are done in shallow, calm water, usually around 2 to 5 meters, so students can build comfort and control before continuing to the full certification dives.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You need to be comfortable in the water and meet the standard PADI swim requirement: 200 meters swim or 300 meters with mask, fins and snorkel, plus a 10-minute float.
Is equipment included in the Open Water course price?
Yes. The Open Water package includes the required scuba equipment for the course as well as the learning materials and certification processing.
Can I dive after I finish the course?
Yes. Once you successfully complete the course, your PADI Open Water certification is recognized worldwide and allows you to dive with the limits of your certification.
How deep can I dive with the Open Water certification?
The maximum recommended depth for a PADI Open Water diver is 18 metres (60 feet). You can progress to 30 metres (100 feet) by continuing with the Advanced Open Water course.
Can I complete the theory online before I arrive?
Yes. PADI E-Learning lets you finish the knowledge reviews and final exam at home, which shortens the time spent on theory during your trip and leaves more time for in-water training.
What happens if bad weather cancels a dive day?
If a scheduled dive day is cancelled for safety, we simply move the training to the next available day within your trip. Students who cannot extend their stay receive a fair solution case by case.
Do I need to buy my own equipment before the course?
No. All required scuba equipment is provided during the Open Water course. Many students buy personal items like a mask or dive computer later, once they know what suits them.
Is the certification recognised worldwide?
Yes. PADI is the largest diver training organisation in the world. Once certified, you can dive at any recreational dive center on any continent.
Highlighted Reviews
PADI Open Water Course reviews from recent students
The PADI Open Water Course felt well paced from start to finish. The team explained every step clearly and the in-water coaching made the full course easy to trust.
I booked the PADI Open Water Course with Diving Star and it was handled professionally. Small groups, clear briefings, and a good balance between theory, practice, and boat time.
Verified Guest Reviews
Guest reviews for PADI Open Water Course
Verified feedback block focused on this experience type.
Verified Google review
“Professional training path with strong coaching quality. Great center for certification in Hurghada.”
Verified Google review
“Structured lessons and practical coaching made certification smooth and enjoyable.”
Verified Google review
“Good instructor attention underwater and clear feedback after each dive.”
Verified Google review
“Professional rescue scenarios and great mentoring during training sessions.”