PADI Open Water Course Information
Join the Dive UK family for your PADI Open Water course in Hurghada, taught by our experienced PADI Master Instructors. Safety always comes first. This guide explains what the PADI Open Water course involves and how we help you feel safe, comfortable and confident in the water.
We take your training seriously and have a real passion for teaching what we love. You will have time to ask questions, practise your skills and enjoy discovering the underwater world. Your learning experience is very important to us.
Planning your course in Hurghada?
Visit our PADI Open Water course page for the daily schedule, group sizes and booking information. You can also see our current course prices and transfer costs.
Why should you complete the PADI Open Water Course?
The PADI Open Water course is your first full scuba diving qualification. It teaches you how to use your equipment, manage your buoyancy and dive with a buddy within the limits of your training.
Learning to dive is also a chance to build confidence, meet people who share your interests and discover the Red Sea from a new perspective. We want you to enjoy the experience while developing safe habits from the start.
- Learn practical skills: understand your equipment and practise essential diving techniques.
- Build confidence: progress with patient instruction and time to ask questions.
- Explore responsibly: learn to enjoy marine life while caring for the underwater environment.
Why Choose Dive UK Hurghada to complete the PADI Open Water Course?
Your safety is our number one priority. Our PADI Master Instructors bring years of experience and hundreds of courses taught. Choosing highly skilled instructors who care about your learning is important to us. They explain each skill clearly and give you personal attention throughout your training. We remember how it feels to take those first breaths underwater, and there are no silly questions.
- Small groups: we normally teach two students per instructor. Families can learn together, with a maximum of four students.
- Private tuition: one-to-one courses are available if you prefer individual instruction.
- Time to learn: we do not rush courses. You have time to practise, ask for help and build confidence.
A calm place to learn
We teach the entire Open Water course from shore, away from busy boats and fixed schedule times. This gives you a calm learning environment and the time and personal attention you need to learn safely.
We begin in shallow water where you can stand, then progress as you develop your skills and confidence, following the course requirements.
What is involved in the course?
There are three parts to the PADI Open Water course. Each builds on what you have already learned, with guidance from your instructor throughout.
1. PADI Open Water course eLearning
Once you have booked and paid your deposit, we send your PADI eLearning with full instructions. Complete the learning and exam before you arrive, taking time to understand the information.
You will learn about diving equipment, basic diving principles and safety. If you need help, our instructors are available by message, phone or video call.
2. Practise your Open Water course skills
Start in a sheltered, controlled area from shore. We introduce skills in shallow water where you can stand, helping you feel comfortable before progressing.
You will practise skills such as clearing your mask, recovering your regulator and controlling your buoyancy. We explain, demonstrate and give you time to practise. Safety comes first: ask questions whenever you need to, and let your instructor know if you feel unsure.
3. Complete four PADI Open Water training dives
Apply your skills during four open-water dives in the Red Sea with your instructor. You will build experience while learning to dive safely and care for the underwater environment.
Progress depends on your comfort, skills and the course requirements. We do not rush you or guarantee particular wildlife sightings.
Before your PADI Open Water course
You need to be able to swim to complete the course. Being comfortable in the water will help you enjoy your training. Contact us before booking if you have questions about swimming, confidence or the course requirements.
After your Open Water certification
The PADI Open Water qualification allows adults to dive with a buddy to a maximum depth of 18 metres, within their training and experience. Age-related limits apply to junior divers.
Keep learning through experience. The course introduces many new skills, and it is important to put them into practice. After you finish, we recommend joining us on the boat for two days of fun diving with the same instructor. This gives you time to practise what you have learnt, build confidence and gain experience with familiar support.
Safe diving habits matter after the course too. These extra days help you keep developing those habits while enjoying the Red Sea. We offer special discounts for these post-course fun dives; ask us when planning your course.
Ready to take the next step?
View our Open Water course schedule and FAQs, or check prices, inclusions and transfers.
Ask us about learning to dive on WhatsApp. We will be happy to help and look forward to welcoming you into the Dive UK family.