PADI Open Water Diver Course
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 765 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is PADI Open Water Diver Course worth booking?
PADI Open Water Diver Course is a 72-hour experience in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, from $355 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 765 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 82 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (765)
- Duration
- 72 hours
- From
- $355 per person
PADI Open Water Diver course is conducted by PADI certified professions and provides is a life long certification to dive to 18m independently which is recognized world wide. Comprising of 4 Open Water Dives, 5 Confined
What you get
- Bottled water
- Use of all required scuba diving equipment
- PADI Professional Instructor
- Confined Water Dives to learn skills, 4 Open Water Dives in the Sea and 5 Theory Sessions Lunch and soft drinks on board boat Hotel pickup and drop-off in air conditioned vehicle
About this experience
PADI Open Water Diver course is conducted by PADI certified professions and provides is a life long certification to dive to 18m independently which is recognized world wide. Comprising of 4 Open Water Dives, 5 Confined Water Dives and 5 Theory sessions the course is completed in 3 days. The Open Water Dives are conducted in the beautiful waters of the Egyptian Red Sea providing the opportunity to see the diverse array of marine life.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Use of all required scuba diving equipment
- PADI Professional Instructor
- Confined Water Dives to learn skills, 4 Open Water Dives in the Sea and 5 Theory Sessions Lunch and soft drinks on board boat Hotel pickup and drop-off in air conditioned vehicle
Not included
- Exclusions
- PADI Certification and Manual
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- ar, de, ru, en, it, fr, da, nl, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Pyramids Diving Center
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age 10 years old
- Not suitable for pregnant women or participants with back problems, heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
- Diving within 24 hours of flying is not recommended. All participants will be required to complete a health questionnaire prior to diving. Some pre-existing medical conditions (eg asthma, heart conditions, etc) may prevent you from diving, please consult your doctor
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or change of activity
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 765 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
765 verified traveler reviews for PADI Open Water Diver Course. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Pyramids Diving Center is extraordinary
Me and my family came on holiday to Egypt and stayed at the Rixos Premium Seagate, never thought I’d ever go driving but that soon changed as a man approached me and my family at the hotel asking if we would like to try it. We soon gave in anyways. Honestly best experience I’ve had was diving with my family, instructor (Mohamed Abd Elkarim) and seeing the open Sea. I would Highly recommend and wouldn’t hesitate to come again. Once again thanks Mohamed for this life changing opportunity and for helping me get my PADI license. Kind Regards, Jacob
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your incredible review, Jacob! We're absolutely thrilled to hear that you and your family had such a memorable experience with us and that you decided to give diving a try during your holiday in Egypt. It's wonderful to know that your first experience in the open sea became such a special and life-changing memory for you! A very special thank you for your kind words about your instructor, Mohamed Abd Elkarim. We'll be sure to share your message with him—he'll be delighted to know that his guidance, patience, and professionalism helped you achieve your PADI certification and discover a new passion for diving. Congratulations on becoming a certified diver! We hope this is just the beginning of many incredible underwater adventures around the world. Thank you for choosing Pyramids Diving Center. We can't wait to welcome you and your family back to the Red Sea for your next diving adventure!
via Tripadvisor
Exciting, steady improvement in our diving.
I enjoyed the exploration very much; I thought the learning speed was a bit too rapid to keep up with, but I wouldn’t think that would be a huge downside for the right individuals. The staff were very friendly/accommodating, we had Mohamed Abd Elkaim as our instructor, and I found him patient with the safety practices and appreciated when I was pushed to try again rather than resurface during my nervous moments. Overall I think the coral reef alone warrants interest and we have all been left with a positive impression.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful and honest review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring the underwater world and that you and your group were left with such a positive impression. The Red Sea's incredible coral reefs truly are something special, and we're happy you had the opportunity to experience them. A special thank you for your kind words about Mohamed Abd Elkaim. We're glad his patience, encouragement, and focus on safety helped you work through those nervous moments and continue building your confidence underwater. We also appreciate your feedback about the pace of learning. Every diver progresses differently, and your comments are valuable to us as we continue to make the experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible for everyone. Thank you for choosing Pyramids Diving Center. We hope to welcome you back soon to continue your diving journey and explore even more of the amazing Red Sea!
via Tripadvisor
Pyramids diving school
Very well organised, thorough and following PADI guidelines at all times. Went from total novices to feeling confident with a SCUBA tank. Friendly, welcoming staff who all did a great job. Special mention to our instructor, Mohamed Abd Elkarim, who was friendly, patient and supremely competent. Will return soon! Thank you guys, great job xxx
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience with Pyramids Diving Center and that you went from complete beginners to feeling confident and comfortable with scuba diving. It's wonderful to know that you appreciated our organization, attention to safety, and commitment to following PADI standards throughout your course. A special thank you for your kind words about Mohamed Abd Elkarim. We'll be sure to pass your compliments on to him—he'll be delighted to know that his patience, friendliness, and professionalism helped make your learning experience so enjoyable. Congratulations on taking your first steps into the underwater world! We can't wait to welcome you back soon for more diving adventures and new experiences in the Red Sea. Thank you for choosing Pyramids Diving Center!
via Tripadvisor
padi open water & padi Advanced open water
everything was perfect! instructor MUSTAFA is really nice and friendly! open water course took 3 days to complete. Advanced open water took 2 days. one day we sailed on a ship to Tirana island, dived there 3 times, saw a turtle, moray eel, lionfish, napoleon fish, stinger ray. I'd recommend this diving centre and the instructor!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your fantastic review! Congratulations on completing both your PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water courses! We're delighted to hear that you had such a great experience and enjoyed the incredible dives around Tiran Island and the amazing marine life you encountered. A special thank you for your kind words about Mustafa. We'll be sure to share your compliments with him—he'll be delighted to know that his friendly and professional approach made your courses so enjoyable. Thank you for your recommendation and for choosing Pyramids Diving Center. We look forward to welcoming you back for many more unforgettable dives in the Red Sea!
via Tripadvisor
PADI Open Water Course- Pyramids Diving Centre
If you are wanting to do your PADI open water course I would highly recommend coming here. My instructor was called Mohamed Abd Elkarim he made this experience very enjoyable and so did the rest of the staff there. My instructor reassured I was doing well and took me through each step of skills slowly and patiently. Overall a really great experience. 5-STAR-Experience
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your fantastic 5-star review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a great experience completing your PADI Open Water Course with us. Congratulations on your certification! A special thank you for your kind words about Mohamed Abd Elkarim. We'll be sure to share your compliments with him—he'll be delighted to know that his patience, professionalism, and encouragement helped make your learning experience so enjoyable and rewarding. Thank you for choosing Pyramids Diving Center and for your recommendation. We hope to welcome you back soon for many more amazing dives in the Red Sea!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 72 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 268
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
PADI Open Water Diver Course: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sharm el Sheikh.
How much does PADI Open Water Diver Course cost?
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Prices start at $355 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sharm el Sheikh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does PADI Open Water Diver Course take?
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Plan for about 72 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sharm el Sheikh is not rushed.
Is PADI Open Water Diver Course worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 765 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Sharm el Sheikh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule PADI Open Water Diver Course?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is PADI Open Water Diver Course suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 72-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book PADI Open Water Diver Course?
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Around 268 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sharm el Sheikh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sharm el Sheikh and add a light layer if any part of the 72-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does PADI Open Water Diver Course start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sharm el Sheikh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Sharm el Sheikh?
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On Outty we rank every Sharm el Sheikh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohammed Snorkeling, Allah Gate & Top Sights, ATV Quad Bike & Camel Ride, Echo Mountain – Sharm El Sheikh, Sharm : Cairo Excursion by Flight, Pyramid GEM or Ancient Museum. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Sharm el Sheikh?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Sharm el Sheikh?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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