Wondering how much scuba diving costs in Hurghada? From daily boat diving and PADI courses to equipment rental and hidden marine park fees.
If you are planning a trip to the Red Sea, you have likely heard that Egypt offers some of the best value-for-money scuba diving in the world. But exactly how much should you budget for your underwater adventures?
Whether you are a certified diver looking to book a week of boat diving or a complete beginner searching for a PADI Open Water certification, understanding the current market rates will help you find a great deal and avoid hidden "tourist" fees.
In this complete 2026 pricing guide, we break down exactly what you should expect to pay for scuba diving in Hurghada.
The vast majority of diving in Hurghada is conducted via spacious daily boats. A standard day trip lasts from roughly 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM and includes two distinct dives at different reef sites or wrecks.
Standard Price Range:
Note: Prices are almost universally quoted in Euros (€) in Hurghada, though US Dollars, British Pounds, and Egyptian Pounds are widely accepted.
The price variation usually depends on the location of the dive center (hotel-based operations are usually 15-20% more expensive than standalone town centers) and the level of service provided on the boat.
Hurghada is routinely listed as one of the cheapest places to get scuba certified in the world. The calm conditions and shallow reefs make it an ideal—and affordable—classroom.
Standard Course Prices:
Crucial tip when comparing course prices: Always ask if the quoted price includes the PADI certification fee and manual (eLearning). Sometimes a dive center will quote €150 for the Open Water course, only to add an €80 "materials fee" at the end.
If you prefer to travel light and not drag your scuba diving gear on the plane, renting in Hurghada is very affordable. If you are taking a beginner course (like the Open Water module), equipment is usually included in the course price, but for certified divers doing "fun dives," it is charged as an extra.
Standard Rental Prices (Per Day):
While outright scams are rare at reputable dive centers, there are several legitimate local fees that might not be included in the headline price on the website. Ask about these before booking:
The Egyptian government levies a daily tax on anyone entering the Red Sea to help fund conservation efforts and coast guard operations.
The food cooked in the tiny galleys of Hurghada day boats is legendary—fresh salads, kofta, chicken, pasta, and fruit. However, it is rarely included in the diving price.
Standard diving prices cover the local Hurghada reefs. If you want to go further afield, expect a fuel surcharge.
Tipping (known locally as baksheesh) is a deeply ingrained part of Egyptian culture, as many boat crews rely on tips to supplement modest base salaries.
While entirely voluntary and dependent on good service, standard tipping etiquette for diving in Hurghada is:
How to tip: You generally do not tip daily. At the end of your diving holiday, you give one envelope to the dive guide and a separate envelope to the boat captain (who will share it with the chef and the deckhands who help you with your gear). Do not tip in coins (euros or dollars) as local banks will not exchange foreign coins into Egyptian Pounds.
If you are a certified diver needing to rent equipment, you should budget roughly €80 to €90 per day in total. This will cover two dives, full equipment rental, lunch, environmental taxes, and a tip for the crew.
If you bring your own gear and buy a multi-day package, that daily cost drops to around €65 to €70.
For the level of service, the size of the boats, and the world-class quality of the diving in Hurghada, these prices represent some of the best scuba diving value available anywhere in the world.