Scuba Courses in Hurghada: Discover Scuba Diving vs Open Water Certification

If you’re planning to dive in Hurghada, the first question is simple: do you want a one-time experience, or do you want to get certified? In most dive centers, you’ll see two popular entry paths: Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) and the Open Water Diver course.

Discover Scuba Diving is a guided trial experience. It’s designed for beginners who want to try scuba safely under direct supervision. You’ll learn basic skills like breathing through the regulator, equalizing your ears, and simple underwater communication signals. It’s a low-pressure way to see the reef and decide if scuba is for you.

Open Water Diver is your first real certification. It includes theory, confined-water training, and open-water dives, building your confidence step by step. After certification, you can dive independently (within the limits of your training) and continue your journey anywhere in the world.

Hurghada is a great place to take courses because conditions are often beginner-friendly: clear water, accessible sites, and plenty of professionals who teach daily. The key is to choose a reputable dive center focused on safety, patience, and proper skill progression—not speed.