Frequently Asked Questions

Try Scuba
A short “try it out” experience.
1 session in the pool or very shallow sea, sometimes with a short reef tour
Max. depth: usually up to 5–6 m
Always directly supervised by an instructor
No certification, but a first safe taste of breathing underwater

Basic Diver
Your first “mini course”.
Short theory, 1 pool / shallow water session + 1 open water dive (max. 12 m)
You learn basic skills like buoyancy, mask clearing and regulator recovery
Not a full certification, but an official SSI program
Can be credited toward the Open Water Diver course if you continue within 6 months

Scuba Diver
A “half Open Water” for people with limited time.
About 2 days of training
Theory, pool / shallow water, 2 open water dives (max. 12 m)
You receive an SSI Scuba Diver certification
You may dive to 12 m, always under direct supervision of a dive professional
Can be upgraded to Open Water Diver later by adding more theory, pool sessions and 2 more open water dives

Open Water Diver
The full entry-level certification.
About 3–4 days of theory, pool / shallow water training and 4 open water dives
Max. depth: 18 m
Worldwide recognized SSI certification
You can dive with a buddy in conditions similar to your training, without direct professional supervision

If you haven’t been diving for 12 months or more, you must complete our Scuba Review (Refresher) course before joining our regular fun dives. This keeps your skills, safety routines and buoyancy up to date and makes the dives safer and more relaxed for you and your buddy.

Our Scuba Review includes:
Review of equipment set-up and pre-dive checks
Buoyancy control, mask and regulator skills
Emergency procedures and hand signals
A relaxed skills session in confined or shallow water, followed by a dive if conditions and your comfort allow

For most guests we use the standard medical questionnaire:

If you answer “no” to all questions, you usually do not need a doctor’s certificate.

If you answer “yes” to any question (e.g. heart, lungs, medication, surgery), we may ask for a recent medical certificate stating that you are fit to dive.

If you are unsure about a condition, it is always better to talk to your doctor before your holiday and bring a written clearance with you.

Yes. Many divers use soft contact lenses without problems. When you practise mask skills (flooding, removal), you should keep your eyes closed to avoid losing a lens.

Diving with a normal pair of glasses under the mask does not work well. If you need vision correction, it is strongly recommended to use a prescription dive mask with corrective lenses matching your dioptres, or soft contact lenses that you tolerate well.

Hard contact lenses are generally not ideal for diving, because pressure changes and water contact can cause irritation or discomfort.

Marsa Alam has its own international airport with direct flights from several European cities, especially in the main season.
You can also fly to Hurghada and take a transfer of about 3 hours down the coast to Marsa Alam.

If you send us your flight details, we arrange an airport transfer for you.

You can dive in Marsa Alam all year, but many divers especially love April to June and September to November.
From April to June the water is already warm, the air is not too hot yet and conditions are often calm. From September to November the sea stays nicely warm, the light is beautiful and marine life at the reefs and offshore sites is usually very active.
Marsa Alam is a beautiful destination throughout the whole year though, especially for diving – with warm water, healthy coral reefs and a very rich underwater world.

Yes. All boat trips include lunch and drinks.
Speedboat trips include snacks and drinks.

Yes. Transfers from your accommodation to the dive sites and back are included.

Our dive center has emergency procedures, oxygen and contact with local medical services, but this is not a personal insurance for guests.

We strongly recommend that all divers have their own dive accident insurance (for example via a travel insurance that covers scuba diving, or a dedicated dive insurance).
Please check your policy before travelling.