The Open Water Diver Course is the ideal way to begin your scuba diving journey in the Red Sea. Instead of training in crowded pools or busy day boats, you'll spend 5 comfortable days aboard our spacious yacht, completing 10 open water training dives—more than double the industry-standard 4—on Hurghada's most vibrant reefs and lagoons, reaching depths of up to 18 m. More time underwater means more confidence, more skill, and a certification you'll actually trust.
Day 1 — Foundations: Theoretical introduction to diving basics, followed by your first dive in a calm, shallow lagoon (2–5m) to practice core skills.
Day 2 — Building Confidence: Two dives to 8–12m depth with continued practical exercises, plus review sessions to prepare for your certification exam.
Day 3 — Real Reef Diving: Two dives to 12–18m, applying everything you've learned on some of Hurghada's most colorful reef systems.
Day 4 — Deepening Skills: Two more dives at 12–18m, refining buoyancy, navigation, and safety procedures with your instructor.
Day 5 — Certification Dives & Exam: Final open water dives plus your theory exam. Pass, and you're a certified open water diver—free to dive anywhere in the world.
After completing the course, you'll earn an internationally recognized NDL Open Water certification, letting you dive with a buddy up to 18 meters anywhere in the world, join fun dives, and continue toward Advanced Open Water. Graduates also get discounts on equipment and future Red Sea liveaboards with Sadko Safari Fleet.
New to diving entirely? Try our Introductory Dive Program first—a one-day taste of scuba before committing to full certification.
Take the first step into the underwater world with the NDL Open Water Diver Course. Learn to dive on the stunning reefs of Hurghada, Red Sea, gain your open water certification, and create memories that will last a lifetime with Sadko Safari Fleet.
Book your OWD course today and begin your journey as a certified diver!
The Open Water Diver certification is the first level of full diving certification. It allows you to dive independently (with a buddy) to a maximum depth of 18 meters.
The course takes 5 days and includes theory lessons and 10 open-water dives.
You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be in general good health. If you have any medical conditions, check with a doctor before diving.
Not at all! The Open Water Diver course is designed for beginners and taught at a comfortable pace to help you gain confidence and master the essential skills step by step. Unlike most dive centers that rush the course in just a few days, we take a full 5 days to ensure you have plenty of time to truly practice and perfect your skills. This means less stress, more hands-on experience, and a smoother learning process—so you’ll feel completely comfortable underwater by the time you get certified! Another big advantage is that our course is conducted entirely in open water, rather than in a pool. This allows you to get real diving experience from day one, preparing you for actual dive conditions right away. Plus, you won’t just be practicing—you’ll be diving on beautiful coral reefs, surrounded by colorful fish and marine life! This way, you’ll be learning while enjoying the magic of the Red Sea, making your training both effective and fun. Our patient and experienced instructors will guide you through theory lessons, shallow-water training, and 10 open-water dives, giving you more real diving experience than most standard courses. If you ever feel unsure, we’re here to support and encourage you at every step. By the end of the course, you’ll be a confident and capable diver, ready to explore the underwater world with ease!
Certain conditions like asthma, epilepsy, severe heart or lung issues, and pregnancy may prevent you from diving. If in doubt, consult a doctor.
No, all necessary gear is provided for the OWD course. After completing it, you can benefit from our special deals for new gear.