FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

At Beyond the Blue Family Diving, we are all about personal service. When you book our services, we will contact you directly to agree on the details. During the booking process, you will select the date of your course or the starting date of your course if it is a multi-day course like open water. Our instructor will contact you to discuss the details. In principle our courses are not private so other guests can be part of the course you booked. However, rest assured, we are all about small groups and individual service, so we will never take on many guests at the same time nor mix experience levels. If you prefer to have private service, contact us and we can discuss the options.

We offer a full range of PADI courses for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Our most popular courses include: PADI Open Water Course (for beginners) PADI Advanced Open Water Course Rescue Diver Divemaster We teach 5 Specialty Courses: Enriched Air (Nitrox), Deep Diving, Wreck Diving, Underwater Scooter and Side-mount. If you’re unsure which course is right for you, contact us, and we’ll help you find the best fit based on your goals and experience level.

On a daily dive trip, you’ll explore some of Hurghada’s best dive sites from a diving boat. This diving boat may have other divers, but you will be diving with your instructor from Beyond the Blue Family Diving (you will not be added to an existing group from another dive center) and our groups are always small. Each trip includes: Transportation to and from the dive site (from Hurghada, otherwise extra charge may apply) Two dives at different locations Full scuba equipment rental (if needed) (excluding wetsuit) Lunch and water and soda on board Briefing and safety checks before each dive To join one of our daily dives, you need to have at least PADI open water diver certification, your last dive is less than 6 months ago and you need to be in good physical health.

All you need is your wetsuit, a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure! Standard we will provide you with all the necessary diving equipment (except a wetsuit), so no need to worry if you don’t have your own gear we've got you covered. If you have personal items (e.g., your own mask or wetsuit) and prefer to use them, feel free to bring them along. If you need to rent a wetsuit, please let us know in advance during booking. And of course, if you are a certified diver, don't forget to bring proof of your highest certification.

Absolutely! At Beyond the Blue Dive School, we welcome families with open arms—family adventures are part of who we are. If your children are 10 years or older, they can join in the diving fun by participating in PADI programs like the Junior Open Water Diver course or trying a Discover Scuba Diving experience, perfect for first-timers. For younger children or those who prefer not to dive, we can arrange alternative programs to ensure they stay engaged and enjoy their time with the family. Whether it’s snorkeling, beach activities, or exploring the wonders of the Red Sea from the surface, we’ll make sure everyone has a fantastic experience. At Beyond the Blue, we understand the importance of creating meaningful family memories. No matter the age or preferences of your little adventurers, we’ll ensure your diving trip is safe, fun, and unforgettable for everyone.

Standard all of our listed PADI course fees and daily dive fees include everything except a wetsuit. Yes that is right, we pride ourselves in our simple and all-in pricing. Our course fees cover: PADI online training materials and certification fees Use of scuba equipment during training all dives at Hurghada’s best dive sites Transport to and from dive sites if you are staying in Hurghada* As far as renting wetsuits go, we do not offer this standard as most divers bring their own for comfort and hygiene reasons. Don't worry if you do need one, we will provide them upon request. Please note that our course fees do not include the optional and discretionary tips for the boat crew if you received good service, but that is entirely up to you.

Good question! And the answer is of course: 'it depends'... Hurghada’s waters are warm, but a bit of neoprene can definitely add to your comfort: Summer (May to October): A 3mm shorty or full wetsuit is usually perfect. The water is warm enough to keep you comfortable, but a light wetsuit will help maintain your body temperature during multiple dives without overheating. Winter (November to April): As the water cools down, a 5mm full wetsuit is recommended to keep you warm throughout the day. If you’re doing back-to-back dives, the extra insulation is a smart choice for staying comfortable. Whether you bring a shorty, a full suit, or even an extra layer for winter, remember: the right wetsuit makes all the difference in ensuring an enjoyable, relaxed dive.

Yes we do. Subject to availability, we offer all of our courses also as private courses. For this we charge a supplement of 30 euros per service and in case it is a multi-day course, we charge a supplement of 30 euros per day. Please remember we never take on large groups nor do we take on diverse groups, so during all of our courses you will get personalised service. In case you want the course private, please reach out to us prior to booking.

Our refund and changes policy is the following: Up to 48 hours prior to the start of the scheduled activity: full refund possible or flexible changes to the schedule. 24 to 48 hours prior to the start of the scheduled activity: no refund possible, client can rebook to a later date or receive a voucher for the amount paid to be used for future bookings. Less than 24 hours prior to the start of the scheduled activity: no changes possible, no refunds In case of any questions, contact us directly.

Yes, all PADI fees are included in our course prices. At Beyond the Blue Family Diving we believe in transparent and all-inclusive pricing and we aim to provide you with our courses at the best prices in the market. This means that when you enroll in one of our courses, the cost covers everything: All course materials. Full equipment rental. Instruction fees. The PADI certification fee. We understand that comparing prices across different providers can be confusing, as not all dive schools include these essential fees in their pricing. Some websites might advertise lower prices upfront but charge extra for certification or equipment, leading to unexpected costs. At Beyond the Blue Family Diving, we pride ourselves on offering high quality courses at some of the lowest prices in the market in Hurghada as we want to make diving accessible to all families. There are no hidden fees, so you can focus on enjoying your diving journey without any surprises. When comparing prices, make sure to check what’s actually included to ensure you’re getting the best value. With us, you can trust that everything is covered!

Yes, scuba diving is a safe activity when proper training, guidelines, and supervision are followed. At Beyond the Blue Dive School in Hurghada, safety is our top priority, especially for families, beginners, and older adults looking to explore the underwater world. Our courses are designed to meet PADI's rigorous safety standards, ensuring you learn essential skills in a controlled and secure environment. We provide family-friendly scuba diving lessons with experienced instructors who guide you every step of the way, from your first breaths underwater to full certification. For children aged 10 and above, we offer specialized programs like the PADI Junior Open Water Diver, and our Discover Scuba Diving experiences are perfect for anyone new to diving. Whether you're a couple or a family, our multilingual team ensures everyone feels confident and comfortable. When comparing providers, it’s important to choose a dive school that prioritizes safety and includes everything you need in their prices. At Beyond the Blue, we not only deliver some of the most affordable diving lessons in Hurghada but also ensure you can focus on fun without worrying about hidden costs or risks. So yes, scuba diving is safe—especially when you dive with us, where care, professionalism, and creating lasting memories are at the heart of every adventure.

Our scuba diving courses are primarily conducted in English or Arabic, but we also cater to German and Russian-speaking divers thanks to our instructors' multilingual skills. If you need lessons in another language, let us know—we’re happy to accommodate requests and provide lessons in many other languages to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible. Additionally, all PADI e-learning materials are available in a wide range of languages, allowing you to study and prepare in your own native language at your convenience. This makes our courses ideal for European families, Russian-speaking tourists, and international travelers seeking a personalized and accessible diving experience. At Beyond the Blue Dive School in Hurghada, we are committed to making scuba diving inclusive and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of language. Our mission is to provide family-friendly diving courses and ensure every participant feels understood, confident, and ready to explore the Red Sea.

Absolutely! Scuba diving is a fantastic adventure, and you don’t need any prior experience to get started. At Beyond the Blue Dive School in Hurghada, we specialize in beginner-friendly programs designed to introduce you to the underwater world in a safe, fun, and relaxed way. Our Discover Scuba Diving experience is the perfect option for first-timers. Under the guidance of our professional instructors, you’ll learn basic skills and take your first breaths underwater in calm, shallow waters. We provide all the equipment and take the time to ensure you feel comfortable every step of the way. If you’re ready to take it a step further, our PADI Open Water Diver course is an excellent choice for beginners who want to become certified divers. This globally recognized certification allows you to dive up to 18 meters and opens up a lifetime of diving opportunities. Whether you're an individual, a couple, or a family, we create a welcoming and stress-free environment, making scuba diving accessible to everyone. Join us in Hurghada and take your first dive—you’re in for an unforgettable adventure!

Yes, scuba diving can be a wonderful activity for older adults! At Beyond the Blue Dive School in Hurghada, we welcome divers of all ages, including seniors, to explore the incredible underwater world of the Red Sea. Scuba diving is a low-impact activity that places minimal stress on joints, making it an excellent choice for older adults looking to stay active while enjoying nature. Our programs are designed to prioritize your comfort and safety, with personalized instruction tailored to your pace and abilities. Our instructors are highly experienced in working with individuals of all fitness levels, ensuring you feel confident and secure during every step of your diving journey. From beginner-friendly courses like the Discover Scuba Diving experience to the globally recognized PADI Open Water Diver certification, we’ll guide you through a safe and enjoyable underwater adventure. If you’re new to diving or haven’t been in the water for a while, don’t worry—we offer refresher sessions and focus on small groups for personalized attention. With Hurghada’s warm waters and calm conditions, it’s the perfect destination for seniors to try scuba diving. At Beyond the Blue, we believe it’s never too late to start diving and create unforgettable memories. Join us for a safe, relaxing, and inspiring underwater experience!

Yes, absolutely! At Beyond the Blue Family Diving, we offer private family diving trips tailored to your needs, providing a more personalized and exclusive experience. Whether you're traveling with your family, a group of friends, or as a couple, a private dive trip allows you to enjoy the underwater world in a relaxed and intimate setting, with the attention of our experienced instructors dedicated solely to your group. Private trips are the perfect option for families looking for a custom schedule, couples who want a romantic diving adventure, or those with specific preferences. With a private booking, you’ll have the flexibility to dive at your own pace and explore the best dive sites in Hurghada, ensuring a memorable and stress-free experience. Please note that private family diving trips are not available for online booking. To arrange a private trip, please contact us directly via email at hello@beyondthebluediveschool.com, and we’ll be happy to customize your dive experience based on your group size, preferred dive sites, and schedule. Let us create an unforgettable, family-friendly diving adventure designed just for you!

Hurghada is a fantastic destination for beginner divers, offering a range of beautiful dive sites that are perfect for those new to scuba diving. However, it's important to note that dive sites are always chosen based on current weather conditions, water clarity, and the current on the day of the dive. Your dive site will be decided in coordination with the captain and dive instructor on the day, ensuring the safest and most enjoyable conditions for beginners. Some of the popular beginner-friendly dive sites near Hurghada include: Giftun Island: Known for its shallow dive sites, clear visibility, and vibrant coral reefs, Giftun Island is a top choice for beginners when conditions are ideal. The Aquarium: Famous for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, including reef fish and sea turtles, The Aquarium is another popular spot for first-time divers, depending on the current. Shadwan Island: With calm waters and gentle currents, Shadwan Island is a relaxed site where new divers can enjoy vibrant coral gardens and marine life, as long as the conditions are right. At Beyond the Blue Dive School, we prioritize safety and ensure each dive is suited to the day's conditions. Our experienced instructors will guide you through the process, choosing the best dive sites based on your experience level and the day’s conditions. Whether you're starting with a Discover Scuba Diving experience or working towards your PADI Open Water Diver certification, Hurghada’s dive sites will offer you a safe and unforgettable diving adventure!