PADI Discover Scuba Diving in Dahab
PADI Discover Scuba Diving is a one-day try dive for people with no experience. You learn the basics in shallow water, then dive a real Red Sea reef with your instructor, no deeper than 12 m.
- Minimum age
- 10
- Duration
- Half a day to one day
- Dives
- 1 shallow-water skills session, then an optional open water dive (a second dive is often possible)
- Max depth
- 12 m in open water (6 m for the skills session)
- Prerequisite
- None. Comfortable in the water and medically fit (diver medical questionnaire).
- Certification lets you
- Not a certification: you dive only with your instructor. It can be credited towards PADI Open Water Diver.
What Discover Scuba Diving is
It is PADI's introduction to scuba for complete beginners. You learn how the equipment works, a few key safety skills and how to breathe underwater, all under the direct supervision of a PADI Instructor. It is not a certification, so afterwards you cannot dive on your own, but it is the easiest way to find out whether diving is for you.
PADI sets the limits: a maximum of 6 m for the initial shallow-water session and 12 m for the optional open water dive. You never have to go deeper than you feel comfortable with.
Who it is for
Anyone aged 10 or over who has never dived, or tried once years ago and wants to start again with guidance. You do not need to be a strong swimmer, only comfortable in the water.
It is also a good choice for the non-diving partner of a certified diver, for families with children over 10, and for anyone short on time who wants one memorable morning on the reef rather than a full course.
How the day works in Dahab
Briefing: your instructor explains the equipment, how pressure affects your ears and mask, the hand signals, and the few skills you will practise. Then you put the gear on together on the beach at Lighthouse.
Shallow-water skills: in the sheltered bay at Lighthouse, standing depth first, you take your first breaths underwater, clear water from your mask and recover your regulator. There is no rush; you only move on when you feel ready.
The reef dive: you swim out with your instructor over the Lighthouse slope, staying within 12 m, among corals, lionfish, pufferfish and often a moray or two. Most try dives last 30–50 minutes depending on how relaxed your breathing is. Eel Garden is a lovely alternative on calm days.
What's included and what to bring
Your instructor, all the scuba equipment, a wetsuit, tanks and weights. Transport and any second dive are confirmed when you book.
Bring swimwear, a towel and reef-safe sun cream. Eat a light breakfast, and avoid alcohol the night before. If you wear glasses, mention it when you book.
Medical questionnaire
Before you get in the water you fill in the diver medical questionnaire. If you answer no to every question, you can dive. A yes means you need a doctor to sign the physician form first, which is very hard to arrange on the day in Dahab.
Asthma, heart or lung conditions, recent surgery, some medications and pregnancy are common reasons for a yes. Read the form before your trip and see your own doctor if needed. Under-18s need a parent or guardian to sign.
Does it count towards Open Water?
Yes, it can. PADI lets you apply your Discover Scuba Diving experience towards the PADI Open Water Diver course. Tell your instructor before the in-water training starts if you think you might continue, so the skills you complete are recorded properly.
Many people do the try dive on day one, love it, and continue with the full course the next day.
PADI Open Water Diver in Dahab →
PADI or SSI try dive?
Both are equivalent first experiences with the same basic skills and the same 12 m limit, and your instructor can run either. If you think you will continue, pick the agency you want for your Open Water course, so your try dive credits directly towards it.
Compare: SSI Try Scuba in Dahab →
Price
The price depends on your date and whether you add a second dive. Send your date on WhatsApp and you will get an exact price and what it includes.
💬 Get the exact price for your dates
Why try diving in Dahab
Dahab is one of the gentlest places in the world for a first dive. You walk in from the shore into a calm bay, the water is warm all year, and the reef is alive from the first few metres. No boat, no seasickness, no long journey.
Water temperature month by month →
Questions
Do I need experience for Discover Scuba Diving in Dahab?
No. It is designed for people who have never dived. You only need to be comfortable in the water and medically fit.
How deep do you go on a PADI Discover Scuba dive?
No deeper than 12 m in open water, and 6 m for the first shallow-water session.
What is the minimum age for Discover Scuba Diving?
10 years.
Is Discover Scuba Diving a certification?
No. It is a supervised experience. You can only dive with a PADI professional afterwards, but it can be credited towards Open Water.
How long is a Discover Scuba dive?
The dive itself usually lasts 30–50 minutes. With the briefing and skills session, plan for a morning.
Can I try diving in Dahab if I cannot swim well?
You need to be comfortable in the water, but speed and style do not matter. Your instructor stays with you the whole time.