About Hurghada

Hurghada is only a five/six hour flight from Northern Europe, making this the most accessible coral reef diving destination for Europeans.

With year-round tropical sun, good sea quality and water at a minimum of 20 degrees, keen swimmers, snorkelers, surfers and of course divers will not be disappointed.        

Once a simple fishing village, Hurghada has transformed into a lively modern resort town with major international hotels being represented. It is widely considered the capital of the Red Sea with all the facilities of a modern city but has held on to its traditional Egyptian ambiance. 

Traditions & local customs
It might seem a bit strange to Europeans to find local Egyptians sitting on the side walk in a crowded shopping area drinking tea and smoking a shisha pipe together, or a traffic jam on a busy square caused by a donkey pulling a mobile fruit market down the main road (speed limit 60 km ph), but in Hurghada, and all over Egypt, this is quite normal and gives a good impression of the difference in lifestyle.

Etiquette in Egypt is very strict. Egyptians are very friendly hosts but they have their own way of showing hospitality. In almost every shop you'll visit you will be offered a cup of tea and/or a cigarette.
Egyptians, if offered anything, will always refuse the first time - and you are expected to do the same. Refusing means showing respect. The offering will be repeated (about 3 times). Eventually they will accept and expect you to do the same. If you really don't want anything it sometimes can be difficult to make that clear. In general in Egypt saying "no" means you will say "yes", eventually. 
If your "no" is really a "no" just say goodbye and leave the shop. No hard feelings.

Nightlife
Hurghadas night life is very lively. You'll find the famous Hard Rock Cafè, (divers)pubs, lounge bars, disco's, oriental cafes and beach/dance clubs open every day until sunrise.

Especially during the summer Egyptians tend to sleep during the day and wake up at about 6pm to start their day. Therefor during daytime, Hurghada might seem quite deserted while at nighttime the streets can be really crowded.

Dining out
The range of food and restaurants available in Hurghada varies greatly in style and price. You will find (European standard)restaurants and Egyptian cuisine, and of course the big M, KFC, Hardies, Costa and Pizza Hut are being represented.

Local cuisine
Egyptian cooking is a blend of different influences. Most of the popular specialists dishes have their roots in Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria. Most dishes tend to be simple and are not especially spicy. In almost every dish you will find garlic, onions and beans. Most dishes are prepared with sunflower- or corn oil.

Egyptians love honey and therefore their desserts tend to be on the sweet side. 

Villa Kunterbunt managed by Barbara and Thomas, in the Arabia Hotel is without doubt one of Hurghada's best restaurants, offering an "interesting" selection of local and international dishes in an oriental ambiance. Try the camel steak with chocolate sauce, the veal chops with Roquefort or something "typical Egyptian". 
Prices vary from 3 euro - 7 euro for a starter, 8 euro - 14 euro for a main course and 3 euro - 7 euro for a dessert.

Da Nanni is managed by Italians and is only 5 minutes away from our dive centre. This "Trattoria Style" restaurant offers a tasty selection of traditional Italian Cuisine. If you favour pizza and/or pasta this is the place to go.
Prices vary from 2 euro - 5 euro for a starter, 3 euro - 8 euro for a main course and 2 euro - 5 euro for a dessert.

Felfella is a typical "higher class" Oriental restaurant at walking distance from our dive centre. If you fancy trying out some real Egyptian dishes you should visit this place. The restaurant's terraces overlook the Red Sea and especially at the end of the day when the sun sets it offers a beautiful romantic atmosphere.
Prices vary from 0.50 euro - 2 euro for a starter, 2 euro - 6 euro for a main course and 0.50 euro - 3 euro for a dessert.

Transportation
Getting around in Hurghada is very easy as you will find blue/orange taxis driving around all day and night. As in Europe the taxi drivers have a simple system which shows you exactly how much you'll have to pay at the end of your ride.

Shopping
Why not recharge your batteries with a bit of retail therapy?
Head to the north where you will find the exciting "old" centre of Hurghada, called El Dahar. This area offers you a warren of shops, stalls and boutiques selling every item imaginable. Haggling is a way of life in most markets and bazaars. You might get away with a bargain, just give it a go!

For a quieter time than in El Dahar, head to the new Esplanada mall on the south side. The items might seem a bit more expensive but its worth to have a look as almost every shop has fixed prices. Good if haggling is not your thing.

The big(ger) supermarkets (Abu Ashara - literally father of ten children) are opened 24/7 every day. Most of the supermarkets offer imported items as Cadbury chocolate, Knackebröd, Peanutbutter, Dutch cheese, and Greek fruit juices in bottles and cans.

Weather
The sun shines for almost 365 days a year and therefore most guests don't realise that it can get quite cold in Egypt during winter time especially at the end of the day.

For diving in wintertime (December-March) you really need to wear at least a 5 mm long suit to stay warm and comfortable. You might want to consider to put a shorty over your suit and maybe to even wear a hood.

In summertime some guests tend do dive with just a t-shirt under their bcd and wear swimming trunks or a bikini bottom.

About us 

Emperor/Oxygene Hurghada is located in new custom-built premises at the Touristic Harbour El Mina, which is next to the main ferry port and close to the main shopping area. But the best bit is that it's 30 minutes closer to the most popular dive sites such as Abu Nuhas, Thistlegorm and a stone's throw away from Giftun Island. All that you need is now under one roof - the training school, dive centre, shop, liveaboard and day diving offices are together - and you can join us for a relaxing drink or snack on the roof top terrace* and take in the fabulous views of Giftun Island.

Because the centre is closer to some of the best dive sites, it means you can enjoy more flexible diving with half-day or one-day boat trips with the centre's new fast boat diving or on the familiar decks of Pegasus or Pharos.

Both budding and experienced divers will enjoy Hurghada; whether it's day diving, doing one of the day trips below, learning to dive, taking your diving further or technical diving with Tekstreme.

Hurghada is renowned for its stunning scuba diving, snorkelling on coral reefs and wrecks, watersports and beaches. For hustle and bustle, try the local markets or vibrant nightlife.

Accommodation

Below are some examples of hotels that we work with. Enjoy your stay!

Marriot Beach Resort
Hurghada Marriott Red Sea Resort is an exceptional resort located right on the shoreline. This is a 5-star hotel with a fine range of facilities. All guest rooms and suites have a sea view and there is a wide variety of restaurants and bars. Hurghada Marriott's private island is the perfect place where you can relax while having a special massage treatment.

Key facts
Location: Village Road, Hurghada, Egypt
Distance to Emperor/Oxygene: 6 km (10 minutes drive)
Distance to Downtown: 3km (5 minute drive)
Distance to Airport: 8km (10-15 minutes drive)
Star Rating: 5*
Number of Rooms: 270 rooms, 13 suites
Check In time: 15:00
Check Out time: 12:00 noon

Room Facilities
Air conditioning, alarm clock, electrical adapters, individual climate control, luxurious bedding, feather pillows, safe, trouser press, hair dryer, separate tub and shower, cable TV, mini-bar, voicemail.

Hotel Services & Facilities
Wide variety of bars and restaurants, complimentary coffee in the lobby, full business service, cash machine, baby sitting, foreign exchange, laundry, newspaper delivery, 24 hour room service, valet dry-cleaning.

Food, Beverage & Entertainment Facilities
Armadillo bar & grill - lunch, snacks, drinks and ice cream; Island Bar & Grill - dinner, grills, salads and drinks; Lobby Lounge - snacks and cocktails; Marrnet Café - breakfast, lunch and dinner, bakery, pastries and internet; Ristorante Tuscany - Italian a la carte - dinner; Shorouk Restaurant - breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets; Sunset Lounge - drinks and evening entertainment, Sunshine Bar - lunch, quick snacks, cocktails - daily Happy Hour, Patio Café - dinner and snacks, drinks and afternoon tea.

Sunrise Holidays Resort
Just 10 minutes drive from Emperor/Oxygene is the Sunrise Holidays Resort. This newly refurbished resort is located close enough to the bustling centre of Sakalla to walk there but far enough away to avoid the noise! Private beach, most rooms with seaview and a very friendly reception!

Key facts
Location: Sakalla, Hurghada, Egypt
Distance to Emperor/Oxygene: 7 km (less than 10 minutes drive)
Distance to Downtown: 0.5 km (5 minute stroll)
Distance to Airport: 10 km (15 minutes drive)
Star Rating: 4*
Number of Rooms: 333 plus 51 family rooms
Check In time: 14:00
Check Out time: 12:00 noon

Room Facilities
All rooms with bath, showers, WC, hairdryer, TV set, direct dial telephone, minibar, air condition & heating, all seaview rooms with balcony or terrace.

Hotel Services & Facilities
Fully equipped health club including gym room, massage and beauty specialists, squash, sauna and steam bath. Sweet water swimming pool, children's pool, beach volleyball and table tennis, billiards & snooker tables, multilingual professional animators Kids club with large playground, daily changing animation program and evening shows. Internet café, money exchange, hairdresser, laundry & valet service, babysitting, safe deposit boxes, shops, 24 hour on call doctor.

Food, Beverage & Entertainment Facilities
Theme buffet changed daily at the El-Sol and Aida Restaurants, oriental buffet at El-Mameluke restaurant, a la carte Mediterranean restaurant, plus snacks in the lobby. Pool & beach bars with live entertainment, plus the Jungle Discotheque.

Sea Garden Hotel
This hotel is situated close to the heart of downtown Hurghada, overlooking the yacht marina and nearby the old fisherman's wharf. The Sea Garden is a friendly hotel where the staff make every effort to welcome the guests. All rooms are nicely decorated and include a range of facilities. This hotel also boasts a large reception containing a cosy bar area. A great place for those wanting to combine a relaxing holiday along with experiencing the hustle and bustle of downtown Hurghada.

Key facts
Location: Hurghada, Egypt
Distance to Emperor/Oxygene: 4 km (5 minutes drive)
Distance to Downtown: Located within the downtown area
Distance to Airport: 7 km (10 minutes drive)
Star Rating: 3*+
Number of Rooms: 94
Check In time: 14:00
Check Out time: 12:00 noon

Room Facilities
En-suite bathroom, air conditioning, satellite TV, telephone and mini bar.

Hotel Services & Facilities
Swimming pool, private beach (100m from hotel), safety deposit boxes, laundry & valet service, book shop, gift shop, beauty salon and 24 hour room service.

Food, Beverage & Entertainment Facilities
Camus restaurant, La Palma pergola, Snack/Cocktail bar and Crackers Piano bar.

PADI Courses

Your PADI courses cover every stage of diving from learning to dive to advanced and career courses.

PADI is the world's largest diver training organisation and Emperor/Oxygene Scuba Schools are the Red Sea's premier PADI 5 Star Career Development Centres. Whether you choose Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam or Nuweiba, each centre is self-contained, fully equipped and dedicated to giving you the best in diver training.

Remember, the ratio of students to instructor is low, so you get the individual attention that builds your confidence and produces success! 

Programs on offer: 
PADI Discover Scuba Diving
PADI Scuba Diver
PADI Open Water Diver
PADI Open Water Referral
PADI Open Water Fast Track
PADI Scuba Review

For Kids:
PADI Bubbelmaker
PADI Sealteam

Important Note
All DSD students are required to sign a PADI Medical and Liability form prior to starting the course. If the student has any of the medical conditions listed then signed clearance from a doctor, valid within 12 months, will be required.
When you complete the DSD, you can continue your experience with an optional second open water dive, arranged and paid for locally with the Dive Centre, or continue with the PADI Scuba Diver or PADI Open Water Course.

PADI Discover Scuba Diving
Duration: 1 Day

Today, do something for the first time; experience the thrill of scuba diving under the supervision of a PADI professional. You will master some of the basic concepts of diving in confined water (pool or shallow sea) and then head off on an open water adventure at an inviting 'shallow' reef. Experience the feeling of weightlessness in a new environment and enjoy the vibrant colours and amazing variety of the Red Sea Riviera's marine life.

Depending on which of our centres you visit, the open water dive included in this program will be from the boat or shore.

The water is warm and clear and your Emperor/Oxygene Divers instructor is patient, encouraging and incredibly knowledgeable. You feel safe, confident and rather pleased with yourself that you're mastering the skills of scuba diving! After all, it's in our interest to make your diving easy, safe and fun because we want your diving adventure to last a lifetime.

PADI Scuba Diver
Duration: 2-3 Days

The PADI Scuba Diver program is an entry level certification, which is perfect for when you're on holiday and plan to dive just a couple of times a year.

With this certification, you can dive under the direct supervision of a PADI professional anywhere in the world to a max depth of 12m - a wonderful opportunity to explore your underwater kingdom in comfort and safety with an experienced guide accompanying you. You can also, at any time after certifying as a Scuba Diver, take a short upgrade course to become a PADI Open Water Diver.

The knowledge and skills you learn in this program are just the beginning of an exciting array of courses and programs that await you.

What will l do?
Throughout the course, you'll learn a lot about scuba diving, including your diving equipment and techniques. You earn this rating by completing 3 knowledge development sessions, 3 dive skill sessions in confined water, a 10 minute float and 2 dives in the beautiful Red Sea. The dives can be from the boat or shore depending on which resort you visit. This is your chance to put on some fins, strap on a mask and experience an amazing adventure!

Important Note
All course students are required to sign a PADI Medical form prior to starting the course. If the student has any of the medical conditions listed then signed clearance from a doctor, valid within 12 months, will be required.

PADI Open Water Diver
Duration: 4-5 Days

This is the course you need before moving on to further training. Armed with your PADI Open Water Diver card, this certification is recognised at dive centres worldwide and you will learn to dive safely to a depth of 18m with a buddy (12m for 10 & 11 year olds).

Throughout the course, you'll learn the theory of scuba diving, extend your knowledge of dive equipment and improve your diving skills. The course is made up of 5 theory sessions, 5 dive skill sessions in confined water to practice skills and 4 open water dives in the Red Sea from the boat or shore depending on the resort. You will also be asked to complete water skills including a 10-minute float and a 200m swim.

PADI Open Water Referral
Duration: 2 Days

If you've already completed the 5 confined water and knowledge development sections of the PADI Open Water Diver course at home, you can complete your open water training on the inviting reefs of the Red Sea. This will include 4 Open Water dives from the boat or shore depending on the resort you visit. In just 2 days you will gain full certification as a PADI Open Water Diver.

We do ask that you bring along your RDP table (dive planner) and your PADI Referral form showing proof of having completed all 5 theory and confined modules signed by a PADI Instructor and valid within 1 year. Referral courses are also available from other dive organisations, please email for further details. 

PADI Open Water Fastrack
Duration: 3 day course (6 day package includes 3 days of fun diving after your course)

Start today! Take a Fastrack course where you self-study before going on holiday. Which means that when you get to your resort, you spend more time where it counts - underwater! The Fastrack course includes materials and instructions sent to your home address where you can complete the knowledge development prior to arrival.

Once on holiday, the real fun begins. After going through your completed knowledge reviews with your Instructor, you'll go on to do the skill sessions in confined water followed by 4 open water training dives in a 3-day period. The open water dives can be from the boat or shore depending on which resort you visit. You will also be asked to complete water skills including a 10-minute float and a 200m swim.

On completion of the course, you'll be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver, recognised worldwide. After the course, we can include 3 days of "fun" diving to complete your holiday. 

PADI Scuba Review
Duration: 1 day 

If it's been some time since you last went diving then Emperor/Oxygene recommends that you comply with the recommendations made by your training agency regarding the completion of a Scuba/Skills Review before diving. Most agencies recommend a Scuba/Skills Review if you haven't dived for 6 months or longer.

The Scuba Review is a short refresher course including a review of the safety information you learned during your initial training along with a supervised skill session in confined water with your Instructor. They will help you tune up important diving skills such as buoyancy and breath control, equipment assembly and breathing from an alternative air source. You can then take a supervised open water dive to rediscover the beauty of the Red Sea. The open water dive will be from the boat or shore depending on which resort you visit.

PADI Bubblemaker

Start out on the right fin, jump into the PADI Bubblemaker program today! If you're 8 or older, now is your chance to take the plunge with a PADI Instructor and go pool diving. To learn how to breathe in the underwater world like a fish or for further information on the Bubblemaker program, contact info@emperordivers.com.

PADI Seal Team - age 8+
This course is for young divers who are looking for an action-packed, adventurous program filled with exciting scuba 'AquaMissions'.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to dive with flashlights, take pictures underwater or float effortlessly like an astronaut? Then this is your chance to explore these exciting adventures in a swimming pool!

You will learn the basics of safe diving and explore different AquaMissions like wreck, navigation, buoyancy, underwater photography, environmental awareness and more. Meet new friends and share in an underwater adventure. And best of all become a PADI Seal Team Member!

For further information on the PADI Seal Team program, contact us at hurghada@oxygenediving.com

Continuing education

Take your diving further, in safety, with a choice of more than nine courses plus PADI Specialties. Gaining more skills in diving will increase your confidence and knowledge, leading you to new adventures. Equip yourself with the skills to really relax and enjoy your sport.

Important Note
All course students are required to sign a PADI Medical form prior to starting the course. If the student has any of the medical conditions listed then signed clearance from a doctor, valid within 12 months, will be required.

PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
Duration:
3 days (including 1 day diving prior to starting the 2-day course)

When you have achieved a minimum of 5 'Adventure Dives', in your own time, you are eligible to be certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver. You can complete these dives either separately or at different times, in different locations or all together over 2 full days accompanied by a Certified Instructor. When booking the full Advanced Course with us, all 5 dives are taken over a 2-day period. This is a great choice if you're looking to increase your capabilities and gain more experience in different underwater activities.

To certify as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, you must take part in the Deep dive and Navigation dive. You can choose 3 of the remaining Adventure dives with your instructor from the following:

Boat Drift Fish Identification Multilevel and Computer Night Peak Performance Buoyancy Search and Recovery Underwater Naturalist Underwater Photography Wreck Enriched Air Nitrox

The dives will be from the boat (or shore in Nuweiba) and we do ask all guests to complete a day's diving prior to starting this course. This is included in the cost and is to check weights, buoyancy and equipment. Adventure Dives give you a taste of the various specialty courses on offer and can even count as the first dive of that relevant specialty, taking you that little bit closer to becoming a Specialty diver!

PADI Adventure Diver
Duration: 1 - 1 1/2 days

After your Open Water course, why not start a PADI Adventure Diver course and complete some 'Adventure Dives'? With these dives you're over halfway there to completing your PADI Advanced Open Water certification. You can also take part in just 1 or 2 Adventure Dives if you prefer and these will also count towards the Advanced certification.

Have you always wanted to try wreck diving? How about underwater photography? Here's your opportunity, because you can sample 3 dives of your choice out of a long list of possibilities, that way you get...

• A taste of what you like and what you feel more comfortable with in the water
• The chance to improve your underwater skills
  which means that you get more confidence and enjoyment from your diving

To become a certified PADI Adventure Diver you will need to have achieved 3 Adventure Dives with a PADI certified Instructor. These can be completed in as little as 1 day. We do ask that you complete 1 day's recreational diving before taking this course to check weights, buoyancy and equipment. Adventure Dives give you a taste of the various specialty courses on offer and can even count as the first dive of that relevant specialty, taking you that little bit closer to becoming a Specialty diver!

PADI Rescue Diver
Duration: 3 days

This course is a very important step in expanding your knowledge and experience as well as increasing your confidence. As with all PADI courses, it is 'performance' based and involves knowledge development and 5 rescue training sessions (in pool, confined or open water, from shore or boat) plus 4 open water rescue scenarios. During these, you will cover:

The psychology of rescue
Preparation for emergencies
Accident management
Responding to diver emergencies
Self-rescue
Tired diver
Panicked diver
Response from shore or boat with both a responsive and unresponsive diver
Distressed diver underwater
Missing diver
Surfacing the unresponsive diver
Response at surface and exit
First aid for pressure related injuries and oxygen administration

Before starting module 2 of the Rescue Diver course, it is necessary that you have completed an Emergency First Response course within 24 months, or an equivalent 'accepted' certification including primary care (CPR) and secondary care (First Aid) within 24 months.

We do also ask all guests to complete a day's diving prior to starting the Rescue Course, to check weights, buoyancy and equipment.

Emergency First Response
Duration: 1 day

Emergency First Response gives you the skills you need to perform CPR and First Aid. Whether you're a diver or a non-diver, Emergency First Response helps you to properly handle potentially life-threatening situations. This comprehensive program contains 2 core modules that can be taught in tandem or as stand-alone courses: Emergency First Response - Primary Care and Emergency First Response - Secondary Care. Together, these courses provide extensive instruction in CPR and First Aid, as well as providing optional (yet recommended) Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and Emergency Oxygen sections.

Oxygen Provider
Duration: 1 day

The Oxygen Provider course is designed to give you the necessary basic training to administer oxygen to victims of diving accidents. When combined with the Rescue Diver and Emergency First Response courses it provides the best preparation on how to react correctly to any diving related accident. Examples of course topics include:

Anatomy and physiology review
Signs and symptoms of near-drowning
Decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism
Benefits of oxygen
Dive accident statistics
Oxygen equipment assembly and familiarisation
Use and disassembly
Treatment of simulated injured divers - breathing and non-breathing, conscious and unconscious

PADI Enriched Air Diver
Duration: 1 day

The PADI Enriched Air Diver course is 1 day's training providing recreational divers with the knowledge needed to plan and execute recreational Nitrox dives. It consists of knowledge development, 2 practical application sessions and 2 optional Enriched Air training dives, taken from the boat or shore depending on which resort you are visiting. We do ask that you complete 1 day's recreational diving before taking this course to check weights, buoyancy and equipment.

By diving with enriched air rather than standard air you can extend your no-decompression limits. This means more time underwater. For example, if you dive to 15 metres/50 feet on air, your no-decompression limit is 80 minutes. But, diving on EANx36 gets you 220 minutes of no-decompression time - an increase of 140 minutes.

The PADI Enriched Air Diver Specialty certification emphasises the theoretical and operational considerations involved with enriched air diving.

PADI Specialty Courses
Duration: 1 - 2 days

The purpose of a PADI Specialty Course is to familiarise you with the techniques, knowledge, planning, organisation, potential hazards and safety skills for various special interest areas of diving. The Specialty Course is a safe and supervised introduction to that area. We do ask that you complete 1 day's recreational diving before taking a specialty course to check weights, buoyancy and equipment.

Choices can be from the following (depending on which resort is visited):

Boat Diver
Coral Reef Conservation
Deep Diver
Digital Underwater Photographer
Draeger Semi Closed Rebreather
Important Note
All course students are required to sign a PADI Medical form prior to starting the course. If the student has any of the medical conditions listed then signed clearance from a doctor, valid within 12 months, will be required.
Drift Diver
Dry Suit Diver
Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver
Equipment Specialist
Fish Identification
Multilevel and Computer Diver
Night Diver
Peak Performance Buoyancy
Project AWARE
Search & Recovery
Underwater Naturalist
Underwater Navigator
Underwater Photography
Underwater Videographer
Wreck Diver

PADI Master Scuba Diver
The PADI Master Scuba Diver certification is the highest non-professional diver rating in the PADI program and shows superior achievement and experience. To reach this level you must complete all levels of diver training including Rescue Diver, Emergency First Response and 5 PADI Speciality courses as well as a minimum of 50 logged dives. The choice of courses includes Specialties with none and up to 4 training dives. Some can already be started during the Adventures in Diving program, which can make this additional certification an inexpensive choice. Achieve recognition as a 'black belt' in recreational scuba diving.

Scuba Review
Duration: 1 day

If it's been some time since you last went diving then Emperor Divers recommends that you comply with the recommendations made by your training agency regarding the completion of a Scuba/Skills Review before diving. Most agencies recommend a Scuba/Skills Review if you haven't dived for 6 months or longer.

The Scuba Review is a short refresher course including a review of the safety information you learned during your initial training along with a supervised skill session in confined water with your Instructor. They will help you tune up important diving skills such as buoyancy and breath control, equipment assembly and breathing from an alternative air source. You can then take a supervised open water dive to rediscover the beauty of the Red Sea. The open water dive will be from the boat or shore depending on which resort you visit.

PADI IDC Preparation
Everyone likes to be prepared for their PADI Instructor Development Course and you can start your groundwork before you even leave home. As soon as you have signed up for your course in Sharm, you have expert knowledge literally at your fingertips, as your PADI Course Director, Steve Prior, is only an email away.

You will be encouraged to test your knowledge of Dive Theory (physics, physiology, equipment, skills and the environment, RDP and PADI Standards) and be invited to email your exam answers to Steve. His feedback and advice will ensure your PADI IDC preparation is right on track.

When you arrive in Sharm you will be offered a FREE 1-day IDC Prep Course. You will be able to review all the PADI Dive Theory subjects, PADI Standards and Procedures and you will also complete a skills circuit in confined water. This is an ideal time to adjust your buoyancy and become comfortable in the pool.

Dive sites

A selection of daily boat diving dive sites:
Selecting the diving sites is obviously governed by safety, the main factors are the wind and the experience and ability of the divers.

Shaab Abu Nugar
Level -all
Depth 0-14 meters

The reefs of Shaab Abu Nugar present a huge variation of marine life and offer many different dive environments. The main reef sits on a sandy bottom with dispersed pinnacles and coral gardens. There are several cleaning stations around where groupers and snappers line up for a brush-up by shrimps and wrasses.

Torfa Abu Nugar
Level –all
Depth 0-14 meters

Torfa Abu Nugar is located in the north and stretches in an east-west direction with a lovely coral garden.

Gota Abu Nugar
Level – all
Depth 0-14 meters

This oval shaped reef lies to the east and is small enough to swim around in just one dive.

Erug Abu Nugar
Level – all
Depth 0-14 meters

This reef lies in the south and offers a tour from one pinnacle to another over a flat sandy bottom with numerous coral blocks to explore.

               

El Fanadir North & South
Level – all
Depth 0-12 meters

El Fanadir is a very popular site for night diving. The shape of the reef suggests a drift along the wall which is the main attraction because of the cracks and caves sheltering an immense range of marine life. All along the sloping wall you will find blue spotted rays resting and an endless trail of cleaning stations.

Umm Gamaar
Level – all
Depth 0-20 meters

Umm Gamaar is a coral surrounded island stretching in a north-south direction with a plateau at each end. A sheer wall runs along the east as well as the west. The corals on the wall are clouded by anthias and silversides. At rare occasions white tip reef sharks patrol the wall. This site makes an excellent drift dive.

Umm Gamaar North
Level – all
Depth 0-40 meters

Umm Gamaar North is a bend in the reef of Umm Gamaar with a sandy bottom sloping via two big coral blocks into the abyss. The bottom gives way to a vertical, draped by gorgonias and soft corals, wall to the south and a steep sloping wall to the north. You will find big schools of anthias, snappers, sweetlips, a variety of groupers and butterfly fish of every known kind. 

Shabruhr Umm Gamaar
Level – open water diver, equal or higher
Depth 15-30 meters

This exposed oval shaped reef is circled by a shelf at a depth of 15-30 meter that on the west side widens to a sandy flat. On the east side, it narrows down to a ledge. 

Fanous East
Level – all
Depth 8-20 meters

The Fanous (beacon) that has given the site its name is placed on the top of the main reef. It’s a shallow wall rising from a sloping sandy bottom with spread out coral blocks and spectacular pinnacles where lionfish offer a never ending show. It is common to encounter a pod of dolphins here.

Fanous West
Level – all
Depth 0-14 meters

This is perfect site for a drift dive. A narrow channel leads into a 9m deep lagoon via a coral garden sloping down to 14 m. Turtles can be seen feeding in the coral garden, and dolphins sometimes pass along the wall of the reef.

Hamda
Level – all
Depth 0-15 meters

This site is also known as Stone Beach or Lion’s Head. From the top of the reef there is a tiny wall down to 12-15m that transforms into a slope before turning into a stepped drop. The slope turns into vertical walls to the north and the south.

Banana Reef
Level – open water, equal or higher
Depth 14-22 meters

This crescent shaped reef encloses a coral garden and two gorgeous pinnacles covered by soft corals and gorgonias. A drift is the natural way to dive this site. You will find eagle rays, feather tailed rays and turtles swimming by over the coral garden.

Shaab Sabina
Level – all
Depth 8-14 meters

This site is a natural drift dive. A maze of ridges and ergs spread to a dramatic underwater landscape north of the main reef, and an exquisite coral garden to the northwest. The main feature of this site is the dramatic underwater landscape although the marine life is interesting in many ways as well.

Erg Sabina
Level – all
Depth 10-14 meters

Erg Sabina is a small reef offering an extraordinary dive because of the rich marine life. Next to the reef there is a coral garden, around which schooling fish hover, facing the current. About 50m north there is a breathtaking little erg full of soft coral. You will find turtles, eagle ray, feather tailed ray and napoleon wrasse here.

Small Giftun
Level – open water, equal or higher
Depth 14-40 meters

At this site a drift is a natural choice. All over the drop-of in this area huge gorgonias form a virtual jungle swaying in the current, whereas soft corals  squeeze in wherever there is a space big enough to root. The gorgonias serve as a smokescreen for the longnose hawkfish that awaits its prey. Turtles swim over the coral garden on occasion as well as napoleon wrasse, barracudas and giant trevally.

Erg Somaya
Level – all
Depth 5-60 meters

Just north of Small Giftun the vertical wall below transforms into a shelf with an erg reaching up to 5m below the surface. Further north, the shelf gives way to a steeply sloping wall with two sculptured coral formations. The wall presents a huge variation of marine life such as barracuda, snapper, jackfish and tuna. The erg, covered with invertebrates, is one of the most fascinating reef systems you’re ever likely to see.

Abu Ramada North
Level – open water, equal or higher
Depth 18-35 meters

This site is best as a drift dive providing that the wind comes from the north. The plateau gently slopes from 20-35m, extending from the north end of Abu Ramada Island transforming into a vertical wall. You will find schools of giant barracuda, big eye trevally, yellowfin tuna, turtles and squadrons of eagle rays flying in formations.

Abu Ramada South
Level – all
Depth 5-35 meters

This terrace-profiled plateau lies next to a shallow wall at the very south tip of Abu Ramada. The plateau extends as a shelf to the west, eventually yielding to a drop-off. The shelf to the west of the main reef slopes from 11m at the bottom of the wall towards the drop-off around 14m. Halfway, you will find an eel garden swaying in the current. Further south, a hill-shaped coral formation clings to the edge of the drop-off. You will find free swimming morays cruising the wall and napoleon wrasse.

Gota Abu Ramada
Level – all
Depth 0-15 meters

This site is commonly known as the Aquarium. The reef is oval shaped with coral outcrops situated on a flat, sandy bottom. This site is one of the most popular Hurghada dive sites because of the spectacular amounts of marine life. To the east are three large pinnacles, and a beautiful coral garden. Cascading brain corals and tiny grottoes offer some of the best underwater topography in the area.  

Erg Abu Ramada
Level – open water, equal or higher
Depth 10-30 meters

This site is situated on the southeast side of Abu Ramada Island and is also known as Camel reef. It comprises a big erg with three peaks on a long plateau with a sandy bottom that turns into a coral garden to the north. The erg is covered with soft corals and anthias. You will find big schools of glassfish in the caverns and cracks, crocodilefish under the table corals, moray eels, napoleon wrasse and all sorts of schooling fish.
Special trips can be made outside the "normal" day diving area to the wrecks and reefs around Abu Nuhas.

Abu Hashish
Level – all
Depth 12-14 meters

This site is the habitat of a variety of species of moray eels. Numerous ergs and pinnacles spread out over a vast area north of Gota Abu Ramada, over a primarily sandy seabed. Though this is often considered to be one dive site, there are actually three: beginning from the southwest with Erug Diana, via Erug Giftun in the middle and finally Erug Gigi in the northeast. Erug Giftun is a cluster of seven pinnacles, as is Erug Diana. Erug Gigi has eleven pinnacles more or less in a straight line. You are likely to bump into napoleon wrasse, blue spotted rays, crocodile fish and scorpionfish.

Wrecks

El Minya
Level – Advanced, equal or higher                                                              
Depth 17-32 meters

El Minya is an Egyptian mine sweeper which sunk in 1970 by Israeli fighter planes. Now she rests on her portside outside the harbour at a depth of 25m under the bow, and 32m at the stern. The top of the wreck is at 17m near to the blast hole where the bomb that sunk her hit. The starboard side anchor is still in place. At the stern the rudder and propeller can be found intact below the waterline. The deck features winches and cable rolls, and torpedo-like mine sweeping devices. Big schools of glassfish find refuge in the plentiful openings of the wreck where lionfish compete with jackfish trying to catch them.

Balena
Level - all                                                                                                
Depth 5-9 meters

This steel vessel sank following a fire on April 12th 2001. Although she has only been down for a short time, she is already covered with beautiful soft coral and is home to about 200 Barracudas. The wreck lies in 9m of water but the majority of the dive is at 5m. The Balena wore the German flag and was one of the biggest safari vessels. She was built in 1952 in Norway and served as a Post ship and Tender for the Norwegian government. Once retired, she became a safari liveaboard in 1988.

Excalibur or Suzanna
Level – all                                                                                                
Depth 4-22 meters

The Excalibur was a beautiful twin mast motor- and sail vessel, around 22m in length. She sank some time between the end of 1995 and the beginning of February 1996 and now rests upright (with a slight lean towards her starboard side) in a small sand lagoon in 22 meters of water. Coral boulders surround the lagoon perimeter making for a surreal setting. The wreck is crowded with glassfish. Crocodile fish, lionfish and stonefish are common visitors.

                                     
                                      Excalibur 

Abu Nuhas
Abu Nuhas is famous for the wrecks which found their final resting place there and offers some excellent diving around its three sides. The eastern side has rugged coral formations with a very good stock of marine life. There is a good drift dive to be enjoyed along its drop-off which is 25m deep to the north and 15m deep to the south. Just further to the south is Yellowfish Reef; named after the sweetlips which inhabit this reef in great numbers. The eastern section of this reef offers the better diving. The western boundary of this reef is also worthy of attention.

                                                
                                                 Giannis D
Giannis D
Level – advanced, equal or higher
Depth 4-28 meters

The Giannis D sunk 19 April 1983 in a storm. She sat on the edge of the reef for 6 weeks before storms broke her and settled her beneath the waves. The wreck lies at an angle to the reef and the stern section is the most interesting. This is where the bridge, accommodation areas, workshops and engine room can be entered and explored. Strong currents can surge through this rear section of the wreck. The tip of the crane gantry here reaches to within 4m of the surface. The central hold section is quite broken up but allows inspection of the cargo which has been scattered across the sand. The bow, which rises up several meters, lies on its port side. Here the foremast now stands almost parallel to the seabed and the anchor winch, chain locker and the anchor chains themselves can be easily found.                                                              

                                                
                                                 Carnatic                                          
The Carnatic
Level – advanced, equal or higher                                        
Depth 18-25 meters

After only a few hours of leaving Suez on September 13, 1869 this P & O mail steamship struck the northern edge of the reef at Abu Nuhas. Tragically, due to the excellent weather conditions, the 230 passengers and crew decided to stay on board. Over 24 hours later disaster struck when the ship suddenly broke in two. 27 people then lost their lives in the ensuing confusion. The Carnatic now rests at the foot of the 18m drop-off with her bow pointing towards the east and lying on her port side. Some of the interesting features around the hull and skeleton of her structure include the propeller, the large boiler and parts of the tandem compound engines, the table corals (acropora) growing on the end of the davit and a protruding spar, the square portholes on the passenger accommodation and, even now, a number of bottles among the debris inside the blackened, forward hold.

                                                 
                                                  crisoula K
Crisoula K
Level – advanced, equal or higher   
Depth 32 meters

This Greek cargo boat sunk in 1976 and the bows still lie broken on top of the eastern tip of the reef. The remainder of the wreck lies at a right-angle to the reef, on its starboard side. The propeller and stern area is at 32m and the remains of the deck lie perpendicular to the seabed. Since all of the cargo has now disappeared, there are large areas of the ship to be explored. Local stories tell of vast populations of fish living in the wreck due to the plentiful supply of edible cargo! In rough weather some movement can be felt through the wreckage so it is likely that there is yet to be further settlement of the wreck. There are indications that the Chrisoula K. may lie upon another wreck and it is probable that this may have been carrying copper or bronze. It is from this cargo that Abu Nuhas gets its name

 
Thiselgorm

Wreck of the Thistlegorm
To most, this wreck needs no introduction. In October 1941 she was at anchor behind Shab Ali and awaiting orders to move up through the Suez Canal to deliver a cargo of munitions to the British troops in north Africa when German aircraft bombed the 129m British freighter. The cargo is still virtually intact and includes railway locomotives, bren gun carriers, trucks, motorcycles and a host of ammunition of all sizes. You need to do at least two dives on this wreck to even get a feel for the site. Dive the deeper stern section first and the bow for the second dive of the day. The wreck is home to bat fish, jacks, barracudas, surgeon fish, nudibranchs and rabbit fish graze the hull. The current here can be strong and the visibility reduced so ensure a full briefing from your dive guide and enjoy your visit to this part of British history.

Diving

Boat diving (whole day)
Every day our daily diving boats will transport you to 2 of the more than 40 dive sites available. Our experienced staff has the local expertise to ensure that you are fully briefed and well prepared for every dive.

Our boats offer you a high degree of comfort, with saloon, sun-deck, bathroom facility and a small kitchen. You'll be offered a mouth-watering buffet style lunch and hot and cold drinks are available as well.

All boats are equipped with oxygen, medic first aid equipment and VHF radios.
  

What to wear
Most people don't realise that during wintertime (december-march) it gets really cold in Egypt, therefor we recommend to dive with at least a 5mm long suit. You might want to consider to wear a shorty over your long suit and maybe to even wear a hood.

In the summer you'll be fine with just a 3 mm shorty.

What's included

• 2 dives at 2 different locations (boat diving)
• weights
• tank(s)
• dive guide
• local taxes
• transfer (hotel-boat/dc-hotel)
• tea/coffee/mineral water at DC 
• tea/coffee/lunch at the boat

What's not included

• diving equipment rental
• soft drinks or mineral water on boat (to be paid to boat crew 4 Le/0.45€ per bottle) 
• third boat dive

Our staff

Sharon El Shoura Hurghada Dive Centre Manager My name is Sharon El Shoura and I come from England. In my previous life I was a police officer working as a dog handler and it was during my time there that I became very interested in the Diving Section. I then went on a try dive in Tenerife and became absolutely hooked. I completed my open water course in the UK and finished the open water dives under the shadow of Swanage pier! All of my courses were completed in England and I have had some fantastic dives off the coasts of the UK with Oban, on the west coast of Scotland, being one of my favourites.

After completing my IDC I then worked at Dive In, Gildenburgh, Peterborough, before deciding to move to Hurghada. I arrived in here with my son, Alex, five years ago and worked freelance for a variety of dive centres.

I worked for Emperor Divers in Safaga for a while on a freelance basis before joining them again in Hurghada earlier this year.

I am delighted to take over my new role as Manager here in Hurghada and look forward to working with a truly professional team. We will all be aiming to continue and improve upon the customer care and diving service as well as giving a warm welcome to guests old and new to our centre.

Hurghada Prices - Euro

Daily Diving Rates

Dive trips

Prices include 2 dives per day with guide, tanks, weights and weightbelt.   

Special Trips Supplement

Additional Dives/Tanks/Lunch/Extra's 

Snorkelling Trips & Non Divers

Equipment Rental (all prices are based on per person per day)

Extra fees

PADI Course Rates 
Equipment if required included for course duration with the exception of Divemaster.

Introductory Courses

Diving Courses

PLEASE NOTE: It is required that all course students have their own personal set of materials which are no included in the course cost. Materials are available to purchase locally from our dive centre shop, please enquire individually for costs. This is not applicable for Discover Scuba Diving, Bubblemaker and Scuba Review.

PLEASE NOTE: Manuals/Crewpacks for all specialities (where applicable) are not included in the course cost and are avaliable to buy locally from our dive centre shop, please enquire individually for costs.

Certification fee
Certification fee payable in resort on completion of each course - € 35.

Sales Tax (10%)
A 10% Sales Tax charge will be applicable on payments made in resort for equipment rental, special tank requests and shop purchases (inlcuding materials and certification fees).

About Tekstreme

As part of award-winning Emperor Divers, Tekstreme has grown over the last six years to become the largest Technical Diving / training facility in the Middle East.
 
Tekstreme offer training in the three largest locations in the Red Sea; Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam. We can provide extensive training through multiple training agencies; TDI, BSAC and DSAT from entry level technical courses right through to technical instructors.

In Hurghada, Tekstreme are based at Emperor Diver’s purpose built dive centre located at the Touristic Marina close to the centre of the town.

Hurghada is a technical diver’s playground with many wrecks to be found between 30m and 100m. Ranging from military ships, to cargo ships, to passenger ferries and to diving boats. In contrast, from the dive centre we also have easy access to the Giftun islands and Abu Ramada offering dramatic deep wall diving.  

Teksteme is proud to offer the most dedicated technical Safaris covering the whole of the Red Sea aboard Emperor Diver’s platinum safari boats. We have the most passionate and highly qualified Technical Team to provide for your every need.
 
Join us on an exhilarating journey through silent canyons and deep wrecks in warm waters teeming with life, that’s the incredible experience of Tekstreme Oxygene diving in the Red sea.