Sharm: Introductory Dive from the Shore & PADI Courses

Sharm’s shallow-water shore session is a friendly way to see if scuba suits you without committing to a full certification course. You’ll meet the team at Fanar Beach in Hadaba, learn the basic skills, and spend time underwater with an instructor close by.

I like the simple hotel pickup and the chance to take underwater photos, though photos cost extra. I also like the patient instruction praised by several customers, including special mention for Nader. The main caution is that the service can be uneven, so anyone with ear trouble or water anxiety should explain this clearly before entering the water.

Key points to know before booking

• Fanar Beach in Hadaba: Your shore session begins at a practical beginner site rather than on a boat.
• One introductory underwater session: You learn the basics and explore shallow water with an instructor.
• Nader receives special praise: He is described as caring and calm, qualities that matter when you are nervous.
• PADI certification option: The 2 to 3 day course includes training, equipment, lunch, an exam, and certification to 18 meters.
• Bring your own towel and photo budget: Towels and underwater pictures are not included.
• Check the pickup details: Hotel transport is offered, but the meeting information also lists Fanar Beach as the start and end point.

Starting at Fanar Beach in Hadaba

Fanar Beach gives this activity a useful advantage: you enter the water from shore. You do not have to spend part of the day on a boat before finding out how you feel underwater.

Your guide meets you at the entrance. The team explains the site and the basics of scuba before you begin. You should arrive on time, especially if you are relying on hotel pickup or joining a scheduled group.

The exact session length and group size are not provided, so I would ask about both before booking. That matters if you are hoping for a private lesson or need a slower pace. Hotel pickup is offered at a time suitable for you, but the practical meeting instructions say Fanar Beach is the start and end point. Confirm whether your booking includes a return to your hotel or only transport to the beach.

Fanar Beach is in Hadaba, one of Sharm El-Sheikh’s familiar shore areas. You should bring swimwear, a towel, and your passport or ID card. The equipment is supplied, so you do not need to arrive with a personal mask, fins, or tank.

What happens during the first underwater session

The introductory option is designed for beginners. You receive an explanation of scuba and the particular conditions at the site before entering shallow water.

That instruction is important. Breathing through a regulator, clearing your ears, and staying calm while wearing equipment can feel strange at first. A good instructor will let you absorb each step rather than rush you toward the water.

Several people praised the instructors for being calm, patient, friendly, and clear. Those qualities are more useful here than a flashy presentation. If you feel nervous, tell the instructor before the session begins. The supplied information says the activity is intended to help you overcome a fear of water, but that does not mean you should be pressured to continue if something feels wrong.

The underwater area is described as suitable for beginners and shallow enough for an introductory session. You can expect the focus to be on basic comfort and seeing marine life rather than on a long or technically demanding route. The exact animals, coral areas, and visibility are not specified, so do not book this expecting a guaranteed list of species or a particular photographic scene.

One point deserves care. A customer described having previous ear injuries and feeling ignored when asking for concerns to be addressed. That account is not a reason to avoid the activity altogether, but it is a reason to be direct. If you have ear problems, anxiety, or any medical concern, explain it before getting into the water and make sure the instructor understands.

The people guiding you underwater

The instructors are listed as speaking Arabic, English, Russian, and Italian in the activity description, while the additional information confirms Arabic, English, and Russian. If language is important to your comfort, confirm which instructor will be present on your date.

Nader receives the most specific praise in the available feedback. He is described as caring and fantastic, and another customer singled him out as an excellent instructor. That matters because a first session often depends on the instructor’s manner. A calm voice and patient corrections can make the difference between enjoying the activity and deciding scuba is not for you.

The positive comments also praise smooth pickup, clear explanations, and a friendly guide. At the same time, one serious complaint describes a late pickup problem, an instructor who had overslept, a change to another center, and poor communication at the replacement location. The overall score is 4.4 from 19 ratings, which suggests a generally good experience but not a perfectly consistent one.

I would treat the service as promising rather than guaranteed. Confirm your pickup location, keep the operator’s contact details handy, and tell the team in advance about any concern that could affect your session.

Underwater photographs and what they really cost

The promise of underwater photographs is tempting. Sharm is known for its clear Red Sea setting, and a picture of your first underwater experience can be a fine souvenir.

The important detail is that photos are not included in the $47 price. Ask about the photo cost before the session, and check how the pictures will be delivered. No delivery method or number of images is specified.

You should also avoid spending the whole session posing. For a first attempt, learning to breathe comfortably and control your movement matters more than getting a perfect image. If a photo package is offered, decide beforehand how much you want to spend.

The $47 price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, equipment, and one introductory underwater session. Food and drinks are not included for this option, so eat beforehand or bring money for refreshments. Towels are also excluded.

The $47 price and what you receive

At $47 per person, the introductory option is reasonably easy to understand. You pay for a guided first experience, equipment, transport, and one session in the water. That makes it a sensible choice if you are curious but not ready to commit to several days of study.

The value depends on your goal. If you only want to try scuba once, the price covers the main practical needs. If you want a longer underwater outing or professional photos, expect extra charges or a different package.

The phrase one introductory dive is used in the activity details, but the important distinction is that this is not a certification. You will not receive a PADI license from the $47 session.

Food and drinks are not included in the introductory package. Bring your own towel, and remember that the activity is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or wheelchair users.

Cancellation is flexible enough for cautious planners: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Sharm schedule is still changing.

Choosing the 2 to 3 day PADI Open Water course

The second option is for you if a first session only makes you want more. The PADI Open Water course is described as a 2 to 3 day program and leads to certification for depths of up to 18 meters.

On the first day, you are picked up and taken to the center. You choose your equipment, watch course videos in your preferred language, and receive the information needed before entering shallow water. You then practise skills during two underwater sessions.

On the second day, the instructor continues the teaching and skills work with two more underwater sessions. The course description then says you go to 18 meters, complete the exam, and receive certification. Because the activity is also described as lasting 2 to 3 days, ask the center to confirm the exact schedule for your booking.

Lunch and soft drinks are included when you take the course. Equipment and hotel transport are also included. This makes the course a fuller package than the $47 introduction, though the extra fees need careful attention.

PADI fees of €81 are not included and must be paid directly at the PADI office. The PADI manual or online learning materials also cost extra and are paid directly to PADI. Add those charges before comparing this course with other certification schools.

The course is a better fit for someone who wants a recognized qualification, not just a holiday activity. You need to be ready for classroom material, repeated skills practice, an exam, and a deeper session. If you only have time for one morning, choose the introductory option instead.

Equipment, comfort, and personal preparation

All diving equipment is included. The information does not list brands, sizes, or the condition of the gear, so check the fit before leaving the center. A mask that leaks or equipment that feels wrong can turn a manageable first session into an uncomfortable one.

Bring swimwear and a towel. The towel is not supplied, a small detail that is easy to miss when you are focused on the water. Bring your passport or ID card as well.

You should also explain your comfort level before the instructor starts. The activity is marketed to beginners, but beginners are not all alike. One person may be eager to try immediately, while another may need more time with the regulator and mask.

The strongest praise goes to instructors who are calm and patient. Ask for the same pace if you need it. You have the right to say that you need a pause or more explanation before continuing.

The activity does not suit pregnant women, wheelchair users, or children under 10. The supplied information does not give a broader medical checklist, so anyone with a health concern should ask the operator before reserving.

The service issue you should plan around

Most of the available feedback is positive, particularly about friendly staff, clear instructions, and reassuring instruction. One customer had a very different day, with a pickup misunderstanding, a sleeping instructor, a change of center, and poor treatment while waiting.

That is a serious complaint, not a minor delay. It suggests you should avoid relying on assumptions about where the vehicle will stop. Wait at the agreed pickup spot, keep your phone available, and contact the operator if the vehicle is not obvious.

There was also a concern about equipment being handled roughly. You cannot assess the center in advance from the booking details, but you can look at the equipment when you arrive and speak up if something seems unsafe or badly fitted.

The positive comments about Nader and other patient instructors indicate that the team can provide a very good session. The sensible approach is to book with clear communication rather than expect every part of the operation to be flawless.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose the introductory session if you:

• Have never tried scuba before
• Want a shore-based experience rather than a boat outing
• Prefer shallow water and direct instruction
• Want to test your comfort before paying for certification
• Are staying in Sharm and can arrange transport to Hadaba

It is also a good choice for a cautious beginner who values an instructor’s support. The shallow setting and clear pre-session explanation make the first step less intimidating.

The PADI course suits you if you want to continue beyond a single holiday activity. You receive structured lessons, several underwater sessions, an exam, and certification to 18 meters. Plan for extra PADI charges and confirm whether your schedule requires two or three days.

I would not choose this activity if you need guaranteed accessibility, are pregnant, have a child under 10, or want included professional photographs. I would also think twice if you have ear problems and cannot confirm in advance that the instructor will listen to your concerns.

Should you book this Sharm shore session?

Book the $47 introduction if you want a straightforward first look at Sharm’s underwater world, especially if you value a shore entry and supplied equipment. The price is fair for a guided beginner session with hotel transport, but food, towels, and photographs are extra.

Choose the PADI course only after adding the €81 PADI fee and the separate manual or online learning cost. It is the more useful choice for a lasting qualification, not the better bargain for a one-time holiday activity.

My practical advice is simple: request the pickup instructions in writing, confirm the meeting and return point, ask who will instruct you, and explain any ear or water concerns before the session. If you receive clear answers, this can be a pleasant, low-pressure introduction to scuba in Sharm. If communication is vague, consider another center.

FAQ

Where does the introductory session begin?

The meeting point is Fanar Beach in Hadaba. Your guide meets you at the entrance, and customers are asked to arrive on time.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the activity details. The meeting information also says the activity starts and ends at Fanar Beach, so confirm the exact transport arrangement before booking.

What is included in the $47 price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, diving equipment, and one introductory underwater session.

Are food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included in the introductory session. Lunch and soft drinks are included when you book the PADI course.

Does the experience include underwater photographs?

No. Underwater photographs are not included in the price. Towels are also not supplied.

Can I take the PADI course instead?

Yes. The 2 to 3 day PADI Open Water course includes equipment, instruction, lunch, soft drinks, an exam, and certification to 18 meters. The €81 PADI fee and the PADI manual or online learning materials are paid separately.