Deep-Divers

Scuba Diving in Hurghada: What Every Novice Should Know

Many tourists come to the city of Hurghada for the specific reason of trying out its numerous dive sites. Scuba Diving in Hurghada is always on the top of the lists of most avid divers, fueling the establishment of several dive centers along the city’s long stretch of beaches. These dive centers offer a range of services for both the uninitiated and experienced diving enthusiasts. However, before novices plunge in for unforgettable underwater forays, it would be good to know some basic facts and tips.

First, be sure to check out the credentials of the dive center of your choice and the certifications of its Divemasters and Instructors.
Know that there are also several options for those who haven’t tried this recreation before. Some dive centers offer introduction diving, a whole day trip underwater with a certified Divemaster or an Instructor. This program is designed for tourists staying only a day or two. Dives of this kind goes down no further than 10 meters and is just a step up to snorkeling. Given the presence of a good number of shallow areas in this part of the Red Sea, divers will still get to experience being among the abundant marine organisms found here.

Another option for the uninitiated would be to take the PADI Open Water Diver Course, which lasts for 4-5 days. This course entails diving in confined waters and in open sea, and provides certification to those who complete it. Younger individuals, aging from 10 to 14, have the option of taking the Junior Open Water Course offered by PADI.

The basic equipments needed for Scuba Diving include a mask, a pair of fins, a snorkel, a suit, regulator, buoyancy compensator (BC) vest, and a dive watch. There are also several important things to keep in mind when selecting equipments to use. First time divers should select a mask that fits their face well, and forms a seal around the eyes and nose. There are also prescription masks for those needing it. It would also do the diver good to choose fins with proper size, a pair that is appropriate to the overall size of the wearer. Trying out several fins will enable the wearer to select the right pair. It is also important to select wet suit or dry suit that fits the body well. Consulting dive instructors are essential when individuals decide to purchase their own BC vest and regulators.

More importantly, it would do any interested individuals to evaluate their own capabilities when deciding to try Scuba Diving in Hurghada. Basic swimming skills are mandatory, as well as overall physical fitness. Mental and emotional stability are also required, as one needs a clear head and avoid the onset of panic attacks when underwater.

Lastly, it would be good to know several Arabic terms used in connection to the numerous dive sites available in the area:

• Sha’ab and Sha’abrour both denote a reef, but the latter always means down current from a nearby main reef.
• Marsa means an open gulf or bay, while a Sharm denotes a smaller bay enclosed by land.
• Habili is the word that means a submerged reef.
• Gota is usually used as a prefix to a name of a reef chain and denotes a piece of that reef.
• Erg is a word used in reference to a singular pinnacle, while the term El Aruk is its plural form.
• Umm means mother, while Abu means father.