AOWD diving into the secrets of the Red Sea in El Gouna
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration5 days
-
LevelIntermediate
-
DestinationRed Sea / Hurghada
-
AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
-
CO₂-Emissions33.96 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIndependent traveler
-
Languages
English
Arabic
German
French
In a few words
Dive into an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Red Sea with our Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) course at Mövenpick El Gouna. Over 2 to 3 days, progress safely with certified PADI instructors, explore colorful reefs , tropical fish , and hidden shipwrecks , and discover unique underwater sites accessible only to advanced divers. Experience the thrill of open water diving, hone your skills, and earn your advanced certification , allowing you to dive to 30 meters and confidently explore new underwater horizons.
The highlights
-
Exceptional diving on the reefs of the Red Sea
-
Personalized instruction by certified PADI instructors: safety and progression
-
Advanced Open Water Diver certification: dive up to 30m
Photos
Sport
Level
Scuba diving
The expert's opinion
The Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) course is designed for divers who have already completed the Open Water certification and wish to progress safely. It allows them to discover new specialized skills, such as deep diving and underwater navigation, while exploring diverse sites, some of which are inaccessible to beginner divers.
For 2 to 3 days, you will be supervised by certified PADI instructors, who will adapt the dives to your level and local conditions.
This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your knowledge of planning and safety, gain confidence in more complex environments, and earn your Advanced Open Water Diver certification, which allows you to dive to a depth of 30 meters and explore a wider variety of reefs and wrecks. The experience is both educational and immersive, ideal for those who wish to broaden their underwater horizons and enjoy exceptional moments in the Red Sea.
In figures
Diving
- 2 average daily practices
- Maximum depth: 30 m
Management
English
Arabic
German
French
All AOWD courses are led by certified, experienced, and multilingual PADI instructors specializing in advanced diver training. Their mission is to guide you safely from your first dive to your final dive, adapting the exercises and dives to your skill level and objectives. They will guide you in mastering advanced techniques, independently planning your dives, and exploring the iconic dive sites of the Red Sea. Thanks to their expertise, you will benefit from personalized support, precise technical advice, and practical recommendations for a safe, enriching, and memorable underwater experience.
Program
-
Arrival in El Gouna
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Take the time to settle into your accommodation and explore the area.
Day 1 -
Welcome, Check-in & Briefing: First steps towards your underwater adventure
- Transportation Minibus - 00h07 - 4km
- Activity Diving
- Number of practices per day 3
- Maximum depth (in m) 30 m
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Your experience begins with check-in, where our multilingual team will welcome you and assist you with all the formalities. You will then be transferred to the center for a sea check dive to review your skills in a natural environment.
During the detailed briefing, you will discover:
- Introduction to specialized diving and advanced techniques
- Specific security procedures and protocols
- Presentation of the dive sites and the day's program
This first day combines learning, immersion and confidence building, preparing you for your advanced dives.
Day 2 -
Specialized Dives: Exploration and Advanced Training
- Transportation Minibus - 00h07 - 4km
- Activity Diving
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
You'll continue with up to three dives, depending on weather and wind conditions. These dives, chosen from the available options, will allow you to further develop your skills and gain independence in dive planning. You'll refine your underwater comfort while exploring different marine environments. As with the previous session, each dive is followed by a debriefing to reinforce your knowledge.
Day 3 -
Final Dive & Certification: Becoming an Advanced Diver (optional - if necessary)
- Transportation Minibus - 00h07 - 1km
- Activity Diving
- Number of practices per day 1
- Maximum depth (in m) 30 m
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
On Day 3, you will complete a final supervised dive, followed by a personalized debriefing with your instructor. Upon completion of this step, you will receive your PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification, allowing you to dive to a depth of 30 meters and explore a wider variety of dive sites worldwide.
This final stage is the culmination of your progress, combining technical mastery, safety and the discovery of the seabed of El Gouna.
Day 4 -
Last moments in Egypt
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
It's almost time to go home… but not without a few last moments of enjoyment. You'll need to vacate your room and check out.
Day 5
Note
The Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) course program is designed to be flexible and adaptable to local conditions.
Dive times and organization may be adjusted according to weather, wind and currents to ensure a safe and optimal experience.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- 5 dives
- Basic equipment included: 12L bottle, belt and weights
- Accommodation according to the chosen package
- Lunches
- Accommodation according to the chosen package
The price does not include
- Flights
- Breakfasts and dinners
- National park fee: €8 per person per day
- Diving permit fees (€7 x 2 days): €14/person or (€7 x 3 days) €21/person
- The tourist tax
Options
- Private instructor (2 days) : CHF109.78 / person
- Private instructor (3 days) : CHF164.66 / person
- Diamond Package (mandatory) : CHF86.91 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
- Meals according to the chosen package
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Mask, fins and snorkel
- Neoprene wetsuit adapted to the water temperature
- Buoyancy compensator (BCD), regulator and diving cylinder
- Weights and weight belt
- Educational support for the theory section (online learning materials)
Equipment to bring
- Dive logbook and waterproof pen (optional but recommended)
- Personal mask, snorkel and fins if you prefer to use your own equipment
- Water-resistant sunscreen
- Water bottle/water container to stay hydrated
- Waterproof bag to protect your personal belongings during dives
- Sunglasses for surface and transfers
Clothing to bring
- Swimsuit or swim shorts
- Beach towel / diving towel
- Lightweight T-shirt, casual outfit for out-of-water activities
- A cap or hat to protect yourself from the sun
- Comfortable shoes for getting around the center and on the boats
- A light jacket or sweatshirt for cooler evenings
The Sandra team
A leading diving provider in the Red Sea since 2015, this diving expert operates from eight strategic sites, from El Gouna to Marsa Alam. Sandra offers an exceptional experience in the heart of Egypt's underwater biodiversity, combining rigorous safety protocols with top-of-the-line equipment.
