Dahab is one of the best places in the world to learn to dive: warm, clear water, reefs right off the shore and dive sites for every level. This guide covers our PADI courses — from the Bubble Maker for children to the Advanced Open Water course — and our boat safaris to the famous Thistlegorm wreck and Gabr El Bint.
PADI Courses in Dahab
| Course | Who it is for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bubble Maker | Children aged 8 and over — first breaths underwater, maximum depth 2 metres | On request |
| Open Water Referral | Divers who completed the theory at home and finish their Open Water course in Dahab | On request |
| Advanced Open Water Course | Certified divers — 5 dives including deeper diving to 30 m, navigation and night diving | On request |
| Emergency First Response | Anyone — CPR, first aid and AED training; required before the Rescue Diver course | On request |
All courses include full equipment, tanks, certification and transport. See all options in our diving section.
Bubble Maker: Diving for Children
Designed for children aged 8 and over, the Bubble Maker introduces diving in a fun, safe environment. Children learn to use simple equipment and take their first breaths underwater, staying no deeper than two metres, always under the supervision of PADI instructors.
Open Water Referral
Short on holiday time? Do the theory and pool sessions with a PADI dive shop at home, then come to Dahab and complete your Open Water course in the Red Sea.
Advanced Open Water
Five dives and five knowledge reviews to improve your navigation, prepare you for deeper dives to 30 metres and introduce night diving, with a hands-on focus on buoyancy and technique.
Emergency First Response
CPR and first aid for adults, children and infants, plus AED training — useful in daily life, and a PADI requirement for the Rescue Diver course.
Boat Safaris: Thistlegorm and Gabr El Bint
| Trip | Length | Dives | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boat Safari to Gabr El Bint | 1 day | 2 dives | On request |
| Boat Safari to Thistlegorm | 1 day | 2 dives | On request |
| Boat Safari to Thistlegorm | 1 day and 1 night | 3 dives | On request |
The SS Thistlegorm
The Thistlegorm is a British cargo ship sunk during the Second World War in the northern Red Sea. Its holds still contain wartime cargo, which has made it one of the most famous wreck dives in the world. The overnight safari adds a third dive for more time on the wreck.
Gabr El Bint
Gabr El Bint is a reef south of Dahab that is reached by boat, known for its dramatic coral walls and relaxed day of diving away from the busier shore sites.
Contact us for the experience level required and the current departure schedule for each boat safari.
Tips for Diving in Dahab
Tip: Bring your certification card and logbook if you are already a diver.
Important: Do not fly within 24 hours after your last dive — plan your diving days around your flight home.
Tip: Tell us about any medical conditions in advance; some require a doctor’s approval before diving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children dive in Dahab?
Yes. The Bubble Maker programme is for children aged 8 and over, with a maximum depth of two metres under PADI instructors.
Is equipment included in the courses?
Yes. Full equipment, tanks, certification and transport are included in all our courses.
Can I dive the Thistlegorm from Dahab?
Yes. We offer a one-day Thistlegorm safari with two dives and an overnight version with three dives.
How deep does the Advanced Open Water course go?
It prepares you for dives to a maximum of 30 metres, as well as navigation and night diving.
