How Many Dives in the PADI Open Water Course?
How many dives are in the PADI Open Water course? The course includes 5 confined water dives and 4 open water dives. Together with the theory, these dives take you from complete beginner to certified diver.
In Hurghada, your open water dives take place on real Red Sea reefs, so even your training dives are full of colourful fish and coral. Have a question about the course structure? Ask us in the form below.
The Short Answer
| Type of dive | Number | Where |
| Confined water dives | 5 | Calm, shallow water such as a pool or sheltered area |
| Open water dives | 4 | The Red Sea, with your PADI instructor |
| Total training dives | 9 | Over about 3 to 4 days |
Confined Water Dives: Building Your Skills
The 5 confined water dives happen in calm, shallow water where you can stand up if needed. Here you practise the key skills one step at a time, including:
- Breathing underwater and clearing your regulator
- Clearing water from your mask
- Controlling your buoyancy
- Sharing air with a buddy in an emergency
- Basic hand signals
You only move on when you feel comfortable.
Open Water Dives: Diving the Red Sea
The 4 open water dives are where you put everything together on a real reef.
| Dive | Typical maximum depth | Focus |
| Open water dive 1 | 12 m | Getting comfortable, enjoying the reef |
| Open water dive 2 | 12 m | Repeating key skills in the sea |
| Open water dive 3 | 18 m | Buoyancy, navigation basics, exploring |
| Open water dive 4 | 18 m | Final skills and a relaxed dive with your instructor |
After the fourth dive and the final review, you are a certified PADI Open Water Diver.
Why Hurghada Is Ideal for Your Training Dives
Hurghada’s sheltered reefs, warm water and good visibility make learning easier and more enjoyable. Many students say their open water dives feel more like fun dives than lessons.
How Many Dives After the Course?
The more you dive, the more confident you become. Many new divers add a few fun dives straight after the course. A 3-day package with 6 dives costs €133 at Chloe’s Diving Center.
Course Price and Booking
The PADI Open Water Diver course costs €400 including learning materials, certification, logbook and daily taxation. See our PADI Open Water Diver course in Hurghada page and the full list on our diving prices in Hurghada page.
For a shorter option, the PADI Scuba Diver course includes two open water dives.
Can I do more dives during the course?
Yes. Ask us about adding fun dives after your certification.
Book Your Course
Now you know how many dives are in the PADI Open Water course, you are ready to start. Book your course or message us on WhatsApp.
How many open water dives are in the PADI Open Water course?
Four open water dives, after five confined water dives.
How deep are the training dives?
The first two go to about 12 metres and the last two to a maximum of 18 metres.
Do I need to log my dives?
Yes. Your logbook, included in the course price, records each training dive.
