Ready for sun, sea, and an exciting new challenge? We’re heading together to the breathtaking Marsa Shagra in Egypt for an unforgettable journey both above and below the surface. In this stunning Red Sea destination, we’ll be taking our first plunge into the world of scuba diving by completing the PADI Open Water Diver course – as a group!
Whether you’re a natural water lover or trying scuba for the very first time, this trip is the perfect mix of learning, relaxation, and shared adventure. With professional guidance and a supportive atmosphere, we’ll explore the basics of diving while soaking up the vibrant marine life, warm waters, and unique charm of this eco-friendly desert camp.
Expect new skills, lots of laughs, salt on your skin, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Day 1 – Arrival in Egypt: Into the Desert by the Sea
Your adventure begins! When you arrive at Marsa Alam Airport your transport will be waiting at the airport and drive you to the eco-friendly village of Marsa Shagra. Nestled between the desert dunes and the Red Sea, this will be our home for the coming week. Settle into your chalet or tent, breathe in the salty air, and enjoy your first sunset over the water.
Day 2 – PADI Open Water: Getting Started
Time to dive in; well at least almost! Today you’ll begin the PADI Open Water Diver Course, the world’s most popular entry-level scuba certification. We start with theory sessions, skill briefings, and shallow water training to get you familiar with the gear, safety protocols, and underwater basics. No prior experience needed; just curiosity and a love for the ocean!
Day 3 – 6 – PADI Open Water: First Open Water Dives
Your first real dives! Head to Marsa Shagra’s incredible house reef, where you’ll apply your new skills in the open sea under instructor supervision. You’ll encounter coral gardens, colorful reef fish, and maybe even a sea turtle; all from the very first day underwater.
Continue your course with more open water dives and hands-on learning. You’ll refine buoyancy control, navigation, and dive planning; all while experiencing the thrill of breathing and moving freely beneath the surface.
On your final course day, you’ll complete the remaining dives and knowledge assessments to become a certified PADI Open Water Diver. You’re now qualified to dive to 18 meters anywhere in the world. Celebrate this huge milestone with your fellow adventurers!
Day 7 – Day Off: Rest, Reflect, and Recharge
No schedule today , just pure relaxation. Enjoy a slow breakfast, snorkel the reef, book a massage, or simply soak up the sun and serenity of Marsa Shagra. This day is yours to enjoy however you choose.
Day 8 – Departure: Farewell to the Red Sea
After breakfast, we check out and transfer to Marsa Alam Airport for our return flight home. You leave not only with new skills and unforgettable memories, but a deeper connection to the ocean; and to yourself!
Train with certified PADI instructors in the Open Water Diver Course — the world’s most recognized scuba diving certification — right on the edge of the vibrant Red Sea.
Ines Goovaerts is a full-time photographer – tour guide driven by a profound love for the ocean and its remarkable life.
Meeting indigenous Sàmi people in Norway is at the heart of meaningful, authentic and experience-rich travel. Take a look at some of our suggestions for how and where to meet and learn more about the only indigenous people of the European Union.
The Royal Tent is our most popular accommodation option and an integral part of our minimal impact concept. The interior is 5×5 meters and well furnished with a minibar, fan, bean bag chairs and table, and a seating area just a few meters from the shoreline. Royal Tents are available with a double bed or two singles and share a communal bathroom facility. Shower towels are available if needed from the reception (free of charge) and beach towels can be rented on site for a fee.
Share the journey with a group of adventurous, ocean-loving souls. Make connections, share stories, and build lasting memories in a truly special place.
You need to bring (a copy of) your passport, your diving license(s) and a recent medical statement, plus if applicable, vouchers for your diving package, diving course and transfers.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Haute Température (C) | 22 | 23 | 24 | 27 | 30 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 29 | 25 | 23 |
| Haute Température (F) | 71.6 | 73.4 | 75.2 | 80.6 | 86 | 89.6 | 91.4 | 91.4 | 89.6 | 84.2 | 77 | 73.4 |
| Basse Température (C) | 14 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 22 | 18 | 16 |
| Basse Température (F) | 57.2 | 57.2 | 60.8 | 68 | 73.4 | 77 | 78.8 | 78.8 | 77 | 71.6 | 64.4 | 60.8 |
| Température de l’eau (C) | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 23 | 22 |
| Température de l’eau (F) | 69.8 | 71.6 | 73.4 | 75.2 | 77 | 80.6 | 82.4 | 84.2 | 82.4 | 82.4 | 73.4 | 71.6 |
| Pluviométrie (mm) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Couverture nuageuse (%) | 10 | 7.5 | 8.75 | 8.75 | 7.5 | 1.25 | 1.25 | 1.25 | 2.5 | 5 | 7.5 | 11.25 |
| Heures d’ensoleillement (hrs) | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 |
Most major European countries have direct flights to Marsa Alam international Airport, which is only 35 kilometers north of Marsa Shagra Village, 75 kilometers from Marsa Nakari Village and 150 kilometers from Wadi Lahami Village. A private bus will take you from the airport to the location of your choice and back. It is also possible to fly to Hurghada to transfer to Marsa Shagra.
The village has internet access via Wi-Fi. Please ask at reception for more information. Also, please remember that due to the remoteness of our location internet access is not always as fast and efficient as other parts of the world!
Guests should bring their own shampoo, conditioner etc and towels. Towels for showering are provided in our Chalets and Deluxe Chalets only. For other accommodation types, shower towels and beach towels can be rented for €5 per week. Toiletries can be purchased from our shop in Marsa Shagra Village and there is also a small supermarket opposite Marsa Shagra Village.
No experience needed! The course is designed for complete beginners. You just need to be comfortable in the water and able to swim.
Desert Experiences Yourway offers several half day or overnight desert trips by jeep, quad, camel or horse, and you can even do an Astro Tour and where you can learn about the stars in the desert sky. We also offer excursions to Luxor/Aswan. The transfer will take the road from Marsa Alam over Edfu. There are no convoys anymore but the road via Edfu to Luxor is open for tourism transfers only between 6AM until 5PM daily, and with a special permission only. For more information, please contact Reception.
Our villages are equipped with plenty of first aid supplies: wound disinfectant, plasters and bandages, light pain killers, etc. Our doctors in Baro Medical are equipped with all professional medical supplies you might need in case of an emergency or an illness. For your own comfort you can bring insect repellant and insect bite creams – these items can also be purchased on site.
Yes, based on soft all inclusive (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Lightweight, breathable clothes (cotton or linen)
Swimsuits
Rash guard or UV shirt (for snorkeling/sun protection)
Comfortable shorts and T-shirts
Warm layers for cool evenings (sweater or fleece)
Long pants/skirt for sun or modesty when visiting local areas
Light scarf or buff (protection from wind/sun/sand)
Flip-flops or sandals
Reef-safe water shoes (optional, useful on rocky shore)
Sun hat or cap
Sunglasses (preferably polarized)
Waterproof bag/dry bag (for boat rides or beach days)
Reusable water bottle
Quick-dry towel or dive towel
Reef-safe sunscreen
Lip balm with SPF
After-sun lotion or aloe vera
Mosquito repellent
Basic personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.)
Prescription medication & seasickness tablets (if needed)
