Skills & Training
Discover Scuba Diving: what happens on your first try dive
Discover Scuba Diving is PADI's try-dive: no certification, just a short briefing, a few skills in shallow water and a dive with an instructor at your side. PADI sets the minimum age at 10 and the maximum depth of the open-water dive at 12 metres. It is an experience, not a course — afterwards you can only dive again under a professional's supervision.
By 71 Guardians · Published 29 Oct 2026
Who can do a try dive?
Anyone from 10 years old who is reasonably fit and comfortable in the water. There is no upper age limit. You'll fill in a short medical questionnaire first; some answers need a doctor's sign-off.
What happens during the experience?
- Briefing: how the equipment works, equalising your ears and the basic hand signals.
- Shallow-water skills: breathing from the regulator, clearing water from the mask and regulator.
- The dive: an optional open-water dive to no more than 12 m, with your instructor beside you.
Is it a certification?
No. PADI is clear that Discover Scuba Diving doesn't certify you to dive. If you enjoy it, the next step is the Open Water Diver course — see our Courses.
How does a try dive work with 71 Guardians?
Our try dive (PADI Discover Scuba Diving, SSI Try Scuba or SDI Scuba Discovery) is €45. You can do it from the beach in about 1–2 hours, or on our daily boat as a full day with lunch on board.
Frequently asked questions
How deep do you go on Discover Scuba Diving?
No deeper than 12 metres, according to PADI.
Can a 10-year-old do a try dive?
Yes — PADI's minimum age for Discover Scuba Diving is 10.
Can I fly after a try dive?
Follow the same flying-after-diving guidelines as other divers: DAN's minimum is 12 hours after a single dive.
Questions before you dive with us?
Message our team on WhatsApp — we're divers in Hurghada and happy to help.
Chat with us on WhatsAppSources
- Discover Scuba Diving FAQs — PADI
- PADI Scuba Diving Restrictions — PADI