Nitrox Diving Explained: What Is It & Worth It?

Nitrox Diving Explained: What Is It and Is the Course Worth It?

Anyone who dives regularly in the Red Sea will eventually come across the term "Nitrox." But what exactly is it, and is the extra certification really worth it? Here's a clear, straightforward answer — based on our experience as a PADI 5-Star dive center on the Red Sea.

What Is Nitrox?

Nitrox — officially called PADI Enriched Air Diver — is breathing gas with a higher oxygen content than normal compressed air. While regular air contains around 21% oxygen, Nitrox typically contains between 32% and 36%. The reduced nitrogen content has one key advantage: your body absorbs less nitrogen, which allows longer bottom times or shorter surface intervals between dives.

The Main Benefits of Nitrox

• Longer bottom times: At the same depth, you can often stay underwater significantly longer — especially valuable at sites like Elphinstone Reef or Abu Dabbab
• Shorter surface intervals: Less time needed between dives for nitrogen off-gassing
• Less fatigue: Many divers report noticeably less tiredness after multiple dives per day
• Reduced decompression risk: Lower nitrogen loading at equal dive times

What Do You Learn in the Nitrox Course?

The PADI Enriched Air Diver course typically takes just one day and covers:

• Theory on oxygen toxicity and maximum operating depths
• Calculating correct dive times using Nitrox tables or a dive computer
• Analyzing oxygen content before a dive
• One or two practical dives breathing Nitrox

There are no extra water skills exercises — the focus is entirely on knowledge and practical application. You can easily complete the course alongside your normal dive days.

The logical next step after Nitrox is the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course — which opens up access to deeper sites and more challenging reefs like the Salem Express wreck.

Cost and Requirements

The Nitrox course at Scuba World Divers starts from €150. The only prerequisite is at least a PADI Open Water Diver certification. Minimum age is 12 years.

For a full breakdown of all course costs, see our PADI course cost guide for Egypt 2026.

Good to know: At Scuba World Divers, Nitrox fills are included free for all certified Nitrox divers on every dive — at all locations in Marsa Alam, Makadi Bay, and El Gouna. A saving that adds up quickly over several dive days.

How Useful Is Nitrox in the Red Sea?

The Red Sea is one of the few places in the world where Nitrox delivers its full benefit — because here you typically dive 2-3 times per day over several days. Anyone diving daily for a week, including dives from our house reefs in Marsa Alam, will notice the difference in bottom times and energy levels by the end of the day.

Scuba World Divers is rated 6.0/6.0 — Excellent on HolidayCheck — the highest rating on Germany's largest travel portal.

Is Nitrox Worth It for Occasional Divers?

If you only do one or two dives per holiday, the extra benefit is limited. But for anyone diving multiple times a day or on several consecutive days, the investment pays off quickly — through longer bottom times and noticeably more energy at the end of a dive day.

If you haven't yet done a PADI Rescue Diver course, we recommend Nitrox as your first add-on course — it takes just one day and immediately improves every dive after that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nitrox more dangerous than normal air?
No — when used correctly, Nitrox is just as safe as regular compressed air. The course teaches you exactly what you need to know. PADI guidelines confirm this.

Can I dive deeper with Nitrox?
No — in fact the opposite. Maximum depth is lower with higher oxygen mixes, due to the risk of oxygen toxicity. For deeper sites like Elphinstone Reef, the Advanced Open Water course is the right choice instead.

Do I need a special dive computer for Nitrox?
Most modern dive computers support Nitrox calculations. We provide suitable computers on request.

When is the best time to do the Nitrox course?
Ideally on the first or second day of your trip — so you benefit for the rest of the week. More on timing your Red Sea trip in the Marsa Alam dive guide.

Book Your Nitrox Course at Scuba World Divers

Available at all our locations — Marsa Alam, Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Soma Bay and Sahl Hasheesh. Book online and save 10%.

Remember: once certified, you get free Nitrox fills on every single dive — at all our locations worldwide.