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Become an Open Water Diver in 3 Days on Koh Tao, Surat Thani
Jumpstart your diving journey with this performance-based certification that gives you the skills to plan and execute dives to a maximum of 18 meters with a certified buddy, all set around Koh Tao in Surat Thani. Over three days you’ll meet your instructor and fellow students, complete focused academic sessions, and move straight into confined-water skills to practice core techniques; the hands-on training includes two confined water dives from a boat to a maximum depth of 12m at different dive sites around Koh Tao. On the final day you’ll enjoy two open-water dives to the full 18-meter limit at some of the area’s best sites-purely fun diving with no training drills-then finish with your final exam back at the school, leaving you certified and ready to explore more underwater adventures in the region.
About this activity in Koh Tao
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Gain an open water diver certification allowing you to plan and dive with a buddy to a maximum depth of 18 m - a performance-based course that leaves you ready to explore Koh Tao’s best sites.
- Course includes online theory, one confined water training session plus four open-water dives across two boat sites, giving a balanced mix of skills practice and fun diving here.
- All scuba equipment is provided, digital certification issued on completion, and lunch plus coffee/tea are included during training days.
- Small-group instruction over three days with guided dives on some of the region’s popular reefs - day three focuses on two fun dives and the final exam.
Important Information
- Course schedule: Day 1 covers academics and a confined skills session after lunch; Day 2 continues academics then two confined/boat training dives (to 12 m) at two sites; Day 3 offers two open-water dives (to 18 m) and the final exam.
- You must complete the online theoretical material before arrival; practical training uses both a pool/confined session and ocean dives around Koh Tao.
- This activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health; participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.
- Public transport options are available nearby; full scuba kit use and digital certification are included - bring swimwear, a towel, your booking confirmation and any required medical clearance.
Meeting Point
Meet at the dive centre on Koh Tao as stated in your booking confirmation; the provider will confirm the exact meeting time and location (often the local dive school or nearby pier) ahead of your first day.
Includes
- Online theoretical material to prepare you before heading out on Koh Tao’s open water dives
- Four open-water ocean dives included so you can explore local dive sites
- One confined-water training session in a pool to practice skills in a controlled setting
- Use of scuba equipment provided so you don’t need to bring your own gear
- Digital certification issued on completion for easy access and sharing
- Lunch provided during your activity
- Coffee and/or tea available to help you relax before or after your dives
Excludes
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers - please consult a healthcare professional before booking
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to the physical demands involved
Other
- Public transportation options are available nearby to make getting to the meeting point in the area straightforward
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the dives and training
Customer Reviews
10/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
amazing experience, our instructor Ae was great, even when we were struggling with some of the skills she was really helpful and calm and in the end we all got there! would highly recommend
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Summary:
I had an amazing time at the koh tao scuba club, out instructor Ae was super patient with us and explained everything really detailed and perfectly so that we felt super safe all the time and could enjoy our time underwater. It was an amazing 3 days and if I do the advanced course I will definetly come back to this diving school!
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Summary:
Everything about the course was very good. It was organised very well with everything from hotel drop off/pick up, equipment etc. Ae was an excellent instructor who explained everything very well and helped us stay calm. I felt very safe diving with her and it was such a cool experience.
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Know more about Koh Tao
Over three days you’ll complete academics, confined water training and four open water dives to gain the knowledge and skills to plan and execute dives to a maximum depth of 18 meters with a certified buddy. Day 1 covers classroom theory and a confined skills session after lunch; Day 2 continues academics and two confined water training dives from a boat at a maximum depth of 12 meters at two dive sites; Day 3 features two fun dives to 18 meters and the final exam, plus digital certification on completion.
The course trains you to dive to a maximum of 18 meters. Confined water and training dives on Days 1 and 2 are limited to shallower depths, with two confined water training dives from a boat at a maximum depth of 12 meters, and Day 3 open water dives reach up to the 18-meter limit.
Training is structured across three days with mornings devoted to academic sessions and afternoons to confined or open water dives. On Day 2 you’ll head out on a boat for confined water training skills dives at two different dive sites around Koh Tao, and Day 3’s dives are focused on fun diving at local open water sites before your final exam at the school.
Yes. The course includes use of scuba equipment, online theoretical material, one confined water training session in a pool, four open water dives in the ocean, digital certification, and lunch with coffee or tea provided.
Yes. This is a first certification designed as a license to learn more: it’s performance-based and suitable for beginners who want structured academics, confined water skills and progressive open water dives, making it a good fit for family members and first-time divers with at least a moderate level of physical fitness.
You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The course is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health. Public transportation options are available nearby to reach the school; for refund details, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time for a full refund.
