Course overview

The PADI Scuba Diver course on Koh Tao earns you a recognised entry certification faster. It is a subset of the full Open Water program that qualifies you to dive to 12 metres under the supervision of a PADI professional. It suits divers who are short on time, and on Koh Tao you can easily upgrade to full Open Water later at the world's lowest prices.

What you’ll learn

• Assemble, check and use complete scuba equipment
• Perform core skills including mask clearing and regulator recovery
• Control buoyancy and conduct safe descents and ascents
• Dive to 12 metres with a PADI professional
• Plan a dive and use the buddy system
• Apply basic dive theory and safety practices

Prerequisites

• Minimum age 10 (Junior Scuba Diver)
• Able to swim and be comfortable in water
• No prior certification required
• Diver medical questionnaire / fitness to dive

What's included · What's not

Not included? Sort the rest of your trip

Flights and accommodation aren’t part of the course price, here’s how to book them around your dates.

Probability of sightings · month-by-month

What you're likely to see each month, based on historic operator logs.

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day1
   Theory & confined water

   Complete the first knowledge-development sections and practise core skills in confined water.
2. Day2
   Confined-water skills

   Continue confined-water training, mastering mask, regulator and buoyancy skills.
3. Day3
   Open-water dives

   Make two open-water training dives to 12 metres at a calm reef such as Japanese Gardens or Twins to earn the rating.

Verified through iDive

Every partner school in the iDive network is vetted on safety, instructor credentials, equipment standards and student feedback. Talk to a iDive dive pro on WhatsApp for current availability and reviews specific to Koh Tao.

Frequently asked questions