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LEARN TO DIVE WITH SIMPLY SCUBA KOH TAO
PADI OPEN WATER COURSE KOH TAO

Become a certified diver in Koh Tao! Learn with PADI Elite Instructor Dave Webber. Small groups, 2 pools & fast boats. Includes eLearning, gear, and 4 ocean dives. Book now!

David Webber Instructor With Students Simply Scuba Koh Tao

Course Details

  • Duration: 3-4 days
  • Price: 11,000 THB
  • Depth: 18 meters maximum
  • Dives: 4 ocean dives + pool sessions
  • Certification: PADI Open Water Diver (worldwide recognition)

Prerequisites

  • Be at least 10 years old (for Junior Open Water Diver)
  • Be in good physical health and comfortable in the water
  • Be able to swim 200 meters and float for 10 minutes

We have certified more than  3,000 divers 

4.9

5 star reviews tripadvisor simply scuba koh tao

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4.8

5 star reviews tripadvisor simply scuba koh tao

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PADI Open Water Diver Course in Koh Tao – Start Your Diving Adventure!

Ready to start diving in Koh Tao? Enroll in the PADI Open Water Diver Course at Simply Scuba Koh Tao today and dive into a world of adventure!

At Simply Scuba Koh Tao, our PADI Open Water Diver Course is the perfect way to begin your scuba journey. This globally recognised certification allows you to dive up to 18 meters with a buddy at stunning dive sites around the world, including the breathtaking reefs of Koh Tao.

Can’t decide between the full PADI Open Water Diver Course and the shorter Scuba Diver option? If you have the time, we highly recommend the Open Water Course—it gives you more freedom and skills for diving in Koh Tao and beyond. Short on time? The Scuba Diver course is a great alternative, and you can always upgrade later!

Why Get Your PADI Open Water Certification in Koh Tao?

Earning your PADI Open Water Diver certification unlocks endless underwater adventures. Here’s what you’ll gain:

✅ Dive Anywhere in the World – Explore vibrant reefs and marine life with a buddy, whether diving in Koh Tao or other top dive destinations.
✅ Join Exciting Dive Tours – Certified divers can book guided dive trips, discovering the best sites Koh Tao has to offer.
✅ Continue Your Diving Education – After your Open Water Course, advance with specialties like Advanced Open Water or Enriched Air Nitrox.

Once certified, you’ll receive a PADI certification card, allowing you to dive to 18 meters (or 12 meters for junior divers aged 10-11).

Ready to start diving in Koh Tao? Enroll in the PADI Open Water Diver Course at Simply Scuba Koh Tao today and dive into a world of adventure!

The PADI Open Water Course with Simply Scuba Koh Tao is designed to take you from beginner to certified diver in just three days. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included:

  • Theory Sessions: Learn the principles of scuba diving, covering everything from dive planning to understanding dive equipment.

  • Confined Water Training: Practice key skills in a safe, shallow environment like a pool or sheltered area to build your confidence.

  • Open Water Dives: Put your skills into action during four open water dives at local dive sites around Koh Tao. You’ll explore beautiful coral reefs while gaining real-world experience.

  • All Dive Equipment: We provide all the necessary dive gear, so you can focus on learning and enjoying your underwater experience.

  • PADI Certification: Upon completing the course, you’ll earn your PADI Open Water Diver certification, allowing you to dive up to 18 meters anywhere in the world.

You can now combine the PADI Open Water Course Koh Tao with the PADI Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) course. Nitrox is usually the first additional certification new divers get due to the benefits of extended bottom times and shorter surface intervals. Select the “Other” on the booking to include Nitrox in your course.

Day 1:

  • Morning: Theory review and exam

  • Afternoon: Pool training (skills practice)

Day 2:

  • Morning: First two ocean dives (max 12m)

  • Afternoon: Debrief and skill refinement

Day 3:

  • Morning: Final two certification dives (max 18m)

  • Afternoon: Certification processing


Why Choose Simply Scuba Koh Tao?
  • Prime Location / Beachfront Dive Center: Beachfront dive center near Koh Tao’s best nightlife, dining, and sunset views, with short boat rides to 25+ dive sites​

  • Top-Rated Dive Sites: Discover the rich biodiversity of Koh Tao’s underwater ecosystems, home to colorful coral formations, tropical fish, and, with a bit of luck, sea turtles or even whale sharks.

  • No Prior Experience Required: This program is designed for individuals aged 10 and above, with no previous diving experience necessary.

  • Flexible Scheduling: With daily departures, we accommodate your travel plans, making it easy to fit this unforgettable experience into your itinerary.

  • Award-winning Facilities: Two custom dive boats, two training pools, air-conditioned classrooms, and equipment included for safety and comfort
  • Experienced Instructors: Our team of certified PADI professionals ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for your child.

  • Small Group Sizes: We maintain low student-to-instructor ratios to provide personalised attention.

  • Family-Friendly Environment: Our facilities are designed to accommodate families, making it a perfect activity for everyone.

  • Reputable Dive Center: As a PADI 5-Star Dive Center, we adhere to the highest standards of diver education and safety.

  • Community Engagement: We actively participate in marine conservation efforts, offering specialties like Dive Against Debris.

WHY IS KOH TAO THE PERFECT PLACE TO LEARN TO DIVE?

Koh Tao offers the ideal setting for your first scuba diving adventure. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and rich marine biodiversity, it’s no surprise that diving in Koh Tao is considered some of the best in Thailand. Whether you’re gliding alongside colorful reef fish or catching a glimpse of a sea turtle, every dive is an unforgettable experience.

As a top destination for PADI courses, Koh Tao is perfect for beginners and certified divers alike. Our dive trips include renowned sites such as Sail Rock—famous for its dramatic underwater pinnacle and abundant marine life—or Chumphon Pinnacle, a favorite among divers seeking thrilling encounters in the Gulf of Thailand.

Koh Tao is renowned for offering some of the best dive sites in Thailand, attracting divers from all over the world. Here are four reasons why scuba diving in Koh Tao stands out:

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Testimonials

January 2025 | Alex h

Amazing diving school thanks to Meg and Dave. They were really helpful and also really funny and made the whole experience really fantastic to be honest. If you’re wondering where to go definitely go to this school and ask for Dave or Meg to be your instructor, you can’t go wrong.

Dec 2024 | Lotte

Out of all the places to do your open water course in Koh Tao, which are a lot, I am so glad I got to do mine at Simple Life Divers, with Dave as my instructor. During this three-day course you thoroughly learn all the skills that are needed for open water diving. Dave’s patience and laid-back way of teaching really amplified our confidence, which made the experience in general a very positive one. A welcoming community during the dives and outside of it, as we got to join them for Christmas dinner as well. When in Koh Tao, I’d definitely recommend starting or continuing diving as the diving sites are absolutely stunning and the crew of Simple Life Divers so supportive, an unbeatable combination.

Dec 2024 | Sean V
There’s an overwhelming number of options when choosing a diving school on Koh Tao, but these guys were seriously awesome! Dave was an amazing instructor with a perfect blend of fun but knowledgeable. The group size was also fantastic. Can’t recommend enough!
Nov 2024 | Anna M
Nailed my OWD course with Dave and I couldn’t be happier about it. Classes were focused on mastering practical skills with a lot of advice, attention, comfort and care. Thanks for all the support and encouragement provided – I have felt so safe and seen, Dave and Nathan were always there for me whenever I had any doubts or needed extra assistance. Proud to be a part of divers’ community since today!
April 2025 | Cruiser18442934740

I did my Open Water and Advanced Scuba Diving Certifications back-to-back with Dave as my instructor. The whole time he made me feel super safe and confident in everything I was doing, whilst also being such a good laugh. I learnt so much from him, he’s so knowledgeable in the industry, and he really tried to impart as much of that knowledge as possible. He made the experience so enjoyable for the group.

It’s quite nerve-wracking being a new diver, but all the Simple Life Divers are so friendly and helpful whether it’s in the dive shop or out on the water. I’d like to give a huge shout-out to Billy, in particular, who helped out on both my courses.

I really recommend Simple Life as the dive shop of choice in Koh Tao.

March 2025 | Sophie D

Had a great time with Dave doing my open water course. Never dived before, everyone was very nice and welcoming and made me feel comfortable in the water. Very relaxed, great dive sites, highly recommend!

March 2025 | Dreamer30663427746

My Instructor Dave was funny and knowledgable as always, did my Open water diver last year and came back this time to do the Advanced course. Cant do much wrong booking here.

March 2025 | Albert C

Just finished my open water qualification with Simple Life Divers! – My instructor Dave Webber is a class act. Great banter, very knowledgable and easy to learn from! I originally discovered Simple Life via word of mouth (friend at home) and can safely say anyone who wants to learn scuba on Koh Tao this is the only place you need to go to.

March 2025 | Olivia W

The experience was nothing short of phenomenal, not just because of the beautiful reefs of Koh Tao, but our instructors Dave and Jake. Both created a super safe space for learning and asking questions. Dave’s delivery of the course was beyond expectations and supplemented by his wealth of experience, having been diving for 32 years all over the world. He prioritizes safety in his teaching and during training dives, frequently checking in with each student and taking the time to thoroughly explain tough concepts or key points. I’d come all the way back to Koh Tao from Canada to do my advanced level cert just because of Dave, he’s an absolute legend.

March 2025 | Tessa L

With so many dive schools on the island, I took my time and visited six different ones to find the perfect fit. I wanted not just a professional and safe diving school, but also a place where I would feel comfortable and supported.

What made this experience truly special was the way Dave and Jake shared their passion for diving with such patience and enthusiasm. They created a relaxed and supportive learning environment where I felt completely safe and confident in the water. Taking my first breath underwater and floating among the stunning marine life of Koh Tao was absolutely magical.

Frequently asked questions

To complete your PADI Open Water Diver certification, you will need to do at least four open water dives. These dives give you the opportunity to practice the skills learned in your confined water sessions and apply them in open water conditions.

The maximum depth for a PADI Open Water Diver is 18 meters (60 feet). This is sufficient for most recreational diving experiences and provides an excellent foundation for future certifications.

Your PADI Open Water certification is valid for life. While it does not expire, it’s recommended to take a refresher course if you haven’t been diving in a while to ensure your skills are sharp.

The PADI Open Water Diver certification is the first level of scuba certification, allowing you to dive independently with a buddy to a depth of 18 meters (60 feet). This certification is recognized worldwide, opening up a world of diving adventures.

The PADI eLearning portion typically takes 8–12 hours to complete. You can finish the theory at your own pace, making it convenient to fit into your schedule before heading out for your practical sessions.

The PADI Open Water exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, covering topics like dive theory, safety procedures, and equipment. The exam is designed to ensure that you’re ready for the practical components of diving.

The PADI Open Water course typically takes 3 days to complete. This includes time for the eLearning or classroom portion, confined water dives, and open water dives. You can complete it faster or over a longer period depending on your schedule.

As mentioned, the depth limit for Open Water Divers is 18 meters (60 feet). This depth is perfect for most coral reefs and marine life you’ll encounter in popular diving destinations.

As mentioned, the depth limit for Open Water Divers is 18 meters (60 feet). This depth is perfect for most coral reefs and marine life you’ll encounter in popular diving destinations.

Once certified, you can:

  • Dive anywhere in the world up to 18 meters (60 feet)

  • Rent scuba equipment

  • Participate in guided dives

  • Continue your scuba education by enrolling in the PADI Advanced Open Water course.

Contact

Need help? Call us or message us (WhatsApp)

+66 808 295006


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