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!

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
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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
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:
- Chance to See Whale Sharks
- Diverse Marine Life
- Ideal Conditions Year-Round
- Top Training Destination
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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
- Address:
- 3/90 Moo 2, Sairee Beach, Koh Tao, Surat Thani, 84360, Thailand
- +66 0808-29-5006
- contact@simplyscubakohtao.com
- simplyscubakohtao.com
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