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COST-EFFECTIVE AND QUICKER THAN OPEN WATER DIVER

Scuba Diver Course in Koh Tao

Short on time but eager to explore the ocean depths? The Scuba Diver Course is your perfect introduction to scuba diving.

PADI AOW Koh Tao Simply Scuba

Course Details

  • Duration: 2 days
  • Price: 8,500 THB
  • Depth: 12 meters 
  • Dives: 2 ocean dives
  • Certification: Scuba Diver
  • What’s included: All scuba equipment, boat trip to dive sites, refreshments on board

Prerequisites

  • Minimum Age: 10 years old
  • Swimming Ability: Able to swim 200 meters and float for 10 minutes
  • Health: Participants should be in good health. Please review the Medical Questionnaire if you have any concerns
  • Experience: No prior scuba diving experience required
PADI AOW Koh Tao Simply Scuba

We have certified more than  3,000 divers 

master instructor dave webber-min - Edited

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5 star reviews tripadvisor simply scuba koh tao

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PADI Scuba Diver Course Koh Tao with Simply Scuba

In just two days, you’ll acquire essential diving skills and earn a certification that allows you to dive up to 12 meters under the supervision of a PADI Professional. It’s an ideal choice for travelers seeking adventure without committing to the full Open Water Diver course.

Become a certified diver in just two days with our Scuba Diver course in Koh Tao’s warm tropical waters. This entry-level certification is the perfect step if you’re short on time but eager to start diving.

During the two-day course, our certified PADI professionals will guide you through essential diving theory and skills, and you’ll complete two open-water dives exploring vibrant coral reefs.

Upon successful completion, you’ll earn an internationally recognised Scuba Diver certification (valid worldwide) that allows you to dive under professional supervision to 12 meters.

With small groups, top-quality gear, and stunning dive sites, you’ll not only learn to dive safely but also experience Koh Tao’s rich marine life firsthand.​

What to Expect:

✅  Knowledge Development: Begin with a clear, jargon-free briefing (in-class or online) covering scuba basics, equipment use, and safety protocols. You’ll build a solid foundation of dive theory at your own pace or with our instructors’ guidance.

✅  Confined Water Training: Practice fundamental scuba skills in a shallow pool or sheltered bay. Here, under close supervision, you’ll get comfortable with breathing underwater, buoyancy control, mask clearing, and other core techniques in a stress-free environment.

✅  Two Open Water Dives: Take a short boat ride to one of Koh Tao’s iconic dive sites (like Mango Bay or Southwest Pinnacle). With an instructor by your side, you’ll conduct two guided open-water dives up to 12 meters deep. Each dive lets you apply your new skills while marvelling at colourful coral gardens, schools of tropical fish, and maybe even sea turtles or reef sharks. Your instructor will ensure you feel confident and safe throughout.

✅  Certification Achievement: Unlike a one-day try-dive, this course culminates in an official certification. After two dives and demonstrated proficiency, you’ll receive a Scuba Diver license — an entry-level card recognised worldwide. This certification means you’re qualified to rent gear and join dives under a PADI professional’s supervision anywhere you travel.

Why Choose Simply Scuba Koh Tao:

  • Expert Guidance: Our experienced PADI professionals are dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable diving experience, ensuring personalised attention throughout your adventure.​​

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

  • High-Quality Gear & Boats: We provide all your scuba equipment (BCD, regulators, wetsuit, etc.) and transport on comfortable boats to the dive sites. All gear is rigorously maintained and sanitised, so you can focus on enjoying the experience rather than equipment worries.

  • Stunning Dive Sites & Marine Life: Koh Tao is famous for its clear, warm waters and abundant sea life. You’ll dive at reefs rich with corals, nudibranchs, reef fish and possibly turtles or even gentle whale sharks. Simply Scuba has local knowledge of the best spots for beginners.

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

Next Steps:

After completing the Scuba Diver course, you’ll be able to dive to 12 meters under an instructor’s guidance. If your diving bug has bitten and you want full independence, you can easily upgrade to the Open Water Diver certification later.

Your two dives and theory from the Scuba Diver course count toward the Open Water requirement, meaning you’ll only need a bit more study and two extra open water dives to reach the 18-meter depth limit.

Whether you’re ready to level up or simply want to enjoy more guided dives, Simply Scuba can help you plan the next stage of your underwater adventure.

Book Your Adventure Today:

Don’t wait to explore the underwater wonders of Koh Tao. Contact Simply Scuba Koh Tao now to reserve your spot in the two-day Scuba Diver course.

We’ll take care of everything—training, equipment, and dive planning—so you can relax and focus on the thrill of breathing underwater for the first time. Join us and start your journey as a certified diver: it’s an experience you’ll remember for life.

✅  Earn a globally recognised certification in just two days
Get certified to dive to 12 meters under professional supervision—perfect for travelers short on time.

✅  Learn essential scuba skills in a safe, supportive setting
Our experienced PADI instructors will guide you through the basics of diving theory, equipment use, and underwater skills in confined water and open sea.

✅  Explore Koh Tao’s world-famous coral reefs
Complete two open water dives at vibrant local dive sites teeming with marine life—ideal for beginner divers.

✅  Upgrade to full Open Water Diver anytime
Your completed dives and theory sessions count toward the full Open Water certification, making it easy to continue your diving education in the future.

Marine Encounters:

As a Scuba Diver student, you’ll explore thriving reef systems and discover Koh Tao’s rich underwater biodiversity. Expect to encounter:

🐠 Brilliant coral gardens and anemones
🐠 Colourful reef fish like angelfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and wrasses
🐠 Curious creatures such as moray eels, pufferfish, and blue-spotted stingrays
🐠 Occasional sightings of hawksbill turtles—and in rare moments, even a majestic whale shark

Continue Your Adventure

Once you’re certified as a Scuba Diver, you’ve opened the door to exciting underwater opportunities around the world. And when you’re ready, you can upgrade to the Open Water Diver with just one additional day of training and two more open water dives—extending your depth limit to 18 meters and granting full diving independence.

Day 1 – Theory & Confined Water Training

08:30 AM – Meet at the dive shop
Welcome, paperwork, and course orientation. Meet your PADI instructor and get fitted for gear.

09:30 AM – Knowledge Development
Complete three knowledge development sessions using the eLearning materials or instructor-led classroom session. You’ll learn the basic principles of scuba diving including dive theory, safety procedures, and equipment use.

12:30 PM – Lunch Break

01:30 PM – Confined Water Session
Head to a shallow bay or swimming pool for hands-on skill practice. You’ll master essential scuba skills like mask clearing, regulator recovery, buoyancy control, and underwater communication in a calm, controlled environment.

04:30 PM – Review & Debrief
Wrap up the day with a skills recap and a preview of what to expect for your open water dives tomorrow.

Day 2 – Open Water Dives

08:00 AM – Meet at the dive shop & boat departure
Gear up and board the dive boat for a morning of real diving adventures.

09:00 AM – Open Water Dive 1
Your first open water dive takes you to around 6–10 meters. You’ll apply the skills you learned in confined water while exploring a beautiful reef site.

10:30 AM – Surface Interval & Refreshments
Relax on board with fresh fruit and drinks while your instructor briefs you for the next dive.

11:30 AM – Open Water Dive 2
Your second dive takes you to a maximum of 12 meters, allowing more time to explore marine life and improve your underwater control.

01:00 PM – Return to Dive Shop & Certification
Back on land, you’ll log your dives and receive your Scuba Diver certification—congratulations, you’re now a certified diver!

OR GET IN TOUCH

  • Email: Send us an email at info@simplyscubakohtao.com with your preferred dates.

  • Phone: Call us at +66 808 295006 to speak directly with our team.

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 colourful 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.

  • 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.

  • Award-winning Facilities: Two custom dive boats, two training pools, air-conditioned classrooms, and equipment included for safety and comfort.

  • 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 diving 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:

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

The Scuba Diver course is a beginner-level certification that takes just two days to complete. It’s a subset of the full Open Water Diver course and qualifies you to dive to 12 meters under the supervision of a PADI professional.

This course is perfect for travelers short on time, or for those who want to ease into scuba diving at a slower pace. It’s also a great option for younger divers or those who prefer diving with a guide.

The Scuba Diver certification allows you to dive to 12 meters under instructor supervision, while the Open Water Diver certification allows independent diving (with a buddy) to 18 meters. The Scuba Diver course covers roughly half of the full Open Water course and can be upgraded later.

The course is completed over 2 days. Day 1 focuses on dive theory and confined water training, while Day 2 includes two open water dives at Koh Tao’s vibrant coral reefs.

Yes! Your theory and dives from the Scuba Diver course count toward the Open Water certification. You’ll just need to complete the remaining knowledge sessions, confined skills, and two more open water dives—often in just one additional day.

No experience is needed. The Scuba Diver course is designed for complete beginners. You just need to be comfortable in the water and meet basic health and fitness requirements.

You must be at least 10 years old, in reasonable physical health, and able to swim. You’ll also need to complete a standard medical questionnaire before diving.

The course includes all scuba equipment, materials, dive insurance, boat trips to the dive sites, instructor fees, certification processing, and refreshments onboard.

Koh Tao offers some of the best beginner dive sites in Thailand. Expect to see vibrant coral gardens, clownfish, angelfish, stingrays, sea turtles, and—if you’re lucky—even a whale shark!

Absolutely. The course is conducted by certified PADI professionals following strict safety protocols. You’ll practice key safety skills before going on any open water dives.

Contact

Need help? Call us or message us (WhatsApp)

+66 808 295006


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