PADI Open Water course

Open Water Course (Updated for 2025)

Getting certified on Koh Tao is one of the island’s big draws. We recommend Fifty Six Diving (Sairee) and Scuba Shack Diving as partner centers for the PADI Open Water course. Prefer another agency? Big Blue Diving offers SSI Open Water, and La Bombona Diving runs the RAID Open Water 20.

PADI vs SSI vs RAID — what’s the difference?

  • PADI Open Water / SSI Open Water: qualify to dive to 18 m (Juniors: shallower limits apply). Global recognition is similar for fun diving.
  • RAID Open Water 20: qualifies to 20 m. RAID is a newer agency (founded 2007) with e-learning-first materials, but the real-world experience is broadly comparable to PADI/SSI.

Bottom line: choose the center that fits your vibe, schedule, and location. All agencies let you complete theory online before you arrive.

Where to stay matters

Pick a dive center close to where you’ll stay — Chalok Baan Kao, Mae Haad, or Sairee — so your training days are easy.

Standard 4-Day PADI Open Water — starts 4:00 pm day 1 Checking dive equipment before the first dive on the Open Water course

Includes:

  • PADI Open Water Diver Course (4 days)
  • 4 boat dives at different Koh Tao sites (weather permitting)
  • Your PADI eManual, logbook & certification

Small groups: Fifty Six & Scuba Shack run max 4 students : 1 instructor. A Divemaster trainee or second instructor may assist.

Schedule (typical)

  • Day 1 (4:00–7:30 pm): Welcome + intro videos/theory. Arrive on an earlier ferry (book via 12Go.asia).
  • Day 2 (full day): Finish theory by lunch, then confined water skills in the pool.
  • Day 3 (pm boat): First two ocean dives, max 12 m. Open Water dive group
  • Day 4 (am boat): Dives 3 & 4, max 18 m. Optional videographer; certification usually wrapped by lunchtime.

Price (guide): ฿11,000 incl. equipment hire & certification. Subject to change; confirm current rates when booking.

3-Day PADI Open Water with eLearning — starts 11:00 am day 1

Do the theory before you arrive to spend more time in the water.

  • Day 1 (11:00 am): Instructor reviews your eLearning, then pool skills.
  • Day 2 (pm boat): Open Water dives 1 & 2 (to 12 m).
  • Day 3 (early am boat): Dives 3 & 4 (to 18 m); finish before lunch.

Price (guide): ฿11,500 incl. equipment & certification. Deposit: ฿5,000 to activate PADI eLearning.

After certification you’ll have the afternoon free — beach time, explore, or try a Thai cooking class.

Group sizes & supervision

Maximum 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio for recreational courses. New instructors are supervised and mentored to keep standards high.

Medical & swim requirements

  • Complete the standard diving medical questionnaire. If you answer “yes” to any item, bring a doctor’s clearance from home if possible. Download: PADI Medical questionnaire.
  • Comfort in water: 10-minute float/tread and 200 m swim (any style).

Flying after diving

Avoid flying for at least 18 hours after training dives. See current guidance here.

Booking & deposits

  • Reserve ferries to arrive in time for your start: 12Go.asia.
  • Standard course deposit: 15% (typical). eLearning course deposit: ฿5,000 to cover PADI eLearning activation.

Optional video

Videography of your final day is available (~฿3,000 per group video). Split costs with friends if you like.

Quick shout-out

Fifty Six Diving (Sairee) — friendly team, small groups, and easy Sairee Beach access. A great choice if you’re staying in or near Sairee.

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