PADI Open Water Diving Course Koh Tao
Get Your PADI Open Water License on Koh Tao
Learn to scuba dive on Koh Tao and become a PADI Open Water diver gaining a license to dive anywhere in the world to a depth of 18 metres.
Included in the Koh Tao PADI Open Water Course
- PADI e-manual & all knowledge development
- 5 Confined Water training dives in a pool
- 4 Open Water training dives at dive sites around Koh Tao
- PADI Certification card
- Rental of all scuba equipment
- FREE use of Dive Computer
- Log book
- Maximum 4 students per PADI Diving Instructor
- Black Turtle Dive Customer (and environmental) promise
Complete elearning Before Your Arrival
To enrol on a PADI Open Water diver course you must be:
- Minimum 10 years of age
- Medically fit to dive
- Able to Float for 10 minutes
- Be able to swim, freestyle for 200 metres / or with a mask, snorkel and fins for 300 metres
We conduct the Open Water course over 3 days with PADI elearning and the PADI Open Water course course consists of three distinct sections:
- Knowledge Development – e-learning conducted prior to arrival
- Confined water training – conducted in a swimming pool.
- Open Water training – 4 x Open Water training dives at some of Koh Tao’s amazing dive sites
At Black Turtle Dive we take our customer promise very seriously. All our diving courses are conducted with a maximum of 4 students per PADI Diving Instructor.
Our Instructors are highly trained and will ensure you receive lots of attention and progress at your own pace in a relaxed environment. During your training we will slowly build your confidence and ability as you develop the skills necessary to become a PADI Open Water diver.
Koh Tao Open Water Diver course schedule
The Open Water diver course schedule at Black Turtle Dive is flexible and we can work around your own personal needs and timeframe.
Please feel free to ask us about any special requests you may have either via email or on one of the messenger apps on this page.
E-learning Open Water Course Schedule
Step 1 – Sign up, pay deposit, and start your e-eLearning
Day 1:
- 15 – 07.45 : Meet at Black Turtle dive to complete paperwork
- 08:00 – 12:00 Confined water training dives 1 -3 *
- 12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
- 13:00 – 17:00 Confined water training dives 4 & 5 *
* These are approximate times. Like all PADI Diving Courses the Open Water course is performance based and each person progresses at their own pace.
Day 2:
- 11:00 – 12.00 Complete Open Water diver Quick Review
- 12:30 – 17.00 Open Water training dives 1 & 2
- Swim Test
Day 3:
- 30 – 17.00: Open Water Training dives 3 & 4
You are now a certified PADI Open Water diver, with a license to dive to a depth of 18 meters with a dive buddy around the world.
Please note, our training standards are set high and according to the PADI standards, we do not miss out skills, tick boxes or sign anyone off until they have met the performance requirements and we focus our in water-skill training using neutral buoyancy where appropriate.
Completing all the diver skills properly is essential for the safety of yourself and your buddy and our experienced Diving Instructors work with you to ensure you accomplish this according to the training standards.
We can be confident that divers who are certified by us, will go on to dive safely in locations around the world and within the limits of their training.
Please remember, there are NO shortcuts to completing your Open Water course.
PADI Open Water Course Information
Orientation & Knowledge Development
Completing the Open Water course with e-learning and spend more time on holiday and NO time in a classroom.
Skip 1 full day of classroom time and spend that on the beach or better still, enjoy more diving.
We can arrange your Orientation & e-learning Open Water Diver Online Quick Review either the evening before we take you into confined water, or the day of your confined water, whatever is easier for you.
Just tell us what you prefer so we can make the necessary arrangements.
PADI Confined Water Diver Training
Our Confined Water training is conducted in the safety of a swimming pool. ‘Confined Water’ is a body of water that is deep enough for you to stand in and have your head out of the water.
We start with some simple breathing through the regulator standing and then underwater where you can also practice equalizing.
Your Diving Instructor will demonstrate each skill, then you will have time to try, practice and eventually master the skill.
Some of the skills you will be mastering include:
- Regulator clearing
- Mask clearing
- Alternative Air source use
- Buoyancy control
- Correct swimming techniques and body position
- Descents and Ascents techniques
- Hand signals and underwater communication
Please take the time to watch each of the Confined water training videos, as they highlight many of the skills you will be performing under the direct supervision of our experienced diving instructors.
Please subscribe to our Black Turtle Dive and IDC Koh Tao YouTube Channels to receive updates on all our training videos for beginners and professional level student training, as we publish the latest techniques, tips and marine life.
Confined Water Dive 1
Confined Water Dive 2
Confined Water Dive 3
What is Confined Water Training
Confined Water training includes 5 dives in the pool and on each of those dives, students learn to master the skills required for that dive, before moving on to the next skills.
You learn at YOUR own pace and under the supervision of an experienced diving instructor and by the end of pool training, you will be ready for the ocean and Open Water dives.
At Black Turtle Dive, Confined Water training is conducted in the safety of a swimming pool so our students receive the best possible training in optimum conditions, to enable them to master all the skill requirements.
Open Water Dives – Explore the Ocean
Now you are feeling comfortable with your underwater skills it is time for the real fun and excitement to begin. It is time to explore the ocean.
You can now put into practice all the new knowledge and skills you have learned during completion of the 4 Open Water training dives from the Open Water diver course.
Shallow Sandy Bays
The dives are conducted at a variety of suitable dive sites around Koh Tao including Mango Bay, Japanese Gardens, Twins and Aow Leuk bay and your Instructor will guide you around the dive sites.
We will ask you to repeat some of the skills you have already mastered in confined water and as you become more comfortable with your buoyancy we will continue to work on your body position and swimming technique.
And of course there will be lots of time for you to explore the ocean. Expect to see lots of colourful corals and reef fish such as Angelfish, Bannerfish and Parrotfish.
It is also common when diving Koh Tao to see Stingrays, Anemone fish, a variety of Groupers and Sea Turtles.
The first two training dives have a maximum depth of 12 metres and the final two dives are to a maximum depth of 18 metres.
After dives 3 and 4, we return to land and certify you as a PADI Open Water diver with a lifetime license to explore the ocean around our beautiful planet.
Your PADI Open Water Adventure on Koh Tao
Have you always dreamed of exploring the underwater world, discovering vibrant coral reefs, and encountering fascinating marine life? If so, the PADI Open Water Diver course on Koh Tao, Thailand, is your gateway to an unforgettable adventure.
This comprehensive and internationally recognized certification will equip you with the knowledge and skills to safely and confidently explore the underwater realm.
As a certified Open Water Diver, you’ll be able to dive independently with a buddy to depths of up to 18 meters, opening up a world of underwater wonders.
Koh Tao: A Diver’s Paradise
Koh Tao, aptly named “Turtle Island,” is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, diverse marine life, and thriving scuba diving community.
With its warm, clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundance of marine species, Koh Tao offers an ideal setting for your scuba diving journey.
How to Get to Koh Tao
Reaching Koh Tao from Bangkok is easy. You can choose from several convenient options:
Fly: Take a direct flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui (USM) and then hop on a ferry to Koh Tao.
Overnight Train and Ferry: Travel overnight by train from Bangkok to Chumphon or Surat Thani.
Thani and then connect to a ferry to Koh Tao. This is a popular and scenic option.
Bus and Ferry: Combine a bus journey from Bangkok to Chumphon or Surat Thani with a ferry transfer to Koh Tao.
Koh Tao Weather
Koh Tao enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to April.
However, diving is possible throughout the year, with water temperatures averaging a comfortable 26-29°C (79-84°F).
Your PADI Open Water Diver Journey
The PADI Open Water Diver course is divided into three main sections:
Knowledge Development
Purpose: To gain a solid understanding of scuba diving principles, safety procedures, and equipment.
Self-study: You’ll start by reading the PADI Open Water Diver Manual or completing the online eLearning program at your own pace.
Knowledge reviews: You’ll complete knowledge reviews at the end of each chapter to reinforce your learning.
Instructor-led discussions: You’ll engage in discussions with your diving instructor to clarify any questions and deepen your understanding.
Quizzes and exams: You’ll complete quizzes and a final exam to assess your knowledge and ensure you’re ready for the in-water training.
Key Knowledge Development Topics
Physics and physiology of diving: Understanding how pressure, volume, and density affect your body underwater.
Dive equipment: Learning about the different components of scuba gear and how they function.
Dive planning and safety: Mastering essential dive planning skills and understanding safety procedures.
Underwater marine environment: Exploring the fascinating underwater world, including marine life and marine ecosystems.
Problem management: Learning how to identify and manage potential problems underwater.
Confined Water Dives
Purpose: To develop basic scuba skills in a safe and controlled environment (typically a swimming pool or shallow, confined water area).
Setting up and checking scuba gear: Assembling and disassembling your scuba unit, performing pre-dive safety checks.
Water entry and exit techniques: Entering and exiting the water safely and efficiently.
Buoyancy control: Mastering buoyancy control to maintain neutral buoyancy and move effortlessly underwater.
Mask clearing and recovery: Learning how to clear water from your mask and recover it if it gets dislodged.
Regulator clearing and recovery: Clearing water from your regulator and recovering it if it falls out of your mouth.
Air sharing: Practicing air sharing techniques in case of an out-of-air emergency.
Emergency ascent: Learning how to perform a controlled emergency ascent in case of an out-of-air situation.
Underwater communication: Using hand signals and other communication techniques underwater.
Open Water Dives
Purpose: To apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world diving environment, exploring the underwater world and experiencing the wonders of scuba diving.
Four Open Water dives: You’ll complete four open water dives over two days at various dive sites around Koh Tao.
Gradual depth progression: You’ll start with shallower dives and gradually progress to deeper depths as you gain confidence and experience.
Skill practice and exploration: Each dive will involve practicing key skills learned in confined water, as well as exploring the coral reefs and observing marine life.
Dive planning and safety: You’ll participate in dive planning and safety briefings before each dive, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
What to Expect on Your Open Water Dives
Vibrant coral reefs: Koh Tao is renowned for its stunning coral reefs, teeming with colorful fish, invertebrates, and other marine life.
Diverse marine species: You might encounter sea turtles, sharks, rays, moray eels, and a variety of other fascinating creatures.
Underwater topography: Koh Tao offers diverse underwater landscapes, including shallow reefs, deeper rock pinnacles, and three main shipwrecks.
Comfortable dive conditions: The ocean around Koh Tao is generally calm and clear with minimal currents, making it an ideal location for beginners.
Prerequisites for PADI Open Water Course
- Age: You must be at least 10 years old to enroll in the PADI Open Water Diver course.
- Swimming ability: You need to be comfortable in the water and able to swim 200 meters (or 300 meters with mask, fins, and snorkel) and tread water or float for 10 minutes.
- Medical fitness: You must be in good physical health and complete a medical questionnaire to ensure you’re fit to dive. If you have any medical conditions, you may need to obtain clearance from a physician.
Medical Disclaimer
Please note that scuba diving involves inherent risks, and it’s essential to be in good health to participate. Before enrolling in the course, you’ll be required to complete a medical questionnaire to assess your fitness to dive.
If you have any medical conditions or concerns, please consult with a physician before starting the course.
Why Choose Koh Tao for Your PADI Open Water Course
Affordable diving: Koh Tao is one of the most affordable places in the world to get your scuba diving certification.
Abundant marine life: The waters around Koh Tao are teeming with diverse marine life, offering an unforgettable diving experience.
Easy diving conditions: The calm and clear waters with minimal currents make it ideal for beginners.
Variety of dive sites: Koh Tao boasts over 30 dive sites, catering to all levels of scuba divers.
Beautiful island: Beyond diving, Koh Tao offers stunning scenery, relaxed vibes, and a vibrant nightlife.
Accommodation Options on Koh Tao
Koh Tao offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences, from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxurious resorts and villas.
You can find accommodation near our dive school or in other parts of the island, depending on your preferences and budget.
The PADI Open Water Diver course on Koh Tao is an incredible opportunity to embark on an underwater adventure and discover the wonders of the marine world.
With affordable prices, diverse marine life, easy diving conditions, and beautiful island setting, Koh Tao is the perfect place to take the plunge and become a certified scuba diver.
If you have the time and budget, you can continue your diver education with our PADI Advanced Open Water course.
Please contact us for any of our diving course prices or schedules and we look forward to welcoming you to Koh Tao.
Customer Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of the PADI Open Water course on Koh Tao?
The price for the PADI Open Water course is THB 12,000 per person. Included in this price are all course materials, equipment rental (including dive computer), instructor fees, boat trips and dive insurance.
Food and accommodation are not included. However, you can contact us to find out about accommodation options. We have AC rooms available at discounted rates when taking a diving course with us.
It is possible you can find dive centres on Koh Tao that are offering the Open Water course at a cheaper price, so always ask what exactly is included to make sure there are no hidden costs or surprises.
How long is the PADI Open Water course on Koh Tao?
It is possible to complete the PADI Open Water course in as little as 3 days with our elearning option. Complete elearning before your arrival and be ready for the water skills.
This ensures you will have plenty of time to familiarize yourself with the dive theory, equipment and practical skills to become a confident certified diver.
The course schedule is very flexible and can always be adapted. You can contact us with any questions you may have regarding a course schedule to suit your travel itinerary.
Is the Cost of PADI Open Water course Koh Tao including Insurance?
When you sign up for the course with a reputable dive centre, insurance will be included in the course price.
When booking a course always double check with the dive centre about their policy regarding insurance.
Insurance is not required to start the PADI Open Water course, but knowing it is included and you are covered in the event of an emergency, will give you peace of mind during your training.
What is the Minimum Age of the PADI Open Water course Koh Tao?
To start the PADI Open Water course and become a certified diver you have to be minimum 10 years of age.
Children between the ages of 10 – 14 will get the Junior Open Water certification.
10 and 11 year old’s will be limited to a depth of 12 metres and have to dive with a parent, guardian or PADI professional.
Certified Junior Open Water divers aged 12 – 14 are allowed to dive to 18m and must dive with an adult certified diver.
Can I do theory for the PADI Open Water course before I arrive at Koh Tao?
Yes it is possible to start the theory part for the PADI Open Water course at home before arrival.
You can watch the videos and take the knowledge reviews and quizzes from the comfort of your home using PADI eLearning.
By doing this you will have more time to work on and enjoy the in-water part of the diving course.
It will also reduce the time required to complete the course on Koh Tao. If you would like to find out more about how to get started with eLearning, send us a message.
Can I do Koh Tao PADI Open Water course if I cannot Swim?
In order to become a certified Open Water diver you will need to complete 2 swim tests.
The first one is a 10-minute float in deeper water. You can tread water, swim around or float on your back, thus showing us you are able to maintain yourself at the surface for 10 minutes.
The second swim test is a 200m swim without any equipment or 300m swim with snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel, fins). There is no time limit, it just has to be a continuous swim.
If you are not the most confident swimmer you can let us know and we can teach you how to swim.
How Deep can I go as a PADI Open Water Diver Koh Tao?
The maximum depth for PADI Open Water certification is 18 metres / 60 feet. With this certification, you can dive independently with a certified dive buddy all around the world up to the maximum depth.
You will learn how to plan and execute dives up to 18metres. If you want to go deeper you can continue your education and take the PADI Advanced Open Water course.
Is the PADI Open Water course on Koh Tao worth the cost?
Yes it is worth it. You will be amazed at what you get to see during your Open Water dives on Koh Tao.
Koh Tao is one of the cheapest places in the world to get your scuba certification, making it extremely good value.
Quality and training standards are among the highest in the world and the calm, clear, tropical warm ocean around Koh Tao makes it the perfect environment for scuba diver training.
Why is it best to choose PADI for my Open Water course Koh Tao?
PADI is the largest recreational scuba diving training agency in the world. You will find more PADI dive shops around the world than those of any other dive agency.
The quality of training and emphasis on safety are very important values within the PADI educational system.
The courses are focused on performance-based learning and offer flexibility to tailor the courses to the individual needs of students.
Is it possible to fail the PADI Open Water course on Koh Tao?
You have to meet all performance requirements to gain the PADI Open Water certification.
If a student is unable to master a specific skill they work with the instructor to practice until they can achieve mastery of the skill.
For the final exam there is a 75% pass rate, but in the unlikely event the student fails this, they can re-take a different exam at a later time.
If the course was not completed, the student has 12 months from the moment when the last segment was completed, to resume training from where they left off without having to start all over again.
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