Taking the plunge into the underwater world can feel a little intimidating, totally normal! But the PADI Open Water course is designed to ease you in step by step, giving you the skills and confidence to dive anywhere in the world, down to a max of 18m!
You’ll mix a bit of theory with plenty of time in the water. It’s fun, sometimes challenging, and super rewarding. Expect a few nerves at first, lots of laughs, and probably a new addiction to diving!
The Course Breakdown
Theory (aka eLearning)
No boring classrooms here, this is all online! You’ll go through 5 chapters on the PADI app, at your own pace. There are quizzes along the way and a final exam. It covers everything from dive gear and underwater physics to safety procedures and problem-solving. Takes around 6-12 hours total. You can start the eLearning before your trip or once you arrive, but we recommend getting a head start. Studying for around an hour a day before your arrival is a great way to spread out the workload and absorb the material comfortably. That way, when you get to Koh Tao, you can focus more on the fun stuff, diving and hands-on training, without having to juggle study time.
Confined Water Sessions
This is where you learn the skills in our on-site training pool. Things like how to assemble your gear, clear your mask, handle out-of-air situations, and most importantly, how to control your buoyancy. Everything’s broken down step by step by your instructor, and you’ll build confidence before heading into the open ocean.
You’ll also complete a water skills assessment: a 200m swim (or 300m with snorkel) and a 10-minute float. Nothing extreme, we just want to make sure you’re comfy in the water!
Open Water Dives
Time to dive in for real! You’ll do 4 dives over 2 days, starting shallow (12m max) and working your way down to 18m. You’ll repeat some of the skills you practiced earlier and learn a few new ones, like compass use and dive computer basics. Plus, you’ll start to enjoy the freedom of actually exploring underwater!
Certification
Once you’ve completed theory, pool skills, and all 4 dives, you’re officially a certified diver! You’ll get your eCard on the PADI app (no need to print plastic unless you really want one). The card never expires, but if you take a long break between dives, we recommend a quick refresher before jumping back in.
Not 100% Sure Yet?
If you’re on the fence, try a PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience first. It’s a low-commitment intro where you do a short pool session and then head out for 2 dives (max 12m, no exam or stress). Great way to see if diving’s your thing before signing up for the full course.
Why Koh Tao?
There’s a reason Koh Tao, Thailand is one of the most popular places in the world to learn how to dive. This little island in the Gulf of Thailand is a tropical playground with warm, clear water year-round, shallow reefs teeming with marine life, and a chill island vibe that makes it easy to slow down and soak it all in. Whether it’s your first time underwater or your fiftieth, the dive sites here are perfect for learning, calm seas, great visibility, and loads of fish, corals, and sometimes even a curious turtle or the occasional whale shark!
And it’s not just about diving, Koh Tao is also known for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning sunsets, beach bars, and friendly, global dive community. You’ll find yourself making new friends from around the world, swapping stories over beachside dinners or sunset drinks. It’s the kind of place where you come for the diving but end up falling for the whole island lifestyle.
So whether you're chasing a new skill, stepping out of your comfort zone, or just looking for your next adventure, the PADI Open Water course on Koh Tao is an awesome way to start. And who knows, this might just be the beginning of a lifelong love for the ocean.
Ready to dive in? Let’s make it happen!
