Koh Chang: Beginner Scuba Diving Day Trip with 2 Dives

Summary

First-time scuba diving in Koh Chang’s reefs with gentle guides

You’ll start your beginner scuba diving day trip from Koh Chang with a friendly local guide who walks you through every step. Practice skills in shallow water before two real dives among colorful reef fish. Enjoy lunch on board between dives, with all equipment provided and hotel pickup included. There’s a quiet thrill in those first underwater breaths — it sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

"You just need to breathe — slow, like you’re sipping soup," our instructor, Lek, said as we sat on the edge of the boat off Koh Chang. I remember gripping my mask a bit too tight and laughing nervously. The sea smelled sharp and clean that morning, not fishy at all, which surprised me. Lek handed out wetsuits and checked everyone’s gear twice — he had this calm way of explaining things that made even the most anxious in our group (me included) feel less ridiculous about asking basic questions.

The boat ride out was longer than I expected but honestly kind of soothing. We passed little green islands and fishing boats with bright paint peeling off their sides. While we sipped instant coffee from mismatched mugs, Lek went over how the regulator works and what to do if you get water in your mask (which I did, immediately). He kept saying “mai pen rai” — like “no worries” — every time someone fumbled with their fins or forgot which strap went where.

I’d never tried scuba diving before this day trip from Koh Chang, so when we finally slipped into the water near the coral reefs, my heart was pounding. The first few breaths underwater felt weirdly loud in my ears — everything else went quiet except for bubbles and my own breathing. Fish darted past in flashes of yellow and blue; one nibbled at my glove and I almost laughed through my regulator. Lunch on the boat tasted extra good after that (I swear rice never tastes as good as it does after a dive), and then somehow it was time for our second dive. By then I didn’t feel scared at all — just a bit tired and happy.

On the way back, salt drying on my skin, I caught myself grinning at nothing out over the water. It’s strange how quickly something unfamiliar can start to feel natural if you’ve got someone steady showing you how to do it. I still think about that first breath underwater sometimes — how awkward and amazing it felt at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Discover scuba diving in Koh Chang

• Meet instructor at dive shop
• Try on scuba equipment
• Complete registration form
• Boat cruise to dive sites
• Learn scuba basics and safety
• Practice skills in shallow water
• First scuba dive
• Lunch on board
• Second scuba dive up to 12 meters

Top questions

Is this scuba diving experience suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s designed specifically for beginners or non-divers with no prior experience needed.

How many dives are included on this day trip from Koh Chang?

You’ll do two introductory dives during the day under close supervision.

What is the maximum depth for these beginner dives?

The maximum depth is 12 meters for both dives.

Is hotel pickup included in the booking?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your day trip.

Are meals or drinks provided during the tour?

A buffet lunch plus coffee, tea, soda or pop are served on board between dives.

Do I need to be able to swim well to join?

No strong swimming skills are required; it’s beginner-friendly and calm throughout.

Where do the dives take place around Koh Chang?

Dives happen at local coral reefs or sometimes at Koh Rang (with an extra fee).

Is this activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas including transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off around Koh Chang, use of all scuba equipment with professional instruction throughout, two guided beginner dives (up to 12 meters), a buffet lunch served onboard between dives plus coffee, tea or soft drinks along the way before returning back in the afternoon.