PADI Open Water Diving: 3-Day Certification in Ko Chang

Four open water dives at Koh Rang's coral reefs, starting the day after your pool session.

The PADI Open Water Diver Course is a 3-day certification class in Ko Chang where you learn scuba diving fundamentals in a pool or shallow bay on day one, then complete four open water dives at coral reefs around Koh Chang and Koh Rang National Park on days two and three. Small groups keep the pace relaxed and the instruction personal. Hotel pickup, all equipment, lunch and drinks are included. You'll be certified to dive independently to 18 meters anywhere in the world upon completion.

The experience

How do you go from never having dived to certified in three days? The first day answers that question. You meet your instructor for a theory session covering the essentials (how your body responds to pressure, how to breathe underwater, how to manage buoyancy), then move into a pool or shallow bay to practice the skills you just learned. It's controlled, it's shallow, and it's where the nervousness usually evaporates.

Days two and three flip the setting. You board the dive boat and complete four open water dives at coral reefs around Koh Chang and Koh Rang National Park. This is where you apply what you learned, spot actual marine life instead of pool walls, and build the confidence that comes from doing it for real. Small groups mean your instructor watches you closely, not a crowd of faces competing for attention. The boat handles the logistics. You handle the diving.

Everything you need is provided: SCUBA equipment, hotel pickup and drop-off from the west coast of Ko Chang, a professional guide who speaks English, French, German or Thai, lunch and drinks throughout the three days, and the PADI manual and certificate at the end. The only thing to arrange before you arrive is a health questionnaire: some medical conditions prevent diving, so the operator asks you to check with your doctor if you have heart or respiratory issues. Weather can cancel a day, but you'll get an alternative date or a full refund if that happens.

What’s included

• All SCUBA equipment and the PADI manual and certificate.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from the west coast of Ko Chang.
• a professional guide in English, French, German or Thai.
• buffet lunch and beverages throughout the three days.
• and insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 3

Live guideEnglish, French, German, Dutch and Thai

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by bbdivers

Is this one for you?Choose this 3-day course if you want to earn your Open Water certification while keeping one full day free for other activities. The pool work happens on day one, then you move to reef dives on days two and three.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, German, Thai and Dutch.

What do I actually do on the first day of the PADI course?

Day one covers theory in a classroom setting, then moves to confined water (a pool or shallow bay), where you practice essential skills like breathing underwater, equalizing pressure and managing your buoyancy before any open water diving.

Where do the open water dives happen?

The four open water dives take place at coral reefs around Koh Chang and Koh Rang National Park on days two and three, accessed by boat from your hotel on the west coast of Ko Chang.

What depth can I dive to after I'm certified?

Once you complete the PADI Open Water Diver Course, you're certified to dive independently to a maximum depth of 18 meters anywhere in the world.

Is the SCUBA equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

All SCUBA equipment is included in the course. You don't need to bring or rent anything separately.

Does the course price cover lunch and drinks?

Yes, buffet lunch and beverages are included throughout the three days, along with hotel pickup and drop-off from the west coast of Ko Chang.

Can I do this course if I've never dived before?

The PADI Open Water Diver Course is designed as the entry-level certification for people with no diving experience. It's the most recognized beginner course in the world, and the small-group format keeps the pace relaxed for first-time divers.