Koh Lipe: PADI Open Water Dive Course Small Groups

Summary

Learn scuba diving in Koh Lipe’s warm waters with expert guides

You’ll learn to scuba dive in Koh Lipe’s calm tropical waters with a patient local guide and just a few classmates. Expect lots of hands-on practice, snacks between dives, flexible timing if you need it—and those quiet moments floating below the waves will stay with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to be this nervous the first time I strapped on the tank—my hands were a little shaky, honestly—but our instructor, Sam (who’s been on Koh Lipe for ages), just grinned and said, “You’ll forget about it once you see your first clownfish.” She was right. The water was so clear that morning I could see sunlight flickering all the way down to the sand. Even the wetsuit felt less awkward after a while.

The PADI Open Water course here is nothing like those huge classes I’d seen elsewhere; there were just three of us, and Sam never rushed anything. She’d pause to point out a nudibranch or wave at a passing fishing boat above us. Sometimes we’d surface near the boat and she’d hand around pineapple slices—sticky fingers, salty lips, everyone laughing about who kicked up the most sand by accident. The best part? No pressure if you needed an extra minute to get your mask sorted or just float and breathe.

One afternoon, rain clouds rolled in fast—classic island weather—and we huddled under the awning with mugs of sweet Thai coffee while Sam went over dive tables. I still remember that smell: coffee mixed with sea air and sunscreen. There’s something about learning to dive in Koh Lipe that sticks with you. Maybe it’s how relaxed everything feels, or maybe it’s knowing you’ll always remember your first breath underwater.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Complete PADI Open Water Diver Course

• Attend flexible dive instruction
• Learn scuba diving theory
• Practice diving skills in small class
• Get certified for lifetime diving

Top questions

How many people are in each PADI Open Water class?

Usually 2-4 students per instructor; never more than 4 per class.

Is equipment included for the open water diver course?

Yes, all necessary dive equipment is provided during the course.

Are snacks or drinks included during training?

Yes, snacks plus coffee and tea are included between sessions.

How long does it take to get certified?

The schedule is flexible but typically takes several days to complete all requirements.

Is hotel pickup included?

No mention of hotel pickup; check directly for transport options.

Do I get a certification card at the end?

Yes, successful students receive a PADI certification card upon completion.

Is this course suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s designed for people new to diving and requires no prior experience.

Are there any health restrictions?

The course isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries, asthma, or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes all dive equipment, snacks between sessions, coffee or tea breaks under cover when needed, thorough instruction from a certified PADI instructor in small groups (never more than four), plus your logbook and official PADI certification card and ebook when you finish.