Koh Tao: 3-Day Open Water Diving Course & Certification

Summary

Learn scuba basics in koh tao with real dives and local guidance

You’ll start your open water diving course in Koh Tao with friendly local instructors guiding you through theory sessions, pool training, and four ocean dives—plus lunch and all scuba gear included. By day three you’ll be exploring real dive sites up to 18 meters deep, finishing with your digital certification and maybe a little sunburned grin.

What’s the experience like?

The first morning on Koh Tao, I was honestly a bit nervous — I’d never even put on a wetsuit before. Our instructor, May, had this calm way of explaining things that made me feel less like an awkward tourist and more like someone who could actually do this. We met the other students (two Brits, one German guy who already looked like he belonged underwater), did some theory over coffee, and then it was straight to the pool for our first confined water session. The mask felt weird at first — kind of rubbery against my face — but after five minutes I stopped noticing it. Lunch was simple but good; I remember the smell of fried garlic drifting from the kitchen while we tried to quiz each other on hand signals.

Day two started early again. More theory (not as boring as I expected) and then out to the boat for our first real dives at two different spots around Koh Tao. The sea was calm, almost glassy, and you could see these flashes of blue as fish darted under the surface. May kept checking in with us — “You okay?” she’d gesture underwater — and somehow that helped me relax enough to actually look around instead of just worrying about my breathing. At twelve meters down everything felt quieter, heavier maybe, but not scary. I still think about that moment when I realized I’d forgotten to be nervous.

The last day was just diving — no drills or skills tests — which felt like a reward after all the practice. We dropped down to eighteen meters at one of the bigger sites (I wish I could remember the name; something in Thai that sounded musical). It’s strange how quickly three days go by when you’re learning something totally new. After we surfaced for the last time, we took our final exam back at the school with cold tea and sunburned faces. Passing felt less important than just knowing I could do it now, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Academics and confined water skills

• Meet instructor and students
• Attend first academic session
• Lunch break
• Confined skills session in afternoon

Day 2 — Academic session and confined water dives

• Morning academic session
• Boat to dive sites
• Confined water training dives 1 and 2

Day 3 — Open water dives and final exam

• Two open water dives up to 18 meters
• Final exam at dive school

Top questions

How long does the open water course in Koh Tao take?

The course takes 3 days from start to finish.

Is lunch included during the diving course?

Yes, lunch is included each day of the course.

Do I need previous diving experience for this?

No previous experience is needed; beginners are welcome.

What’s the maximum depth for open water divers on this course?

The maximum depth is 18 meters on day three dives.

Are all scuba equipment and materials provided?

Yes, all scuba equipment and online theoretical materials are provided.

Is there a digital certification at the end?

Yes, you receive a digital certification after passing.

Where do training sessions take place?

The confined session is in a pool; open water dives are at various sites around Koh Tao.

Are there any health restrictions?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your three days include all online theory materials, four open water ocean dives around Koh Tao plus one pool training session, full use of SCUBA equipment throughout, daily lunch along with coffee or tea breaks, and your digital certification once you’ve passed—it’s all pretty much sorted so you can focus on learning (and enjoying) your first real dives.