Open Water Scuba Certification Koh Tao: 4 days, 4 ocean dives

Four days learning to dive on Koh Tao's clearest reefs

You complete a four-day PADI Open Water certification with one pool session and four open-water dives at different Koh Tao sites. The dive boat includes showers, sun deck, and meals on Sail Rock days. All equipment, insurance, and refreshments are included in the price, and you leave with a certification card and real underwater experience.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Introduction and pool session

• Welcome at dive school
• Take measurements and gear up
• Watch educational videos
• Attend safety briefing
• Complete pool diving session

Day 2: First open water dives

• Travel to dive site by boat
• Enjoy spacious dive boat amenities
• Perform first open water dive
• Perform second open water dive

Day 3: Additional open water dives

• Travel to new dive site
• Perform third open water dive
• Perform fourth open water dive

Day 4: Course completion and review

• Review course and safety tips
• Discuss diving experience with instructor
• Complete course certification

The experience

The water is already in front of you: clear enough to see the sand thirty feet down, and somewhere out there the dive sites are waiting. The Open Water course here is four days, starting with a pool session where your instructor walks you through the basics in controlled water before anything gets real. You get fitted with brand new equipment at the dive school, measured properly so nothing shifts when you're underwater, and then you sit through the safety briefing and the educational videos. It sounds like a lot of talking, but it matters. Your instructor is going to explain what to expect, the do's and don'ts, and how to actually breathe from a tank without panicking.

The day after the pool work, you're on their dive boat: a three-story vessel with showers, a sun deck, plenty of space, and refreshments all included. The boat takes you to one of Koh Tao's dive sites, and you make four open-water dives over the next few days, hitting different sites each time. The staff at La Bombona are hands-on and knowledgeable, and they're having as much fun as you are while staying completely focused on keeping everyone safe. If you want to push it a bit, they run night dives every other day. Something worth trying if you're looking for a different kind of thrill. Twice a week they also head out to Sail Rock, where breakfast and lunch are part of the price.

Everything you need is provided on site. All the gear is high-quality and properly maintained, so you're not renting old equipment that's been through a thousand divers. You get a T-shirt and insurance is covered. The boat itself has restrooms, which matters on a full day out on the water. By the end of four days, you've got your Open Water certification and you've actually dived, not just trained.

What’s included

All SCUBA equipment (wetsuit, tank, regulator, BCD, weights), use of the dive boat with showers and sun deck, insurance coverage, refreshments throughout the day, a La Bombona T-shirt, and meals on Sail Rock dive days. The course includes one pool training session and four open-water dives at different sites around Koh Tao.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (10 to 14 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Our reception is right on the beach at Grand Beach resort”

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

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by La Bombona Diving

Is this one for you?Right for anyone who wants to learn diving properly without rushing: four days gives you time to build confidence in the pool before you're underwater for real. The boat and all gear are included, so you show up and dive: no rental hassles or hidden costs.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 14 years). Under 10: they can't be included in the booking.

How many dives do you do in the Open Water course?

Four open-water dives, one per day after the initial pool session. Each dive is at a different site around Koh Tao.

What's included in the course price?

All SCUBA equipment, the dive boat with amenities, insurance, refreshments, a T-shirt, and meals on Sail Rock days. You only pay for the course itself.

Do I need diving experience to start?

No. Open Water is the beginner certification. The instructor covers everything from safety to technique in the pool before you go to open water.

What's the dive boat like?

A three-story vessel with showers, a sun deck, plenty of space, and restrooms on board. Refreshments are provided throughout the day.

Are night dives included?

Night dives are offered every other day and are optional. You can add them if you want the extra experience.

How long is the course?

Four days total: one pool session, then four days of open-water dives at different sites.

Is this suitable if I have health concerns?

The course is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health. Check with your doctor and the dive school if you have any medical questions.

What happens on Sail Rock days?

Twice a week the boat goes to Sail Rock, and breakfast and lunch are included in the price on those days.