Koh Tao: PADI Open Water Diver Certification in 3 Days

Three days underwater: from theory to your first open water dives

You complete five theory chapters, take a written exam, and log four open water dives across three days on Koh Tao. The course moves from confined water at Nang Yuan Island to depths of 12 meters on day two and 18 meters on day three. All equipment, certification, and boat refreshments are included. You walk away with an internationally recognized PADI card and a log book.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Theory and confined water practice

• Read PADI Open Water Diver manual
• Watch training videos
• Complete knowledge reviews and tests
• Discuss theory with instructor
• Practice basic diving skills in shallow water
• Learn equipment assembling and buddy procedures

Day 2: Theory and open water dives

• Continue theory reviews and quizzes
• Perform two open water dives
• Repeat diving skills in open water

Day 3: Final theory and open water dives

• Complete final theory and written exam
• Perform two open water dives
• Master diving skills and finish certification

The experience

What if you could go from never having breathed underwater to holding an international diving certificate in just 72 hours? That's what the PADI Open Water Diver course on Koh Tao actually does. Day one starts with five chapters of the manual (you can read or watch video, whichever sticks), then move straight into the shallow water at Nang Yuan Island's Japanese Garden, where the depth tops out at 1.5 to 2 meters among coral and tropical fish. Your instructor works through any confusing bits with you right there, so theory doesn't stay abstract for long.

Days two and three are where the real diving happens. On day two, you're in the water from 10am to 3pm doing two open water dives at a maximum depth of 12 meters. You're repeating the skills from the confined session but now in the actual reef environment, which feels completely different. The third day starts early with a final written exam at 8am, then you're back in the water from 9am to 2pm for two more dives, this time going down to 18 meters. That's when you master the skills and finish the certification procedures. Between the dives and the theory blocks, your instructor fills in the gaps so nothing feels rushed, even though the schedule is tight.

The boat provides drinking water, tea, coffee, fruits and cookies throughout the days, and all the SCUBA equipment is included. You're not renting anything separately. You get an international diving certificate that works at dive shops worldwide and a Scuba Birds diving log book to track your dives going forward. Groups stay small, which means your instructor can actually see what you're doing underwater and adjust the pace if someone needs an extra run-through on equalizing or buoyancy control.

What’s included

Your three days include the PADI Open Water Diver manual and video training, five knowledge reviews and a final written exam, confined water practice in the Japanese Garden at Nang Yuan Island, four open water dives (two at 12 meters, two at 18 meters), all SCUBA equipment, an international diving certificate, a Scuba Birds diving log book, and boat refreshments including water, tea, coffee, fruits and cookies each day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 70 years) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish, French, German and Russian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by PADI 5 Star IDC Diving Center Scuba Birds

Is this one for you?Right for travelers who want to get certified without committing weeks to a course and are comfortable with an intensive three-day schedule. Expect early starts on days two and three (day two begins at 10am and day three at 8am), which is what lets you fit four dives and all the theory into the timeframe.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, German and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the PADI Open Water Diver course on Koh Tao?

Three days. Day one covers theory and confined water practice in shallow water. Days two and three include four open water dives and final certification.

What's the maximum depth you'll dive to?

12 meters on day two, and 18 meters on day three. Day one practice is in 1.5 to 2 meters of water.

Is all diving equipment included?

Yes. SCUBA gear is provided throughout the course. You don't need to rent or bring your own.

Where do the dives take place?

At Nang Yuan Island, including the Japanese Garden bay for confined water practice and the surrounding reef for open water dives.

Do I need diving experience to start?

No. The course is designed for beginners. It's suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it's not recommended for people with poor cardiovascular health.

What do I get after finishing?

An international PADI Open Water Diver certificate, a Scuba Birds diving log book, and the ability to dive independently at any dive site in the world.

What's included in the course fee?

The international certificate, log book, all SCUBA equipment, and refreshments on the boat: water, tea, coffee, fruits and cookies.