PADI Open Water Certification in Phuket: Learn to Dive

Dive into Phuket’s underwater world with guided island explorations included

A three-day PADI Open Water Diver Certification course in Phuket combines pool training in Chalong Bay with two full-day dives at Racha Yai and Racha Noi islands. You learn the basics in confined water, then practice skills on 50-minute dives in clear water with weak currents and abundant marine life. The course includes all instruction, equipment, certification materials, insurance and hotel pickup for the island days.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Swimming Pool Confined Water Sessions

• Meet at pool at 8am
• Set dive equipment
• Practice diving skills surface and underwater

Day 2 — Racha Yai Island Full Day Trip

• Pick up at hotel
• Breakfast on way to island
• Dive around Racha Yai island
• Lunch hot buffet served

Day 3 — Koh Racha Noi Full Day Trip

• Pick up at hotel
• Breakfast on way to island
• Dive around Koh Racha Noi island
• Lunch hot buffet served

The Experience

You start at a pool in Chalong Bay at 8am on day one, meeting your SSI instructor to learn how to set up your dive gear and practice fundamental skills at the surface and underwater. This confined-water session builds the foundation—breathing underwater, managing buoyancy, clearing your mask—before you ever leave the shallows. By the end of the morning, you have the basics down and the confidence to move to open water.

Days two and three take you to Racha Yai and Racha Noi islands, where the instructor picks you up from your hotel in Kamala, Patong, Kata, Karon, Chalong or Rawai. Racha Yai is known for exceptionally clear water and weak currents—ideal conditions for practicing what you learned in the pool. Each dive runs 50 minutes, giving you time to work through skills and spot the reef life around you. Racha Noi, wilder and less visited, offers the best underwater visibility in the Phuket area; you spend a full day there on day three, diving the same sites and deepening your comfort in open water.

By the end of day three, you hold a PADI Open Water Diver Certification—the credential that lets you dive independently anywhere in the world. The course covers all SSI instruction fees, materials, certification card, insurance and scuba equipment; you bring only your swimsuit and a willingness to learn. Hotel pickup is included for the island days, so you don't arrange transport yourself.

What’s included

• SSI instructor fees, training materials and PADI certification card.
• full scuba diving equipment.
• insurance.
• hotel pickup for the island dives on days two and three from selected Phuket areas (Kamala, Patong, Kata, Karon, Chalong, Rawai).

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by SSS Phuket

Is this one for you?Book this course if you're new to diving and want to earn your certification while diving two different islands—the pool day builds your skills safely, and the two island days let you practice in real conditions with weak currents and excellent visibility before you dive on your own.

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Top questions

What happens on the first day of the PADI course in Phuket?

Day one is pool training at Chalong Bay, starting at 8am. You meet your SSI instructor and learn to set up your dive equipment, then practice essential skills—breathing underwater, buoyancy control, mask clearing—at the surface and in shallow water. This confined-water session builds the foundation before you dive in open water.

Where do the open-water dives take place?

The two open-water dives happen at Racha Yai island on day two and Racha Noi island on day three. Racha Yai has clear water and weak currents, making it ideal for practicing new skills. Racha Noi offers the best underwater visibility in the Phuket area and is less crowded. Each dive lasts 50 minutes.

What's included in the PADI Open Water Certification course?

The course includes SSI instructor fees, all training materials, your PADI certification card, insurance, full scuba diving equipment and hotel pickup for days two and three from Kamala, Patong, Kata, Karon, Chalong or Rawai. You don't pay extra for any of these.

Do I need diving experience to take this course?

No. The PADI Open Water Diver Certification is the basic diving credential and requires no prior experience. The course starts with pool training to teach you the fundamentals, then moves to open water once you're ready. Children as young as 12 can enroll.

Can I book this course if I'm flying in that day?

Diving within 18 hours of flying is not recommended due to decompression risk. If you arrive by air, plan to start the course the next day or later. Before any dive, you'll complete a health questionnaire; some medical conditions may prevent you from diving, so consult your doctor if you have concerns about asthma, heart conditions or other pre-existing issues.