If you’ve ever thought about learning to scuba dive or want to level up with a more advanced certification, Koh Tao, Thailand, is the place to do it. This little island in the Gulf of Thailand has become the spot for divers, whether you’re just starting out or already comfortable underwater. From the laid-back vibe to the stunning dive sites, Koh Tao makes the whole experience easy, fun, and incredibly affordable.
What makes Koh Tao so popular for scuba certifications?
For starters, it’s one of the cheapest places in the world to get certified. There are dozens of dive shops to choose from, so no matter your budget or style, you’ll find something that works for you. On top of that, the dive instructors here are super experienced and know how to make you feel comfortable, even if you’re nervous about being underwater. Add in the warm, clear waters, colorful reefs, and chilled-out island atmosphere, and it’s honestly hard to beat.
There are countless reputable dive shops on Koh Tao to choose from, each offering something unique. Some cater to international travelers with instructors teaching in multiple languages, while others specialize in advanced certifications for more experienced divers. There are even dedicated freediving shops for those who prefer exploring the underwater world on a single breath. With so many options, it’s worth doing a bit of research to find the right fit for your needs and goals. That said, I’ll share my personal experience and recommendations based on the dive shop I chose: Roctopus Dive center
When it comes to choosing a dive shop, there are a few key things to keep in mind to make sure it aligns with your vibe, preferences, and experience level.
First off, visit the dive shop in person if you can. This will give you a feel for how the instructors and staff interact with customers, as well as a chance to check out the facilities. Pay attention to the cleanliness and professionalism of the space—this can say a lot about how seriously they take safety and training. Ask questions about what they offer, from prices to course details, and explain what you’re looking for. Also, inquire about group sizes. If you learn better with one-on-one attention or smaller groups, this is something to prioritize.
Another thing to consider is whether the shop certifies through RAID or PADI, the two most recognized scuba training organizations. While both are widely accepted worldwide and offer very similar certifications, some people prefer one over the other, so it’s worth double-checking if that matters to you. Taking these steps can help you find a dive shop that matches your needs and ensures you have a great experience underwater.
Once you’ve picked your dive school and the course you want to complete, the real adventure begins! This is where the excitement kicks in, and you’ll be counting down the hours until you’re in the water.
For many travelers visiting Koh Tao, getting their Open Water 20 certification is the main goal. Thanks to the low cost and the island’s reputation as a global dive hub, completing this course has practically become a rite of passage here. If you’re planning to take the plunge, here’s a breakdown of what to expect from an Open Water 20 course on Koh Tao.
Day 0: Orientation
It all starts with Day 0, where you’ll attend a short orientation session in the evening. This is your chance to get familiar with the basics of the course, understand how everything works, and prepare yourself for the days ahead. During the session, your instructor will walk you through what to bring, how to get ready, and what to expect each step of the way. You’ll also set up a login for your certification materials and have the chance to meet your instructor and your dive group. This introduction helps ease you into the process and gets you ready—both mentally and physically—for the incredible underwater experience that awaits.
Day 1: Getting Started with Academics and Pool Training
Day 1 kicks off with an early start and a focus on academics. The evening before, you’ll have gone through a few chapters of the course material and taken mini quizzes to reinforce the key concepts. This preparation makes the morning academic session much easier to follow and understand. Over the course of a few hours, you’ll dive into the theories and concepts of scuba diving, learning crucial information that will set you up for success.
Once the academic portion is done, it’s time to jump into the practical side of things, starting with your pool session. First, you’ll complete a swim test, which includes a 200-meter swim and a 10-minute float. These tests ensure you’re comfortable in the water before moving forward. Afterward, you’ll be fitted for your gear, which is an exciting moment—it’s when you really start to feel like a diver!
Your instructor will teach you how to set up your equipment and get into the water safely. From there, you’ll spend several hours in the pool learning and practicing essential skills. These include basic techniques, formations, rescue skills, and other foundational practices that will help you feel comfortable and confident with your equipment. This hands-on experience is all about building familiarity and ensuring you’re prepared for the open water.
After a full day of academics and pool practice, you’ll head back home to finish the remaining chapters of the course material and get ready for the exciting dives coming up the next day!
Day 2: Mastering Skills and Exploring Depths
Day 2 starts off with the last bits of your academics. Covering things such as boat procedures, planning a dive, emergencies etc… you’ll go over the dives that are lined up for the afternoon, making sure your fully prepared. Then you will take your final exam with RAID! Once you have passed, and finished up debriefing the rest of the day with your instructor, you’ll take a quick break before the fun Begins in the sea!
After a quick break for snacks and drinks, you’ll return to the dive shop and prepare to board the boat. You’ll gather all your equipment, head to the pier, and load everything onto the boat. Once aboard, your instructor will provide a boat overview briefing, followed by a detailed dive briefing. You’ll set up your gear and get ready to enter the water for your first dive. This dive typically lasts about 45 minutes, depending on how quickly you complete the required skills and how efficiently your dive buddies manage their air. During this time, you’ll practice essential emergency and buoyancy skills before enjoying a short swim around the area. Finally, you’ll ascend and return to the boat.
Back on board, you’ll take a one-hour break to recharge with snacks, coffee, tea, and another dive briefing. Afterward, you’ll gear up again and prepare for your second dive. Dive 2 continues with some skill and buoyancy practice but allows for more exploration compared to the stationary nature of the first dive. You’ll swim around and experience more of the underwater environment while honing your techniques. This dive also lasts approximately 45 minutes before you ascend and return to the boat.
Once back on the boat, you’ll clean and organize your equipment before heading back to shore. At the pier, you’ll return to the shop to clean your gear thoroughly and sit down with your instructor to log your dives and reflect on the day. After completing your logs and debrief, you’ll head home to rest and prepare for the final day of diving.
Day 3: The Final Day of Your Scuba Adventure!
Day 3 kicks off bright and early at the dive shop. You’ll meet your instructor, gather your equipment, and head to the boat around 6 AM. The first stop is dive site number one. After a quick dive briefing, you’ll gear up and prepare for the third dive of your course. This dive is designed to be more of a fun dive, with just a few skills to practice while focusing on mastering your buoyancy and positioning underwater. You’ll spend 35-45 minutes exploring, gliding effortlessly through the water, and soaking up the vibrant marine life before ascending back to the boat.
Following a well-earned hour-long break on the boat—complete with coffee, tea, or snacks—you’ll gear up for your fourth and final dive. After another dive briefing, you’ll plunge into the water for an exhilarating dive to 18 meters. Similar to the earlier dive, this one allows you to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world while refining your skills. After approximately 40 minutes in the water, you’ll ascend for the last time and head back to the boat, buzzing with excitement.
Once back at the dive shop, you’ll clean and pack away your gear before sitting down to log your dives with your instructor. With a few final signatures from both you and your instructor, you’ll officially become a certified diver!
Special shoutout to my instructors Chelsey and Anna for making this experience so incredible—your patience, guidance, and positivity made all the difference!
Extras Worth Considering
To make your final day even more memorable, you can purchase a photo or video package documenting your time in the water. The photographer captures stunning images of your dives, making it a great way to remember your certification in Thailand. It’s definitely worth considering if you want to share or relive the magic of this milestone moment.
Becoming dive certified is such a rewarding experience, and the journey doesn’t end here! With your Open Water certification, you’re now ready to explore dive sites all over the world. From Thailand’s incredible reefs to dream destinations around the world, the underwater world is now yours to explore. Happy traveling and happy diving!
Livslifeoncam 
Leave a comment