Theory lesson
About an hour at the dive school. You learn about the equipment, pressure changes underwater, buoyancy, the skills you will practise and the hand signals.
Discover Scuba Diving on Koh Tao
One day, one guided dive with a Dutch- and English-speaking instructor. No experience needed, from age 10.
Is this for me?
A day to find out whether diving suits you
An introductory dive is a first taste of scuba diving. In the morning we explain everything, in the afternoon you take the boat out to the dive site and make a dive with your instructor right beside you. Usually between 6 and 12 metres deep, depending on your experience and the conditions.
It is not a course: you do not come away with a certification. If you want to dive on your own afterwards, you take the PADI Open Water.
Who it suits
- You have never dived and want to know what it feels like first.
- You only have one day to spare on Koh Tao.
- You are not sure yet whether a full course is for you.
You need no experience at all: the introductory dive is made for complete beginners. You always dive with an instructor, in calm conditions, and the explanation is in Dutch or English.
How the day works
From a briefing at the school to your first dive
The whole introductory dive fits into one day. You do it in a small group, never more than four people per instructor.
Lunch
Time to let it all sink in and grab lunch nearby. Lunch is not included. Then you head to the boat.
On the boat and into the water
At the first site you start in shallow water with a few skills. Then you make your dive. With two dives the boat moves on to a second site. If you choose one dive, you wait on the boat during the second.
Practical
What is included and what to bring
Prices in Thai baht. One dive costs ฿2,000, two dives ฿3,000.
- Included
- The theory lesson, guidance from a Dutch- and English-speaking instructor, full dive equipment and the boat trip to the dive site. On board there is water, tea, coffee and biscuits.
- Worth bringing
- A towel, sunscreen, mineral water and a salty snack. Put your swimwear on before you come, so you are ready to go.
- Medical form
- Before any dive activity you fill in the PADI medical questionnaire (pdf). If you answer "yes" anywhere, you may need a statement signed by a doctor. You can get one on Koh Tao, but it is better to sort it out before you travel. Not sure? Send us a message.
- Age, swimming and insurance
- From age 10. For children aged 8 and 9 there is the PADI Bubblemaker programme: ask us on WhatsApp. You need to swim comfortably and be able to float. Travel insurance that covers diving is required.
Enjoyed it?
Then carry on with the Open Water
Loved it? You can start the PADI Open Water course the very next day.
The Open Water gives you a certification that is recognised worldwide and lets you dive to 18 metres. The course takes three days and costs ฿11,000, including eLearning, full equipment, a dive computer and underwater photos.
More about learning to dive
Questions
Frequently asked questions
I feel quite nervous. Is that a problem?
Not at all, most people do. You start in shallow water, your instructor explains everything and stays with you for the whole dive. With never more than four people per instructor, there is time for every question.
Do I need any diving experience?
No. The introductory dive is made for beginners with no experience.
Is an introductory dive safe?
Yes. You always dive with an instructor, in a calm dive environment. Before you go in, you fill in the PADI medical questionnaire.
How deep do you go?
Usually between 6 and 12 metres, depending on your experience and the conditions.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You do not need to be a competitive swimmer, but you do need to swim comfortably and be able to float.
Can I dive with glasses or contact lenses?
Yes. You can simply wear contact lenses, or use a prescription dive mask.
What is the difference between one and two dives?
One dive costs ฿2,000, two dives ฿3,000. The boat always goes out for two dives. If you choose one, you wait on the boat during the second.
Can I go on to the Open Water afterwards?
Yes. If you enjoy it, you can start the PADI Open Water course the next day.
Fancy giving it a go?
Tell us which day you would like to dive and how many of you there are. Still unsure? Ask your questions first.
Ask us on WhatsApp+66 90 984 6090
Open daily from 8:30 to 11:00 and from 13:00 to 18:00