Your Passport to the Underwater World
Open Water Course in Koh Tao
This isn’t just a course; it’s your license to explore 70% of the planet. Get certified for life in Koh Tao’s paradise.
Your Open Water Course in Koh Tao: So Much More Than Diving
We know that planning the perfect vacation can be a challenge, but your adventure in Koh Tao should be unforgettable! The Open Water Diver course with IHASIA is more than just a certification; it’s an experience designed to enrich your entire journey.
- A Real Escape from Your Daily Routine: This isn't just another tour. It's your chance to truly switch off and dive into a new world, a thrilling activity that forces you to live 100% in the moment.
- Unlock a New Skill for Life: Learning to dive is more than a vacation highlight; it's a skill that stays with you forever. You're learning to explore a part of the world most people only see in documentaries.
- The Ultimate Highlight of Your Thailand Trip: Backpacking or on a big Asia tour? Getting certified in Koh Tao is a legendary, bucket-list experience that will define your entire trip.
- An Adventure That Actually Fits Your Vacation: Your time is gold. We've structured our 3-day course to give you world-class training while still leaving you time to actually enjoy the island. Smart, right?
- It's Not Just a Card, It's a Game-Changer: You'll get more than a certification. You'll get the incredible feeling of floating in space, find a new kind of confidence, and connect with a community of fellow adventurers.
- Learn with People Who Get It: We do things differently. Our team isn't just a group of instructors; we're passionate divers who remember our first time. We create a relaxed, supportive, and fun environment to ensure you feel safe and confident every step of the way.
Don’t just explore the island
Discover what’s beneath it!
What You'll Actually Learn
This is it—the world’s most popular and recognized scuba certification. In our course, you’ll learn the theory, master the key safety skills, and explore the ocean down to 18 meters (60 feet). Once you’re certified, you can dive with a buddy anywhere in the world, for life!
KNOW YOUR GEAR
Forget the complicated stuff. We’ll show you how to use your gear so it feels like a part of you. You’ll be comfortable and in control, so you don’t fumble with your gear.
NAIL THE SKILLS
From clearing your mask to handling any situation, we’ll practice in shallow water until you can do it without thinking. That’s where real confidence comes from.
REAL BUOYANCY
This is the big one. We’ll teach you to float like an astronaut, hovering perfectly still in the water. It’s how you protect the reef, save air, and frankly, look like a pro.
Why We Do It Better
FLEXIBLE 2 OR 3 DAYS
It’s your vacation, not a boot camp. We get it. We’ve got a flexible 3-day schedule, but if you’re tight on time, we can even make a 2-day plan work. Just talk to us.
6 DIVES, NOT 4
The standard course is 4 dives. We give you 6. Why? More time underwater means more fun, more practice, and you’ll be a way better, more confident diver. Simple as that.
MAX 3 PEOPLE PER GROUP
No getting lost in the crowd here. We keep our groups tiny. It means you get all the attention you need to feel safe and learn it right the first time.
Your 3-Day Plan: From Beginner to Certified Diver
Here’s the game plan for your Open water course in Koh tao. It’s all about getting you skilled and comfortable underwater, step-by-step. You’ll get access to the SSI online learning stuff as soon as you book, so you can breeze through some theory beforehand. If you’re on the island early, swing by the shop, and we’ll get you sorted.
DAY 1: Getting Your Feet Wet
Morning (8:30 AM start): No crazy early morning. Grab a coffee, meet the crew, and let’s get hands-on with the gear. We’ll show you how it all works —no boring lectures. Just the essentials you need to know to be safe and feel in control. Then, we’ll hit the books for a bit to cover the basics before breaking for lunch.
Afternoon (around 12:00 PM): Alright, time to make some bubbles! We’ll hop on the boat to a super calm, shallow spot. This is where you’ll do your first session in pool-like conditions, nailing the basic skills until they’re second nature. Once you’re feeling good, we’ll go for a little swim around the reef. Your instructor will be right there with you, every breath of the way.
We’re back around 4:30-5:00 PM. Day one, done. You’ll be buzzing.
DAY 2: Finding Your Groove
You’ll be amazed how much easier everything feels today. The nerves are gone, and it’s all about building on what you learned.
Morning: We’ll wrap up the last bit of theory, and then it’s time for the final quiz. But here’s a pro-tip: You can even do it online before you arrive if you want more free time. Either way, with our help, you’ll ace the final quiz, no sweat.
Afternoon: It’s back in the ocean for 2 more proper open water dives. This is where you really start to feel like a diver. You’ll practice your skills a bit deeper and spend more time exploring the awesome Koh Tao reefs. We’ll build on your skills, but always at your pace.
DAY 3: You're a Diver!
This is it—the final day, and the one you’ve been waiting for. Today, we go to 18 meters (60 feet).
We start early (around 6:30 AM) to hit some of Koh Tao’s best deep sites before anyone else gets there. You’ll do your last 2 open water dives, putting everything you’ve learned into practice. You’ll be planning and diving with your buddy, and feeling that incredible freedom of exploring the ocean on your own terms.
Back on the boat, we celebrate. You’re officially a certified Open Water Diver. This isn’t just the end of the course; it’s the key to a lifetime of adventures.
Welcome to the other 71% of the world!
3-Day Open Water Schedule
DAY 1
08:30
GEAR
THEORY
12:00
DIVE 1
DIVE 2
DAY 2
09:00
FINAL THEORY
EXAM
12:00
DIVE 3
DIVE 4
DAY 3
06:30
DIVE 5
DIVE 6
12:00
CERTIFICATION!
NO FLY ✈️
Once you pass, you’ll earn your internationally recognized dive certification, valid anywhere in the world. Worried about the time? The full 6-dive experience usually takes 3 days, but we’re flexible. If you’re on a tight schedule, we can adapt the course to a 2-day program with 4 dives. Just let us know what you need!
Choose Your Open Water Experience
You Decide the Pace: Full or Fast-Track Certification
3 Days - 6 Dives
🏷️ 9000 THB per person
Our Most Recommended Option! 🔥
2 Days - 4 Dives
🏷️ 7500 THB per person
Short on time? We got you! ⏳
💰 Best Price Guarantee – Find a better like-for-like offer? Let us know!
Your All-Inclusive Open Water Package 🏷️
When we say all-inclusive, we mean it. No hidden fees, no rental costs, no surprises. We provide absolutely everything you need for your complete training to become a certified diver in Koh Tao. Just get ready for an unforgettable experience!
- ✅ Expert Instructor in a tiny group (Max 3 people, guaranteed)
- ✅ Full Scuba Equipment Rental for the entire course
- ✅ All Digital Learning Materials & Theory Sessions
- ✅ All In-Water Training & Skill Practice
- ✅ 6 Full Open Water Dives (The usual standard is only 4!)
- ✅ Snacks, Water, Coffee & Tea on the boat 🍍🍪☕.
- ✅ Full Dive Insurance Coverage
- ✅ Private & Easy Beach Boarding via our longtail boat
- ✅ Awesome Bonus: Free pro photos of your adventure! 📸
- ✅ Your Lifetime International Certification (Digital Card)
And After Open Water? The Adventure Gets Deeper!
Getting your Open Water ticket is awesome, but it’s really just the start. This is your license to explore, and the Advanced Adventurer course is where you truly find your fins. You’ll dial in your buoyancy, master navigation, explore deeper wrecks, and maybe even try your first night dive or use Nitrox
The best part? You can roll right into it after finishing your Open Water. It just takes 2 more days to get your Advanced certification.
The adventure doesn’t have to stop at 18 meters!
Your Open Water Course Questions, Answered
👍 I'm a complete beginner. Do I need to do a Try Dive first?
Nope! The Open Water Diver course is designed from scratch for people who have never dived before. That said, the first day feels a lot like a Try Dive, which means two things: 1) You don’t need to pay for a separate experience, and 2) If you feel it’s not for you after the first water session, you’ll only pay the cost of a Try Dive. No pressure, no risk.
🤔 Why choose IHASIA? There are so many dive schools in Koh Tao.
Fair question! Koh Tao is packed with dive shops. We’re not a dive factory; we focus on quality. Here’s how we do things differently:
- We do 6 Dives, not 4. This is a big one. It means more practice, more confidence, and more fun exploring the reefs.
- Tiny Groups. We guarantee a max of 3 students per instructor. This is crucial for personalized feedback and safety.
- Passionate, Experienced Instructors. Our team lives and breathes diving. We’re here to make you a great diver, not just tick boxes.
- Prime Beachfront Location. Our school is right on the beach, making for easy, stress-free access to our boat.
📅 Do I need to book in advance?
It’s always a good idea, especially during peak season. Our small groups fill up fast, and booking ahead secures your spot. Plus, it gives you early access to the online learning materials so you can get started.
⏱️ Will it take too much time from my vacation?
Not at all! The full course is just 3 days, and we structure it so you still have afternoons and evenings free to enjoy the island. We also offer a flexible 2-day option if you’re really short on time.
🎒 What should I bring?
Just the basics: your swimsuit, a towel, and some reef-safe sunscreen (let’s protect those corals!). We cover absolutely everything else: all your gear, digital materials, water, snacks, the works.
❤️ Are there any medical conditions that would prevent me from diving?
Safety first, always. You’ll need to fill out a standard SSI Medical Statement here. If you answer “yes” to any of the questions, you’ll need a quick signature from a doctor clearing you to dive. If you have any doubts at all, just ask us!
✈️ What's the "No Fly" rule I see in the schedule?
This is a crucial, non-negotiable safety rule for all divers. You must wait a minimum of 18 hours after your last dive before flying. This is to prevent decompression sickness, so please plan your travel accordingly!
🏊 Do I need to be a pro swimmer?
Not at all! You don’t need to be an Olympic athlete. You just need to show us you’re comfortable in the water by floating/swiming in the water for few minutes. It’s about comfort, not speed.
🐠 What marine life will I actually see during the course?
Get ready to be amazed! During your Open Water dives, you’ll explore reefs packed with life. It’s common to see a huge variety of tropical fish (parrotfish, angelfish, clownfish), schools of fusiliers, and barracudas. We also frequently encounter sea turtles, and with a bit of luck, you might even spot the incredible whale shark! Every dive is a new adventure.
📜 What certification do I get and what can I do with it?
You’ll earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification, one of the most respected diving licenses on the planet. This is your lifetime ticket to dive with a buddy down to 18 meters (60 feet), anywhere in the world.
And yes, it’s globally recognized. You can walk into any dive center—PADI, SSI, or any other—and your card is your passport to dive. It’s also the foundation for all future training, like the Advanced course. Best of all? It never expires.
🎂 What's the minimum age and how deep can younger divers go?
The minimum age to start is 10. The depth you can dive to depends on your age:
- 10-11 years old: Certified as a Junior Open Water Diver, allowed to dive to 12 meters with a certified parent/guardian or dive professional.
- 12-14 years old: Certified as a Junior Open Water Diver, allowed to dive to 18 meters with a certified adult.
- 15+ years old: You get the full Open Water Diver certification for 18 meters. Your Junior cert automatically upgrades when you turn 15!`
Want to safely explore even deeper reefs later on? The next step is the SSI Advanced Adventurer course, which certifies you to dive down to 30 meters (100 feet).
👨🏫 Is the theory part hard or boring?
Nope, we don’t do boring lectures. The SSI digital learning system is awesome—it’s interactive, with videos and short texts you can do on your phone anytime, anywhere. Then, our instructors will review the key points with you, answer your questions, and make sure you’re ready for a simple final quiz. It’s designed so everyone can succeed.
😟 What happens if I get nervous or struggle with a skill underwater?
First off, it’s completely normal to feel nervous or to have a skill that feels tricky at first. Our instructors are experts at creating a calm, supportive environment, and we always go at your pace.
This is where the SSI system really shines: its flexibility. Unlike other systems that often require skills to be completed in a strict order, SSI lets us adapt. If you’re stuck on something, no problem. We can switch the order, practice it later, or try a different approach.
The goal is for you to learn with confidence and without unnecessary pressure. Your safety and comfort come first. We’re here to help you succeed and have an amazing time doing it.
🆚 PADI vs. SSI - what's the difference? Which one should I choose?
The million-dollar question! Honestly, both are top-tier, globally recognized agencies. The certification you get from either is virtually identical in standards and is accepted worldwide, for life. We chose to work with SSI because we love their modern, flexible digital learning and their student-centered teaching philosophy. The most important choice isn’t the brand on the card, but the quality of the school and the instructor. We wrote a detailed blog post about it here: PADI vs SSI blog post.
⏰ What time are we done each day? I want to enjoy the island!
The exact time we get back can vary a little each day, but here’s a typical schedule so you can plan your afternoons:
- Day 1 & 2: We’re usually back at the dive school between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM. This leaves you plenty of time to chill out, grab a sunset beer, and enjoy the island vibe.
- Day 3 (Certification Day!): Since the dives are usually in the morning, we’re typically finished and back around 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM. You’ll be ready to celebrate your new dive certification with a long, lazy lunch!
Keep in mind these times are approximate and can shift a bit depending on the group and the day’s conditions.
🌊 Can my non-diving friends or partner come on the boat?
Absolutely! They’re more than welcome to join the trip. They can hang out on the boat, soak up the sun, and do some fantastic snorkeling at the same beautiful sites while you’re diving. It’s a great day out for everyone.
⏱️ What if I start the course and decide it's not for me?
It’s totally normal to feel a bit unsure at first, we’ve all been there! Our courses are designed to build your confidence step-by-step, and almost everyone who starts ends up loving it.
But hey, we get it. If after your first water session you genuinely feel that diving isn’t for you, no problem. There’s zero pressure. We have a fair cancellation policy. You won’t be charged for the full course. Instead, it will be handled as follows:
- You’ll pay 2500 THB if you decide to stop before the second dive.
- You’ll pay 3000 THB if you start the second dive.
Our main goal is for you to have a great experience in Koh Tao, whatever you decide.
🛡️ Is the Open Water course safe?
Yes. Full stop. Your safety is our absolute priority. We’re proud of our impeccable safety record. You’re always under the direct supervision of an experienced instructor in a tiny group. We use top-quality, well-maintained equipment and follow strict international safety standards. Your only job is to relax and enjoy the incredible experience.
ARE YOU UP FOR IT?
Still on the Fence? Here’s What Our Divers Have to Say.
Don't Just Dream About It. Dive In.
Imagine going home from your vacation with not just a tan, but an incredible new skill and a license to explore a whole new world.
At IHASIA, we’re not just here to tick boxes; we’re here to create confident, passionate divers. You’re not just getting a certification; you’re getting lifelong memories and stories you’ll be telling for years.
We’re waiting for you on the beach.
Let's Get You Certified: Book Your Open Water Course! ✍️
You’re just one step away from becoming a certified diver! Fill out the form for your Open Water course in Koh Tao, and we’ll get in touch ASAP to confirm your spot and answer any last-minute questions. The ocean is waiting!