LEARN TO DIVE IN KOH TAO
PADI Open Water Course
Learn to dive with Flow Divers in Koh Tao — a friendly PADI dive centre offering small groups, patient instructors, pool training, and a personal approach from your very first breath underwater.
Choose a small-group course or
a more personal Private Open Water Course.
YOUR PADI OPEN WATER COURSE, STEP BY STEP
Learning to dive should feel exciting, not rushed.
We take you through the course at a calm pace, with time to practise, ask questions, and feel ready before each new step.
Before You Dive
We start with the basics, so you understand your equipment, the safety rules, and what to expect before getting in the water.
Practice at Your Pace
You practise the main skills in calm pool conditions, with time to repeat anything until you feel ready for the ocean.
Ocean Training Dives
Your first training dives are focused on calm progress, clear communication, and building confidence underwater.
Certification Dives
You bring everything together, complete the final skills, and finish as a certified
PADI Open Water Diver.
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR PADI OPEN WATER COURSE
Before you choose your dates, here are the main details to plan around — how the course is usually scheduled, what is covered,
how deep you can dive, and the difference between the small-group and private options.
The Key Details
Duration: usually 3–4 days, depending on schedule and pace
Training dives: 4 ocean dives
Maximum depth: 18 metres
Course price: 12,900 THB
Course options: small group or private
What We Take Care Of
We’ll sort the essentials for you: PADI learning materials, professional instruction, pool training, four ocean dives, scuba equipment, dive computer, compass, diving insurance, and your digital PADI certification card.
START THE THEORY BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll help you get set up with your PADI learning materials, so you can start the theory before the course begins.
It keeps the first day calmer and gives you more time to enjoy the water once you are here.
Before You Arrive
Work through the theory at your own pace before you get to Koh Tao. It covers the basics of equipment, safety, dive planning, underwater communication, and what happens to your body underwater.
When You Meet Us
You do not need to arrive knowing everything. We’ll go through the important parts with you, answer your questions, and make sure you feel ready before the in-water training starts.
CHOOSE THE COURSE SETUP THAT FITS YOU
Everyone learns a little differently. Choose the small-group course if you like learning alongside a few other new divers,
or the private course if you prefer more flexibility and a pace shaped around you.
Small-Group Open Water Course
A friendly way to complete your PADI Open Water Course with other new divers. You still get patient instruction, pool practice, and personal support, while sharing the experience with a small group.
A good fit if you like a calm course atmosphere with a few other new divers, while still having space to ask questions and get personal support.
Private Open Water Course
A more personal version of the same PADI certification, arranged around you, your partner, family, or private group. It is a good choice if you feel nervous, want more flexibility, or prefer a quieter way to learn.
A good fit if you prefer extra personal attention, are learning as a couple or family, or want the course shaped more closely around your pace.
HOW YOUR PADI OPEN WATER COURSE RUNS
Three days to go from beginner training to your full PADI Open Water certification, with pool practice first and four ocean dives around Koh Tao.
DAY ONE — POOL TRAINING
8:00 — Meet At The Dive Centre
8:30 — Briefing
9:00 — Pool Session
12:30 — Break
13:30–17:00 — Pool Session
Your first day is all about getting comfortable with the equipment, practising the core skills and preparing for the ocean dives.
DAY TWO — OCEAN DIVES
11:00 — Meet At The Dive Centre
12.30 – Open Water Dive 1
– Surface time –
14.30 – Open Water Dive 2
16:30–18:00 — Back On Land
You head out for your first two training dives, using the skills from the pool with your instructor close by throughout.
DAY THREE — FINAL DIVES
Option A — 11:00 Meet
– 11:50 Open Water Dives 3 & 4
– 16:30–18:00 Return
Option B — 6:10 Meet- 6:50 Open Water Dives 3 & 4- 10:30 –12:00 Return
Your final dives run on either the morning or afternoon boat. We’ll confirm the schedule before your course starts.
Please note: this is the usual course flow, but the exact timing can change depending on boat schedule, dive sites, conditions and your course plan. We’ll confirm the best schedule before the course starts.
BEFORE YOU JOIN THE PADI OPEN WATER COURSE
You do not need previous diving experience to start your PADI Open Water Course,
but there are a few simple requirements we will check before training begins.
Age and Experience
The course is open to beginners from 10 years old.
If you are under 15, you will complete the Junior Open Water Diver certification.
Water Comfort
You do not need to be a perfect swimmer, but you should feel comfortable in the water. Before certification, PADI asks students to complete basic water skills, including a swim and
a 10-minute float or tread-water exercise.
Medical Form
Every student completes a short scuba medical questionnaire before the course. If anything needs checking, we’ll let you know whether medical clearance is needed before diving.
No Previous Diving Experience Needed
This course is made for beginners.
We’ll guide you through the theory, pool practice,
ocean training dives,
and the final certification step by step.
YOUR FIRST CERTIFICATION DIVES, PROFESSIONALLY CAPTURED
Your Open Water dives are a big moment. If you would like photos or video from the course, we can help arrange a dedicated underwater photographer or videographer, so you can stay focused on learning while still having something beautiful to remember.
Because camera use is restricted for entry-level divers during training dives in Thailand, the best option is to arrange a dedicated photographer or videographer. Your instructor can stay focused on your course, while your photos or video are handled by someone there for that purpose.
NEED HELP WITH ACCOMMODATION?
Your PADI Open Water Course takes place over a few days,
so having somewhere comfortable and easy to reach can make the whole experience feel more relaxed.
Flow Divers can help with diving and accommodation options on Koh Tao, especially if you would like to keep everything simple while you are here. Have a look at our accommodation page, or send us your dates and we’ll help point you in the right direction.
MAKE IT DELUXE
Want a little more from your PADI Open Water Course?
The All-Inclusive Deluxe option keeps the same course schedule, but adds a few extras around your three training days.
ALL-INCLUSIVE DELUXE — 17,500 THB PER PERSON
Deluxe extras:
– Professional photography on two of your dives
– Flow Divers T-shirt
– Lunch on all three course days
Choose the Deluxe option in the booking section below.
BOOK YOUR PADI OPEN WATER COURSE
Ready to begin your Open Water course in Koh Tao? You can join the small-group course or choose the private option for a more personal pace.
Not sure which option feels right? Send us your dates before booking, and we’ll help you choose the setup that makes the most sense for you.
PADI Open Water Course
Price range: ฿12,900 through ฿17,500
WHERE YOUR OPEN WATER CERTIFICATION CAN TAKE YOU
Your PADI Open Water Course gives you the foundation to join certified dives in Koh Tao and around the world. Once you finish, you can enjoy more time underwater, build confidence with Advanced Open Water, or ask us which specialty options are suitable for your level.
Keep Diving Around Koh Tao
Use your Open Water certification to join certified fun dives and spend more time exploring Koh Tao’s reefs. It is a relaxed way to build comfort, practise what you learned, and enjoy diving without the structure of a course.
Build Confidence With the PADI Advanced Open Water Course
The PADI Advanced Open Water Course is a natural next step if you want to feel more confident, dive deeper, and experience different types of diving while still being guided by an instructor.
Explore the Right Specialty Options
Some PADI Specialty courses are suitable after Open Water, while others are better once you have completed Advanced Open Water or gained more experience. We’ll help you choose the right option for your level, comfort, and interests.
GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR PADI OPEN WATER COURSE
Helpful answers to the questions that often come up before your PADI Open Water course begins.
How long does the PADI Open Water Course take?
The course usually takes 3–4 days, depending on schedule, pace, and conditions. It includes theory, pool training, and four open water training dives with your instructor. PADI also describes the Open Water Diver course as the first full scuba certification level.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You do not need to be a perfect swimmer, but you should be comfortable in the water. Before certification, PADI requires basic water skills, including a 10-minute float or tread-water exercise and a swim requirement.
Is this course for beginners?
Yes. The PADI Open Water Course is made for beginners, so you do not need any previous scuba diving experience before joining. We’ll take you through the theory, pool practice, and ocean training step by step.
Do I need to complete a medical form?
Every student completes a Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire before training. If anything on the form needs checking, you may need medical clearance from a doctor before diving.
What is included in the course price?
Your PADI Open Water Course includes PADI learning materials, professional instruction, pool training, four ocean training dives, scuba equipment, dive computer, compass, diving insurance, and your digital PADI certification card.
Can I choose a private Open Water course?
Yes. You can choose the small-group course or the Private Open Water Course. Both lead to the same PADI Open Water Diver certification, but the private option gives you more flexibility, privacy, and individual attention.
How long should I wait before flying after diving?
For a course with multiple dives over several days, plan to wait at least 18 hours before flying or going to altitude. It is worth checking PADI’s flying after diving guidance before booking your onward travel.
What can I do after the PADI Open Water Course?
After certification, you can join certified fun dives, continue with the PADI Advanced Open Water Course, or ask us which PADI Specialty courses are suitable for your level. Some specialities are suitable after Open Water, while others require Advanced Open Water or more experience.
Still have a question?
If you are unsure about anything before booking, send us a message with your dates and what you’d like to do. We’ll get back to you and help you choose the right next step.