Siam Scuba · Koh Tao
Frequently asked questions
The questions we answer every day on WhatsApp, in one place.
Getting started
I've never dived. Where do I start?
Two ways in. Discover Scuba Diving is a one-day try dive to 12 m with no certification, from 2,600 THB. Open Water is the full PADI course: 2.5 days, 12,000 THB, and you're certified for life to dive to 18 m anywhere in the world. Not sure? Compare the two.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
No. You need to be comfortable in the water. For Open Water there's a simple test: float for 10 minutes and swim 200 m (or 300 m with mask, fins and snorkel), at any pace.
What's the minimum age?
10 years old for scuba courses. Kids aged 8 and up can try the Bubble Maker, our first taste of scuba for children.
I have a medical condition. Can I dive?
Everyone fills in a medical declaration before diving, and some conditions need a doctor's clearance. Message us on WhatsApp with your situation - and if you need a doctor's sign-off, get it at home before you fly.
Courses and prices
What does the Open Water course include?
12,000 THB for 4 ocean dives, theory and a pool session, full equipment, dive insurance, the PADI certification card and 2 nights of accommodation at our club. Max 4 students per instructor.
What comes after Open Water?
Advanced Open Water: 1.5 days, 5 dives including deep and navigation, certified to 30 m - 11,000 THB with 1 night of accommodation. Then Rescue Diver (11,000 THB) with EFR first aid (5,000 THB).
Can I go pro with you?
Yes - we're a PADI 5 Star IDC centre. The Divemaster internship is 21-42 days for 48,000 THB, and the IDC runs on set dates through the year with Course Director Bob Murphy, ending at the PADI Instructor Examination on Koh Tao.
I haven't dived in a while. What should I do?
Book a Scuba Review: a skills refresh with an instructor plus 2 ocean dives for 2,500 THB, or a pool-only refresh for 1,500 THB.
Fun dives
When do the boats go out, and how much is it?
Every day. Morning trip: meet 05:50, back around 11:00. Afternoon trip: meet 11:00, back around 16:00. Each trip is 2 dives for 2,000 THB with full equipment and dive insurance. See the fun dives.
When is the Sail Rock trip?
Every Sunday: meet 06:30, back at 16:00. 3 dives (2 at Sail Rock, 1 at Shark Island), breakfast and a Thai buffet lunch on board, 4,000 THB. The trip sails with a minimum of 10 divers - if it doesn't fill, you get a full refund.
Do you do night dives?
Yes, for certified divers: one guided dive on a Koh Tao reef, 1,300 THB including a dive light. We meet 45 minutes before sunset.
Booking and payment
How do I book, and is there a deposit?
Book online or message us on WhatsApp. Open Water takes a 2,000 THB deposit online and the 10,000 THB balance on the day; a Discover Scuba takes 1,000 THB. Deposits are non-refundable, but you can reschedule up to 12 hours before.
What if I stop a course halfway?
There's no refund for a course you stop, for any reason. On Open Water you can finish the course anywhere in the world within 12 months.
Staying on Koh Tao
Where are you, and how do I get to Koh Tao?
We're on Sairee Beach. Ferries (Lomprayah, Songserm, Seatran) arrive at Mae Haad pier from Chumphon on the mainland, or from Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. The closest airports are Koh Samui and Chumphon.
Do you have accommodation?
Yes, at the club on Sairee Beach. Open Water includes 2 nights and Advanced 1 night. See the rooms.
What languages do you teach in?
English, Hebrew, Thai, Spanish, French and German.
When is the best time to dive Koh Tao?
We dive all year, weather permitting. Read our month-by-month guide.
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