Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes - you need to be able to swim 200m unaided and float for 10 minutes. Stroke doesn't matter.

Can I do the theory before I arrive?

Yes. We combine PADI eLearning with a classroom session at our club. Start the eLearning before you land and the classroom part is quick. The full course is 2.5 days.

What's the maximum depth?

18 meters. Your final dive is usually at 17-18m on a wreck or pinnacle site.

What if I fail an exam or skill?

You repeat it. Your instructor is paid to get you through, not to fail you. Re-attempts are included.

Is there an age limit?

Minimum 10 (Junior Open Water - limited to 12m). 15+ for the full Open Water Diver cert.

Can I add Advanced after?

Yes, and we discount it heavily if you book together. Ask on WhatsApp.

PADI Open Water Diver

Get PADI certified in Koh Tao - 2.5 days, 12,000 THB, lifelong

Theory online and in our classroom, pool practice, then four real ocean dives - all in 2.5 days. You leave with a PADI card you can dive on anywhere in the world, forever.

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Why certify with Siam Scuba

Max 4 students per instructor

More water time, more skills practice, less waiting around.

Flexible start, any day

We start new courses every day, so you don't have to plan your trip around our schedule.

Lifelong PADI certification

Recognized at every dive shop on Earth. Yours forever, no renewals.

What's included

12,000 THB

per person, all in

Includes

✓PADI eLearning + classroom theory at our club
✓English-speaking PADI instructor for every session
✓All gear, all dives, all materials
✓Pool / confined-water session
✓4 open-water dives at Koh Tao's best sites
✓Dive insurance
✓Boat refreshments: fruit, cookies, tea, coffee, water
✓2 nights' accommodation - free
✓PADI certification fee

Not included

·Meals
·Hotel / dive-center transfer
·Underwater photos & video (add-on)
·Private instructor (add-on)

Most-reviewed PADI shop on Koh Tao with 5.0 stars.

778 reviews and counting. Read what graduates say about their certification week.

"Finished my first and second star here - amazing, amazing and caring people. I enjoyed every single moment."

Hod M. · 🇮🇱 Israel

"Had the best time ever learning my PADI Open Water with Kate, she's the best! I felt safe and so much more confident in my diving."

Lea C. · 🇫🇷 France

"Amazing experience with Siam Scuba! 2 dives in 2 beautiful dive sites, with a lot of colourful fish and corals. Really recommend!"

Noam G. · 🇮🇱 Israel

5.0Excellent

Based on 776+ verified reviews on Tripadvisor

"There are so many dive schools in Koh Tao and this one is definitely the best. The friendliest instructor ever — best day of our trip!"

Sarah M.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom · March 2026

"Our instructors Chris and Noah were incredible — kind, helpful, funny and patient. We owe a huge thanks to Siam Scuba, easily one of the nicest dive shops in Koh Tao."

The Johnson Family

🇺🇸 United States · February 2026

"Fantastic experience. The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming. Small group meant I got tons of personal attention. Certified in 4 days and already planning my next dive."

Lucas R.

🇩🇪 Germany · January 2026

Read all 776 reviews Write a review

Your 2.5-day path to certification

Day 1 is theory and pool. Days 2-3 are four real ocean dives, with a short final morning. Start the eLearning before you arrive and the classroom part flies by.

Day 1
09:00 theory at the club · 11:00 pool practice
Day 2
Theory, then boat - sea drills and a dive to 12m, second dive at 14:00, back by 16:00
Day 3
06:00 dawn dive to 18m · 10:00 final dive · certified by 11:00 🎉

Start your course this week

Send your travel dates on WhatsApp and we'll find a start day that fits.

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Frequently asked

PADI cert. 2.5 days. 12,000 THB.

Two nights' accommodation included. WhatsApp us your dates - we start courses every day.

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