PADI Open Water Koh Tao Get Certified in 3 Days
The PADI Open Water course is the world's most recognised diving certification — and Koh Tao is one of the best places in the world to earn it. At The Dearly Dive, our 3-day Open Water Koh Tao course covers everything you need to scuba dive safely and confidently to a maximum depth of 18 metres.
The course is built around three key stages: Knowledge Development (theory), Confined Water Dives (pool practice), and Open Water Dives (ocean). You will go through five sessions in our on-site pool to build your skills, then complete four open water dives at Koh Tao's most beautiful reef sites. With a maximum of 4 students per instructor, you get hands-on attention throughout every step.
Requirements & Preparations
- Medically fit for diving, able to swim, and comfortable underwater. Please note that during the course, the instructor will ask you to float or tread water without aids for 10 minutes and to swim 200 meters without aids or 300 meters with a mask, fins, and snorkel.
- Minimum age of 10 years old (Age under 15 will be certified as Junior Open Water)
- Study the independent e-learning
- Duration: 3 days
Your 3-Day Open Water Koh Tao Course Schedule
day 1
Theory & Pool Training
Morning (9:00-12:00)
Classroom
Watching videos (Chapter 1-3) learning about the theory through independent e-learning and completing the Knowledge Development test
Afternoon (13:30-16:30)
Swimming Pool
Confined water session
day 2
Classroom & First Ocean Dives
Morning (10:00 - 11:00)
Classroom
Watching videos (Chapter 4-5) learning about the theory through independent e-learning and completing the Knowledge Development test
Afternoon (12:30 - 17:30)
Diving Boat
Two Open Water Dives in the Ocean (Dive 1-2)
day 3
Final Dives & PADI Certification
Morning (8:00 - 12:00)
Diving Boat
Two Open Water Dives in the Ocean (Dive 3-4)
Afternoon (14:00)
Classroom
Completing final exam, log book, processing certification
What Your Four Open Water Dives Actually Look Like
Your four open water dives are split into two pairs, and they're deliberately built to go gradually. Dives 1 and 2 take place at a maximum depth of 12 metres at calm, shallow training sites like Japanese Gardens and White Rock — sandy patches, easy coral and plenty of fish to distract you while you practise. Dives 3 and 4 take you to the full 18 metres you'll be certified for, usually at sites with a bit more structure to explore.
Each dive runs roughly 45 minutes, though the deeper you go the shorter your air lasts, which is one of the things you'll learn to plan for during the theory sessions. Throughout all four dives you're under the direct supervision of your PADI instructor, with a maximum of four students in the group. Turtles, blacktip reef sharks and triggerfish are common on these sites, so most people finish their certification having already ticked off a few things they came for.
What Your Four Open Water Dives Actually Look Like
Your four open water dives are split into two pairs, and they're deliberately built to go gradually. Dives 1 and 2 take place at a maximum depth of 12 metres at calm, shallow training sites like Japanese Gardens and White Rock — sandy patches, easy coral and plenty of fish to distract you while you practise. Dives 3 and 4 take you to the full 18 metres you'll be certified for, usually at sites with a bit more structure to explore.
Each dive runs roughly 45 minutes, though the deeper you go the shorter your air lasts, which is one of the things you'll learn to plan for during the theory sessions. Throughout all four dives you're under the direct supervision of your PADI instructor, with a maximum of four students in the group. Turtles, blacktip reef sharks and triggerfish are common on these sites, so most people finish their certification having already ticked off a few things they came for.
Why Learn Open Water in Koh Tao with The Dearly Dive
Most dive centres on the island run their Open Water Koh Tao course over four days and do their confined water session in a shallow bay, straight off the boat. We do it differently. Our course runs over three days, and your first breath underwater happens in our own pool on the property — not in the sea.
That matters more than it sounds. A pool has no waves, no current and no surge pulling at you while you're trying to clear your mask for the first time. Visibility is perfect, your instructor is an arm's length away, and you can stand up any time you want. For anyone who feels even slightly nervous about water, that first hour in a controlled pool makes the difference between panicking and actually enjoying it. By the time you step onto the boat on day two, the skills are already in your body.
The third thing is simple logistics. You sleep, study, train and board the boat from the same place. No taxis at 7am, no confusion about where to meet, no wasted mornings.
Learning to Dive as a Younger Diver
The minimum age for the Open Water Koh Tao course is 10 years old, but divers under 15 are certified as Junior Open Water Divers, which comes with a few sensible restrictions.
Divers aged 10 and 11 must dive with a PADI professional or a certified parent or guardian, and are limited to a maximum depth of 12 metres. Divers aged 12 to 14 must dive with a certified adult, and can go to the standard 18 metres. Children under 13 also need parental permission to register for PADI eLearning.
The good news is that nothing is wasted. Once a Junior Open Water Diver turns 15, they simply request a new certification card and become a full PADI Open Water Diver — no extra training, no retaking anything.
Ready to Get Certified?
Three days from beginner to certified diver — our pool, our boat, all equipment included. Message us with your dates and we'll confirm the same day.
Special Rate for in-house guests
Book as a package with 3 nights accommodation here (Promo Code: padiow)
best open water koh tao price
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FAQs about PADI Open Water Course
at The Dearly Dive
1. What is the PADI Open Water course?
The PADI Open Water course is the world’s most recognised beginner scuba diving certification, and Koh Tao is one of the best places to earn it. Once certified, you’ll be able to dive safely up to 18 metres anywhere in the world for life.
2. What are the requirements for the course?
Medically fit for diving, able to swim, and comfortable underwater. Please note that during the course, the instructor will ask you to float or tread water without aids for 10 minutes and to swim 200 meters without aids or 300 meters with a mask, fins, and snorkel.
You may review the Diver Medical Questionnaire (English) to ensure you meet the health requirements.
3. Who are the instructors for the PADI Open Water course?
Our team of PADI-certified instructors have years of experience in both teaching and diving. They prioritize safety, personal attention, and making your learning experience fun.
4. How long is the PADI Open Water course?
The course spans three days, covering theory, confined water practice, and open water dives.
5. Do I need to complete e-learning throughout the course?
Yes, you must complete the independent e-learning portion before or throughout the course.
6. How deep can I dive after completing the PADI Open Water course?
Upon certification, you’ll be qualified to dive up to 18 meters under supervision.
7. Is accommodation included with the course?
Yes, you can book the course with a 3-night accommodation package at a special rate (use promo code: padiow).
8. What equipment do I need for the course?
All equipment is included in the Open Water Koh Tao price - wetsuit, BCD, regulator, tank, mask, fins, and dive computer, with no additional rental fees required. You’ll also receive a free T-shirt and free pier transfer.
9. What happens after I complete the PADI Open Water course?
You’ll receive your PADI Open Water certification and be qualified to dive up to 18 metres worldwide. Many of our divers choose to continue with the Advanced Open Water Koh Tao course to gain more experience and dive deeper. Ask us about course bundles.
10. What is the maximum number of participants in a class?
We maintain small class sizes to ensure personalized attention, with a maximum of four students per instructor.
11. Is there a refund policy if I can’t attend the course?
Yes, we have a cancellation policy. Please contact us in advance for details on rescheduling or refunds.
12. Can I join the course if I have prior diving experience?
If you already have some diving experience, we may offer a refresher course or fun dives.
13. How much is the Open Water Koh Tao price at The Dearly Dive?
Our Open Water Koh Tao price starts from ฿12,000 fully inclusive of E-Learning, full equipment, accident insurance, FREE T-shirt, and PADI certification fee. No hidden costs.
Staying with us makes it even better. Bundle your course with 3 nights accommodation from ฿12,700 using promo code PADIOW, and enjoy free breakfast, pier transfer, and pool access throughout your stay.
Diving Agreement
Diver Medical Questionaire (English)
Diver Medical Questionaire (Thai)
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