✅ Updated on 21.12.2025
Cost of an Open Water Diving Course in Koh Tao
An Open Water diving course in Koh Tao usually takes 3 days and costs between 9,000 and 11,000 THB. The final price depends on the dive center you choose, the number of dives included, and the certification system — PADI or SSI.
I completed my course for 9,000 THB. It lasted 3 days and included 6 open water dives. Below, I’ll explain which dive school I chose.
How the Open Water Course Differs from Other Diving Courses
In Koh Tao, you can take a wide range of diving courses — from a single try dive to full instructor training. They differ in skill level, duration, number of dives, and, of course, price. Below is a table with the main courses.
| Course | Who It’s For | Duration | Number of Dives | Max Depth | Certification | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Try Scuba | You just want to try diving | 1 day | 2 | up to 12 m | No | 2,900 THB |
| Open Water Diver | Beginner course with no experience | 3 days | 6 | up to 18 m | Yes | 9,000 THB |
| Advanced Diver | Advanced course after Open Water | 2 days | 5 | up to 30 m | Yes | 8,000 THB |
| Rescue + React | First aid and emergency prevention | 2 days | 4 | up to 18 m | Yes | 9,000 THB |
| Dive Master | Professional level | 6 weeks | 60 | up to 40 m | Yes | 40,000 THB |
| Instructor | Instructor training | 2 weeks | 10 | up to 40 m | Yes | 80,000 THB |
Just in case, I recommend having your own insurance that covers active sports and scuba diving. For example, Genki insurance costs about $50–70 per month and offers coverage of up to $1 million.
Which Dive Center in Koh Tao to Choose for an Open Water Course
There are 82 dive centers in Koh Tao, and prices are roughly the same everywhere. The main differences come down to two things:
- Language of instruction. There are schools with instructors who speak Spanish, French, Dutch, Russian, and other languages. And of course, you can study in English everywhere.
- Certification system. The most popular diver certification organizations are PADI and SSI. As it was explained to me, PADI is more strict and structured, while SSI is more flexible and student-oriented. Both systems recognize each other’s certifications, so there’s no major difference between them.
I studied at the Spanish dive center Nitro, which issues SSI certifications. I chose it based on reviews, price, and pleasant communication with the manager. Another plus was its location near the pier. The course was taught in English.
😄 Fun fact: most Thai people can’t swim, so almost all dive centers in Koh Tao are foreign-owned. There are only two Thai dive schools on the island.
How the Open Water Course Works
Here’s how my SSI Open Water Diver course went at the dive center Nitro. The training lasted 3 days and included theory sessions, shallow-water practice, and open water dives.
Day 1 (depth from 5 to 12 meters)
- 09:00–10:30 — theory: How pressure affects the body, what buoyancy is, and how sound, distance, and colors are distorted underwater.
- 12:30–17:00 — first dives and skill practice: Mask clearing, removing and putting the mask back on underwater, regulator recovery, and buoyancy control.
Day 2 (dives up to 15 meters)
- 09:00–10:30 — theory: Diving-related illnesses and how to prevent them, using a dive computer, and gas mixtures.
- 12:30–17:00 — new skills: Alternate air sharing with a buddy, emergency ascent, removing and putting on equipment underwater, and swimming without a mask.
Day 3 (dives up to 18 meters)
- 06:20–10:30 — two final fun dives
- 10:30–11:00 — final exam: A written test with 60 questions. You need at least 80% correct answers to receive the certification.
Accommodation in Koh Tao During Your Diving Course
Hotels in Koh Tao aren’t cheap. While researching options, I found these places to offer the best balance between price and quality:
- Wyh Hotel
- Greenery Resort
- Beach Club by Haadtien
- The Tarna Resort
- Budchui Village 2 — I stayed here and really liked it.
If you want to save money, you can stay in hostels run by dive schools. A bed usually costs around 300 THB per night. My dive center, Nitro, had a hostel right next to the pier, which was very convenient.
Recommendations Before Traveling to Koh Tao
- Buy an AIS SIM card in advance. I had True, and it didn’t work in Koh Tao.
- If you don’t know how to ride a motorbike, choose accommodation close to your dive center. Taxis on the island are expensive — from 300 THB one way even for short trips.
- Make sure to buy basic medications before you arrive: something for food poisoning, fever, and insect bites. Pharmacy prices on the island are extremely high. A single blister of activated charcoal costs 150 THB.
