Sea Turtle Ecology & Open Water Course
7 Day | Open Water + Turtle Ecology
Your first dives. A closer look at sea turtles.
A different way to understand the ocean.
More Than Just an Open Water Course
Learning to scuba dive changes the way people see the ocean. But there’s a difference between seeing marine life underwater and understanding what you’re looking at – what species it is, what it’s doing, why it might be there, and what that observation can tell us.
This seven-day programme combines the SSI Open Water Diver course with our SSI Turtle Ecology Specialty, developed through Big Blue’s Living Blue initiative and Andaman Turtle Watch. You’ll learn to become a safe, confident and responsible diver while exploring sea turtle biology and ecology, species identification, photo-ID, citizen science and the conservation challenges facing turtles here in the Andaman Sea.
Across the week, you’ll move between the classroom, field visits and the ocean – learning how turtles are studied, exploring different approaches to their conservation, and eventually putting your new diving and observation skills into practice on a dedicated citizen science dive day. You’ll leave with two SSI certifications, your first experience of diving in the Andaman Sea, and a better idea of what you’re actually looking at when you get underwater.
No previous diving experience required.
You’ll learn everything from the beginning – first developing the skills to dive well, then learning how those skills can help you understand sea turtles, make useful observations and contribute to citizen science.
What you'll learn
By the end of the week, you’ll have the skills to dive safely and responsibly – and a much better understanding of the sea turtles and marine environment you’re diving alongside.
Scuba diving skills
Learn equipment and setup, buoyancy, safe ascents and descents, underwater communication, emergency procedures and dive planning.
Sea turtle biology & ecology
Explore sea turtle biology, life cycles, habitats, behaviours and their role in marine ecosystems.
Species identification
Learn to identify the sea turtle species found in the Andaman Sea and the characteristics that distinguish them underwater.
Photo-identification
Discover how facial scale patterns can identify individual turtles, track repeat sightings and help us understand their movements over time.
Citizen science & field methods
Learn how observations become useful data, what makes that data reliable, and how divers can contribute to projects such as Andaman Turtle Watch.
Sea turtle conservation
Explore the challenges facing sea turtles in the Andaman Sea and compare different conservation approaches - their strengths, limitations and why conservation is rarely as simple as it looks.
7-Day Schedule
Day 1
Sea Turtle Ecology
Meet the team and get to know the turtles of the Andaman Sea. Explore sea turtle biology, ecology and conservation, learn to identify local species, and discover how citizen science is helping us understand them.
Day 2
Photo-ID & Conservation in Action
Work with real sightings from Andaman Turtle Watch and learn how photo-identification allows us to recognise individual turtles and track them through repeat sightings. Then visit The Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center to explore different approaches to turtle conservation – including their strengths, limitations and challenges.
Day 3
Learning to Dive
Begin your SSI Open Water Diver training with dive theory, an equipment workshop and confined water training. Learn the fundamental skills and safety procedures needed to become a safe and responsible diver.
Day 4
Your First Open Water Dives
Head into the ocean for your first two Open Water training dives. Develop your buoyancy, underwater awareness and confidence while putting responsible diving and marine observation into practice.
Day 5
National Park Diving and Certification
Complete your final two Open Water training dives in the Similan or Surin Islands Marine National Parks. Put your new skills into practice in one of Thailand’s best diving environments and finish the day as a fully certified SSI Open Water Diver.
Day 6
Citizen Science Diving
Now we bring the two sides of the week together. Make two more dives focused on observation, species identification, habitat assessment and scientific recording – and experience firsthand the challenges of collecting useful citizen science data underwater.
Day 7
From Observations to Data
Follow your underwater observations back to the research process. Learn how sightings and photo-ID records are analysed, complete your SSI Turtle Ecology certification, and discover how you can continue contributing useful observations as a recreational diver.
The Big Blue Difference
Instructors who actually love teaching – Your Open Water training is taught by experienced Big Blue instructors who know that good instruction is about reading people, building confidence and developing good divers – not rushing certifications.
Small groups, real attention – You’re not going through a production line. You’ll get individual coaching, genuine encouragement and the time you need to develop your skills properly.
Good diving comes first – Your ecology and citizen science training is led through Living Blue and Andaman Turtle Watch, using real local sightings and research methods. Good buoyancy, control and awareness are prerequisites for responsible observation – so first we teach you to dive well, then we show you what you can do with those skills.
Turtle Ecology, Built on Real Research
Learn with Andaman Turtle Watch – the first and only public citizen-science sea turtle photo-ID project operating across Thailand’s Andaman Coast.
This isn’t generic turtle ecology taught from a textbook. The SSI Turtle Ecology programme provides the foundation, while Andaman Turtle Watch brings real local sightings, identified turtles and long-term photo-ID data into your learning.
Developed here in Khao Lak through Big Blue’s Living Blue initiative, you’ll work with turtles, sightings and examples from the same Andaman Sea you’re learning to dive in.
Real turtles. Real sightings.
Work with photographs and submissions from Andaman Turtle Watch. Learn to recognise individual turtles and see what repeat sightings can reveal about their movements, behaviour and use of different habitats.
Understand the Methods
Get hands-on with photo-identification, species ID and sighting records. Learn what makes an observation useful, what information we collect and how photographs become part of a long-term dataset.
Take it below the surface.
Put your new observation skills into practice once you’ve learned to dive. Start noticing species, behaviour, habitat and the details that can turn an underwater encounter into a useful citizen-science record.
Prerequisites & Certification
To join the course you will need:
To be aged 10 or over.
To be comfortable in the water with basic swimming ability (200m at your own pace), and in good general health.
No previous scuba diving experience is required.
What you'll receive:
SSI Open Water Diver certification - an internationally recognised qualification that allows you to dive to 18 metres with a buddy, at dive centres around the world.
SSI Turtle Ecology Specialty certification - delivered as our Andaman Turtle Watch edition, combining the SSI programme with real local sightings, photo-ID, citizen science and conservation learning.
Where You'll Dive
Your first dives will take place in the warm tropical waters off Khao Lak, building your skills and confidence before heading further offshore.
For your final Open Water training dives, you’ll head into the Similan or Surin Islands Marine National Parks – home to coral reefs, tropical marine life and some of Thailand’s best-known diving.
Once certified, you’ll return to the water for your citizen science dive day. With the basic skills behind you, the focus shifts: slow down, look closer and start to see the National Park differently – noticing species, behaviour, habitat and the observations that can become useful citizen-science data.
What’s Included
- 3-day SSI Open Water Diver course
- SSI Turtle Ecology Specialty - delivered as our unique Andaman Turtle Watch edition
- 6 open water dives, including a dedicated citizen science dive day
- Similan or Surin Islands Marine National Park fees
- Full scuba equipment and dive computer rental
- Diving insurance
- All scheduled field visits and course activities
- Transport to the pier and scheduled field visits
- Lunch on all seven programme days
- Living Blue Welcome Pack - 2 T-shirts and reusable tumbler
Not included: Accommodation, flights, airport transfers, breakfasts and dinners. Airport transfers can be arranged through Big Blue, and we’re happy to recommend local accommodation.
Our Diving Courses FAQs
Do I need any diving experience?
No. This programme includes the full SSI Open Water Diver course and is designed for complete beginners. You’ll build your skills gradually through confined water training before completing six dives in the open ocean.
Will we definitely see sea turtles?
No – and we’ll never promise a wildlife encounter. Turtles are regularly sighted in the Andaman Sea and we dive in habitats where they are known to occur, but they’re wild animals and sightings can never be guaranteed.
This is an educational diving experience, not a wildlife tourism product built around guaranteed encounters. There’s plenty to learn from observation, data and the wider ecosystem whether a turtle happens to swim past you or not – come curious, and let the wildlife do its thing.
Can I take an underwater camera?
Not yet. Under current Thai diving regulations, Open Water Divers must hold a minimum Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent) before carrying or using an underwater camera. This reduces task loading while new divers are still developing their buoyancy, awareness and control underwater.
That means you won’t personally take turtle photo-ID images during this programme. Where appropriate, your qualified dive professional will collect photographs while you focus on observation, species identification and recording what you see.
Want to start contributing your own photo-ID images? Our Sea Turtle Ecology & Advanced Diver Course is the natural next step.
How much swimming experience do I need?
What happens if the weather changes?
Where should I stay?
Accommodation isn’t included, giving you the freedom to choose what suits your budget and travel style. We’re happy to recommend places to stay locally and can arrange airport transfers on request.
Still have questions?
Looking for Something Different?
Already an Open Water Diver?
Take the next step with our 7 Day Sea Turtle Ecology & Advanced Diver Course – develop your diving skills, learn to use an underwater camera and start contributing your own turtle photo-ID images.
Already an Advanced diver?
Go further with our 7 Day Sea Turtle Ecology and Citizen Science Diver Course, with more time focused on research methods, photo ID skills, citizen science and collecting useful observations underwater.
Add Turtle Ecology to Your Trip
Whether you’re a non-diver, snorkeller or have diving or a liveaboard booked, our 1-Day Turtle Ecology Course – delivered by Andaman Turtle Watch – is an easy way to add local turtle ecology, photo-ID and citizen science to your Khao Lak trip.
Ready to Get Started?
Begin Your Diving Journey
Seven days. Two SSI certifications. Six dives – and a chance to learn to see the Andaman Sea a little differently.
Check our upcoming course dates or get in touch with the Big Blue team if you have any questions before booking.