Open Water Course
Learn to Scuba Dive in Khao Lak
Your first breath underwater. Your first fish. Your first moment of weightlessness. It starts here.
A Whole New World Awaits
A whole new world exists beneath the surface. Silent. Weightless. Extraordinary. Coral gardens, technicolour fish, turtles drifting past — it’s one of those experiences that genuinely changes the way you see the planet. And it starts with a single decision: to learn to dive.
Nervous about taking that step? That’s completely normal — and we’d be surprised if you weren’t. Breathing underwater goes against every instinct. The equipment looks complicated. You might worry about your ears, your fitness, or what happens if something doesn’t feel right.
Here’s what we know after 20+ years of teaching people to dive: those nerves don’t last. Within a few hours of your first session, something shifts. The water starts to feel like it belongs to you. With patient, experienced instructors and a learning environment built around confidence — not rushing certifications — you’ll get there. Thousands of people just like you have made this discovery. You can too.
Worldwide recognition
Whether you’re taking your very first breath underwater or pushing into technical diving, our team of passionate instructors will guide you every step of the way. No rushing, no pressure, just patient, professional dive education in one of the world’s most beautiful underwater classrooms.
What you'll learn
By the end of the course, you’ll be a certified diver capable of planning and executing dives to 18 metres, anywhere in the world. Here’s what we cover:
Equipment & setup
Assemble, check, and wear your gear with confidence before every dive.
Buoyancy control
The skill that transforms diving. Float effortlessly, move gracefully, protect the reef.
Safe ascents & descents
Move through the water column calmly, correctly, and safely.
Emergency & self-rescue skills
Prepared for the unexpected, calm under pressure.
Underwater communication
Hand signals, buddy checks, and staying connected throughout a dive.
Dive planning
Buddy procedures, safety stops, and planning dives that bring you home happy.
3-Day Schedule
Day 1 — Theory & Confined Water
Complete your digital theory at home before you arrive, then sit down with your instructor to review and ask questions. From there it’s straight into the water — equipment workshop followed by your first confined water skills session in a relaxed, shallow environment.
Day 2 — First Open Water Dives
Continue your confined water training in the morning, then head out for your first two open water dives. This is the moment it all comes together — and the moment most people fall in love with diving.
Day 3 — Open Water Dives & Certification
Two more open water dives to consolidate your skills, followed by a final skills review. By the end of the day, you’re a certified SSI Open Water Diver — ready to explore the world.
The Big Blue Difference
Instructors who actually love teaching — Our team have roots in Koh Tao, Thailand’s dive teaching capital, and between them have certified hundreds of divers. They remember their first time underwater. They know that good instruction is about reading people and building confidence, not ticking boxes.
Warm, calm Andaman waters — Excellent visibility, relaxed conditions, and incredible marine life make every training dive an experience in itself, not just an exercise.
Small groups, real attention — You’re not going through a production line. You’ll get individual coaching, genuine encouragement, and as much time as you need.
Prerequisites & Certification
To join the course you'll need:
to be aged 10 or over, comfortable in the water with basic swimming ability (200m at your own pace), and in good general health.
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 any dive centre in the world.
Where You'll Dive
Your first two open water dives take place in the warm, clear waters off Khao Lak — a relaxed and rewarding stretch of coastline perfect for building confidence.
Your final two dives then move to the Similan Islands themselves — one of Thailand’s most iconic dive destinations and a marine national park of outstanding beauty.
It’s quite the classroom.
Once certified, the Andaman opens up. Join us on a Similan Islands day trip, or take the next step aboard the Blue Dolphin for a Similan liveaboard. Your Open Water card is the key to all of it.
Our Diving Courses FAQs
Common Questions & Concerns
My ears hurt when I swim in deep pools — can I still dive?
I'm not a strong swimmer. Can I learn?
You need to be comfortable in the water and able to swim 200 metres at your own pace — that’s it. You don’t need to be fast, and you don’t need to be confident in deep water yet. That’s what we’re here for.
What if I panic underwater?
Am I too old to learn?
How long does the course take?
Can I dive worldwide after certification?ng does it take?
Still have questions?
What's Next
Advanced Open Water Diver
Enriched Air Nitrox
Ready to take the plunge?
Begin Your Diving Journey
The Big Blue Dive Equipment Shop
Coming to dive with us? Need anything for your trip?
Why not order now and we will have it waiting for you when you arrive in Khao Lak
Our store has some of the worlds best brands available at great prices.
When booking a trip with us, you will qualify for some even better deals too.
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Deep Blue Safety Balloon
350฿ Add to basket -
Sharkskin Titanium Chillproof Hood
2,516฿ Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Scubapro Nylon SMB
Price range: 3,305฿ through 3,535฿ Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Sharkskin Titanium Chill Proof Long Pants Male
8,178฿ Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
