SSI Explorers and Junior Open Water
Jump into adventure with our kids diving programs on Koh Tao! The SSI Explorers Program is perfect for young ocean lovers aged 8-9. Through fun pool-based sessions and shallow ocean diving, kids get their first taste of the underwater world in a safe, engaging environment.
For those aged 10-14, the Junior Open Water Course is the first real step into scuba diving. It includes full scuba training, real ocean dives, and internationally recognized certification. With expert instructors, child-friendly gear, and a focus on safety and confidence, it’s the ideal start to a kids diving adventures.
SSI EXPLORERS
Our specially designed kids diving experience is the perfect way to introduce young adventurers to the magic of the underwater world in a safe, supportive environment.
The day begins with fun, interactive theory session with a professional instructor, who helps make sure everything is clearly understood and tailored to the child’s comfort level.
The rest of the day is a pool session, where kids get hands-on experience with scuba gear in a safe, shallow environment. This builds confidence and essential skills before heading to the ocean.
Optionally, for those who are loving it, for an extra fee it’s possible to do two shallow dives at a calm, sheltered site under close instructor supervision.
It’s an unforgettable day of learning, fun, and exploration, designed to spark a lifelong love for the ocean!
JUNIOR OPEN WATER
Before the course begins, students complete their digital learning online, covering all essential scuba theory at their own pace. This allows them to arrive informed and prepared, making the in-person training more effective and engaging.
The day before the course officially begins, students attend a course orientation where they meet their instructor, review the course schedule, and go over important safety guidelines. This session helps build familiarity and sets the tone for a fun and relaxed learning experience.
Day 1
Students spend the day in a confined water training session in our custom-built dive pool, learning how to use their scuba equipment, master essential skills, and gain confidence in a safe and controlled environment.
Day 2
The morning is dedicated to a theory review session with their instructor to ensure full understanding and answer any questions. In the afternoon, students head to the ocean for two guided open water dives at calm, shallow dive sites around Koh Tao.
Day 3
Students complete two more open water dives in the morning, demonstrating their skills and enjoying real underwater exploration to complete their certification.
Course Prerequisites
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Minimum Age
For the SSI Explorers Scuba program, age 8+ is required.
For the Junior Open Water Course, age 10+ is required.
Comfort in water
For the SSI Explorers Scuba program, kids must be able to swim at least 12 meters without flotation aid.
For the Junior Open Water Course, a water fitness evaluation takes place. Kids will have to be able to float or tread water for at least 10 minutes, and swim a distance of 200 meters unaided.
Certifications
The SSI Explorers program does not offer any certification, it is a recognition program. After completion, participants will receive a recognition card in the app.
The Junior Open Water course will certify divers ages 10-11 to a depth of 12 meters and divers aged 12-14 to a depth of 18 meters. All Junior Open Water divers must dive with a certified adult or dive professional. Once age 15 is reached, the digitial certification card will automatically be upgraded to a normal Open Water diver certification.
Medical Statement
You need to be medically fit for diving. You will find the Medical Statement for Scuba Diving here to download. This also needs to be co-signed by a parent or guardian.
BIG DISCOUNTS ON PRIVATE ROOMS WITH AC & ENSUITE
With all of our courses you can make use of our private AC ensuite rooms with huge discounts.
When you´re learning to dive its important that you get a good night of sleep. During the length of all courses you can check in to our accommodation with big discounts! Have a look at our latest deals and prices here.
Message us to look at upgrades and for more info click here.
Book Now
SSI Explorers
The program is a fun and engaging scuba diving program designed for children ages 8–9. It introduces young adventurers to the underwater world in a safe, supervised, and age-appropriate way. Through games and hands-on activities, kids learn basic scuba and snorkeling skills while building confidence and a love for the ocean. Perfect for inspiring the next generation of divers!
Junior Open Water
For children aged 10-14 the Junior Open Water can be booked through our regular Open Water Course page here
฿4,000
Pool & Optional Ocean Adventure
This fun-filled kids diving day starts with exciting pool sessions where young explorers learn the basics of snorkeling and scuba diving in a safe, shallow environment, guided by a certified SSI instructor.
After mastering the skills in the pool, kids have the option to continue the adventure the next day with two shallow ocean dives, a perfect way to experience real marine life! This optional ocean upgrade is available for an additional 2,000 THB and can be booked on-site.
Explorers
Pool & Optional Ocean Adventure
This fun-filled kids diving day starts with exciting pool sessions where young explorers learn the basics of snorkeling and scuba diving in a safe, shallow environment, guided by a certified SSI instructor.
After mastering the skills in the pool, kids have the option to continue the adventure the next day with two shallow ocean dives, a perfect way to experience real marine life! This optional ocean upgrade is available for an additional 2,000 THB and can be booked on-site.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I start every day?
In general, yes. We start our courses any given day. To secure your desired start date, we recommend booking online HERE. This will guarantee your placement.
Is it possible to change the schedule?
Our schedules are flexible and we will do everything to adjust it to your travel plans. Please contact us to arrange for a schedule that suits you within the limits of the Specialties performance requirements.
Is there a shorter option available?
Generally the programs require the time listed, however feel free to contact us at any time for more information.
What are the rates for accommodation?
For the SSI Explorers program we offer accommodation in a private AC room (choice of Single, Double or Twin) at a discounted rate for the standard course duration of 1 day. The Junior Open Water course offers a discounted rate for up to 4 days. There are also upgrade options available for the adjacent Koh Tao Regal or Beach Club Resort.. More information here or just contact us directly.
What are the minimum requirements?
The minimum requirements are listed here: COURSE PREREQUISITES. If you still have questions, please contact us directly.
How many students will be together with me?
We pride ourselves to teach our courses personal in groups of max. 4 students per Instructor. If you still prefer a smaller group or a private course please contact us directly. On the other hand, if you travel in a bigger group, please let us know and we arrange for multiple Instructors to teach you together.
Can I take a Go Pro on my dives?
Currently under Thai Law it is not possible to take a camera on any course. A better option may be to arrange for our In-House Video & Photo company Crystal Images to either take professional photos or a broadcast quality video of you on two of your dives. Please contact us.
Other Questions?
Please check out our general FAQ-Page which will answer most of your questions about Koh Tao, diving, weather conditions and everything else. Anything that cannot be answered there, please just contact us and we get right back to you!
