GET YOUR PADI OPEN WATER COURSE AT KOH TAO
If you are an explorer and haven’t spent more time underwater than a short snorkel trip, then it’s time to get started!
Ever wondered, what it’s like to breathe underwater? To have fish swim around you and watching coral closely without having to think about the next breath you can take?
If you’re an explorer or just like nature and wildlife or want another challenge: the PADI Open Water Diver course is the perfect base to start your adventure.
In this course you will learn all the basics of safe scuba diving including dive theory and the skills you need, first in a shallow swimming pool followed by some amazing dives in the warm tropical waters of Koh Tao.
You will be accompanied and instructed at your own pace by one of our multilingual Instructors, who will teach you from the beginning to the end to get your PADI … and make some new buddies along the way.
We teach all courses at your pace, which makes it the perfect holiday experience!
This is how you become a diver:
Within 3 – 4 days, you will become a diver to dive independent from a professional to 18 m (60 feet) with a dive buddy!


Depending on your personal schedule we will adjust the program for you and move elements of your personal course to accommodate for your holiday plans, but in general, these are the parts of your training:
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Part 1: Theory
We will start off with an introduction & take a look at all the necessary paperwork. Once done, you will start with the first part of your course: The dive theory.
Through PADI videos accompanied by self study you will get introduced to the basics of diving. After your self-study part your Instructor will walk you through how this theory is actually used in real-life diving and answer any questions you may have. Topics include the scuba equipment, safe diving practices as well as knowledge of the environment.
The theoretical part is split into 5 chapters with a little quiz for each chapter and a multiple choice exam at the end with a passing score of 75%. Don’t worry about it at all. We got all materials in (most) languages and you will know all the answers from your practical experience in the pool & your Open Water Dives,
We usually split the theory over two half days to make it less “dry”. If you really don’t like spending time of your holiday learning theory and rather save that time by doing it beforehand, check out the PADI Elearning-Open Water-Option.
Part 2: Pool-Training
The second part of your course is where the fun starts: Your training in one of our own resort swimming pools. Here you will learn all the skills you need everyday as a diver as well as a few safety procedures just in case of the unlikely event that something goes wrong.
You will start in very shallow water to take your first breaths underwater to slowly progress into the deeper end of the pool to practice on skills like swimming underwater weightless.
This is the place to take all the time you need to gain the confidence you need as a safe diver. So at Crystal Dive we don’t set a time for you to practice your skills, but usually it takes between half a day to a full day to reach your goal. If you need more time, then you will get it – without any extra charge.
Part 3: Open Water Dives
Once you gained your confidence and knowledge in the classroom and pool, it is time to get out to use all this on the final (and most likely best) part of your course: The Open Water Dives.
The PADI Open Water Course consists of 4 Open Water Dives spread over two half-days. The first two of these dives will bring you to a maximum depth of 12 metres (40 feet) and give you plenty of time to practice your skills and underwater swimming which you learned in the pool before.
The final two dives to a max. of 18 metres (60 feet) are more for you to enjoy the underwater world and show us that you know, how to dive independent from a professional!
After this you can call yourself an Open Water Diver and it is time to celebrate your certification with a cold drink on the beach and your video in our bar, as you will get filmed on those final dives!

GET YOUR PADI NOW!
You may also be interested in …
Advanced Open Water Diver
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PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
Take the next step and become an Advanced Diver - with this course you get the ticket to dive anywhere in the world to a depth of 30 metres!
PADI Enriched Air Diver
Specialty Diver
PADI Enriched Air Specialty
Stay longer at the bottom with this 1 day Nitrox Specialty. Extend your limits again for your deep dives!
PADI Deep Diver Specialty
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PADI Deep Diver Specialty
Extend your limits - in just two days you take 4 dives and get the certification to dive to 40 metres depth!
PADI Rescue Diver
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PADI Rescue Diver Course
Learn how to prevent problems & help others in need. This 2-4 day course will teach you the techniques within 4 dives!
How it works …
To give you an idea of what your course will look like,
here’s an example schedule:
Day 1
OPEN WATER COURSE
Day 1 - Half Day
Morning: Off
13:00 Introduction & Paperwork
Theory 1 - 3 (Videos & Instructor presentations)
Day 2
OPEN WATER COURSE
Day 2 - Full Day
Pool-Session 1 (shallow water skills)
– Lunch –
Pool-Session 2 (shallow & deep water skills)
Day 3
OPEN WATER COURSE
Day 3 - Full Day
Theory 4 & 5 - Theory Exam, Swim test
– Lunch –
Open Water Dive 1 & 2 (max. 12 metres)
Day 4
OPEN WATER COURSE
Day 4 - Half Day
Open Water Dive 3 & 4 (max. 18 metres)
Certification & Celebration!
(+ your own video if you opted to get filmed!)
However. It’s not all set in stone and you can just book your private course or contact us to request a different schedule that fits you!
THE PADI OPEN WATER COURSE PREREQUISITES:
To become a certified PADI Open Water Diver there are some minimum requirements:
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Fitness
To become a scuba diver, you don’t need to be an athlete or hardcore fit. You just need to have the passion and be open-minded to try something new.
Waterskills & Stamina
It will help though, if you generally feel comfortable in the water and have some basic swimming abilities (as there is a little swim test to prove that you can float or tread water for 10 minutes and swim 200 metres unaided). If in doubt, just ask us for other course options.
Minimum Age
To start your Certification course, you will need to be at least 10 years old. As a diver 10 – 15 year old you will gain the certification as a Junior Open Water Diver and you will have to dive with an adult until 15 years of age. Please note, that 10-12 year old divers are limited to 12 metres of depth.
Medical Statement
You need to be medically fit for diving. You find the Medical Statement for Scuba Diving here to download. If in doubt, please check with your physician or ask us before booking your dive experience with us.




Special offer!!
Book online before the 31st July for any 2023 date and receive free accommodation
For ALL PADI diver level certification COURSES!
Get Your PADI! – What’s included?
Our PADI Open Water Course package includes:
- PADI Open Water Diver Course (max. 4 students per Instructor)
- Personal set of scuba equipment throughout your stay
- FREE use of Dive Computer
- Personal PADI E-Book & PADI Certification
- Crystal Dive Logbook & T-Shirt
- Multilingual personal Instructor
- Boat trips & refreshments for your dives
- Dive Insurance for your dives with us (30 days)
- SHA+ Recognition (Read more about the valid Covid-Rules)
- Discounted Accommodation option throughout your course (4 nights)
- 10 % Discount on additional diver level courses & dive equipment purchases with us



Book Now
Get Your PADI Open Water Course at Crystal Dive Koh Tao
The PADI Open Water diver course is the world’s most popular scuba diving training course, giving you a license to scuba dive anywhere in the world.
Every year, over half a million people worldwide have ‘got their PADI’, with training conducted at thousands of dive sites around the world.
PADI really is “the way the world learns to dive”..!!
฿11,000 – ฿42,000
The PADI Open Water Course at Crystal can be completed in 3 - 4 days. If you are short on time or don't want to study in your holiday, think about the PADI E-Learning option.
*If you book with 4 people as a group you get an extra discount based on accommodation in 2 rooms.
YOUR DIVES ON VIDEO OR PICTURES

During your final two dives our in-house underwater film company, Crystal Images, will accompany you to capture your experience on film and then edit the footage into a 10 minute movie which we show at the bar that evening. The video is available to purchase by all course students after viewing so you can share your memories with family and friends.
Alternatively, our Underwater Videography team is available to provide you with personal and lasting memories of your experience and offer unique underwater video and photo services for your course. You can choose from a 10 minute land and underwater based video or 10-15 high resolution photographs.

These options are available for your PADI Open Water course and can be booked by following the link below and choosing the ‘video & photo’ option, in addition to your course booking.
Please ask us about group bookings and additional options on other courses.
GET YOUR PADI NOW!
PADI E-LEARNING OPEN WATER COURSE
Please Note: You will have to sign up with PADI to register for the eLearning-Option of the PADI Open Water Course. Extra fees directly paid to PADI apply. Your course will be discounted and shortened by two half days at Crystal Dive.
PADI E-Learning Open Water Course Includes:
E-learning online PADI Open Water diver manual & PADI certification
PADI Instructor fees
Insurance
Log Book
Equipment rental
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I start my PADI Open Water Diver Course every day?
In general, yes. We start our courses any given day. To secure your desired start date, we recommend booking your Open Water Course online HERE. This will guarantee your placement in a small group of maximum 4 students per Instructor.
Is it possible to change the schedule for the PADI Open Water Diver Course?
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 PADI Open Water Diver Course performance requirements.
Is there a shorter course option available for my PADI Open Water Diver Course?
Yes! We can accommodate for your travel plans and as long as you feel comfortable in the water, the course can be done in as little as 2.5 days with all elements taken here at Crystal Dive. Another option is to sign up for the PADI eLearning-Option (extra costs apply) and you can finish it in 2 full days. Contact us at any time for more information.
What are the rates for accommodation in my PADI Open Water Diver Course?
For your PADI Open Water Course Course we offer accommodation in a private AC room (choice of Double or Twin) at a discounted rate for the standard course duration of 4 nights. 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 to start my PADI Open Water Course?
The minimum requirements for you to enroll in the PADI Open Water Course are listed here: COURSE PREREQUISITES. If you still have questions about specific requirements or an equivalent certification, please contact us directly.
How many students will be together with me in my PADI Open Water Course?
We pride ourselves to teach our PADI Open Water Course 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 will arrange for multiple Instructors to teach you together.
Will I see different dive sites during my Open Water Dives in the PADI Open Water Course?
We have 3 custom built dive boats and choose the dive sites based on your course requirements, comfort level and weather conditions. Generally, we change dive sites on a daily basis, so you will dive at the best spots available for your PADI Open Water Course. More about our boats here.
Can I take a Go Pro on my dives for the PADI Open Water Course?
We highly discourage from taking a camera as you and your instructor should both focus only on you becoming a well-trained PADI Open Water diver and handling a camera with the new equipment at the same time is not easy. Our In-House Video & Photo company Crystal Images provides perfect pictures or amazing underwater videos for you for a small surcharge. Check out this link: Video-Option.
What other courses can I take if I have some more time after my PADI Open Water Course?
We have put together some recommendations for you under this link for dive activities that you may find interesting after your PADI Open Water Course. If you are interested in other activities, have a look at our shop and check out our multi-course packages as well.
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!