Learning to Scuba Dive in Koh Tao: Our PADI Open Water Experience at Assava
If you’re considering scuba diving in Koh Tao, you’re in the right place. We spent two weeks on the island and completed our PADI Open Water certification with Assava Dive Resort. Before arriving, we had never gone scuba diving before, so we were nervous, excited, and had absolutely no idea what to expect.
Looking back, completing our Open Water course in Koh Tao was one of the highlights of our time backpacking in Thailand. Out of all the experiences we had across the country, learning to scuba dive was easily one of the most memorable. Not only did we gain a lifelong skill, but we also experienced an entirely different world beneath the surface.
In this guide, we’ll share why we chose Koh Tao, what the PADI Open Water course involved, how much it cost, what marine life we saw, and our honest Assava Dive Resort review to help you decide whether learning to scuba dive in Koh Tao is right for you.
Last updated: May 2026
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Quick summary
- We’d happily recommend Assava to anyone looking to learn scuba diving in Koh Tao
- We spent 2 weeks in Koh Tao
- Completed our PADI Open Water certification with Assava Dive Resort
- The course took 4 days
- We had no previous scuba diving experience
- The training was beginner-friendly and professionally run
- We saw colourful reef fish, coral reefs, and plenty of marine life
Why We Chose Koh Tao For Our Open Water Course
Before travelling to Thailand, getting scuba certified wasn’t even on our radar. Like many travellers, we were initially focused on ticking off some of the experiences featured on our Thailand Bucket List, but Koh Tao quickly convinced us to stay longer and try something completely new.
There were several reasons why we chose Koh Tao.
Affordable Diving
One of the biggest reasons people choose Koh Tao diving is the cost. Compared to many other scuba diving destinations around the world, completing an Open Water course here is incredibly affordable.
When we looked at diving schools in Europe and Australia, prices were significantly higher. Koh Tao offered professional training at a fraction of the cost, making it the perfect place to learn.
Koh Tao is also easy to reach thanks to Thailand’s excellent transport network. If you’re planning your own trip, our guide on How to Get Around Thailand covers ferries, buses and domestic travel options.
Beginner-Friendly Conditions
The waters around Koh Tao are generally calm with excellent visibility for much of the year. This makes diving on Koh Tao ideal for first-time divers who may feel nervous about entering open water.
The island’s sheltered bays and shallow dive sites create a great learning environment where new divers can gradually build confidence.
Excellent Reputation
Koh Tao has built a reputation as one of the world’s most popular places to gain an Open Water certification. Thousands of new divers become certified here every year, which gave us confidence that the dive schools knew exactly how to train beginners.
Huge Choice of Dive Schools
One thing that surprised us was the sheer number of dive centres on the island. Whether you’re looking at Asia Divers Resort Koh Tao, Ocean Sound Koh Tao, DPM Diving Koh Tao, Scuba Shack or smaller independent operators, there are plenty of options available.
This competition helps keep prices competitive while maintaining high standards.
Why We Chose Assava Dive Resort
With so many dive schools available, choosing one wasn’t easy.
We spent time reading reviews and comparing different dive centres before eventually deciding on Assava Dive Resort.
One of the main things that stood out was the combination of accommodation and diving packages. Since we planned to stay in Koh Tao for two weeks, being able to base ourselves at the resort while completing our training made everything much simpler.
The reviews were consistently positive, particularly regarding the instructors and relaxed atmosphere.
There are heaps of backpacker-aimed dive centres around the centre of Koh Tao which do include accommodation, but while we were there they looked very busy and overcrowded.
After arriving at Assava, we immediately felt we’d made the right choice.
The resort is located in Chalok Baan Kao, away from the busier parts of the island. It felt much more laid-back while still offering easy access to restaurants, beaches and nightlife.
The staff were welcoming from day one, and the diving operation felt professional without being intimidating for complete beginners.
If we returned to Koh Tao tomorrow, we’d happily book with Assava again.
What The PADI Open Water Course Involved
Before arriving in Koh Tao, I assumed we’d spend days sat in a classroom before eventually getting in the water. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case.
Our Open Water course with Assava Dive Resort was spread across three days, with a mixture of practical training, theory lessons and four open water dives around Koh Tao.
Day 1: Pool Training and Theory
Much to my surprise, the first thing we did wasn’t sit in a classroom. Instead, we headed straight to the pool area and got fitted for all our equipment, including wetsuits, weight belts and flippers.
Before getting in the water, we spent time learning how to assemble and dismantle our scuba equipment. We repeated the process several times until we could confidently set everything up ourselves.
One of the most important things we learned was the buddy check procedure, known as BWRAF, which stands for:
- Buoyancy
- Weights
- Releases
- Air
- Final Check
It quickly became second nature and is something you’ll do before every dive to make sure both you and your buddy can dive safely.
Once we’d mastered the equipment setup, it was finally time to jump into the pool.
This was probably the most overwhelming part of the course because we covered so many skills in a short space of time. We practised everything from regulator recovery to mask clearing and emergency procedures. It felt like information overload at first, but all of these skills become incredibly important once you’re underwater.
After lunch, it was time for the classroom portion of the course.
I’ll be honest, this was easily my least favourite part. We worked through PADI training videos and completed several knowledge review sections covering diving theory, safety procedures, pressure, buoyancy and dive planning.
The good news is that the videos provide most of the answers you’ll need, and the instructor went through anything I got wrong afterwards. It wasn’t particularly difficult, just a little tedious compared to actually being in the water.
Day 2: Theory Exam and First Open Water Dives
The second morning started back in the classroom to complete a series of quizzes and, ultimately, the final theory exam.
The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and you can only get a certain number wrong to pass. Thankfully, most of the material had already been covered in the knowledge reviews, so it wasn’t nearly as intimidating as it sounds.
After passing the exam, there was only one thing standing between me and becoming a certified diver: completing my four open water dives.
That afternoon, we finally boarded the dive boat and headed out to our first dive site around Koh Tao.
Despite all the pool training, I was still pretty nervous about diving in the open ocean for the first time. Once we arrived, we assembled our equipment, completed our BWRAF safety checks and reviewed a few hand signals before entering the water.
After descending a few metres below the surface, we completed several skills including regulator recovery and clearing a partially flooded mask. Once those were out of the way, we were free to explore the reef.
Seeing the coral reefs and tropical fish for the first time was incredible. I was so focused on everything around me that I completely forgot how nervous I’d been beforehand.
As a first-time diver, I burned through my air surprisingly quickly and only managed around 30 minutes underwater. Even so, it was one of the most memorable experiences of our entire trip.
Following a surface interval (and several boat biscuits), we headed back down for our second dive.
This time we practised clearing a fully flooded mask, using an alternative air source and a few other emergency skills before spending more time exploring the reef. By the end of the dive, I was noticeably more comfortable underwater and was finally starting to relax and enjoy myself.
Day 3: Final Dives and Certification
By day three, everything felt much more natural.
The early morning boat trip no longer felt intimidating and assembling my equipment had become second nature. Even the BWRAF safety checks felt automatic by this point.
Our third dive included a controlled emergency swimming ascent and mask removal and replacement. If I’m being completely honest, removing my mask underwater was my least favourite skill of the entire course. I hate getting water in my eyes, and it’s definitely one of those moments where staying calm and controlling your breathing becomes incredibly important.
Thankfully, we completed the skills fairly quickly and were able to spend the rest of the dive exploring. This ended up being my longest dive of the course at around 50 minutes underwater, which felt absolutely crazy considering how quickly my first dive had passed.
The final dive was much more relaxed and felt closer to what I’d imagined scuba diving would be like. The only skill we needed to complete was some basic underwater compass navigation before enjoying the dive itself.
After our final safety stop, we surfaced, climbed back onto the boat and just like that, I was officially a certified Open Water Diver.
Looking back, the course was far less intimidating than I’d expected. The instructors gradually built our confidence throughout the training, and by the final dive I felt comfortable underwater and genuinely excited to continue diving in the future.
How Much Did Scuba Diving in Thailand Cost?
The exact prices may have changed since we completed our course, but here’s an example of what we spent during our stay.
| Item | Approximate Cost |
| PADI Open Water Course | £250-£350 |
| Accommodation | Varies by season |
| Food & Drinks | £10-£20 per day |
| Ferry to Koh Tao | £15-£40 |
| Travel Insurance | Depends on provider |
Before booking any diving activities, make sure your travel insurance covers recreational scuba diving.
Was It Difficult?
This was probably our biggest concern before starting.
The good news is that the course is specifically designed for complete beginners.
Swimming Requirements
You don’t need to be an Olympic swimmer.
However, you should feel comfortable in the water and be able to complete the basic swimming requirements set by PADI.
The Theory Exam
The exam sounds scarier than it actually is.
If you pay attention during training and complete the learning materials, you’ll be absolutely fine.
Ear Equalisation
Learning how to equalise pressure in your ears was one of the biggest adjustments.
Our instructors were patient and explained techniques that made the process much easier.
Managing Nerves
It’s completely normal to feel nervous before your first dive.
We certainly did.
The instructors gradually built our confidence throughout the course, and by the final dives we felt far more relaxed underwater than we ever expected.
What Marine Life Did We See?
One of the highlights of scuba diving in Thailand is the incredible marine life.
Although every dive is different, we were lucky enough to see plenty of colourful underwater species during our training dives.
The coral reefs around Koh Tao were packed with:
- Butterfly fish
- Parrotfish
- Triggerfish
- Angelfish
- Schools of tropical reef fish
The visibility during our dives was generally very good, allowing us to fully appreciate the underwater scenery.
Many divers visiting Koh Tao hope to encounter whale sharks, while others occasionally spot rays and larger pelagic species depending on the season.
Although sightings can never be guaranteed, the marine biodiversity around the island is impressive regardless of what appears on a particular dive.
As always, we recommend following reef safe diving practices and respecting the fragile marine environment.
Our Honest Assava Dive Resort Review
After spending two weeks on the island and completing our certification with Assava, here’s how we’d rate our experience.
| Instructors | 9/10 |
| Accommodation | 10/10 |
| Equipment | 8/10 |
| Value For Money | 10/10 |
| Atmosphere | 9/10 |
| Overall Experience | 9/10 |
What We Loved
- Friendly and professional instructors
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Great value for money
- Convenient accommodation
- Ideal for beginners
What Could Be Improved
The only downside was that, like most popular dive schools in Koh Tao, things can feel busy during peak season. However, this didn’t negatively impact our overall experience.
It is also quite a bit further out than other dive resort options, so if you don’t have a scooter this could be tricky. Between exploring the island, eating our way around the best restaurants in Koh Tao, and occasionally sampling some of the best nightlife in Thailand, Koh Tao quickly became one of our favourite stops in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Koh Tao is widely considered one of the best places in the world for beginner divers thanks to affordable courses, calm conditions and experienced instructors.
Most Open Water courses take between three and four days to complete, as my class was one to one with an instructor, it only took three days.
Prices vary depending on location and dive school, but Koh Tao is generally one of the most affordable places in Thailand to become certified.
Most people find the course very manageable. The instructors guide you through each stage gradually, making it suitable for beginners.
You must meet minimum swimming requirements to complete an Open Water certification.
Based on our experience, absolutely. The instructors were professional, the accommodation was excellent and the overall value for money was outstanding.
Thailand offers year-round diving opportunities, although conditions vary between regions. Koh Tao generally has good diving conditions for much of the year.
Yes, whale sharks are occasionally spotted around Koh Tao. However, sightings are never guaranteed and depend on conditions and luck.
Final Thoughts On Scuba Diving In Koh Tao
Scuba diving in Koh Tao ended up being one of the most memorable experiences of our entire Thailand trip.
If you’re currently planning a route using our backpacking Thailand itinerary, Koh Tao deserves serious consideration. Not only is it one of the country’s best islands, but it’s also one of the most affordable places in the world to gain an Open Water certification.
Between exploring the island, discovering some of the best restaurants in Koh Tao, enjoying the famous Thailand nightlife scene and spending our days underwater, it quickly became one of our favourite stops in the country.
For anyone wondering what Thailand is famous for beyond temples, beaches and street food, the diving opportunities are certainly near the top of the list.
Whether you’re looking to become a certified scuba diver, continue on to an Advanced Open Water Diver course, or simply experience your first underwater adventure, we think Koh Tao is one of the best places in the world to start.
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Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these but it will NOT affect the price you pay. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, are the best products possible whilst travelling.
This sounds AMAZING. 10 different diving spots?! I went scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands, but have not done it again since then. It sounds like this should be the next spot on my list!
Now that does sound amazing, I bet the marine life was amazing? You really should visit, Koh Tao was beautiful!
Scuba diving is one of the experiences I would love to do! And I think there is no better place than Thailand! I can’t wait to visit it! and saving this for inspiration! Great job!
I was so glad I did it; now I just want to dive everywhere! So pleased you enjoyed our post, Lasma.
I’ve done scuba diving before not for years but this sounds an incredible place to dive and learn! Added to our list thank you!
You really won’t regret it; you should definitely make Koh Tao your next diving trip!
Wow! Such a detailed post. Thank you. I really want to learn how to scuba dive. I’m in the UK and there are spots here that are three times the price as what you quoted above! Plus, the water is so much more clear and.. well not to mention warmer. I like how you also talk about learning in a pool first. This really sounds like something I would be comfortable with. Thank you again for sharing!
Thank you so much; we’re so glad you liked our guide! You should definitely do it, it’s easily been the best thing we’ve done whilst travelling.
Wow, this looks amazing. I am not dive certified but I have always dreamed of doing it. What advise would you give to a newbie?
It is everything and more Michelle! My best advice would be to get used to breathing underwater as this is the biggest thing to get used to; you just need to stay calm and relax. once you’ve cracked this, it’s super easy!
What an awesome experience! My husband is dying to go scuba diving so I’ll have to share this with him 🙂
It really was! He absolutely has to dive here; he’ll love it!
Scuba diving looks like an amazing time. Thailand is such a beautiful country and the water is absolutely stunning. I can only imagine how it looks in person from your photos. I’ll save this for later when I revisit.
It really was; Thailand is definitely the best place to do it but we’re biased! So pleased you enjoyed our guide.
What an amazing place to learn to scuba dive. I didn’t realize how much time in the classroom it took to get certified. I am sure you will have many more amazing adventures now.
Thank you so much Michele! There definitely is a lot more than you think; worth it even though its tedious.
Scuba diving sounds fun. I am not an experienced swimmer, so I don’t think I can do that yet but maybe one day. Thailand is high on my bucket list, would love to visit.
Even if you don’t go Scuba diving, you should definitely visit Thailand and especially the islands!
We have thought about getting scuba certified, but always as something we would do at home and then travel. I really like this idea of getting certified while traveling. And you really can’t be the price in Thailand.
Getting certified whilst travelling is the best and cheapest way to learn. So pleased our guides been helpful!
I love the scuba tips you added. I’ve definitely struggled with breathing and buoyancy as a beginner. Sounds like an incredible place to explore.
So glad you liked our guide Laura; it’s a beautiful place, potentially our favourite place!
Wow, that looks so interesting. While I have snorkeled, I have never had the courage to snorkel. Undoubtedly it must be spectacular to swim beneath the coral and see all the amazing sea creatures!
Scuba Diving is 100% worth it and once you get comfortable with breathing underwater, you get to see so much more!
When we were in Koh Tao a few of the group members went scuba diving and they said it was just so amazing. I wish I wasn’t claustrophobic and could go diving because I know I’m missing out haha
Ahah you definitely are missing out! I personally didn’t feel claustrophobic at all.. you can see so far!
Great post, thanks for sharing! My husband wants to learn to dive and is considering Koh Tao. Have you been to the Perhentians in Malaysia by chance? That’s also on the list and would love to compare.
Unfortunately we haven’t but it looks beautiful. We can however vouch for Koh Tao – one of the cheapest places in the world and one of the best marine life as well!