Get your Open Water Diver certification and join the world of independent divers.
Three packages are available depending on your experience and the time you have.

What is the Open Water Course?

Official SSI "Open Water Diver" visual

The Open Water is the first level of recreational scuba diving training. This certification lets you dive anywhere in the world down to 0-18m, at any dive center, fully independently, for life.

Our 3 packages

⚡️

Open Water SSI 18m – Express

Experience required

2 days / 5 dives

Already have some positive diving experience? Go straight to the point: the fastest route to a certification recognised for life, worldwide, with a lighter schedule and closer supervision.

Never dived before, or not sure you're ready? Check out our Classic or Premium packages instead, which are more progressive.

More infoHide
  • Duration: 2 days
  • Number of dives: 5 at sea (1 skills dive + 4 guided dives on Koh Tao's reefs)
  • Group size: 1 to 4 people maximum, for personalised supervision
  • Prerequisites: some positive prior diving experience is recommended
  • Theory: e-learning + knowledge review with your instructor
  • Content: safety, buoyancy and equipment mastery
  • Insurance, equipment and dive computer included
  • Minimum age: 12 years old
  • Certification: recognised internationally, valid for life
9900 THB

Open Water SSI 18m – Classic

Try dive recommended

2.5 days / 6 dives

Our most popular course: become a certified independent diver for life, recognised worldwide. In just 2.5 days, you'll go from beginner to qualified diver, ready to explore the reefs down to 18m, anywhere on the planet.

More infoHide
  • Duration: 2.5 days
  • Number of dives: 6
  • Group size: 1 to 4 people maximum, for personalised supervision
  • Prerequisites: a try dive is recommended, but not required
  • Theory: e-learning at your own pace + 2 classroom sessions with your instructor
  • Free club T-shirt — a souvenir of your certification
  • Insurance and equipment included
  • Minimum age: from 10 years old (12 recommended for more comfort)
11000 THB

Open Water SSI 18m – Premium

No prerequisites

4 days / 8 dives

The Premium package is ideal if you've never dived before, or if you'd rather take your time to feel fully comfortable. The first day is a complete try dive, so you can start the certification with confidence.

More infoHide
  • Duration: 4 days
  • Number of dives: 8
  • Group size: 1 to 4 people maximum, for personalised supervision
  • Prerequisites: none — a try dive is included on day 1
  • Theory: e-learning at your own pace + 2 classroom sessions with your instructor
  • Free club T-shirt — a souvenir of your certification
  • Insurance and dive computer provided
  • Minimum age: from 10 years old (12 recommended for more comfort)
14500 THB 13500 THB

Common prerequisites for all 3 packages

Health
Fill in and sign our medical questionnaire, or bring a medical certificate from your doctor (recommended)
Ability
You must know how to swim — a swim test will be carried out at the start of the course
Self-study
An email with the theory to review will be sent to you after booking or on request

Instructor with a group of young divers on the boat

How to choose your package?

Your situation Recommended package
I've never dived before, or I want to take my time Premium ✨
I've already done a try dive, or I think I'm ready Classic ⭐
I already have positive diving experience and want to go fast Express ⚡️
Still not sure?Contact our team — we'll help you choose the package that best suits your profile.

Comparing the 3 packages

  Express ⚡️ Classic ⭐ Premium ✨
Duration 2 days 2.5 days 3.5 days
Dives 5 6 8
Prerequisites Positive diving experience required Try dive recommended None (try dive included on day 1)
Minimum age 12 years old 10 years old (12 recommended) 10 years old (12 recommended)
Equipment Insurance, gear and dive computer included (all 3 packages)

Common prerequisites for all 3 packages

Health Fill in and sign our medical questionnaire, or bring a medical certificate from your doctor (recommended)
Ability You must know how to swim — a swim test will be carried out at the start of the course
Self-study An email with the theory to review will be sent to you after booking or on request

Course structure

Instructor briefing divers at the surface
  • Please arrive the day before your first day for the paperwork and gear check (approx. 30 min)
  • Days start around 8:30am and finish around 5pm
  • On the last day, you'll be free by late morning or afternoon depending on your package

Why Choose AquaTao?

Small groups

Comprehensive training

High-end equipment

Custom-built boat

International team

Friendly atmosphere

Prices:

Express ⚡️
9900 THB
Book Now
Classic ⭐
11000 THB
Book Now
Premium ✨
14500 THB 13500 THB
Book Now
Classic ⭐ + Advanced Open Water
21000 THB 19900 THB
Book Now

 

What to do after your Open Water?

You'll get a discount on the following courses:

Advanced open water

Level up with the Advanced Open Water, to discover other ways of diving and go deeper… down to 30m!

-1,000 THB

Fun dive trip

Join a fun dive trip to put your new skills into practice

800 THB / dive

Take a deep adventure dive between 25 and 30m…

Take a deep adventure dive between 25 and 30m with an instructor, and earn a recognition level to dive down to 30m

2,000 THB

FAQ - Open Water Course in Koh Tao

How long does the SSI Open Water Course take?

The course takes only 2.5 days to complete at AQUATAO, including 6 dives: training dives in shallow water and exploration dives up to 18 meters.

Do I need previous diving experience?

No — you don’t need any experience before joining. However, we recommend trying a first dive beforehand to feel more comfortable during the course.

What is included in the course price?

All diving equipment, boat trips, professional instruction, learning materials, insurance, and your SSI digital certification are included. No hidden fees!

How deep can I dive once certified?

With your SSI Open Water certification, you can dive up to 18 meters anywhere in the world, for life, as long as you dive with another certified diver.

Is the course safe for beginners?

Absolutely. We train in small groups of maximum 4 students per instructor, and you will learn all safety procedures step by step before diving.

Can I continue with more advanced courses afterward?

Yes! After your Open Water, you can continue with the Advanced Open Water course to dive up to 30 meters and discover new dive adventures.

Photo Gallery