Three packages are available depending on your experience and the time you have.
What is the Open Water Course?
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 required2 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.
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- 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
Open Water SSI 18m – Classic
Try dive recommended2.5 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.
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- 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)
Open Water SSI 18m – Premium
No prerequisites4 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.
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- 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)
Common prerequisites for all 3 packages

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 ⚡️ |
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
- 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:
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 THBFun dive trip
Join a fun dive trip to put your new skills into practice
800 THB / diveTake 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































