Take the plunge—literally! Learn to dive on Koh Tao with Big Blue Diving and save 1,000Bt when you book both your Open Water and Advanced Courses together for just 23,000Bt. You can even stay 5 nights in a dorm for only 2,000Bt more. Warm seas, curious fish, and a certification card to brag about—what’s not to love?
A Small Island, A Big Adventure
There are few moments in life quite as unforgettable as the first time you breathe underwater. It’s a bit like discovering you’ve been upgraded to first class on a flight, only wetter and with better views. And if you’re lucky enough to be on Koh Tao—the shimmering, palm-fringed speck of an island in the Gulf of Thailand—you can do it all with Big Blue Diving, one of the most respected dive schools in Asia.
And here’s the kicker: if you book your Open Water and Advanced courses together, you’ll pay just 23,000Bt instead of 24,000Bt. That’s a tidy 1,000Bt saving, which is more than enough for a few sunset cocktails, a Thai massage, or a very fancy beach towel.
Oh, and they’ll throw in 5 nights in a dorm for just 2,000Bt more, which, on Koh Tao, is practically the cost of a single coconut shake.
What’s in the Open Water Course (and Why You’ll Love It)
The Open Water Course is where it all begins—the scuba diving equivalent of learning to ride a bicycle, except the bike is 12 meters underwater and occasionally swims past a clownfish.
Day 1 – Breathing, Bubbles, and the Basics
You’ll start on dry land, learning the all-important rules of diving: breathe continuously, don’t hold your breath, and never, ever poke the coral (no matter how much it looks like a brain). Then it’s into the pool to practice your first underwater skills—clearing your mask, recovering your regulator, and trying to look cooler than you feel in a wetsuit.
Day 2 – Your First Real Dives
Now comes the fun bit: the ocean. You’ll take your first two dives in warm, turquoise waters teeming with life—schools of damselfish, butterflyfish, and possibly the occasional turtle that looks vaguely disapproving. You’ll practice your new skills and realize, rather wonderfully, that you can breathe underwater.
Day 3 – Going Deeper (Literally)
By day three, you’re practically Jacques Cousteau. Two more dives (down to 18 meters this time), a few high-fives on the boat, and you’re officially certified as an Open Water Diver. You’ll walk away with a shiny card that lets you dive anywhere in the world—and a grin that takes several days to fade.
Then Straight On to the Advanced Course
If you’re already feeling unstoppable, why stop? The Advanced Course is the next step—two glorious days of deeper dives, new challenges, and the slightly smug satisfaction of becoming a 30-meter diver.
You’ll do five adventure dives—each one designed to make you a more capable and confident underwater explorer.
A Taste of What Awaits:
Deep Dive (30m): Feel the thrill (and slight pressure on your ears) of descending into the deep blue.
Navigation Dive: Learn how to use a compass so you don’t surface 200 meters from the boat (we’ve all done it).
Wreck Dive: Explore the eerie beauty of Koh Tao’s HTMS Sattakut wreck—rusting magnificently on the seabed.
Peak Performance Buoyancy: Glide like a manta ray, rather than bobbing around like a beach ball.
Night or Drift Dive: Discover glowing plankton and curious nocturnal fish who look surprised to see you.
It’s exhilarating, educational, and faintly addictive. You’ll surface after your final dive with a head full of memories and perhaps a vague desire to quit your job forever.
Why Book Both Courses Together?
Aside from the 1,000Bt saving, there’s a sensible logic to it. You’ll already be in learning mode, your skills fresh, your buoyancy balanced, and your tan coming along nicely. Why not carry on?
Here’s how it adds up:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Save Money | 23,000Bt instead of 24,000Bt. That’s another pad Thai and a beach beer every night for a week. |
| Progress Faster | Go from beginner to advanced in just five days. |
| Stay in Practice | No need to re-learn skills after a break. |
| Dive More Sites | Koh Tao has dozens of world-class spots, and you’ll see far more as an Advanced Diver. |
| Budget Stay | Add 5 nights in a comfy dorm for 2,000Bt—so cheap it’s practically a rounding error. |
Why Big Blue Diving?
There are plenty of dive schools on Koh Tao, but Big Blue Diving has a certain… well, gravitas. Founded in the early days of the island’s diving boom, it’s now something of a local legend.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
Highly Experienced Instructors – Friendly, multilingual professionals who can make Boyle’s Law sound fun.
Eco-Friendly Philosophy – Big Blue leads marine conservation efforts and organizes regular ocean cleanups.
Top-Tier Equipment – Modern gear and well-maintained boats (no suspicious creaks as you head out to sea).
Ideal Dive Conditions – Warm, calm waters, superb visibility, and marine life galore.
A Social Hub – Whether you’re swapping dive stories over dinner or joining a beach cleanup, you’ll feel part of something bigger.
Why Doing Both Makes Perfect Sense
If you’re short on time or just keen to make the most of your trip, doing your Open Water & Advanced Courses together is the smartest move. You’ll save money, gain twice the experience, and finish the week not just as a diver—but as an adventurer.
It’s efficient, economical, and endlessly rewarding. Plus, it gives you the kind of bragging rights that make your office colleagues green with envy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need any diving experience?
None at all! Just bring enthusiasm, a swimsuit, and the ability to breathe.
2. How long do both courses take?
Five days total—three for Open Water, two for Advanced. Easy as that.
3. Is all the gear included?
Yes. Everything from your fins to your tank is provided. (You just bring yourself and a sense of wonder.)
4. Can I really stay for 1,000Bt more?
Yes! Five nights in a cozy dorm for 2,000Bt—arguably the best accommodation deal on Koh Tao.
5. Can I choose between SSI and PADI certification?
Absolutely. Big Blue offers both—pick whichever suits you best.
6. What if I want a private room?
No problem! Upgrades are available. You’ll just need to ask (and pay a smidge more).
Book Your Diving Adventure Today
So there you have it. Warm seas, friendly instructors, tropical sunsets, and an unbeatable deal: 23,000Bt for both the Open Water and Advanced Courses, or 24,000Bt if you’re feeling wasteful.
Add 5 nights’ accommodation for just 2,000Bt, and you’ve got yourself a holiday that’s equal parts thrilling, educational, and pleasantly salty.
Big Blue Diving on Koh Tao—where every dive starts with excitement and ends with a smile (and possibly a cold beer).
