There are several ways to begin scuba diving, and you do not necessarily need to start with a full certification course. The right option depends on how much time you have, whether you want an internationally recognised qualification and what you would like to do after your first dives.
At Big Blue Diving, complete beginners can choose between the one-day Basic Scuba Diver experience, the shorter SSI Scuba Diver certification and the full SSI Open Water Diver course.
For most people who want to continue diving after leaving Koh Tao, the SSI Open Water Diver course is the best choice. However, a shorter programme may be more suitable if you want to try diving first or have limited time on the island.
Beginner Scuba Diving Courses in Koh Tao Compared
The table below compares the three main ways to learn to dive in Koh Tao.
| Course | Best for | Duration | Training | Maximum depth | Certification | After the course |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Scuba Diver | Trying scuba diving before committing to a certification course | 1 day | Pool session and 2 supervised sea dives | 12 metres | Introductory experience rather than a full diver certification | Continue into SSI Scuba Diver or Open Water training |
| SSI Scuba Diver | Travellers who want a certification but have limited time | 2 days | Theory, confined-water training and 2 open-water dives | 12 metres | SSI Scuba Diver certification with professional supervision required | Dive with a professional or upgrade to Open Water Diver |
| SSI Open Water Diver | Beginners who want a complete certification and greater diving independence | Approximately 2.5 days | Theory, pool training and 4 open-water dives | 18 metres for eligible adult students | Internationally recognised SSI Open Water Diver certification | Dive with another appropriately certified diver and continue into advanced training |
Course information can change: Check the individual course pages for current schedules, prerequisites, inclusions and prices before booking.
Choose Basic Scuba Diver if You Want to Try Diving
The Basic Scuba Diver experience is the simplest way to discover what scuba diving feels like without immediately committing to a multi-day certification course.
You begin with an introduction to the equipment and essential safety procedures before practising basic skills in the swimming pool. Once you are comfortable, you join an afternoon boat trip for two supervised dives at shallow sites around Koh Tao.
This option may be right for you if:
- You have never tried scuba diving before
- You are unsure whether you will enjoy being underwater
- You feel nervous and want to begin gradually
- You only have one available day
- You want a supervised experience rather than a certification
There is no formal swimming test for the Basic Scuba Diver programme. However, you should tell your instructor about your swimming ability and any concerns before entering the water.
What can you do after Basic Scuba Diver?
The Basic Scuba Diver programme is an introductory experience and does not provide the same privileges as the SSI Scuba Diver or Open Water certifications.
If you enjoy your first dives, you can continue into a certification course. Your instructor can explain which training you have already completed and what remains for your chosen programme.
Choose SSI Scuba Diver if You Have Limited Time
The SSI Scuba Diver course is a shorter entry-level certification for people who cannot complete the full Open Water programme.
The course takes approximately two days and includes academic learning, confined-water skill development and two open-water training dives.
Once certified, you can dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres under the direct supervision of a qualified diving professional.
This option may be right for you if:
- You want a recognised scuba certification
- You only have around two days available
- You expect to dive with an instructor or Divemaster
- You are comfortable with a 12-metre depth limit
- You may upgrade to Open Water Diver later
What are the limitations of SSI Scuba Diver?
The main limitation is that you must dive under the direct supervision of a qualified diving professional. The certification does not provide the same level of independent buddy-diving qualification as Open Water Diver.
This can still be suitable for holiday divers who normally book guided dives through a dive centre. However, Open Water Diver offers greater flexibility and is usually a better long-term option.
Can SSI Scuba Diver be upgraded?
Yes. The SSI Scuba Diver course forms part of the Open Water training pathway. You can later complete additional academic, confined-water and open-water requirements to upgrade your certification.
Choose Open Water Diver for a Complete Certification
The SSI Open Water Diver course in Koh Tao is the most complete option for a beginner who wants to continue scuba diving.
The course takes approximately two and a half days, spread across parts of three calendar days. It includes digital learning, instructor-led theory, swimming-pool training and four open-water dives.
Eligible adult students can train to a maximum depth of 18 metres. After certification, you can dive with another appropriately certified diver, within the limits of your training, experience and local regulations.
This option may be right for you if:
- You want a complete entry-level scuba certification
- You plan to continue diving after Koh Tao
- You want to join guided fun dives around the world
- You want greater flexibility than the SSI Scuba Diver certification provides
- You may continue into advanced, rescue or professional training
Read our detailed guide to how long the Open Water course takes in Koh Tao when planning your accommodation, ferry and onward travel.
Which Course Is Best if You Feel Nervous?
Feeling nervous before your first dive is normal. Common concerns include breathing underwater, clearing a mask, equalising the ears and being unable to return immediately to the surface.
The Basic Scuba Diver experience can be a good choice if you want to try diving before committing to a full course. You begin in the swimming pool, where you can stand up while learning the first skills.
However, nervousness does not automatically mean you should avoid the Open Water course. The full course also begins with controlled-water training and gives you more time to practise essential skills.
The most important considerations are:
- Whether you genuinely want a certification
- How comfortable you are in the water
- How much time you have available
- Whether you are willing to practise skills gradually
- Whether you tell your instructor about your concerns
Our instructors can help you select an appropriate programme, but you should never feel pressured to continue a dive when you are uncomfortable.
Which Course Is Best if You Cannot Swim Well?
You do not need to be a fast or technically skilled swimmer to learn scuba diving. However, the certification courses require a reasonable level of comfort and self-sufficiency in the water.
Basic Scuba Diver
There is no formal swimming test for the one-day introductory experience. You will remain under close instructor supervision throughout the programme.
SSI Scuba Diver
You must be able to swim and support yourself in the water. Speak to the dive school before booking if you are unsure whether your swimming ability is sufficient.
SSI Open Water Diver
Open Water students must complete a 200-metre swim without swimming aids and float or tread water for 10 minutes. The assessment is not a race and no particular swimming style is required.
If these requirements concern you, practising in a swimming pool before travelling can make the course more comfortable.
Which Course Is Best for Children?
Age, maturity, comfort in the water and the ability to understand the training material should all be considered when selecting a course for a younger diver.
Students aged 10 to 14 receive the appropriate junior certification, with age-related depth and supervision restrictions.
Parents should review the dedicated Junior Open Water Diver course and discuss the child’s previous swimming and water experience with the dive school before booking.
How Much Time Do You Have in Koh Tao?
Your available time is one of the easiest ways to narrow down the options:
- One day: Choose Basic Scuba Diver to try diving without earning a full certification.
- Two days: Choose SSI Scuba Diver if you want an entry-level qualification and accept the supervision restriction.
- Approximately 2.5 days: Choose Open Water Diver for the complete beginner certification.
Do not schedule your course to finish immediately before a flight. You must leave a suitable interval between your final dive and flying or travelling to significant altitude.
You should also consider ferry schedules and possible transport delays. Our guide explaining how to get to Koh Tao can help with your travel planning.
Do You Want a Diving Certification?
This is the most important distinction between the three courses.
- Basic Scuba Diver is an introductory experience rather than a complete diver certification.
- SSI Scuba Diver is a recognised certification, but you must dive under professional supervision and remain within a 12-metre limit.
- SSI Open Water Diver is the complete beginner qualification and offers the greatest flexibility for future diving.
If your goal is simply to experience scuba diving once, Basic Scuba Diver may be sufficient. If you already know that you want to continue diving, Open Water is generally the most practical choice.
What Happens After Your Beginner Course?
Your next step depends on the programme you complete.
After Basic Scuba Diver
You can continue into SSI Scuba Diver or Open Water training if you decide that you want a certification.
After SSI Scuba Diver
You can join dives supervised by qualified professionals or complete the remaining requirements needed to upgrade to Open Water Diver.
After SSI Open Water Diver
You can join guided fun dives in Koh Tao, gain more experience and continue into an advanced diving course.
You can later develop specialist skills in areas such as deep diving, wreck diving, enriched air nitrox, underwater photography or marine conservation.
Which Beginner Diving Course Should You Choose?
Choose Basic Scuba Diver if you want to experience scuba diving for one day before deciding whether to continue.
Choose SSI Scuba Diver if you want a recognised certification but only have two days and are comfortable diving under professional supervision.
Choose SSI Open Water Diver if you want a complete entry-level certification that provides the strongest foundation for future diving.
You can view all three options together on our beginner scuba diving courses in Koh Tao page.
If you are still unsure, contact Big Blue Diving with your available dates, swimming experience and future diving goals, and our team can help you choose the most suitable course.
