If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of exploring the world beneath the waves, there’s no better place to dip your fins than Koh Tao, Thailand. Known as the “Mecca of Diving”, Koh Tao has earned its reputation as one of the best and most affordable places in the world to learn scuba diving. But you might be wondering, how long does it take to get scuba certified on this little slice of paradise?
The short answer: anywhere between 2 and 4 days, depending on which Dive Center you choose. With us at Big Blue We can schedule your Open Water course from start to finish in just 2 and a half days! The long answer? Well, let’s dive into that, shall we?
Day 1: Paperwork and Bubbles
Getting scuba certified starts with paperwork. You know, the kind where you sign away liability for something you’re fairly sure is perfectly safe but suddenly sounds terrifying. This is followed by a crash course in dive theory. Some Dive Centers will make you sit through a grueling 2 – 4 hours of watching videos in a classroom while others allow you to watch from the freedom of your phone while home! You’ll learn the basics: how to communicate underwater (hint: no yelling), what to do if water gets into your mask (hint: no panicking), and why you should never hold your breath (hint: it’s not good).
The first day is spent in the pool. Here, you’ll get acquainted with your gear and practice skills like clearing your mask and finding your regulator. It’s all quite exciting until you realize how buoyancy works and spend ten minutes impersonating a yo-yo.
Day 2: From Pool to Open Water
Day two is when the adventure really begins. After a morning of theory catch up you’ll then need to prove you remember everything with a multiple guess quiz sheet, before you head out to Koh Tao’s stunning dive sites for your first open-water dives. Imagine gliding alongside schools of fish while trying to look cool as you remember not to kick your dive buddy in the face.
These dives, usually to a depth of 12 meters (40 feet), let you practice the skills you’ve learned. By now, you’re starting to feel like Jacques Cousteau, albeit a slightly clumsier version who occasionally forgets which way is up.
Day 3: Go Deeper (Literally)
The third day is all about building confidence and depth. Literally. You’ll complete two more dives, this time going as deep as 18 meters (60 feet). The marine life here is nothing short of spectacular, with vibrant coral reefs, barracudas, and, if you’re lucky, a cameo from a sea turtle or a whale shark. Yes, whale sharks.
By the end of the day, you’ll feel like a bona fide scuba diver. And just like that, you’re officially certified! Congratulations, you’ve joined the ranks of underwater adventurers worldwide.
So, What’s the Catch?
Ah, you’re a careful reader, I see. The timeline I’ve described is for the SSI Open Water Course, the most popular certification for beginners, as scheduled at Big Blue Diving. If you’re short on time, you can also opt for the Scuba Diver Course, which takes just 2 days and certifies you to dive up to 12 meters (under the supervision of a dive professional). Alternatively, if you’re on Koh Tao for a while, the best thing you could do and what we all recommend is get your Advanced Open Water and explore even more depths and dive specialties with wrecks & night dives!
Why Koh Tao?
Apart from being stunningly beautiful and ridiculously affordable, Koh Tao boasts some of the most experienced dive instructors and best training facilities in the world. The dive sites are closed and generally the Dive centers are very well organised & tightly scheduled. But Koh Tao is a laid-back island where the biggest decision you’ll make each day is whether to have a mango shake before or after your dive.
Final Thoughts
Getting scuba certified in Koh Tao is as much about the journey as it is about the certification. It’s about meeting people from all over the globe, conquering your fears, and discovering an entirely new world beneath the surface. Whether it takes 2 days or 4, the memories you make will last a lifetime.
So, what are you waiting for? Koh Tao’s turquoise waters are calling, and your underwater adventure is just a certification away. Just don’t forget to pack a sense of wonder – and maybe a little sunscreen.
