“I can’t swim! Can I dive?”

It’s one of our most frequently asked questions: “I can’t swim! Can I dive?” Even if you had absolutely no intention of trying to learn to scuba dive, by the time you set foot on the pier you may well have changed your mind! The allure of Koh Tao’s underwater world, where the mysterious depths beckon even the most timid souls, may just getting you reaching for your speedos. But hold your snorkels, folks, because diving headfirst into scuba without the ability to paddle your way out of a kiddie pool might not be the brightest idea since someone decided to test if dynamite could double as a fishing tool.

If you can’t tell the difference between the backstroke and a flailing seal impression, perhaps it’s time to consider contacting Koh Tao Swim and get the lessons you need to pass the swim test on the Open Water course. But remember there are plenty of adrenaline-inducing activities that don’t require an intimate acquaintance with H2O.

But if you’re dead set on exploring the underwater world despite your water wings being permanently deflated, fear not, for there are options out there tailor-made to learn to scuba dive in a day. Take, for instance, the SSI Basic Diver Course, where even the most land-loving landlubbers can dip their toes into the underwater realm without fear of sinking like a stone.

This course, affectionately dubbed the “Try Dive” by those in the know, is designed for those who may not have the swim skills of a mermaid but still harbor a curiosity for what lies beneath the surface. With a gentle introduction to the basics of scuba diving, including pool sessions and personalized instruction, even the most aquatically challenged can find their sea legs in no time. And with the stunning waters of Koh Tao as your classroom, who knows? You might just discover a newfound love for the ocean that even Jacques Cousteau would envy. So, grab your snorkel (or your safety floaties, if you must), and let’s dive in—figuratively, of course.