Get Started with Scuba Diving on Koh Tao
If you’ve always dreamed of exploring coral reefs, swimming with tropical fish and discovering what lies beneath the surface, Koh Tao is one of the best places in the world to learn.
At Master Divers, we specialise in helping beginners take their first breaths underwater safely, confidently and at their own pace. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or planning a longer stay, here’s everything you need to know about how to get started with scuba diving on Koh Tao.
Why Learn to Dive on Koh Tao
Koh Tao is one of Thailand’s biggest diving destinations, known for calm seas, warm water and easy diving. It’s the perfect setting for new divers because conditions are gentle and dive sites are easy to access.
At Master Divers, we teach small groups from our beachfront dive centre on Mae Haad, just steps from the water. Our team of experienced PADI Instructors focus on comfort, safety and fun, helping you enjoy your first dive experience from start to finish.
You’ll also be surrounded by vibrant marine life, from colourful reef fish to the occasional turtle, all within a short distance from our dive shop.
The PADI Open Water Course Explained
The PADI Open Water Diver Course is the world’s most popular beginner diving certification and recognised globally, as well as cross agencies. It’s your first step towards exploring the underwater world.
At Master Divers, the course typically runs over three days and includes:
1. Knowledge Development
Learn dive theory through PADI eLearning or classroom sessions. You’ll cover essential topics like dive planning, pressure, underwater communication, and safety procedures.
2. Confined Water Training
We usually do our practice either in the pool or, if the conditions are good, at a shallow, calm site close to our operations . You’ll learn all the skills needed to make you a confident diver, such as buoyancy control, how to clear your mask, and how to recover your regulator comfortably.
3. Open Water Dives
Head out on our spacious dive boat to explore Koh Tao’s best dive sites. You’ll complete four dives, each building confidence and experience as you develop your underwater skills.
After completing your training, you’ll be certified to dive up to 18 metres anywhere in the world.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need to buy any scuba gear before your course. At Master Divers, we provide high-quality, regularly serviced equipment as part of your training.
We do recommend bringing:
- A swimsuit and towel
- A reusable water bottle
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- A sense of adventure
Before your first dive, you’ll fill out a short PADI medical questionnaire to make sure you’re fit to dive. If you have any health concerns, a doctor’s clearance may be required before you start.
Our Favourite Dive Sites to Get Started with Scuba Diving on Koh Tao
Learning to dive on Koh Tao means experiencing some of Thailand’s most beginner-friendly and beautiful reefs. Here are a few favourites:
Japanese Gardens
A calm, shallow bay with coral gardens and an incredible variety of fish — perfect for your first open water dives.
Twins
Located near Koh Nang Yuan, this site offers a variety of marine life and also a marine “playground”, perfect for practicing your buoyancy!
Aow Leuk / Hin Ngam
A large sandy bay ideal for buoyancy practice and spotting juvenile fish and colorful coral formations.
These sites are all within a short boat ride from Master Divers, so you’ll spend more time in the water and less time travelling.
Why Choose Master Divers
With over 20 years of experience, Master Divers is one of the longest-established and most respected dive centres on Koh Tao.
We are a PADI 5-Star CDC Dive Centre committed to high standards, small group sizes, and sustainable diving practices.
Our courses are designed around your comfort level, you can even start with a PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience if you’d like to try diving before committing to a full certification.
We also actively support marine conservation through our eco-projects and beach clean-ups, so every dive contributes to protecting Koh Tao’s incredible underwater environment.
Tips for New Divers
- Breathe slowly and continuously, never holding your breath.
- Relax and take your time while practising skills. There is no rush.
- Stay hydrated before and after diving.
- Listen carefully to your instructor’s briefing.
- Keep your buoyancy under control and your fins away from the reef.
- Most importantly, enjoy every moment of your first dive!
Get Ready to Dive In
Learning to scuba dive is one of the most rewarding adventures you can have, and Koh Tao is the ideal place to begin.
Our crew at Master Divers are here to guide you every step of the way, from your first breath underwater to becoming a confident, certified diver.
Ready to start your underwater adventure?
Book your PADI Open Water Course with Master Divers today and discover the wonders of the underwater world with us.
