Scuba dive courses on Koh Phangan Thailand
Green turtles can be spotted around Koh Phangan
Many people learn to dive for the first time on Koh Phangan and the dive schools are all set up with their own equipment, bilingual instructors and swimming pools for initial lessons. Most people opt to take their PADI Open water certification, moving onto advanced and rescue diver qualifications.
Koh Tao has been famously described as the world's largest dive school, and many people prefer the peace and quiet (or raucous partying) of Koh Phangan and prefer to travel to the dive sites while being based on Phangan. Reefers was the islands first Dive resort, based in Haad Yao, offering accommodation alongside their diving courses.
Most of the boats leave from Chaloklum pier although there are a few operations such as Tropical Divers in Thong Nai Pan Noi who use their own speedboat to make the journey time shorter.
Koh Phangan scuba diving courses
Introduction day
Those that want to try their hand at scuba diving in Koh Phangan but without committing to a full course should consider a taster session. The basics will be explained with a pool session and then two ocean divers to nearby reefs are included. Prices from around 3,500 baht.
Refresher Course
Those that have completed their Open Water course but haven’t been scuba diving in a while may want to take a refresher course to be totally comfortable in the water. This one-day session gives a reminder of diving theory and basic skills including two open water dives to nearby reefs. This is a very good option if you have not been diving for a few months or years as it is extremely easy to forget key aspects of dive theory if not practiced every day, and there are serious safety concerns from growing rusty. Prices range from around 3,000 baht for a whole day.
Open Water
Getting your PADI Open Water certificate is a standard that satisfies most divers, providing you with the knowledge and experience to plan your own diving trips and handle equipment properly. These courses normally take arond three to four days and include pool training, a written exam and five open water dives to a maximum depth of 18 metres. Prices from around 10,000 baht.
Speciality Courses
There is an endless range of special courses for people that want to enhance a certain area of their diving skills portfolio. Popular courses include Deep, Navigation, Boat, Naturalist, Search & Recovery, Underwater Photography, Night Diving, Stress & Rescue and Nitrox. There are also Divemaster and Instructor level courses for those that love Koh Phangan scuba diving so much they want to make it their career.
Tong Nai Pan scuba dive schools in Koh Phangan
Learning to dive in a group is great fun
H2O Scuba School
This PADI-accredited Thong Nai Pan scuba diving shop, has built a reputation on excellent customer service and small groups. Ranked number one on the island by TripAdvisor, there are few better places to head for all your scuba diving needs. Thong Nai Pan Noi, Tel: +66 (0)8 1186 1616.
Dreamland Diver
Affiliated with next door Dreamland Resort, this Thong Nai Pan diving school has its own speedboats departing for the island’s best reefs directly from the beach. All PADI and SSI scuba diving courses are offered as well as fun snorkelling trips and more. Thong Nai Pan Yai, Tel: +66 (0)77 238735.
Tropical Dive Club
Situated next to the popular I-Sea Beach Bar, Tropical Dive Club has PADI courses in a variety of different languages with German teachers particular prevalent. A complete range of PADI and SSI scuba diving courses are offered as well as snorkelling trips. Thong Nai Pan Noi, Tel: +66 (0)77 445081.
Haad Yao scuba diving schools in Koh Phangan
Reefers Dive Resort
Based at Shiralea Backpackers and Haad Yao Bungalows, this PADI five-star dive operator offers free accommodation with its variety of courses. They also boast a three-metre deep training pool to allow newbies to make the best possible progress in safe conditions. Overnight trips to the National Marine Park are also a speciality here. Haad Yao, Tel: +66 (0)8 6471 4045.
Haad Yao Divers
A Koh Phangan first PADI five-star IDC Dive Resort, Haad Yao Divers has a pedigree which attracts a constant stream of satisfied customers. Small teaching groups, high standards of tuition and a friendly relaxed atmosphere are its hallmark. All manner of courses from introductory sessions to professional qualifications can be taught in English, Dutch, German, Spanish or French. The longevity of this Koh Phangan dive school is a hallmark to the highest standards of professionalism. Haad Yao, Tel: +66 (0)8 6279 3085.
Chaloklum Bay scuba diving schools in Koh Phangan
Sail Rock Divers
A PADI five star dive school in Chaloklum Bay which offers a super-express Open Water certificate in only three days. They are the only school with nitrox facilities and boasts a three-metre deep training pool for instructor training and also offers GoPro internships and marine research courses. Speed boats transport participants to Chumphon, Koh Tao and the Marine Park quickly and safely plus they have a luxury purpose-built dive boat. Chaloklum Bay, Tel: +66 (0)77374321
The Dive Inn
The Dive Inn specialises in all PADI courses from beginner to professional qualifications. Courses are taught in a variety of languages to all the main diving and snorkelling sites in the Thai Gulf, under the supervision of some of the most experienced and dedicated staff on the island. Chaloklum Village, Tel: +66 (0)77 238809.
Chaloklum Diving
Having been based here for nearly two decades, there is nothing the staff at Chaloklum Diving do not know about the region’s scuba offerings. Top class diving and snorkelling excursions as well as personal PADI courses from beginner to professional level in a variety of languages. A quality outfit which prides itself on safety, comfort and the best possible service. Chaloklum, Tel: +66 (0)77 374025.
Lotus 5 Star Dive Resort
This well established Chaloklum dive shop and boasts a top-of-the-range training pool, a/c classrooms and its own private speedboat and jetty. Courses start from kids’ Bubblemaker beginner session to the Assistant Instructor Course for wannabe professionals. Night dives, underwater photography and much more is offered here including liveaboard trips. Chaloklum/Haadrin, Tel: +66 (0)77 374142/097.
