SSI OPEN WATER COURSE IN KOH TAO
Our SSI Open Water Course in Koh Tao is designed for beginners who want a calm, clear start. You’ll learn step by step in a small group, with 4 ocean dives, full equipment, certification, and 3 nights dorm accommodation included when you book direct with Echo Divers.
WHY CHOOSE ECHO DIVERS FOR YOUR SSI OPEN WATER COURSE?
Learn to Dive in Koh Tao
The SSI Open Water course is the most popular course here on Koh Tao. The calm, clear and warm waters make Koh Tao the perfect place to learn.
A Certification You Can Use Worldwide
This globally recognised certification programme is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified diver.
Accommodation Included With Your Course
Enjoy 3 free nights at Echo Hostel — clean dorm rooms, social atmosphere, and just a minute from the dive centre. The perfect setup for a stress-free dive course.
Friendly Training, Real Confidence Underwater
Personalised training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater.
What’s Included in Our SSI Open Water Course in Koh Tao
All Equipment PROVIDED
Mask, fins, BCD, regulator, wetsuit, dive computer — everything is included.
SSI Digital Theory
Easy-to-follow online learning in multiple languages.
International Certification
Your SSI Open Water license is valid worldwide — for life.
Confined Water Session
Practice all skills in a calm, controlled environment before the ocean dives.
Open Water Dives
Explore Koh Tao’s most popular beginner-friendly dive sites.
Free Accommodation
Stay at Echo Hostel for FREE for 3 nights in a shared dorm room.
How Your SSI Open Water Course in Koh Tao Works
This three-day course includes theory lessons where your instructor will take you through everything you need to know in our classroom, followed by one confined session where our instructors will work with you until you are comfortable with each skill and confident before moving on to your open water dives. Then, finally, 4 open water dives exploring our beautiful dive sites!
This is a performance-based course with no previous experience needed!
Day 1: Theory, Skills and Dive 1
Morning 8.30 AM -10.30 AM
· Meet your instructor and group
· Easy classroom sessions
Afternoon 11.45 AM – 5.00 PM
· Confined water training to practice skills in a calm,
controlled space
· Open Water Dive 1
Day 2: Skills and Dive 2
Morning: 10.30 AM–11.45 AM
· Final Exam
Afternoon: 11:45 AM–5:00 PM
· Confined Water Training
· Practice buoyancy, equalization
· Mix of skills + fun exploration
· Open Water Dive 2
Day 3: Open Water Dives 3 & 4
Morning: 7.15 AM–11.45 AM
· Two final dives up to 18 m
· Explore Koh Tao’s reefs,
rock formations & marine life
·Log your dives + final knowledge review
· Receive your SSI certification (valid for life)
· Celebrations!
Who Can Join the SSI Open Water Course in Koh Tao?
Age
· You can join from 10 years old. Ages 10–14 complete Junior Open Water (depth limit 12m). From 15 years and older, you can certify as a full Open Water Diver.
Health & Fitness
· Be in generally good physical health
· Complete the SSI medical questionnaire
· Doctor’s clearance needed
if conditions apply
Swimming & Water Skills
· Able to swim 200 meters without stopping
· Float/tread water for 10 minutes
· Comfortable in open water
· No previous diving experience needed
Free Accommodation Included With Your Course
Stay at Echo Hostel for 3 free nights — a comfy, social place to chill between your dives.
Clean rooms • Friendly vibe • 1 minute from the dive centre.
Upon request, we can arrange a private room. Please contact us for prices and availability before booking.
How Booking and Check-In Works
From the moment you book, we’ll keep everything simple.
Once we receive your booking, we’ll send you the SSI registration link, eLearning details, and check-in information for Echo Divers. You can start your theory before the course begins, so your first day feels easier and less rushed.
We recommend coming to the dive centre before 5:00 PM the day before your course starts whenever possible. This gives us time to complete your paperwork, check your SSI forms, organise your equipment sizing, confirm your schedule, and answer any questions before training begins.
If you cannot make it to the dive centre the day before, just message us before you book. We’ll help you work out the best option based on your arrival time and course start date.
Whether you’re staying at Echo Hostel or somewhere else on Koh Tao, we’ll help make the check-in and course start as smooth as possible.
Our goal is to make your SSI Open Water Course in Koh Tao feel calm from the very beginning — no confusion, no pressure, just a clear plan before you get in the water.
Book Your Course!
Ready to start diving? Book your course below and we’ll take care of the rest.
SSI Open Water Diver Course in Koh Tao –
Learn to Dive with Us
฿11,000
Want Epic Memories? Add a Photo or Video Package!
If you’d like photos or a video of your SSI Open Water course in Koh Tao, our media team can take care of it anytime.
If your group wants to book together, we’ll also apply an on-site discount for everyone.
Popular next steps after your first dives
Once you’ve been underwater, it’s common to start thinking about what’s next.
These are a few directions divers often go from here.
ADVANCED DIVER course
RESCUE DIVER course
NITROX DIVER course
WRECK DIVER course
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the SSI Open Water Course take?
Most people complete the SSI Open Water course in Koh Tao in just 3 days, but we’re flexible if you need a slower pace. Small groups mean you’re never rushed.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You only need to swim 200 meters or 300 meter with mask, fins and snorkel float for 10 minutes. No speed needed — just basic comfort in the water.
Is diving safe for beginners?
Absolutely. Koh Tao is one of the easiest places to learn, and your instructor will stay with you every step of the way.
Is accommodation included with the course?
Yes. Your SSI Open Water Course includes 3 nights’ dorm accommodation at Echo Hostel when you book with us.
Echo Hostel is close to the dive centre, so it keeps your course check-in, accommodation, and first training day easy to organise.
Are there any extra costs?
No hidden fees — the SSI Open Water Course in Koh Tao price includes everything you need. The only optional extras are photos or videos.
Can I fly after my last dive?
The general rule for flying after diving is to wait 12 hours after one dive, and 18 hours after two or more dives. If you went over your no-decompression limits or missed a safety stop on the dive, it is advised to wait 24 hours.
Check out this link for more information!
What if I feel nervous underwater?
Totally normal. We take things slowly, practice skills in shallow water, and never push students faster than they’re ready.
When should I check in?
Whenever possible, we recommend coming to the dive centre before 5:00 PM the day before your course starts.
This gives us time to check your SSI forms, organise equipment sizing, confirm your schedule, and answer any questions. If you cannot make it the day before, just message us before booking, and we’ll help you work out the best option.
Didn’t find the answer you were looking for?
We’re here to help!
Send us a quick message and our team will get back to you as soon as possible — whether it’s about your course, booking dates, accommodation, or anything else.