Earn your PADI Open Water certification in three days on Koh Samui — pool sessions, two boat dives and guided reef practice in warm tropical water. Complete e-learning beforehand and prepare for early starts and mandatory medical screening.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A blue that feels like it has weight: morning light slides off the Gulf of Thailand and the dive boat rocks as students tighten straps and listen for the day’s plan. On Koh Samui, the PADI Open Water Diver course moves from calm confined-water drills in a pool to the island’s offshore reefs across three focused days — classroom e-learning, in-pool skills, then two days of boat dives to build confidence and complete certification dives.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for people in good general health with basic swimming ability; expect repeated entry/exit, snorkel swims and some surface swim distances.
Wildlife
History
Koh Samui shifted from coconut and fishing economy to tourism in the late 20th century; local communities still maintain fishing traditions and nightly markets.
Conservation
Operators commonly emphasize reef-safe practices and brief divers on buoyancy to avoid contact; choose schools that support local marine conservation and use mooring buoys when available.
Reserve your spot on the 3-Day PADI Open Water Diver Course, Koh Samui today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Finish e-learning first
Complete PADI theory modules before arrival to maximize in-water practice time and reduce daily classroom hours.
Bring a personal mask
A well-fitting mask speeds skill drills and reduces water ingress during confined-water sessions.
Hydrate and rest between dives
Surface intervals and hydration help reduce fatigue and lower decompression risk during back-to-back training days.
Check medical restrictions
Declare respiratory, heart or recent surgery conditions on the health form; some conditions prevent certification without clearance.
Mask & snorkel
Personal fit improves comfort and makes confined-water skills easier to perform.
Fins (open-heel or full-foot)
Efficient propulsion reduces fatigue during boat dives and surface swims.
Skin or shorty wetsuit (2–3mm)
Provides thermal comfort and some protection against scrapes in tropical waters.
Dive computer or depth gauge
Tracks depth and bottom time—useful for training and building dive log accuracy.