GET YOUR OPEN WATER COURSE ON KOH TAO
If you are an explorer and haven’t spent more time underwater than a short snorkel trip, then it’s time to get started!
Ever wondered, what it’s like to breathe underwater? To have fish swim around you and watching coral closely without having to think about the next breath you can take?
If you’re an explorer or just like nature and wildlife or want another challenge, the Open Water Diver course is the perfect base to start your adventure.
In this course you will learn all the basics of safe scuba diving including dive theory and the skills you need, first in a shallow swimming pool followed by some amazing dives in the warm tropical waters of Koh Tao.
You will be accompanied and instructed at your own pace by one of our multilingual Instructors, who will teach you from the beginning to the end to get your … and make some new buddies along the way.
START YOUR DIVING JOURNEY TODAY!
Short on time? Beach instead of classroom?
Open Water Deluxe Online option:
Get access to the enhanced version of your materials, which you can study at home in advance – no classroom time, but instead more time for diving!
Whether you are working, at school, or have other commitments, our Open Water Online option gives you maximum flexibility.
This is how you become a diver:
Within 3 – 4 days, you will become a diver to dive independent from a professional to 18 m (60 feet) with a dive buddy!
To accommodate for your holiday plans & time constraints we offer several schedule options, but in general, these are the parts of your training:
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Part 1: Theory
We will start off with an introduction & take a look at all the necessary paperwork for both course options.
You have the choice when booking your course and choose between classroom and online version for the theoretical part. Whether you are short on time, want to get straight in the water when you arrive, or just prefer your self-study to be done at the beach rather than in a classroom, then you should pick the Open Water-Online-Option.
In the Open Water Online version videos & reviews are integrated making it easier to stop and start and learning at your own pace.
If you choose the classical classroom option you will watch 5 chapters of videos accompanied by self study to get your introduction to the basics of diving. Topics include the scuba equipment, safe diving practices as well as knowledge of the environment. There is a little quiz for each chapter and a multiple choice exam at the end with a passing score of 75%. Don’t worry about it at all. We have all materials in (most) languages as well. We usually split the theory over the first two half days to make it less “dry”.
No matter, which option you choose – you will have to complete 5 chapters of theory – 3 of those before you can go on your first dive in the pool and the remaining 2 before you can take your final dives, so the best option is to get most done before you arrive!
Part 2: Pool-Training
Now that you have completed at least 3 chapters of the self-study part of your theory, your Instructor will show you how this theory is actually used in real-life diving and answer any questions you may have.
This is where the fun starts, with training in one of our own resort swimming pools. Here you will learn all the skills you need everyday as a diver as well as a few safety procedures in case of the unlikely event that something goes wrong.
You will start in very shallow water to take your first breaths underwater to slowly progress into the deeper end of the pool to practice on skills like swimming underwater weightless.
This is the place to take all the time you need to gain the confidence you need as a safe diver. At Crystal Dive we don’t set a time for you to practice your skills, but usually it takes between half a day to a full day to reach your goal. If you need more time, then you will get it – without any extra charge.
Part 3: Open Water Dives
Having gained your confidence and knowledge in the classroom, through Online-Learning (by now, you should have completed all of it) and pool training, it is time to head to the ocean to use all this on the final (and most likely best) part of your course: The Open Water Dives.
The Open Water Course consists of 4 Open Water Dives spread over two half-days*. The first two of these dives will bring you to a maximum depth of 12 metres (40 feet) and give you plenty of time to practice your skills and underwater swimming which you learned in the pool before.
The final two dives to a max. of 18 metres (60 feet) are more for you to enjoy the underwater world and show us that you know, how to dive independent from a professional!
After this you can call yourself an Open Water Diver and it is time to celebrate your certification with a cold drink on the beach and your video in our bar, as you have the option to be filmed on those final dives!
*Please note: all online theory must have been completed before taking your Open Water dives.
GET YOUR OPEN WATER NOW!
You may also be interested in …
Advanced Open Water Diver
Advanced Diver
Advanced Open Water Diver
Take the next step and become an Advanced Diver - with this course you get the ticket to dive anywhere in the world to a depth of 30 metres!
Enriched Air Diver
Specialty Diver
Enriched Air Specialty
Stay longer at the bottom with this 1 day Nitrox Specialty. Extend your limits again for your deep dives!
Deep Diver Specialty
Specialty Diver
Deep Diver Specialty
Extend your limits - in just two days you take 4 dives and get the certification to dive to 40 metres depth!
Rescue Diver
Advanced Diver
Rescue Diver Course
Learn how to prevent problems & help others in need. This 2-4 day course will teach you the techniques within 4 dives!
How it works …
To give you an idea of what your course will look like,
here’s an example schedule:
Day 1 (Optional)
OPEN WATER COURSE
Theory (optional)
Day 1 - Half Day
Morning: Off
13:00 Introduction & Paperwork
13:30 - 18:00 Theory 1 - 3 - Videos & Instructor presentations
(or eLearning Online)
Day 2
OPEN WATER COURSE
Day 2 - Full Day
8:00 Orientation (eLearner)
8:30 Pool - Session 1
– Lunch –
Pool-Session 2 & Swimtest
Day 3
OPEN WATER COURSE
Day 3 - Half/Full Day
eLearner: OFF - Theory 4 & 5 + Exam
- LUNCH -
Open Water Dive 1 & 2 (max. 12 metres)
Day 4
OPEN WATER COURSE
Day 4 - Half Day
Open Water Dive 3 & 4 (max. 18 metres)
Certification & Celebration!
(+ your own video if you opted to get filmed!)
However. It’s not all set in stone, you can just contact us to request a different schedule that fits you!
GET YOUR OPEN WATER NOW!
CRYSTAL ONLINE OPEN WATER COURSE OPTION
It’s your course in your time. Study offline, or online using a computer or mobile device.
If you value your time, want to have access to ALL available study materials at all times and enjoy the freedom of studying on the beach or whilst travelling, our eLearning Deluxe package is made for you.
Most important – you will gain time with more practice & your Instructor!
The benefits of our Online Deluxe Open Water Package:
- No classroom time on holiday.
- Study at your own pace.
- FULL personal set of Open Water Diver eLearning to keep.
- Less time to gain your certification.
- More time with your Instructor and in the water.
THE OPEN WATER COURSE PREREQUISITES:
To become a certified Open Water Diver there are some minimum requirements:
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Fitness
To become a scuba diver, you don’t need to be an athlete or hardcore fit. You just need to have the passion and be open-minded to try something new.
Waterskills & Stamina
It will help though, if you generally feel comfortable in the water and have some basic swimming abilities (as there is a little swim test to prove that you can float or tread water for 10 minutes and swim 200 metres unaided). If in doubt, just ask us for other course options.
Minimum Age
To start your Certification course, you will need to be at least 10 years old. As a diver 10 – 15 year old you will gain the certification as a Junior Open Water Diver and you will have to dive with an adult until 15 years of age. Please note, that 10-12 year old divers are limited to 12 metres of depth.
Medical Statement
You need to be medically fit for diving. You find the Medical Statement for Scuba Diving here to download. If in doubt, please check with your physician or ask us before booking your dive experience with us.
Get Your OPEN WATER! – What’s included?
Our Open Water Course package includes:
- Open Water Diver Course (max. 4 students per Instructor)
- Personal set of scuba equipment throughout your stay
- FREE use of Dive Computer
- Personal E-Manual (FULL eLearning with Crystal Online Deluxe option!)
- Certification
- Crystal Dive Logbook & T-Shirt
- Multilingual personal Instructor
- Boat trips & refreshments for your dives
- Dive Insurance for your dives with us (30 days)
- FREE Accommodation option for the course duration (until 31st Dec 2024)
- 10 % Discount on additional diver level courses & dive equipment purchases with us
Free Accommodation
with online bookings of Open Water or Open/Advanced Open Water combo packages taken before 31st December!
Book Now
Get Your Open Water Course at Crystal Dive Koh Tao
The Open Water diver course is the world’s most popular scuba diving training course, giving you a license to scuba dive anywhere in the world.
Two ways to learn! Study online with the Online Deluxe course or traditional in-class instructor led study.
฿11,000 – ฿12,900
The Open Water Course at Crystal can be completed in 3 - 4 days.
Choose either our standard Open Water course for studying in class with your dive instructor or choose the Online Deluxe version to access your study materials and study in your own time ready for your in-water training at our dive centre.
*If you have a group booking for 4+ people, please contact us for discounted rates.
*** SPRING SPECIAL *** Book your course online to take place between the 1st of February & 30th of June 2024 and receive 4 Nights FREE accommodation.*
(*Standard private A/C Room/Bungalow, subject to availability. Please enquire/book 48 hours in advance)
Open Water Course
The Open Water Course at Crystal can be completed in 3 - 4 days.
Choose either our standard Open Water course for studying in class with your dive instructor or choose the Online Deluxe version to access your study materials and study in your own time ready for your in-water training at our dive centre.
*If you have a group booking for 4+ people, please contact us for discounted rates.
*** SPRING SPECIAL *** Book your course online to take place between the 1st of February & 30th of June 2024 and receive 4 Nights FREE accommodation.*
(*Standard private A/C Room/Bungalow, subject to availability. Please enquire/book 48 hours in advance)
YOUR DIVES ON VIDEO OR PICTURES
During your final two dives our in-house underwater film company, Crystal Images, will accompany you to capture your experience on film and then edit the footage into a 10 minute movie which we show at the bar that evening. The video is available to purchase by all course students after viewing so you can share your memories with family and friends.
Alternatively, our Underwater Videography team is available to provide you with personal and lasting memories of your experience and offer unique underwater video and photo services for your course. You can choose from a 10 minute land and underwater based video or 10-15 high resolution photographs.
These options are available for your Open Water course and can be booked by following the link below and choosing the ‘video & photo’ option, in addition to your course booking.
Please ask us about group bookings and additional options on other courses.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I start my Open Water Diver Course every day?
In general, yes. We start our courses any given day. To secure your desired start date, we recommend booking your Open Water Course online HERE. This will guarantee your placement in a small group of maximum 4 students per Instructor.
If chosing the Open Water Online Deluxe version, please be advised that you will need extra study time before arrival to complete the necessary sections to start with inwater training.
Is it possible to change the schedule for the Open Water Diver Course?
Our schedules are flexible and we will do everything to adjust it to your travel plans. Please contact us to arrange for a schedule that suits you within the limits of the Open Water Diver Course performance requirements.
Is there a shorter course option available for my Open Water Diver Course?
Yes! We can accommodate for your travel plans and as long as you feel comfortable in the water, the course can be done in as little as 3 days with even the theory taken here at Crystal Dive. Another option is to sign up for the Crystal Online Deluxe eLearning-Option (extra costs apply) and you can finish the practical elements within 2 days. Please contact us at any time for more information.
What are the rates for accommodation in my Open Water Diver Course?
For your Open Water Course Course we offer accommodation in a private AC room (choice of Double or Twin) at a discounted rate for the standard course duration. There are also upgrade options available for the adjacent Koh Tao Regal or Beach Club Resort. More information here or just contact us directly.
What are the minimum requirements to start my Open Water Course?
The minimum requirements for you to enroll in the Open Water Course are listed here: COURSE PREREQUISITES. If you still have questions about specific requirements or an equivalent certification, please contact us directly.
How many students will be together with me in my Open Water Course?
We pride ourselves to teach our Open Water Course personal in groups of max. 4 students per Instructor. If you still prefer a smaller group or a private course please contact us directly. On the other hand, if you travel in a bigger group, please let us know and we will arrange for multiple Instructors to teach you together.
Will I see different dive sites during my Open Water Dives in the Open Water Course?
We have 3 custom built dive boats and choose the dive sites based on your course requirements, comfort level and weather conditions. Generally, we change dive sites on a daily basis, so you will dive at the best spots available for your Open Water Course. More about our boats here.
Can I take a Go Pro on my dives for the Open Water Course?
We highly discourage from taking a camera as you and your instructor should both focus only on you becoming a well-trained Open Water diver and handling a camera with the new equipment at the same time is not easy. Our In-House Video & Photo company Crystal Images provides perfect pictures or amazing underwater videos for you for a small surcharge. Check out this link: Video-Option.
What other courses can I take if I have some more time after my Open Water Course?
We have put together some recommendations for you under this link for dive activities that you may find interesting after your Open Water Course. If you are interested in other activities, have a look at our shop and check out our multi-course packages as well.
Do you offer any group discount on the Open Water Course?
Other Questions?
Please check out our general FAQ-Page which will answer most of your questions about Koh Tao, diving, weather conditions and everything else. Anything that cannot be answered there, please just contact us and we get right back to you!
