Try Scuba Diving in Koh Tao – SSI Try Scuba Experience
Our one-day try diving program is the perfect way to go scuba diving on Koh Tao for the first time.
Curious about scuba diving in Koh Tao but not ready for a full certification course?
Our Try Scuba Diving experience is the perfect introduction to the underwater world of the Gulf of Thailand.
This beginner-friendly Try Scuba program lets you experience real scuba diving under the direct supervision of an experienced SSI-certified diving instructor, with no prior experience or dive license required.
Try Scuba Diving in Koh Tao – What to Expect
The Try Scuba Diving Koh Tao program is designed for first-time divers who want to explore coral reefs and marine life in a safe, controlled environment.
You’ll begin with a short academic session covering:
- Basic scuba theory
- Safety standards and hand signals
- How to use scuba equipment
- Breathing techniques and air consumption
This is followed by confined water training in shallow, calm conditions, where you’ll practice essential scuba skills before heading out for open water diving.
Your First Scuba Diving Adventure
After your training session, you’ll head out on one of our dive boats to explore Koh Tao’s shallow dive sites.
These beginner-friendly sites offer:
- Excellent underwater visibility
- Calm conditions
- Colorful coral reefs
- Tropical fish and healthy marine ecosystems
These conditions are widely recognised across Koh Tao’s dive sites.
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Depending on conditions, your dive may take place near well-known dive areas such as Japanese Gardens or Mango Bay, while always remaining within safe depth limits suitable for first-time divers.
THE SCHEDULE
When you try scuba diving on Koh Tao with Chalok Reef Divers, here’s how your day will go.
Morning
You’ll meet your instructor for an orientation, a short briefing, and a shallow water skills workshop. Our dive school on Koh Tao is one of the few to have its own swimming pool, making this part of the day straightforward and enjoyable. After all, what could be easier than rolling out of bed and taking just a few steps down to the pergola to begin your Koh Tao scuba diving experience?
Evening
Once you’ve had some time to grab a bite for lunch, we’ll head out on the dive boat for the afternoon to explore two of Koh Tao’s stunning shallow bays. You’ll go to a maximum depth of 12 metres and see lots of colourful corals and marine life. You’ll have all the care, attention, and supervision you need to thoroughly enjoy your day as we limit group sizes on try dive programs to a maximum of two people per instructor.
Prices, prerequisites and other important info
3,500THB
10 years
Please download the medical form attached.
Scuba diving on Koh Tao is very safe. However, you’ll need to fill in a short medical questionnaire before getting started. Please contact us before booking if you’re unsure about anything on the form.
Please note that the try dive program isn’t an official dive certification course. To become a qualified diver, you must enrol on the open water program, which is a 3-4 day course. There isn’t anything stopping you taking the Open Water course after completing Try Scuba Diving Experience and many people take the 1 day experience first if they aren’t sure if they are going to like it or not before committing to the full course.
Safety Standards & Maximum Training Depth
Your safety is our top priority during every Try Diving Experience.
- Maximum training depth: shallow open water (strictly controlled)
- Small group sizes for personal attention
- Continuous instructor supervision
- Full pre-dive diver briefing
- International safety standards followed
All participants must complete a medical questionnaire / medical statement before diving.
If needed, our team will guide you through the diver medical form process.
We recommend dive insurance such as Divers Alert Network (DAN) for additional peace of mind.
What’s Included in the Try Scuba Program
Your Try Scuba Diving experience includes everything you need:
- Full scuba equipment rental
- Mask, fins, wetsuit, BCD, regulator, and safety vest
- Dive boat transfers
- Confined water training session
- Supervised open water dive with an SSI instructor
- Professional guidance throughout the experience
There are no hidden costs, and payment on arrival is available.
Remember the Try Diving Experience isn’t a diving license, you need to take the Open Water course to get your diving license.
Minimum Age & Participant Requirements
- Minimum age: suitable for beginners (subject to SSI safety guidelines)
- Basic swimming ability recommended
- Good general health
- Completed medical questionnaire
If you’re unsure whether you meet the requirements, contact us in advance and we’ll be happy to advise.
Marine Life & Underwater World of Koh Tao
Koh Tao is famous for its vibrant underwater world. During your Try Scuba dive, you may see:
- Tropical reef fish
- Coral reefs and shallow reef systems
- Occasional sightings of larger marine species, including whale sharks (seasonal)
We actively support marine conservation, reef monitoring, coral restoration, and eco-friendly diving practices.
We encourage the use of reef-safe sunscreen to help protect fragile marine ecosystems.
From Try Scuba Diving to SSI Certification Courses
Many divers begin with a Try Scuba experience and decide to continue their underwater journey.
From here, you can progress to:
- SSI Open Water Diver course
- Advanced Open Water Diver
- Specialty courses such as Wreck Diving, Deep Diving, and Enriched Air Nitrox
- Professional pathways including Dive Master
There’s no pressure — Try Scuba is all about enjoyment, confidence, and discovering whether scuba diving is right for you.
Why Try Scuba Diving with Chalok Reef Divers?
- Fully SSI-certified dive centre
- Experienced, patient instructors
- Small groups for safety and enjoyment
- Strong eco-friendly and conservation focus
- Calm dive sites ideal for first-time divers
- Located in Chalok Baan Kao, away from busy beaches
We focus on relaxed, enjoyable recreational scuba diving, not rushed or overcrowded experiences.
Try Scuba Diving in Koh Tao – FAQs
Do I need a diving certification to try scuba diving?
No. The Try Scuba program is designed for beginners and does not require a diving license.
How deep will I go on my first dive?
Depth is limited to shallow open water and adjusted based on comfort, conditions, and safety standards.
Is Try Scuba Diving safe?
Yes. The experience follows strict SSI safety standards, includes confined water training, and is led by a qualified SSI instructor.
What if I want to continue diving after my Try Scuba experience?
What if I want to continue diving after my Try Scuba experience?
You can continue toward an SSI Open Water Diver certification if you decide to keep diving.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and a relaxed attitude.