Explore Koh Lanta

Your passport to the underwater world The Open Water Diver course is the most popular scuba diving course in the world. It teaches you all the theoretical and practical basics you need to dive safely with a buddy (diving partner) anywhere on the planet.At Apo Dhatu Divers, we prioritize your comfort, confidence, and safety.Maximum of 2 students per instructor: Highly personalized instruction at your own pace, stress-free.Flexible Online Theory (MySSI): Complete your theory courses at home before you leave or at your leisure from your hotel.100% French and English-speaking instruction: Clear explanations and a stress-free learning experience.Open-water dives from our boat: No beach departures—you’ll dive directly onto the magnificent reefs in one of the marine national parks near Koh Lanta.

An unforgettable first dive in Thailand’s tropical waters, guided by an attentive, passionate team.Why choose the Basic Diver program?The Ideal Experience to Start Directly in the Ocean and Build ConfidenceIt lets you practice essential skills right in the calm, shallow waters of the marine national parks, followed by two fun exploration dives on Koh Lanta’s coral reefs.100% Ocean-Based in 1 Day No pool sessions required! Jump straight into a full-day experience on the boat.2 Exploration Dives Dive down to 12 meters (40 feet) guided every step of the way by your instructor.Flexible Certification Your dive is logged directly in the MySSI app and counts 100% toward your Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver course if you decide to continue within 6 months!2 Students Maximum per Instructor Designed for ultimate comfort, safety, and dedicated personal attention.The Apo Dhatu Divers AdvantageSafety & Small Groups Maximum of 2 students per instructor for constant, dedicated attention.Stress-Free & Relaxed A patient, passionate instructor committed to your peace of mind every step of the way.Learning Materials Seamless theory accessible via the MySSI app before your trip.Hotel Transfers Round-trip pickup from your hotel included (a small surcharge may apply for remote locations).All-Inclusive on Board Breakfast, a hot cooked lunch (dietary options available), snacks, drinks, and fresh tropical fruit.Complete Gear Included Top-tier, regularly serviced dive equipment provided for maximum safety.Insurance Included Complimentary coverage for the entire duration of your activity.

Using online learning, confined and open water dives, the SSI Scuba Diver program is a perfect foundation to become a confident and safe diver. You will learn all you need to scuba dive in open water up to 12 meters deep with an SSI Professional. In this program, you will complete almost half of the Open Water Diver course training and can upgrade your certification easily. You just need to complete the remaining academic and confined water sessions, plus two open water training dives.

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

This globally recognized training program is the best way to start your lifelong adventure as a certified diver. One-on-one instruction is combined with in-water training, giving you the skills and experience needed to feel truly comfortable underwater. Upon completion of the course, you will be certified as an SSI Open Water Diver.

Demystify the lords of the ocean, understand their vital role in the marine ecosystem, and learn how to observe them safely during your dives.Why Take the Shark Ecology Specialty?Change Your Perspective on One of the Planet's Most Fascinating and Threatened PredatorsSharks often suffer from an unfair reputation. Yet, they are vital players in the balance and health of our oceans. The SSI Shark Ecology Specialty dives deep into the captivating world of these great apex predators, helping you understand their anatomy, evolution, and behaviors.By mastering shark biology and eco-friendly interaction rules, you'll experience your upcoming dives with an informed, passionate perspective.Biology & Sensory Receptors Discover their highly evolved senses (Ampullae of Lorenzini, lateral line, and unmatched sense of smell).Species Identification Learn to recognize Thailand's iconic species (whale sharks, leopard sharks, and blacktip reef sharks).Behavior & Interactions Decode shark body language and adopt best practices for respectful underwater observation.Ecological Role & Conservation Understand the critical impact of their decline and discover how to advocate for their global protection.PrerequisitesMinimum Age 10 years old.Requirements No prior diving experience required (open to non-divers, freedivers, and snorkelers as well).

Discover SSI's Perfect Buoyancy specialty and transform the way you dive! ✨ Become a Buoyancy Expert Ever seen divers who seem to fly underwater, gliding effortlessly over reefs? It's not magic, it's the mastery of buoyancy. This course gives you the keys to achieving it. You'll learn to control your position, use your breath to ascend or descend, and reduce your air consumption for longer, more enjoyable dives. Why this specialty is essential Perfect buoyancy isn't just a matter of comfort, it's a fundamental skill. It allows you to protect the environment by avoiding contact with the bottom or reef, to take stable photos, and to feel more relaxed and secure underwater. This program is designed for divers of all levels who wish to perfect their technique and explore the seabed with unrivalled ease.

### Discover the **SSI Underwater Navigation Specialty** and become a master of navigation!

Explore the Coral Gardens Discover the SSI Coral Identification Specialty** and discover the secrets of the ocean's architects!

React Right is SSI’s emergency first response course and provides you with the training and knowledge you need to act as a first responder in a medical emergency. In this flexible dive program, you can choose which subjects you want to learn about, including primary assessment, first aid, CPR and primary stabilization techniques. You can also learn about oxygen administration in diving emergencies and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) basics. Using a combination of academic sessions and practical training scenarios, this program will give you the tools and confidence you need for emergency response. By the time you are certified, you will be able to act as an emergency first responder, provide first aid and CPR, administer oxygen and provide AED support in a medical emergency. Earn your SSI React Right specialty certification. Get started today!

In the SSI Basic Diver program, you’ll learn the skills and knowledge you need to try scuba diving to a depth of 12 meters with an SSI professional. It’s a great way to try diving and explore the underwater world around you more thoroughly. The entire Basic Diver program can be applied toward the Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver programs within the following 6 months, so you can easily continue your diving adventure.

React Right SSI is a first aid course that provides you with the professional training and knowledge needed to administer first aid in the event of a medical emergency. In this flexible diving program, you can choose which topics you want to learn, including primary assessment, first aid, CPR, and primary stabilization techniques. You can also learn about administering oxygen in diving emergencies and the basics of using an automated external defibrillator (AED). Through a combination of theoretical sessions and practical training scenarios, this program will give you the tools and confidence you need to respond to emergencies. Once you earn your certification, you’ll be able to act as a first responder, provide first aid and CPR, administer oxygen, and use an AED in the event of a medical emergency. Get certified in the SSI React Right specialty. Get started today!

Push your limits, explore depths of up to 30 meters, and discover five new aspects of scuba diving in complete safety.Gain confidence, feel more at ease, and discover new sensations.Are you Open Water certified (or equivalent) and looking to take your diving to the next level? The SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program is the ideal next step to refine your technique without getting bogged down in lengthy theory classes.This course is hands-on: you’ll complete 5 themed adventure dives to try out different specialties and expand your diving capabilities to a depth of 30 meters.Access to the most beautiful sites: The 30m certification opens the doors to iconic deep sites such as Hin Daeng & Hin Muang or the caves of Koh Haa.Maximum of 2 students per instructor: Personalized attention and tailored advice to help you perfect your buoyancy.100% Hands-On: No lengthy written exams—just briefings and fun in the water.Counts toward your future specialties: Each dive you complete counts as the first dive of the corresponding SSI Specialty course!100% French- and English-speaking instruction: Clear explanations and a stress-free learning experience.

If you can't decide which specialty is the best choice for you, sign up for the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! In this program, you can try out different specializations before deciding on the fully specialized programs. It's a great way to get a feel for what advanced diver training entails and how valuable it can be to your diving adventures. During the Advanced Open Water Diver program, you will try 5 different specializations. In each specialization, you will complete one open water training dive after a detailed briefing with an SSI instructor. With this trial program of specializations, you will have complete freedom when diving. At any time in the future, you can take the complete specialization programs and count your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards them.

SSI's specialized Diver Stress and Rescue program teaches you the skills you need to protect yourself and other divers. You will learn how to recognize stress, how to prevent accidents, and learn practical techniques for performing rescue procedures and providing emergency assistance. Through a combination of pool and open water training, you will be well prepared and confident in dealing with emergency and rescue situations. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Diver Stress and Rescue Specialty certification.

Take your diving beyond the beginner level with the SSI Advanced Open Water Course in Koh Lanta. Designed for certified Open Water Divers, this course helps you build confidence, improve your underwater skills, and gain experience in a variety of diving environments while exploring some of the best dive sites in the Andaman Sea.Through a series of adventure dives, you will expand your diving knowledge and discover new underwater experiences such as deep diving, underwater navigation, buoyancy control, wreck diving, fish identification, and other specialty areas depending on conditions and your interests.Training is conducted in small groups with professional SSI instructors, allowing you to progress at your own pace while receiving personalized attention and guidance.

With SSI's Science of Diving specialization, you will gain a thorough understanding of the underwater world and its effects on the human body. This specialization is essential training for most SSI professional programs as well as some Extended Range programs and is an integral part of expanding your diving knowledge. You can earn certification for the SSI Science of Diving specialization from home and prepare to start your professional diving career, which is available online. Upon completion, you will be halfway to earning the prestigious SSI Divemaster qualification and earning the SSI Science of Diving Specialization certification.

The SSI Deep Diving Specialty will teach you everything you need to dive to depths between 18 and 40 meters, through a mix of theory sessions and open water dives. You'll learn how to safely plan and execute your deep diving adventures, and how to use computers and gas calculations to get the most out of your deep dives. At the end of this course, you'll receive your Deep Diving SSI Specialty certification and be able to explore magnificent deep dive sites wherever you like. This SSI Specialty is also a prerequisite for certain additional training courses, making it the next logical step in your diver training.

If you can't decide which SSI specialty programs are the best choice for you, apply for the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! You'll try out deep diving and navigation and a variety of 3 other specializations of your choice before committing to full specialization training. It's a great way to experience what advanced diver training is all about and how valuable it can be to your diving adventures. During the Advanced Open Water Diver program, you will experience 5 different specializations by completing one open water training dive for each specialization after a comprehensive briefing with an SSI instructor. Completing this program gives you complete freedom to explore. At any time in the future, you can take the complete specialization training and count your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards it.

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins and reduce your surface intervals between dives - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you'll learn new skills and expand your diving knowledge while learning to safely plan and execute dives with an air mixture enriched with up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

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As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

The SSI Perfect Buoyancy specialty is the best way to improve your buoyancy and get the most from every dive. Buoyancy is an essential dive skill, but any diver will tell you it takes time to perfect. The Perfect Buoyancy specialty will teach you advanced buoyancy skills and techniques, so you can master your buoyancy more quickly and enjoy more relaxed dive adventures. In this fascinating program, you will also learn new skills that protect the environment and work in every diving situation. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Perfect Buoyancy Specialty certification. With better buoyancy skills, you will soon be able to hover with ease and take the underwater photographs you dream of!

The Divemaster program is the first step on an exciting journey. Earn the respect of your dive buddies and become an ambassador for diving by taking the Divemaster program. All you need to get started are 40 verified/logged dives and certifications in Deep Diving, Navigation, Night & Limited Visibility or at least 5 logged/verified dives experience in each area plus Diver Stress & Rescue. You will be certified as a Dive Guide after successfully completing the Divemaster program. When your interest is to turn your passion into a profession by guiding certified divers, teaching Ecology programs, assisting instructors or even becoming an instructor yourself, your next step is the Divemaster Upgrade with a minimum of 60 logged/verified. Upgrade to Divemaster right away or any time after by self-studying the Science of Diving materials, passing the Digital Final Exam which makes you an SSI Professional.

To join the SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC), you must be a certified Divemaster or hold an equivalent qualification. This comprehensive program is part of SSI’s 2-Step Instructor Training Approach. It begins with the Instructor Training Course combination, supported by immersive digital learning. After successfully completing the ITC, you will attend the Instructor Evaluation (IE) to become an SSI Open Water Instructor. As a certified instructor, you’ll be able to independently teach key SSI programs such as Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress & Rescue, and Dive Guide. Need more time or want to gain hands-on experience before becoming a full instructor? You can take the Assistant Instructor portion as a standalone step. This allows you to assist with real student courses, build valuable teaching experience, and then complete the Instructor Evaluation at your own pace. The possibilities are endless – start your scuba diving instructor career now!

Discover the Magic of Koh Haa – Snorkeling & Diving Adventures Set off on a full-day marine adventure to the breathtaking Koh Haa islands. Whether you're snorkeling or scuba diving, you can choose between two or three dive/snorkel sessions, with departure at 7:45 AM and return around 3:00 PM+-. Koh Haa, meaning "Five Islands" in Thai, is a secluded paradise known for its crystal-clear waters, colorful marine life, and a calm lagoon – ideal for both first-time divers and snorkelers. It's the perfect getaway for families or groups of friends looking to explore the underwater world together. Your Day Includes: -Round-trip hotel transfers from anywhere on Koh Lanta -Breakfast, delicious Thai lunch, soft drinks, tropical fruits, and snacks on board -Full set of rental equipment (for diving or snorkeling) -Small diving groups – max 4 divers per dive guide -Snorkeling guide for non-divers Please Note: -National Park Fees are not included: -Divers: 600 THB/person -Snorkelers: 400 THB/person Important Info: All dive and snorkel sites depend on weather and sea conditions. Our captain and crew will select the safest and most suitable locations on the day of the trip.

Explore Koh Bida – Snorkeling & Diving Adventure for Confident Swimmers Embark on a full-day adventure to the stunning Koh Bida islands, a top destination for both diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. With two or three dive/snorkel sessions included, you'll depart at 7:45 AM and return around 3:00 PM ±. The Koh Bida islets, Koh Bida Nok and Koh Bida Nai, are known for their clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and thriving marine life, making them ideal for those with some experience in open-water snorkeling. This destination is best suited for confident swimmers who are comfortable in moderate currents and deeper waters, as some areas feature steep drop-offs and slightly stronger tides. The underwater world here is absolutely breathtaking, with a variety of tropical fish, reef sharks, and the occasional turtle or leopard shark. What's Included: -Round-trip hotel transfers from anywhere on Koh Lanta -Breakfast, Thai lunch, tropical fruits, snacks, and soft drinks onboard -Full rental equipment for diving or snorkeling -Small dive groups (max 4 divers per guide) -Snorkeling guide available for non-divers Please Note: National Park Fees (not included): -Divers: 600 THB/person -Snorkelers: 400 THB/person Important Info: Dive and snorkel locations are selected based on weather and sea conditions. Our experienced crew will choose the safest and most rewarding spots for your adventure.

Dive into History & Adventure – HTMS Kled Kaew Shipwreck & Koh Bida Exploration Embark on an unforgettable full-day journey to the iconic HTMS Kled Kaew Shipwreck and the stunning Koh Bida islands. Whether you're a certified diver or a first-time snorkeler, this trip offers something for everyone—with two or three dive/snorkel sessions to enjoy. The adventure begins at 7:45 AM and concludes around 4:00 PM (±). For Certified Advanced Open Water (AOW) Divers: Start your day with an exciting dive at the world-renowned HTMS Kled Kaew Shipwreck, located off the coast of Phi Phi Leh. Resting on the ocean floor, this sunken naval vessel is teeming with marine life and offers a thrilling underwater experience among its intact structures and dramatic scenery. This deeper dive is a must-see for experienced divers. For Everyone – Koh Bida Exploration: After the wreck dive, we’ll continue to the beautiful Koh Bida islands for the second and third dives or snorkeling sessions. Koh Bida is ideal for beginners, snorkelers, and those who prefer shallower waters. Explore vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish, and diverse marine life in a relaxed, tropical setting. What’s Included: -Round-trip hotel transfers from anywhere on Koh Lanta -Breakfast, Thai lunch, tropical fruits, snacks, and soft drinks onboard -Full rental equipment for diving or snorkeling -Small dive groups (max. 4 divers per guide) -Snorkeling guide for non-divers and beginners First dive at the HTMS Kled Kaew Shipwreck (AOW divers only) National Park Fees (not included): -Divers: 600 THB/person -Snorkelers: 400 THB/person Please Note: The shipwreck dive is only available for Advanced Open Water (AOW) divers or those with an equivalent certification or higher. Beginners and snorkelers will skip the wreck and enjoy exploring the shallow reefs of Koh Bida instead. Important Info: Dive and snorkel sites are selected based on weather and sea conditions. Our experienced team always chooses the safest and most rewarding locations to ensure a great experience for everyone onboard.