Explore Koh Tao

Get certified as an internationally recognised Scuba Diver with your SSI Open Water Diver course and earn a lifetime certification in just 3 days. Courses run daily in English (other languages available on request) and include all training, equipment, pool sessions, classroom theory, and four ocean dives at some of Koh Tao’s best dive sites. With a maximum of just 4 students per instructor, you'll receive personalised training from experienced SSI professionals in a safe, relaxed environment. Simply choose your preferred start date and we'll take care of the rest, with optional budget accommodation available and all training conducted from our modern beachfront dive centre on Koh Tao, Thailand.

Your Journey Begins Here This course covers all the essentials of safe scuba diving, from foundational dive theory to mastering key underwater skills. Your training starts in the calm, shallow waters of our swimming pool and transitions to unforgettable dives in Koh Tao’s warm, tropical seas. With guidance from our experienced multilingual instructors, you’ll progress at your own pace, supported every step of the way. By the end of the course, you’ll not only earn your diving certification but also gain new friends and dive buddies to share the adventure with!

Description: Start your underwater adventure and earn your internationally recognized SSI Open Water Diver certification in the crystal-clear waters of Koh Tao.The SSI Open Water Diver course is the world's most popular scuba diving certification and is designed for complete beginners. Over three days, you will learn essential diving theory, practice underwater skills, and complete four open water training dives under the supervision of a professional SSI instructor.Course Schedule:Day 1 • 09:00 – 10:30 Theory Session • 12:15 – 16:30 Training Dives 1 & 2 (skills development)Day 2 • 09:00 – 10:30 Theory Session • 12:15 – 16:30 Open Water Dives 3 & 4 (maximum depth 12m)Day 3 • 06:45 – 11:30 Final Certification Dives (maximum depth 18m)Included: ✔ SSI Open Water Diver digital certification ✔ SSI digital learning materials ✔ Professional SSI instructor ✔ Full scuba diving equipment ✔ Dive insurance ✔ Boat trips to Koh Tao's best dive sites ✔ Small groups for personalized training ✔ Logbook and certification processingRequirements: • Minimum age: 10 years old • Basic swimming ability required • Completion of the SSI medical questionnaire requiredUpon successful completion, you will be certified to dive independently with a buddy to a maximum depth of 18 meters anywhere in the world.Join Carabao Diving Koh Tao and learn to dive with our experienced team, small groups, and direct beach access to our dive boat for a relaxed and enjoyable learning experience. ????????????

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.

Take your first breath underwater and discover the incredible marine life of Koh Tao with our SSI Basic Diver program.This beginner-friendly experience is designed for people with no previous diving certification. After a short theory and equipment briefing, you will join our experienced SSI instructor for two guided dives from our dive boat.Program Schedule: • 10:00 – Theory session and equipment preparation • 12:15 – Departure on our dive boat • Dive 1: Maximum depth 6 meters • Dive 2: Maximum depth 12 metersIncluded: ✔ SSI Basic Diver digital certification (valid for 6 months) ✔ Professional SSI instructor ✔ Full diving equipment ✔ Dive insurance ✔ Boat trip to Koh Tao's best beginner dive sites ✔ Small groups for maximum safety and comfortRequirements: • Minimum age: 10 years old • Basic swimming ability recommended • Completion of the SSI medical questionnaire requiredNo previous experience is necessary. The SSI Basic Diver certification allows you to continue diving under direct professional supervision up to 12 meters within 6 months of completion.Experience the underwater world of Koh Tao in a safe, fun, and unforgettable way with Carabao Diving Koh Tao. ????????????

Join the SSI Manta and Ray Ecology specialty program and you will learn how to dive with rays and recognize different ray species. You will be taught how rays contribute to healthy ocean ecosystems and why these precious animals need our protection. Upon completion, you will earn your SSI Manta & Ray Ecology Specialty certification.

Dive into the wonders of marine invertebrates with our new SSI ecology specialty — Marine Invertebrate Ecology. This captivating series covers topics like invertebrate evolution and the ecology of simple and complex invertebrates like nematodes, sponges, jellyfish, sea stars, nudibranchs, and squids. You will explore the connections between humans and marine invertebrates and their impact on coral reefs. This program raises environmental awareness, especially within the underwater world. This program will increase your environmental awareness and help you appreciate the marine life you dive with even more! Start online today and earn your SSI Marine Invertebrate Ecology Specialty certification.

Welcome to the Nudibranch Ecology course, where you’ll explore the world of sea slugs in seven detailed sessions. Begin with their classification and habitats, then learn about their movement, sensory, and respiratory systems. Discover their complex reproductive strategies, relationships with other marine organisms, feeding habits, and crucial role in ecosystems. Explore their defense mechanisms and interactions with humans, emphasizing their research and conservation significance. This course will deepen your understanding of these extraordinary creatures, perfect for marine biology enthusiasts, students, or the curious. Join us and uncover the secrets of nudibranchs.

In the SSI Shark Ecology program, you will learn how to interpret shark behaviours, why they are often misunderstood and how dive with sharks. This is a perfect course for shark fans and for divers who are nervous about sharks but want to overcome their fear. Upon completion of this program, you will earn your SSI Shark Ecology Specialty certification and no doubt become an avid shark diver. Start today!

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.

Become a certified Open Water Diver with SSIThis 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.

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Take Your Diving to the Next Level in Just 2 Days Become an Advanced Open Water Diver. Unlock new underwater opportunities! This two-day course builds on your skills through five specialty dives, guided by an instructor in a small group of no more than four students. Choose the dives that excite you most—like Deep Diving, Wreck Diving, or Night Diving—and gain valuable experience as you explore new depths. Upon completion, you’ll earn a certification to dive up to 30 meters (100 feet)! https://www.crystaldive.com/ssi-advanced-open-water-course-on-koh-tao/

Explore More with the Diver Propulsion Vehicle Specialty Want to see more on your dives? A Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) lets you cover greater distances effortlessly, even through moderate to strong currents. By using an underwater scooter, you’ll conserve energy, save air, and enjoy longer dives. In this course, you’ll learn to safely operate a DPV both on the surface and underwater, master proper descent and ascent techniques, and understand maintenance and storage essentials. Take your underwater adventures further with a DPV!

Master the Search and Recovery Specialty Whether it’s a small ring or a larger item like an outboard engine, this course teaches you the techniques to recover lost objects underwater. Perfect for those who enjoy new challenges, you’ll gain practical skills that can be applied in any aquatic environment. Learn how to locate and retrieve objects of varying sizes across different terrains and visibility conditions with ease. If you’ve ever lost something in the sea—or know someone who has—this specialty will equip you with the tools to bring it back!

Dive Deeper with the Deep Diver Specialty In just two days at Crystal Dive, you can earn your Deep Diver Specialty and become certified to dive to depths of 40 meters. Training is conducted in small groups of up to four divers, where you’ll master techniques for exploring beyond 30 meters and learn to adapt to the unique challenges of deep-water environments. During the course, you’ll practice skills like underwater navigation, assess your reaction to nitrogen narcosis, and independently plan your final dive, preparing you for future deep diving adventures.

Join the SSI Science of Diving specialty and you will develop a complete understanding of the underwater world and its effects on the human body. This specialty is required training for most SSI Professional programs, as well as some Extended Range programs, and is an essential way to expand your dive knowledge. Available online, you can earn your SSI Science of Diving specialty certification from home and get ready to begin your dive professional career. Upon completion, you will be halfway to earning the coveted SSI Divemaster rating and earn the SSI Science of Diving specialty certification.

Description: Take your diving skills to the next level with the SSI Advanced Adventurer course and experience some of Koh Tao's most exciting dive sites.Designed for certified Open Water divers, this course allows you to try five different adventure dives while gaining confidence, improving your skills, and expanding your underwater experience. No lengthy classroom sessions—just practical learning and more diving.Course Schedule:Day 1 • 09:00 – 10:30 Theory Session • 12:15 – 16:30 Adventure Dives:Perfect BuoyancyUnderwater NavigationDay 2 • 06:45 – 11:30 Adventure Dives:Deep DiveWreck Dive• 18:00 – 20:00 Adventure Dive:Night DiveIncluded: ✔ SSI Advanced Adventurer digital certification ✔ SSI digital learning materials ✔ Professional SSI instructor ✔ Full scuba diving equipment ✔ Dive insurance ✔ Five adventure dives ✔ Boat trips to Koh Tao's top dive sites ✔ Small groups for personalized trainingAdventure Dives Included: • Perfect Buoyancy • Underwater Navigation • Deep Diving • Wreck Diving • Night DivingRequirements: • Minimum age: 12 years old • SSI Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) • Completion of the SSI medical questionnaire requiredUpon successful completion, you will improve your buoyancy, navigation, deep diving, and night diving skills while gaining valuable experience in different underwater environments.Join Carabao Diving Koh Tao and explore deeper dive sites, discover new underwater adventures, and become a more confident diver with our experienced SSI instructors and small-group approach. ????⚓????????

If you cannot decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! With this program, you can try a variety of specialties before committing to full specialty programs. It is 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 try out 5 different specialties. You will complete one open water training dive per specialty after a comprehensive briefing with your SSI Instructor. With this trial program in specialty diving, you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full specialty programs any time in the future and credit your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards them.

In this sidemount diving course, you’ll learn all you need to go single or two-cylinder recreational sidemount diving up to a maximum depth of 30 meters or to your certification depth, whichever is deeper. Sidemount diving is already common practice for wreck, mine, and cave divers, but now the benefits are being discovered by more recreational divers. With no heavy tank on your back, you’ll be more comfortable in the water and find your streamlining and trim improve effortlessly. By using less energy you may reduce your gas consumption so you can make the most of your dive time. With better buoyancy control, easier access to your valves and more redundancy as well, sidemount diving offers safety and peace of mind. This is the best sidemount diving course to discover and enjoy the enticing advantages of this dive style. You learn all the skills and knowledge you need to safely and comfortably dive with a single or two-cylinder sidemount equipment configuration.

Why Develop Self-Reliance? While diving with a buddy is standard, there are times when experienced divers benefit from independence. Developing self-reliance enhances your skills and confidence in all dive scenarios. The Path to Independent Diving With proper training, equipment, and the right mindset, you can responsibly dive without a buddy. The Independent Diving Course teaches the techniques, mental discipline, and risk management required to dive solo or with minimal support. Focus and Confidence Independent diving emphasizes thorough planning, self-sufficiency, and the ability to handle emergencies. Strengthen your skills and dive with complete confidence, whether alone, in pairs, or in a team.

The SSI Decompression Diving Specialty will teach you how to dive beyond the no-decompression limits. You will learn to plan and conduct dives to a maximum depth of 40 meters with limited decompression using your recreational total diving system and a single decompression cylinder. You will learn and practice how to effectively use your dive computer features, including switching gases, gas integration, time-to-reserve, and time-to-surface. Using these computer functions will become second nature, enabling you to safely conduct dives with limited decompression without hours of dive planning. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Decompression Diving Specialty certification and be able to explore stunning deep dive sites or larger wrecks without being restricted by the traditional no-decompression limits. The opportunities to expand your diving adventures have just got bigger!

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. 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 Divemaster. We offer both basic and lifestyle packages. Throughout your program you get to enjoy free fun diving as much as you want. If you book lifestyle you even gain free fun diving before and after the program (for life)! Our lifestyle package is made for people who want to turn their diving passion in to a career. No hidden costs and even internships to gain valuable experience in the industry.

If you can't decide which specialty programs are best for you, join the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! You will try Deep Diving and Navigation as well as 3 other specialty areas before deciding on a full specialty training. It's a great way to experience what Advanced Open Water Diver training is all about and how valuable it can be for your diving adventures. During the Advanced Open Water Diver program you will learn 5 different specialties by completing one open water training dive per specialty after a detailed briefing with your SSI Instructor. This program gives you complete freedom to explore everything. You can complete the entire specialty training at any time and receive credit for your Advanced Open Water Diver training.

Welcome to Koh Tao Divers! Our Instructor Training Course (ITC) is meticulously crafted to empower you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to create new long life divers!From dynamic classroom sessions to practical applications in both confined and open water environments, you'll receive hands-on training that prepares you for real-world scenarios.Leading our ITC is the experienced Instructor Trainer Yaiza Sanchez, whose expertise and dedication ensure a supportive and enriching learning environment. Whether you prefer learning in English or Spanish, Yaiza provides personalized guidance to help you unlock your full potential as an instructor.At Koh Tao Divers, we go beyond traditional training methods. In addition to sessions in the swimming pool, we utilize our house reef at Sairee for practical training. This flexibility allows us to extend training hours when needed, ensuring that you have ample opportunities to refine your skills and gain confidence in a variety of diving environments, our program not only provides top-notch instruction but also includes a unique opportunity: a two-week free assisting period alongside experienced instructors.This additional hands-on training period allows you to apply what you've learned in real-world teaching scenarios, enhancing your skills and confidence before leading your own courses. It's an invaluable experience that helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring you are well-prepared to instruct and inspire new divers.Small groups, personalised training and the opportunity to assist some of the most qualified instructors after your training. 

Description: Turn your passion for diving into a professional career with the SSI Divemaster Program at Carabao Diving Koh Tao.The Divemaster certification is the first professional level in the SSI system and is designed for divers who want to develop leadership skills, assist instructors, guide certified divers, and begin a career in the diving industry.Throughout the program, you will gain extensive practical experience, improve your diving skills to a professional level, learn dive operations management, and become a role model for other divers.Program Highlights: • Professional-level dive training • Unlimited diving during training • Dive leadership development • Real-world experience assisting courses • Dive briefing and guiding practice • Dive center operations and logistics • Equipment management and maintenance • Marine conservation awarenessWhat You Will Learn: • Professional diving standards and procedures • Dive planning and supervision • Assisting SSI instructors during courses • Guiding certified divers safely • Risk assessment and problem solving • Rescue skills refinement • Professional buoyancy and demonstration skills • Customer service and dive center operationsIncluded: ✔ SSI Divemaster digital learning materials ✔ Professional SSI Instructor mentorship ✔ Unlimited training dives during the program ✔ Dive insurance during training activities ✔ Practical experience with real students and divers ✔ SSI Divemaster certification upon successful completionRequirements: • Minimum age: 18 years old • SSI Stress & Rescue certification (or equivalent) • Current React Right / CPR & First Aid certification (within 2 years) • Minimum 40 logged dives to start the program • Minimum 60 logged dives required for certification • Medical clearance for diving requiredProgram Duration: • Recommended: 4 to 6 weeks • Flexible schedule depending on experience and progressAs a certified SSI Divemaster, you will be qualified to work as a dive professional, guide certified divers, assist instructors during training programs, and continue your professional development toward becoming an SSI Assistant Instructor and Open Water Instructor.Join Carabao Diving Koh Tao and train in a real working dive center while gaining the experience, confidence, and professional skills needed to start your career in the diving industry. ????????⚓????????‍????

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.

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. 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 Divemaster. We offer both basic and lifestyle packages. Throughout your program you get to enjoy free fun diving as much as you want. If you book lifestyle you even gain free fun diving before and after the program (for life)! Our lifestyle package is made for people who want to turn their diving passion in to a career. No hidden costs and even internships to gain valuable experience in the industry.

The Assistant Instructor certification is the next step after the Divemaster in the diving instructor's career. If you wish to continue your career as a diving professional, you can complete the Instructor Training Course, pass the Instructor Assessment and become an Open Water Diving Instructor.

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.

The Instructor Evaluation (IE) is the final step of SSI’s 2-Step Instructor Training Approach Divemasters or equivalent-level professionals will have to successfully complete the Instructor Training Course (ITC) first where you’ll learn how to: • Conduct academic sessions • Lead confined water training • Teach Open Water Diver and various Specialty programs like Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress&Rescue, Perfect Buoyancy and more • Develop student management and communication skills Already an experienced instructor with another agency? You may be eligible for shortened oboarding options where you will only have to complete certain parts of the Instructor Training Course (ITC) followed by passing an Instructor Evaluation (IE). Contact an SSI Training Center near you to learn more. Already certified as an Assistant Instructor with another agency? You could continue your professional journey with SSI. Get in touch with a local SSI Training Center to explore your options.

The Instructor Evaluation (IE) is the final step of SSI’s 2-Step Instructor Training Approach Divemasters or equivalent-level professionals will have to successfully complete the Instructor Training Course (ITC) first where you’ll learn how to: • Conduct academic sessions • Lead confined water training • Teach Open Water Diver and various Specialty programs like Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress&Rescue, Perfect Buoyancy and more • Develop student management and communication skills Already an experienced instructor with another agency? You may be eligible for shortened oboarding options where you will only have to complete certain parts of the Instructor Training Course (ITC) followed by passing an Instructor Evaluation (IE). Contact an SSI Training Center near you to learn more. Already certified as an Assistant Instructor with another agency? You could continue your professional journey with SSI. Get in touch with a local SSI Training Center to explore your options.

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.

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.

The Instructor Evaluation (IE) is the final step of SSI’s 2-Step Instructor Training Approach Divemasters or equivalent-level professionals will have to successfully complete the Instructor Training Course (ITC) first where you’ll learn how to: • Conduct academic sessions • Lead confined water training • Teach Open Water Diver and various Specialty programs like Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress&Rescue, Perfect Buoyancy and more • Develop student management and communication skills Already an experienced instructor with another agency? You may be eligible for shortened oboarding options where you will only have to complete certain parts of the Instructor Training Course (ITC) followed by passing an Instructor Evaluation (IE). Contact an SSI Training Center near you to learn more. Already certified as an Assistant Instructor with another agency? You could continue your professional journey with SSI. Get in touch with a local SSI Training Center to explore your options.

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.

Join us and help clean the beaches of Koh Tao. Meet at the restaurant opposite Crystal Dive Resort reception area.

Help clean up our dive sites. Need to be a certified diver and have logged a dive within the last 6 months to register. Please contact us if you have any questions.

♻️ Every Saturday: 13.30-17.00 ⏰ Beach, snorkel or dive clean up, whatever suits you!

Join us for a community beach clean up and help keep our island beautiful above and below the water. Whether you’re a diver, traveller, local, or ocean lover — everyone is welcome.Meet at Crystal Dive Restaurant at 9:30am.Come make a positive impact, meet like-minded people, and enjoy a great morning by the sea. Every piece of rubbish removed helps protect marine life and our beaches.