Frequently asked questions.

Scuba diving is an activity that requires a certain level of physical health. Read this medical questionnaire. If you can answer yes to any of the questions you may require medical clearance to enroll in a diving course. Contact us for more information.

None, the only difference is the teaching methodology. Let’s say you are certified Open Water from Padi and you want to do courses or fun dive with SSI dive school or vice versa there is no problem for that.

At Scubadoo we do 4 people maximum in a group, because we know it’s better for safety reasons and we want you to feel comfortable during your training.

Our certified SSI Equipment Technician does a major service on all our equipment every three month and minor fixes frequently.

Monday to Sunday 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM

We use high quality brands like Mares, Aqualung and PSI.

We got good quality, regular serviced equipment, well trained staff and a new boat. At Scubadoo, you are not treated like a number - we live a family-like atmosphere here. Everyone is welcome ❤️

Just bring your swimming outfit. We got you covered on the rest.

Yes, just contact us on social media, leave us a message via the contact form or visit us at the shop.

Scubadoo is an SSI dive school based in Mae Haad, Koh Tao.

We focus on SSI training, from beginner courses through Advanced, Rescue, Specialties and Divemaster training.

Already certified with PADI or another internationally recognised agency? No problem. Certified divers from other agencies can join our fun dives, and we can also discuss continuing your diving education with us.

SSI and PADI are different international scuba-diving training organisations. Both provide internationally recognised scuba certifications.

The important thing is that your certification and training meet the required standards and that you continue diving within the limits of your certification.

At Scubadoo, we teach through SSI because that's the system our instructors and dive centre use.

We keep our training groups small.

Our maximum is 4 students per instructor for courses.

We do this because we don't want you to feel like just another number in a big class. Smaller groups mean more personal attention, more time to ask questions, and a more relaxed learning experience.

Small group – big experience. 🤙

We're a small, locally run dive school rather than a huge operation.

Our focus is on:

• Small training groups

• Personal attention

• Quality equipment

• Experienced SSI instructors

• Relaxed and friendly training

• A comfortable diving environment

• Getting to know our guests rather than treating them like a number

We want you to leave Koh Tao with good diving skills, good memories, and hopefully a few new friends.

No.

If you've never scuba dived before, you can start with our SSI Basic Diver experience or go directly into the SSI Open Water Diver course.

Our instructors will take you through the basics step by step before your first ocean dives.

If you're not sure whether scuba diving is for you, Basic Diver is a good way to try it before committing to the full certification.

Basic Diver is a one-day introduction to scuba diving for people who don't yet have a certification.

You'll learn the basics of scuba diving with an instructor and complete 2 ocean dives, with a maximum depth of 12 metres.

It's ideal if you:

• Have never dived before

• Are short on time

• Want to try scuba diving before doing Open Water

• Aren't sure yet if you want a full certification

If you love it, you can continue your training toward Open Water.

Our SSI Open Water course takes 3 days.

You complete:

• Theory and preparation

• Diving skills training

• 6 ocean training dives

• Final knowledge/exam requirements

The maximum depth for an Open Water diver is 18 metres.

We include 6 training dives because we believe extra time in the water helps new divers become more comfortable and confident.

At Scubadoo, our Open Water course includes 6 ocean dives.

The additional diving time gives you more opportunity to practise your skills and become comfortable underwater before finishing your certification.

Our standard Open Water course is available from 15 years old.

Our Basic Diver program is also currently listed from 15 years old.

For younger divers, age requirements and depth limits can differ depending on the specific junior program, so contact us before booking.

Not necessarily.

Before diving, you will need to complete a scuba-diving medical questionnaire.

If you answer yes to certain medical questions, you may need clearance from a doctor before participating in the course.

If you're unsure, send us a message before arriving and we'll help you understand what is required.

Your safety always comes first.

Yes!

We welcome certified divers from SSI, PADI and other recognised agencies.

Our regular fun diving includes 2 boat dives and can visit sites such as:

• Chumphon Pinnacle

• Southwest Pinnacle

• White Rock

• Green Rock

• Shark Island

• Other Koh Tao dive sites depending on conditions

We choose dive sites based on the conditions and what makes sense for the day, so we don't promise a particular site too far in advance.

Yes.

Sail Rock is one of the most popular dive trips from Koh Tao.

Our Sail Rock trip includes 2 dives, equipment and lunch, currently priced at 3,200 THB.

Dive sites depend on weather, sea conditions and the day's dive plan, so we always prioritise safe and enjoyable diving over simply ticking a site off a list.

That's exactly what our Refresher Course is for.

If you've been out of the water for a while or simply don't feel confident anymore, we can review the important skills and get you comfortable again before returning to normal fun diving.

Our current Refresher Course includes 2 dives and is available with or without accommodation.

Absolutely.

Our SSI Advanced Adventurer course is designed for certified Open Water divers who want more experience and new diving skills.

The course includes 5 adventure dives, including:

• Deep Diving

• Navigation

• Plus three additional adventure dives

Depending on your interests, these can include options such as Night Diving, Perfect Buoyancy, Wreck Diving or Fish Identification.

The course takes around 2 days and introduces diving to a maximum depth of 30 metres.

Yes.

We offer a pathway from beginner to professional-level training.

A typical pathway is:

Open Water → Advanced → Rescue → Specialties → Divemaster

Our SSI Divemaster training normally takes around 4–6 weeks, depending on your experience and progress.

If you're already certified, we can discuss a personalised pathway based on your current certifications and logged dives.

No.

We're much more chill than party.

Scubadoo House is designed with divers in mind, so getting a good night's sleep before an early morning dive is important to us.

You'll still meet other travellers and divers, but the atmosphere is relaxed rather than a typical party-hostel environment.

Diving depends on the sea conditions, weather and visibility.

Our team checks the conditions and plans the day's diving accordingly.

If conditions aren't suitable for a particular dive site, we may choose another site. Safety comes before chasing a specific location.

If weather conditions make a planned trip unsafe or unsuitable, we'll discuss the available options with you.

Not much!

For diving, bring:

• Swimwear

• Towel

• Reef-friendly sunscreen

• Drinking water

• A positive attitude 🤙

We provide the diving equipment you need for your course.

If you're doing a longer professional training program such as Divemaster, there are some personal items you'll eventually need, such as a dive computer and SMB. We can help you with equipment options and student discounts.