Question 1

I can't swim well — can I dive?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Scuba diving is not swimming. You simply need to be comfortable in the water — able to float or swim 200m at your own pace.

Question 2

What do I need for my first dive?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely nothing — just bring yourself. We provide all equipment, instruction, and guidance.

Question 3

Is scuba diving dangerous?

Accepted Answer

When done correctly, scuba diving has an excellent safety record — lower incident rates than many everyday activities.

Question 4

Can children dive?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Children aged 8+ can try the Bubblemaker. From age 10, they can enrol in the Junior Open Water Diver course and dive in the ocean to 12m.

Question 5

Can I fly immediately after diving?

Accepted Answer

No. You must wait at least 12 hours after a single dive, or 18–24 hours after multiple dives, before flying.

Question 6

Can I dive if I have a medical condition?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the condition. Many well-controlled conditions are fine. Please consult your doctor and inform us.

Question 7

Best dive site for beginners?

Accepted Answer

Racha Yai Island — calm clear water, beautiful coral, and sea turtles year-round. go

Question 8

How likely am I to see a whale shark?

Accepted Answer

The highest chance is at Richelieu Rock (Dec–Apr) and Racha Noi South Tip (Feb–May).

Question 9

Can I dive during monsoon season?

Accepted Answer

Some sites are open year-round. The Similan Islands close from May to October.

Question 10

Do you offer hotel transfers?

Accepted Answer

Free hotel pickup is included in all day trips for hotels in Kata, Karon, and Patong.

Question 11

Is food provided on the boat?

Accepted Answer

Yes! All day trips include lunch and snacks. Liveaboards include 3 meals per day.

Question 12

Where is PADI certification valid?

Accepted Answer

Worldwide and forever. PADI is recognised by over 6,000 dive centres in 183 countries. Your certification never expires.

Question 13

How long is the Open Water Diver course?

Accepted Answer

3–4 days total including eLearning, 5 confined water sessions, and 4 ocean dives.

Question 14

Can I do eLearning before arriving?

Accepted Answer

Highly recommended! Complete the theory on the PADI App before arriving and save a full day.

Question 15

Difference between OWD and AOWD?

Accepted Answer

OWD certifies you to 18m. AOWD extends your limit to 30m and adds specialised skills.

Question 16

How is a liveaboard different from a day trip?

Accepted Answer

Day trips return same day. Liveaboards sleep aboard allowing 3–5 dives per day at remote sites.

Question 17

What certification do I need for liveaboard?

Accepted Answer

Minimum OWD certification. Advanced OWD is recommended for sites like the Similans.

Question 18

When do liveaboards operate?

Accepted Answer

Similan-Surin: October 15 to May 15 only (national park closure).

Question 19

Do I need to buy my own gear?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. We provide full gear rental at reasonable rates.

Question 20

Can I rent a GoPro underwater camera?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We rent GoPro Hero 12 with housing per trip. Please request in advance.

Question 21

Is there diving insurance?

Accepted Answer

We strongly recommend DAN (Divers Alert Network) diving insurance.

Question 22

Is emergency oxygen on board?

Accepted Answer

Yes — all our boats carry emergency oxygen kits and all team members hold EFR certification.

Phuket Diving FAQ

First-Time Divers