Padi Advanced open Water Diver Courses (Start at Ko Kut)

Taking your diving skills to the next level can be both exciting and rewarding, especially in Thailand’s Gulf of Thailand. While we haven’t personally attended this course, reviews and detailed insights paint a clear picture of what to expect from the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course offered by BB Divers on Koh Kood. This two-day adventure promises more confidence, deeper dives, and a lot of fun—all with a focus on safety and personalized instruction.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the expert guides like Marcus and Kevin who make learning seamless and enjoyable. Then, the delicious food and refreshing drinks during the day add a pleasant touch to the busy schedule. Lastly, the flexibility for customized dives, including an extra fun dive, ensures you get the most out of your time underwater.

A possible consideration? The price of approximately $547.79 per person isn’t the cheapest option around, but many reviewers agree it offers excellent value considering the quality of instruction and the overall experience. This course suits anyone looking to sharpen their skills, explore more diving options, or gain confidence for future underwater adventures. It’s particularly perfect for those who love a warm, friendly environment and a well-organized schedule.

Key Points

• Highly rated with a perfect 5.0 from 23 reviews, praised for professionalism and fun
• Expert guides like Marcus and Kevin create a supportive and safe learning environment
• Includes five specialized dives plus an extra fun dive for a comprehensive experience
• All-inclusive package with meals, beverages, snacks, and hotel pickup/drop-off
• Flexible scheduling with courses available from Monday to Sunday, ensuring convenience
• Limited group size (max 4 travelers), allowing personalized attention

What Is the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course?

This course is designed for certified divers who want to broaden their skills, dive deeper, and learn new techniques. Over two days, you’ll complete five specialized training dives that focus on areas like navigation, deep diving, night diving, photo skills, buoyancy, or search and recovery—choices that match your interests and goals.

The core dives—deep dive and navigation—are often the most challenging but rewarding, giving you real confidence in managing different conditions and environments. The other three are flexible, allowing you to choose based on your preferences or upcoming diving plans.

This course isn’t just about adding to your certifications; it’s a way to enhance your enjoyment and safety underwater, making every subsequent dive more comfortable and fun. The extra fun dive adds a relaxed opportunity to practice your new skills or simply enjoy finding marine life in a less structured setting.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Day 1: Getting Back into the Water and Core Dives

Many reviews highlight how smooth and professional the instructors are, especially Marcus, who’s praised for balancing safety with fun. You’ll start the day with a briefing about what’s to come, followed by the first dive—probably the deep dive. Expect to descend up to 30 meters, with guidance on managing air, buoyancy, and safety stops.

The second part of the day is dedicated to navigation, where you’ll learn to use a compass and natural cues to find your way. Reviewers like those who did the course with Marcus mention how he emphasizes safety and control, making these technical skills feel accessible.

Day 2: The Specialized Dives and Relaxation

The third, fourth, and fifth dives can be tailored to your interests. Popular choices include night dives, photography, naturalist themes, or search and recovery—all designed to challenge you while keeping things fun. The flexibility to pick these options means you’ll get a personalized experience, which many reviewers appreciate.

The extra dive, either on the first or last day, allows you to revisit your favorite areas or just enjoy diving without the pressure of a structured training. Reviewers like those who completed their courses in two days say they appreciated how Marcus and the team kept the pace lively yet thorough.

The Food and Refreshments

Lunch is a buffet, often highlighted as delicious and plentiful, with fresh snacks and drinks throughout the day. Guests rave about the refreshing beverages, coffee, tea, and snacks that keep energy levels high during the busy schedule. It’s clear that the team cares about making your experience enjoyable, not just educational.

Transportation and Logistics

One of the things we love about this tour is the hotel pickup and drop-off, which makes logistics hassle-free. The departure is scheduled for 8:00 AM, ensuring a full day of diving without feeling rushed. The small group size (maximum of 4 travelers) guarantees individual attention from guides like Manu and Dany, making it ideal for beginners or those wanting personalized coaching.

The Environment and Marine Life

Koh Kood’s waters are praised for their clear visibility and vibrant marine life. Reviewers mention how their instructors, especially Kevin and Frank, excel at showing marine creatures, making the dives both educational and picturesque. Whether it’s corals, fish, or larger pelagic species, the environment seems well-preserved and conducive to learning.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Many reviews underscore the professionalism of the staff. For instance, one reviewer said, “Marcus was so good that we could complete the course in 2 days easily and had a lot of fun in the dives themselves.” Others mention how safety is always a priority, with guides highlighting this continually, which is reassuring for those new to advanced levels.

The food also receives high praise, with guests noting the delicious buffet lunch and snacks that keep them energized. The small group format allows guides like Manu to give personalized feedback, which many students say significantly improved their confidence and skills.

In terms of value, reviewers agree that the price reflects the quality of instruction, safety, and overall experience. The inclusion of an extra fun dive offers a relaxed way to cap off the course or revisit previous favorite spots.

Practical Considerations

• Price: At around $547.79 per person, this isn’t the cheapest course, but reviewers feel the value is high given the personalized guidance, quality meals, and flexible options.
• Duration: Two days of intensive diving, perfect for those with limited time but wanting a comprehensive upgrade.
• Group Size: Limited to 4 travelers, ensuring lots of individual attention.
• Weather Dependency: The course is subject to weather conditions; poor weather might cause cancellations, but alternative dates are usually offered.
• Inclusions: Beverages, bottled water, snacks, buffet lunch, professional guides, hotel pickup/drop-off—everything you need for a comfortable, hassle-free experience.
• Additional Fees: Entrance fees for Koh Rang national park are not included and are payable separately.

Who Should Consider This Course?

If you’re a certified diver looking to expand your skills, gain confidence for deeper or night dives, or simply have a lot of fun while learning, this course is a perfect fit. It’s especially suited for those who value personalized instruction in a friendly, relaxed environment.

Travelers eager to explore Koh Kood’s beautiful marine life, or those wanting a certification upgrade before future diving adventures, will find this course a worthwhile investment. Its high praise is a testament to the professional, enthusiastic guides and the overall quality of the experience.

This two-day PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course offers more than just the certification—it’s a chance to grow as a diver in a supportive environment with excellent guides. The small group sizes, personalized dives, and the blend of safety and fun make it stand out in the crowded diving scene of Thailand.

The inclusion of meals, snacks, and hassle-free pickup makes it a convenient package that adds to its value. If you’re seeking a well-organized, engaging, and professional diving upgrade while enjoying Koh Kood’s stunning waters, this program is a solid choice.

The positive reviews, especially about guides like Marcus, Kevin, and Frank, reinforce that you’re in capable hands. Plus, with the flexibility to choose your specialty dives, your underwater experience will be tailored to your interests.

Most importantly, this course is best suited for those who want to improve their diving skills while having fun in a safe environment. Whether you’re aiming for more confidence or just want to explore more of what lies beneath the surface, this experience promises to deliver.

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it easy to start and finish your day without logistical worries.

Can I choose which specialty dives I want?
Yes, the course includes five dives, and you can pick the three specialties that interest you most, such as night diving, photography, or search and recovery.

What if the weather is bad?
The course is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date, ensuring you don’t miss out.

Are meals included?
Yes, a buffet lunch, snacks, and beverages are included, keeping you energized during your busy diving days.

How many people are in my group?
The maximum group size is four travelers, which allows for personalized attention from guides.

What’s the cost for the entrance fee for Koh Rang national park?
This fee is not included in the tour price and is payable separately if you plan to visit that area during your dives.

This detailed review highlights why this PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course on Koh Kood is a top choice for aspiring and experienced divers alike. With expert guides, flexible options, and a focus on safety and fun, it offers real value for those eager to deepen their underwater adventures.