Phuket: PADI Advanced Open Water Course 2 days/6 Dives

This PADI Advanced Open Water course in Phuket offers a fantastic mix of training, exploration, and scenery. Over two days, you’ll complete six dives around the picturesque islands of Racha Yai and Racha Noi, all while building confidence and expanding your underwater skills. Whether you’re looking to deepen your diving experience or just want to enjoy some of Thailand’s best diving spots, this tour promises an engaging and well-organized adventure.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the expert guidance from friendly instructors like Alla and Ben, who are praised for their calm professionalism. Then, the stunning sites—crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life—that deliver unforgettable underwater moments. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup and onboard meals makes it all effortless. The only thing to consider is that some reviews mention boat crowding and food quality, so managing expectations on those fronts might be wise.

This tour is best suited for adventurers eager to improve their diving skills without needing a full certification. It’s ideal for those who want to explore Phuket’s underwater wonders safely, with a small group to ensure personalized attention. Non-swimmers can participate, but a medical check is recommended if there are health concerns.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 2-day course with six dives in some of Phuket’s top locations
• Expert, friendly instructors with multilingual options (English, Persian, Thai)
• All-inclusive onboard meals and drinks, with the convenience of hotel pickup
• Ideal for non-certified divers or those looking to advance their skills
• Small groups (limited to 3 participants) for personalized guidance
• Strict medical fitness requirements for safety, especially for those with health issues

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Phuket PADI Advanced Open Water Course

This program strikes a solid balance between instruction and adventure, designed for those who want to learn and explore without the complexity of advanced certification. The focus is on making you feel confident and capable in deeper waters while having a good time. We’ll break down each part of the experience so you can imagine what it’s like from start to finish.

Easy Pickup and Smooth Start

Your day begins with a complimentary hotel pickup from key areas in Phuket like Patong, Karon, Kata, and others. This added touch of convenience makes the start stress-free, especially after a night of traveling or relaxing. The ride to the pier at Chalong takes around 30 minutes, during which you can get to know your instructor and fellow divers.

Once at the dock, you’ll meet your instructor—likely someone fluent in your preferred language—and review your digital learning materials. It’s a quick but essential briefing before you set off into the water. You’ll also have the chance to prepare your equipment with guidance, ensuring everything fits comfortably and functions properly.

The Islands: Racha Yai & Racha Noi

You’ll spend two days exploring the stunning sites around Racha Yai and Racha Noi, both famous for their clear waters and vibrant marine life. Expect to see colorful coral formations, tropical fish, and possibly larger species like reef sharks or rays, depending on the site conditions.

Racha Yai offers a gentle introduction, with reef walls, swim-throughs, and a variety of marine creatures. It’s perfect for building confidence. Racha Noi, known for its deeper parts, introduces you to more advanced features like deep diving and underwater navigation—both core components of the course.

The Dives – 50 Minutes of Underwater Exploration

You’ll do three dives each day, lasting about 50 minutes or until your air supply reaches 50 bars. The focus will be on deep diving, underwater navigation, and a specialty adventure dive based on your preferences or conditions. These might include night diving, buoyancy mastery, or other skills.

Many reviewers mention the professionalism of the guides. For example, one commented, “Our guide did really know what he is doing,” which highlights the quality of instruction. Another pointed out that their instructor, Alla, was “magnificent,” emphasizing how personalized coaching helped them feel confident.

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Comfort, Food, and Relaxation

While the scenery and underwater action are the main attractions, onboard meals are a welcomed perk. Guests have reported delicious, freshly prepared breakfast and lunch, along with snacks, coffee, and desserts during breaks. One reviewer even joked that the food was a bit scarce for the large number of people onboard, so managing expectations on that front might be wise.

Between dives, you can relax on the boat, enjoy the scenic island views, and chat with fellow divers or your instructor. It’s a nice way to unwind and process each experience, making the whole day feel leisurely and enjoyable.

Personal Guidance and Certification

Throughout the course, your instructor will give tailored feedback, helping you refine your buoyancy, navigation, and safety skills. Many guests lauded their guides for their calm demeanor and clear instructions, which is especially helpful if you’re initially nervous about deeper or more technical aspects.

Upon successfully completing all required dives and assessments, you’ll receive the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification—a highly respected credential that opens doors to more exciting diving adventures worldwide.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour operates from two pickup points, with a roughly 30-minute van ride to Chalong Pier. From there, you head to Racha Island, one of the most popular spots for diving in the area.

Day 1:
– Meet at the pier, review safety briefing, and enjoy breakfast onboard
– First dive at Racha Yai, exploring corals and marine life
– Lunch break — usually served onboard or at the island
– Second dive, possibly at a different site on Racha Yai
– Afternoon relaxation, coffee, snacks, and scenic views

Day 2:
– Similar start, with a new site around Racha Noi
– Dive into deeper water, practicing navigation or other specialties
– Lunch and free time
– Final dive, wrapping up the course
– Return trip to Phuket in the late afternoon

What Makes the Locations Special?

Racha Yai is known for its calm, shallow waters and colorful coral gardens, making it perfect for building skills. The visibility is often excellent, giving you a clear view of the vibrant marine life. Racha Noi, by contrast, offers more advanced features like drop-offs and deeper waters, ideal for those interested in the technical side and looking to explore beyond beginners’ boundaries.

Practical Aspects

The tour is limited to small groups (max 3 participants), which ensures personalized attention. This is especially advantageous if you’re nervous or want detailed coaching. The total duration is two full days, with most of the time spent in the water and onboard relaxing.

The cost includes all training, equipment, meals, and transfers, offering good value considering the convenience and quality. You won’t need prior certification, but a clean bill of health is required, especially if you have conditions like asthma, sinus issues, or heart concerns.

What the Reviews Reveal

Guests consistently praise the knowledge and patience of the guides. Miika from Thailand called their guide “really knowing what he is doing,” and another traveler from Germany described their instructor as “magnificent.” The emphasis on safety, personalized coaching, and clear explanations come through clearly.

One review mentioned that “dive sites were nothing like on the photos,” and the boat was crowded, but most found the overall experience worth the price. The onboard meals received mixed feedback; some thought they were delicious, others felt they could be better, but all agreed that the diving itself was spectacular.

Considerations for Future Participants

• Boat crowding might be an issue during peak season, so early booking can help.
• Food quality varies, so bringing additional snacks could enhance comfort.
• The medical fitness requirements are strict; check for conditions like high blood pressure, ear issues, or recent surgery before booking.

Final Thoughts

This Phuket PADI Advanced Open Water course offers a fantastic way to enhance your diving skills in one of the world’s most beautiful locations. With expert guidance, outstanding sites, and inclusive meals, it balances adventure with comfort and convenience. It’s particularly suited for non-certified divers wanting to step into more challenging waters or those looking for a structured, supported experience.

While boat crowding and food quality might be minor drawbacks, they are easily outweighed by the quality of instruction and the stunning underwater scenery. If you’re eager to explore deeper, learn new skills, and do so in a safe, friendly environment, this tour has plenty to offer.

FAQ

Is prior certification required to join this course?
No, you do not need a diving certificate to participate. The course is designed for beginners and those wanting to upgrade their skills.

How long are the dives?
Each dive lasts about 50 minutes or until your air supply hits 50 bars, whichever comes first.

Can non-swimmers join?
Yes, non-swimmers can participate, but you should confirm your medical fitness, especially if you have specific health conditions.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers all diving instruction, equipment, meals onboard, refreshments, and round-trip transportation from selected Phuket areas.

Are there any health restrictions?
Yes, you should be medically fit, particularly avoiding the activity if you have conditions like asthma, ear problems, heart disease, or recent surgeries. A medical check is recommended.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen for comfort before and after dives.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to small groups of up to three participants, ensuring personalized attention.

When should I cancel if my plans change?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexible planning options.

This well-organized, engaging diving course provides a rewarding introduction to Phuket’s underwater world. Whether you’re a first-timer or looking to refine your skills, you’ll leave with new confidence, unforgettable memories, and that satisfying feeling of having explored beneath the waves.

You can check availability for your dates here: