Padi Advanced open Water Diver Courses (Start at Koh Chang)

Exploring the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course on Koh Chang: An In-Depth Review

Getting your advanced diver certification in a tropical paradise like Koh Chang sounds tempting, right? This PADI course, offered by bbdivers, promises to sharpen your diving skills over two days, including five specialized training dives. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 31 reviews and glowing recommendations, it’s clear that many have found this experience valuable.

What we love most? The knowledgeable guides and instructors, who seem genuinely invested in making sure every participant learns and has fun. Plus, the meals—buffet lunches, snacks, and refreshments—are frequently praised, making the whole day feel more like a delightful adventure than just a training session.

One thing to consider is the price tag—at around $550 USD per person, it’s an investment. But when you look at what’s included—transport, professional instruction, all diving activities, and meals—the value becomes clearer. This course really suits travelers who want to boost their confidence, learn new skills, and explore more of Koh Chang’s underwater wonders on a guided, safe, and enjoyable journey.

Key Points

• Top-rated instructors such as Marcus, Charles, Julia, and Chang are praised for their professionalism and friendly approach.
• Flexible dive options allow you to choose among wreck, night, naturalist, or photography dives—perfect for customizing your experience.
• All-inclusive meals and refreshments help keep energy levels high during busy days in the water.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics smooth, especially if staying on the west coast of Koh Chang.
• Small group size (max 3 travelers) ensures personalized attention and a relaxed learning environment.
• Certification and skills gained here significantly boost your diving confidence and control.

A Closer Look at the Koh Chang PADI Advanced Course

The Booking and Price Point

At just over $550 per person, this course offers what many would consider good value for a comprehensive advanced diving program. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all necessary activities, meals, drinks, and guidance from experienced professionals. Considering the cost of individual dives or snorkeling tours, the price begins to seem more reasonable—especially when factoring in the personalized instruction and safety focus.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Your adventure begins early at 8:00 am with hotel pickup on Koh Chang’s west coast, making the start seamless and stress-free. The day is packed with five specialized dives, with the core dives being deep and navigation. These are foundational skills that significantly improve your confidence and control underwater.

For the remaining three dives, you get to choose based on your interests and your instructor’s recommendations. Options include wreck diving, night diving, naturalist experiences, digital photography, multilevel diving, or search and recovery. Reviewers mention that this flexibility is a real plus; it ensures the experience is tailored and meaningful. For example, one traveler appreciated the opportunity to explore a wreck and even take underwater photographs.

The Guides and Instructors

The reviews consistently highlight the knowledgeable, friendly, and patient instructors. Marcus, Charles, Chang, and Quentin all earned praise for making complex skills approachable and fun. One reviewer mentioned that their instructor Marcus made the three dives “such a fun and exciting experience,” while another appreciated Chang’s “good humor” and patience during one-on-one attention.

This high level of professionalism means you’ll feel safe and supported—even if you’re a bit nervous or still gaining confidence. Some travelers even had the chance for personalized attention—one reviewer noted being the only participant in a course, which allowed for tailored guidance.

The Food and Refreshments

The buffet lunch, snacks, coffee, and light refreshments are more than just fillers—they’re a significant part of the experience. Reviewers mention how these meals keep everyone energized and happy, which makes long days in the water more manageable. The variety and quality are often praised, with many saying it feels more like a relaxing day out than a strict training session.

The Diving Environment

Koh Chang offers a stunning underwater backdrop—coral reefs, wrecks, and vibrant marine life. Many reviewers loved the stunning views and the well-organized boats. The boats are described as clean, comfortable, and in good condition, contributing to a smooth experience.

While some mention minor issues like blisters from rental fins, the overall consensus is that the quality of equipment and organization outweighs these small inconveniences. The team’s attention to safety and detail is evident—many reviewers point out that safety and participant well-being are always the top priorities.

The Experience for Solo Travelers and Groups

This course is particularly well-suited for solo travelers, as some reviews highlight the personalized attention they received, especially if they were the only participant. The small group size ensures a relaxed, stress-free environment where everyone gets ample instructor time.

Additional Considerations

• Medical and health requirements: Participants need to complete a health questionnaire prior to diving. Certain pre-existing conditions may prevent participation, so consult your doctor if unsure.
• Timing: The course is not recommended within 18 hours of flying, to allow for proper decompression.
• Location-specific: Transfer is only available from Koh Chang’s west coast hotels, so plan accordingly.
• National park entrance fees: Not included, so budget for that if planning to dive at Koh Rang.

Why Choose This Course?

This PADI Advanced Open Water course on Koh Chang offers more than just certification—it’s an opportunity to elevate your diving skills in a safe, supportive, and scenic environment. The personalized instruction and flexible dive options mean you’ll gain practical skills tailored to your interests and confidence levels.

The delicious food and relaxed atmosphere make the two days feel like a mini-vacation rather than just a training program. Plus, the high praise for instructors indicates you’re in capable hands, whether you’re a beginner looking to build confidence or an intermediate diver seeking to expand your skills.

For travelers who value small groups, professionalism, and authentic underwater experiences, this course hits all the right notes. It’s perfect if you’re ready to take your diving to the next level with guidance from passionate, experienced instructors.

Final Thoughts

The Koh Chang PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course is a solid choice for those eager to improve their diving capabilities in a tropical setting. It’s packed with expert guidance, flexible dive options, and genuine attention to safety and comfort. The inclusion of meals and hotel transfers adds a lot of convenience, making it feel like a well-rounded experience rather than just another dive course.

If you’re serious about refining your diving skills—whether it’s mastering navigation, exploring wrecks, or night diving—this course offers the perfect blend of professionalism and fun. It’s especially suitable for solo travelers, first-time advanced divers, or those who simply want to explore more of Koh Chang’s underwater treasures with confidence.

While the price might seem steep, the quality of instruction, personalized attention, and overall experience make it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about their diving journey.

FAQ

How do I book the course?
You can book directly through the provided platform or contact bbdivers via their email or phone. Once booked, confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers all activities, professional guidance, hotel pickup and drop-off, meals including buffet lunch and snacks, drinks, and all necessary equipment.

Are there any extra costs?
Entrance fees for Koh Rang National Park are not included, so you should budget separately if planning to dive there.

What is the best way to get to Koh Chang for this course?
The course starts on Koh Chang, with hotel pickup on the west coast. Make sure your accommodation is within the pickup zones to benefit from the seamless transfer.

How many dives are included?
Participants enjoy five specialized dives, with the core dives being deep and navigation. The remaining can be chosen based on interests and instructor advice.

Is the course suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, some reviews mention personal attention, especially when participants are the only ones enrolled, ensuring a comfortable, relaxed experience.

What are the prerequisites for diving?
Participants need to complete a health questionnaire. Those with certain pre-existing conditions should consult their doctor beforehand.

Can I choose the dives I want?
Yes, you can discuss options with your instructor once the course begins. Choices include wreck, night, naturalist, photography, and more.

How physically demanding is the course?
It’s designed for intermediate level divers, but good physical health and comfort in water are recommended.

When is the best time to take this course?
The weather is generally ideal from November to April. Avoid diving within 18 hours of flying to prevent decompression issues.

To sum it up, this course combines professional instruction, scenic diving, and great value into a memorable water-based adventure. Whether you’re looking to improve your skills or explore Koh Chang’s underwater world more confidently, it’s a solid pick. Just prepare for an active, fun-filled couple of days that will leave you with new skills—and hopefully a few fantastic stories to tell.