Continue your education with the Advanced Open Water Diver course – 2 days

Introduction

If you’re a certified diver craving to level up your skills, the 2-day Advanced Open Water Diver course on Koh Lipe offers an exciting way to do just that. This program is designed for open water certified divers who want to explore beyond the basics, trying out different diving specialties in a single trip.

What makes this experience stand out? The small-group approach—limiting groups to just four students per instructor—means plenty of personalized attention and safety. Plus, with five dives planned, including night diving, underwater navigation, and drift diving, you’ll really get a taste of what advanced diving is all about.

One thing to consider? The overall price, at around $407 per person, reflects a high-quality, tailored experience, but it’s worth weighing the value of the specialty dives and personalized coaching. This course suits those who are comfortable with open water diving and eager to sharpen their skills, explore Thai marine life more comprehensively, and enjoy a flexible, intimate setting.

Key Points

• Small group size guarantees personalized instruction and safety.
• Five specialty dives, including night, navigation, drift, and deep water diving.
• All equipment and instruction are included, along with lunch and refreshments.
• Flexible itinerary allows customization based on your preferences and experience level.
• Certification provided via SSI digital card upon completion, broadening your diving opportunities.
• Ideal for certified divers wanting to expand their skills in a beautiful tropical setting.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The 2-day Advanced Open Water Diver course on Koh Lipe isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about actually learning new skills in a setting so stunning you might forget you’re learning at all. The program is suitable for all open water certified divers, typically over the age of 10, and is designed to give you a real taste of what advanced diving entails.

Itinerary Breakdown and Highlights

Day 1: Introduction and First Dives
The day kicks off bright and early at the Koh Lipe Diving School (348 Moo7 Walking Street). Starting at 8:30 AM, you’ll meet your instructor and go over the essentials—safety briefings, equipment checks, and a quick review of your current skills. You’ll then head out onto the boat, which is often praised for being spacious and comfortable—a key point since spending hours in a boat can be tiring if space is tight.

The first dives focus on underwater navigation and deep water diving. These are core to the course, and the small group size means you’ll get plenty of hands-on guidance—something praised by previous guests who appreciated the attention from instructors like Yousuf and Gabby. As one reviewer put it, they felt “well taken care of and safe,” even when exploring unfamiliar underwater terrain.

Day 2: Specialty Dives and Flexibility
The second day offers the chance to try night diving, a favorite among many for the incredible experience of seeing marine life illuminated by torchlight. You might also explore drift diving, where the current gently carries you along vibrant coral walls—an experience described as “an aquarium with jellyfish, sea horses, and wonderful corals.”
According to reviews, the instructors, such as Eric and David, are very professional and talk through each step clearly, ensuring even nervous divers feel confident. The program is flexible, meaning if you prefer a different order or focus, the team can adapt, making the experience tailored to your interests.

What You Will Experience

• Marine Life: Koh Lipe boasts colorful coral reefs, sea horses, jellyfish, and abundant fish species. The dives are often compared to an “underwater aquarium,” with many reviewers noting encounters with unique creatures.
• Underwater Skills: Mastering navigation and buoyancy, plus trying out specialty dives like night and drift, add to the sense of achievement.
• Personalized Attention: With just four students per instructor, each diver receives detailed feedback, making learning more effective and enjoyable.

What’s Included and What’s Not

You’ll receive all equipment rental, professional instruction in multiple languages, a personal logbook, snacks, water, coffee, tea, and fresh fruits. At the end, you’ll get an SSI digital certification card, which adds credibility to your newly acquired skills.

However, note that marine park fees of 270 THB per person are not included, and transportation to and from the dive shop isn’t covered. The meeting point is conveniently located at the Koh Lipe Diving School, and you’ll need to arrive a day early to finalize paperwork and try equipment.

The Value of the Program

At $407.38 per person, the price covers five dives, comprehensive instruction, all gear, and certification—making it a solid investment if you’re serious about advancing your diving skills. The small group setting means fewer distractions and more personalized guidance, which many reviewers said made a significant difference.

Further, the course’s flexibility and the opportunity to explore diversity of marine environments and specialties within just two days add to its value. For travelers seeking a mix of adventure, expert guidance, and tropical beauty, this program offers a compelling package.

Reviews and Real Experiences

Guests consistently highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the staff. One reviewer mentioned, “The crew was friendly and helpful—especially our dive leader Yousuf and boat boy Toto,” emphasizing the supportive atmosphere. Others appreciated the safe and well-organized dives, with one commenting, “They checked the current before sending divers underwater,” reflecting attention to safety.

Some reviewers even highlighted how their prior dive experiences were elevated by the instructors’ detailed coaching, with one stating, “I felt well taken care of and safe,” even when trying night dives for the first time.

Who Will Benefit Most?

This course is perfect for certified divers who want to expand their skills with specialty dives in a relaxed, intimate setting. It’s suitable for those comfortable with open water certification, eager to explore underwater navigation, night diving, and drift diving. The flexible approach and small groups also make it ideal for travelers who value personalized instruction and high-quality service.

Practical Details

The course begins at 8:30 AM daily, and you’ll need to visit the dive shop the day before to complete paperwork, try equipment, and register for park fees. The activity typically lasts around two days, with five dives in total.

Participants must be at least 10 years old, and a health questionnaire will be required to ensure safety. Diving within 48 hours of flying isn’t recommended, so plan your schedule accordingly.

Additional Tips

• Book early: The maximum group size is 12, but with only four per instructor, spots fill quickly.
• Bring your enthusiasm and an open mind—specialty dives are designed to be fun as well as educational.
• Prepare for the weather: Light refreshments, water, and snacks are provided, but consider bringing additional sun protection for the boat trip.

The Sum Up

The 2-day Advanced Open Water Diver course on Koh Lipe really hits a sweet spot for divers looking to level up their underwater skills without committing to a lengthy course. The small group approach, flexible itinerary, and focus on hands-on experience make it stand out, especially in such a beautiful setting.

If you’re eager to master navigation, night dives, and drift dives, and want expert guidance in a friendly environment, this program offers excellent value. The stunning marine life and coral reefs of Koh Lipe only enhance the experience, making it not just educational but visually unforgettable.

For confident open water divers wanting to add new skills and confidence, this course is a top choice. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate a more personalized, relaxed learning atmosphere on one of Thailand’s most picturesque islands.

FAQs

Is this course suitable for beginners?
No, it’s designed for divers who already hold an open water certification. You’ll need to be comfortable with basic diving skills and have some experience.

What dives are included in this course?
You’ll enjoy five dives, including underwater navigation, night diving, drift diving, deep water diving, and possibly other specialty experiences, depending on your preferences.

Are the equipment and instruction included?
Yes, all gear rental and professional instruction are covered in the price. The instructors speak more than six languages, ensuring clear communication.

What about the marine park fees?
The entrance fee to the Tarutao National Marine Park is 270THB per person every three days and is not included in the tour price.

What should I bring?
Bring your certification card, swimwear, towel, sun protection, and any personal snacks or medication you might need.

Can I customize my dives?
Yes, the itinerary is flexible, and you can discuss your preferences with the instructors to tailor the experience.

Is transportation included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your logistics accordingly. The meeting point is at the Koh Lipe Diving School on Walking Street.

This 2-day advanced course combines expert instruction, customization, and spectacular marine scenery—perfect for divers eager to expand their skills while soaking in the beauty of Koh Lipe.