Advanced Adventurer – 2 days ( Advanced Open Water)

Introduction: Exploring the SSI Advanced Adventurer Course on Koh Tao

Thinking of taking your diving skills to the next level? The SSI Advanced Adventurer course on Koh Tao promises a well-rounded, exciting way to build confidence and learn new techniques. Over 2 to 3 days, you’ll tackle five different dives, each designed to expand your abilities and thrill you with new underwater sights. From night excursions to wreck explorations and deep dives, this course is a fantastic option if you’re eager to enhance your diving experience without committing to a full certification upgrade.

What we love about this course is the variety of specialty dives offered. It’s not just about getting a maximum depth certification but about gaining practical skills that will make you a safer, more confident diver. Plus, the small groups—with a maximum of four participants—mean personalized attention from enthusiastic instructors like Edu, Oni, Ae, or William, who are praised for their patience, knowledge, and friendly approach.

A potential consideration is the intensive schedule—you will start early and spend quite a bit of time in the water, often waking up around 6 a.m. on the last day. Also, the weather can sometimes impact plans, but the flexible cancellation policy and the professionalism of the staff help mitigate that risk.

This course is best suited for divers with basic open water certification who want to push their limits, explore wrecks, do night dives, and improve their buoyancy, navigation, and safety skills. If you’re looking for a fun, comprehensive, and well-organized way to expand your diving expertise on Koh Tao, this is definitely worth considering.

Key Points

• Variety of specialty dives including wreck, night, deep, buoyancy, and navigation.
• Personalized attention with small groups of up to 4 participants.
• High safety standards and knowledgeable instructors praised for their patience.
• Excellent value for the experience, with comprehensive training and multiple dives.
• Ideal for certified divers ready to expand their skills or explore new underwater environments.
• Flexible cancellation policy with full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance.

In-Depth Review of the Koh Tao SSI Advanced Adventurer Course

What the Course Includes and How It’s Structured

The Advanced Adventurer course offers five different dives, each focusing on specific skills or environments. The dives in your itinerary include a deep dive, a wreck exploration, a night dive, buoyancy practice, and navigation techniques. This variety ensures you leave with tangible skills that are immediately applicable in real-world diving.

The course typically lasts 2 to 3 days, depending on weather and group pace. The typical start time is 9:30 am at Koh Tao Scuba Club, where you’ll meet your instructor—often praised for their professionalism and friendliness, like Edu, Oni, or Ae—and your small group. The maximum group size of four ensures you get plenty of individual guidance, making this a good choice for those who want personalized feedback.

Diving Sites and Why They Matter

Koh Tao is renowned for its clear waters, calm conditions, and diverse marine life, making it an ideal setting for this kind of course. Sites like Sail Rock, with its abundance of fish and visibility, are perfect for practicing navigation and buoyancy. The wreck of HTMS Sattakut is a highlight for those interested in wreck exploration, giving you a tangible sense of adventure while learning the basics of wreck diving.

Night diving on Koh Tao offers a different perspective, with nocturnal marine creatures emerging from hiding. Reviewers highlight how well-organized and relaxed the night dives are, with some noting that their instructors helped them feel safe and confident even on their first night experience.

What to Expect During Your Dives

On the first day, your instructor might focus on buoyancy control and navigation, providing tips that will improve your overall diving confidence. One reviewer mentions doing their buoyancy exercises and then moving onto navigation and ending with a night dive—experiences that are both fun and educational.

The deep dive allows you to push to 30 meters, expanding your comfort zone and understanding of pressure effects underwater. The wreck dive is a must-do for those who enjoy a bit of history and a more adventurous environment. Reviewers have expressed how they appreciated the chance to see a shipwreck, with one stating, “It was amazing and we saw so many fish.”

The Experience and the Instructors

The instructors at Koh Tao Scuba Club consistently receive high praise—for their patience, knowledge, and ability to create a safe atmosphere. Ae and Oni, in particular, are noted for their enthusiasm and professionalism. Several reviews mention how instructors like William, Edu, and Dinos took great care of their students, helping those who had ear issues or nerves feel comfortable and confident.

Reviewers also mention the fun, relaxed atmosphere—despite the technical nature of the training. The small group setting fosters more personalized attention and quick feedback, which many found invaluable.

Practical Details: Transportation, Timing, and Cost

The course includes pickup from your accommodation, making logistics a breeze. The price is around $314.78 per person, which offers excellent value considering it covers five dives, instruction, and equipment. The company’s commitment to small groups and personalized attention justifies the cost, especially as many reviewers highlight how much they learned and how safe they felt.

Timing-wise, expect to start at 9:30 am, with the last day potentially ending around late afternoon or evening depending on the dives completed. The flexibility to cancel free of charge up to 24 hours prior adds peace of mind, especially if weather conditions turn unfavorable.

Why This Course Is a Great Choice

From the glowing reviews, it’s clear that participants consistently felt safe, well cared for, and motivated by their instructors. Many mention how the course improved their buoyancy, navigation, and confidence, making future dives more enjoyable and less stressful.

The variety of dives, including wrecks and night dives, provides a comprehensive experience that goes beyond the basics, perfect for divers eager to broaden their underwater horizons. The inclusion of popular sites like Sail Rock and the wreck of HTMS Sattakut means you’ll get to see some of Koh Tao’s best spots while developing valuable skills.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Booking

While the course is generally praised, some reviewers note the early start times and the need for moderate physical fitness. Also, weather can sometimes affect dive plans, but the company’s flexible cancellation policy and professional staff help mitigate these issues.

Given the small group size and attentive instruction, expect a more tailored learning experience—perfect if you’re someone who thrives under personal guidance. Be prepared for some early mornings and potentially choppy waters, but rest assured, most find the effort well worth it.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love the SSI Advanced Adventurer Course?

This course is ideal for certified divers who want to expand their skills in a safe, friendly environment. If you’re keen to explore wrecks, venture into night diving, or improve your buoyancy and navigation, you’ll find this program both practical and exciting. The small group sizes, personalized instruction, and beautiful Koh Tao scenery make it a fantastic investment in your diving journey.

It’s perfect for those wanting a solid skill upgrade without the commitment of full specialty or professional courses. The variety of dives keeps the experience fresh and engaging, and the high praise from past participants confirms that you’ll be in good hands. If you’re ready to push your boundaries and discover new underwater worlds, this course offers a well-organized, memorable next step.

FAQs

Do I need any prior certifications to do this course? Yes, you should have an open water certification. This course is designed for certified divers wanting to improve or expand their skills.

How many dives are included in the course? There are five dives, each focusing on specific skills like buoyancy, navigation, deep diving, wreck exploration, and night diving.

Is transportation included? Yes, pickup from your accommodation is offered, making participation hassle-free.

What kind of instructor can I expect? Instructors like Edu, Oni, Ae, and William are praised for their patience, professionalism, and friendliness, ensuring a safe and enjoyable learning environment.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Absolutely. You can cancel free of charge at least 24 hours before the scheduled start, and you’ll get a full refund.

What is the maximum group size? The groups are small, with a maximum of four travelers, which allows for more personalized attention.

How long does the course take? It generally lasts 2-3 days, depending on weather conditions and how quickly your group progresses.

Is the course suitable for beginners or just advanced divers? It’s primarily aimed at certified divers looking to gain more skills and explore new environments, not complete beginners.

In summary, the SSI Advanced Adventurer course on Koh Tao offers a thorough, engaging way to upgrade your diving skills with expert instruction, all set against one of the world’s most beloved diving backdrops. Whether you’re eager to explore wrecks, master night diving, or simply gain more confidence underwater, this program provides a balanced mix of education, adventure, and the chance to see some of the most stunning marine life around.