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

Taking your diving skills to the next level is a rewarding journey, especially in a stunning setting like Koh Kood in Thailand. The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course offered by bbdivers is designed to refine your techniques, boost your confidence, and give you the chance to explore more challenging and exciting dive sites. With a solid track record of five-star reviews and a perfect rating of 5.0 from 23 participants, this course has earned its reputation as one of the best ways to improve your diving in a relaxed, friendly environment.

What we really love about this course is the small group size — a maximum of four travelers — which ensures personalized attention from expert instructors like Manu and Marcus. You’ll get expert guidance, quality equipment, and a fun atmosphere that makes learning feel more like an adventure than a classroom session. The inclusion of an extra fun dive as part of the package is a thoughtful bonus, giving you a chance to put your new skills into practice in a laid-back setting.

One thing to consider is that this experience does require a bit of time commitment over two days, and you’ll need to factor in international park entrance fees if you plan to visit Koh Rang National Park — an additional expense not included in the price. It’s best suited for those who already have some open water experience or are eager to upgrade their skills in a tropical paradise.

This tour is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their diving knowledge, gain confidence, and enjoy some of the most beautiful underwater scenery Thailand has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned diver seeking a refresher or a newer diver ready for the next step, this course promises both education and a good dose of fun.

Key Points

• Small group sizes ensure personalized instruction and close attention.
• Five specialty dives allow you to customize your experience and learn new skills.
• Expert guides, like Manu and Marcus, focus heavily on safety while keeping the atmosphere friendly.
• Inclusion of an extra fun dive adds real value and confidence-building.
• All-inclusive amenities such as buffet lunch, snacks, beverages, and hotel pickup make it hassle-free.
• Price point ($547.79 per person) offers excellent value considering the personalized coaching, equipment, and multiple dives.
• Flexible scheduling allows booking from Monday to Sunday, with confirmation within 48 hours.
• Additional costs such as park entrance fees (Koh Rang National Park) are not included.

A Closer Look at the Experience

What the Course Entails

The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course spans approximately two days, making it accessible even for those with busy schedules. The program includes five specialized training dives, with core focus on Deep and Navigation dives. These foundational dives are essential for building confidence in controlling your buoyancy and understanding underwater navigation, skills that are crucial for more adventurous diving.

Beyond these core dives, you get to choose three additional specialties—options like digital photography, naturalist, night dive, or search and recovery—depending on your interests. This flexibility means your adventure is tailored to your preferences, whether that’s capturing stunning underwater moments or exploring nocturnal marine life.

The Guided Dives & Instruction

Guided by passionate professionals like Manu and Marcus, you’ll find their focus is on safety, fun, and skill development. Reviewers mention Marcus as “fantastic” and a guide who “made the course a fun experience,” emphasizing his professionalism and ability to keep things lighthearted. Manu’s empathetic, patient approach — described as “conscientious and humorous” — creates a comfortable learning environment, especially for newer divers or those nervous about the advanced level.

The Food & Comfort

Expect a buffet lunch, snacks, and beverages — including coffee and tea — provided on the boat. Reviewers highlight the delicious food and tapas-style snacks, adding a relaxing touch to the busy diving schedule. The boat crew is described as “super efficient,” making the entire day smooth and enjoyable, from pickup to drop-off.

The Underwater Settings

While the specific dive sites are not detailed, the reviews note the “stunning views” and “beautiful underwater scenery” accessible in Koh Kood’s waters. The presence of Koh Rang National Park as a park fee is worth noting if you want to explore beyond the usual sites. Expect clear waters, vibrant marine life, and plenty of coral formations that will thrill underwater photographers and naturalists alike.

Logistics & Practicalities

• Pickup & Drop-off: Hotel pickup is included, adding convenience and saving time.
• Duration: The course lasts around two days, which balances comprehensive learning with a relaxed tropical pace.
• Group Size: Limited to four travelers, ensuring you receive personalized guidance.
• Weather & Cancellations: Confirmations come within 48 hours and are weather-dependent; poor weather might mean rescheduling, but options are available.

The Real-World Insights from Reviews

Guests consistently praise the staff’s professionalism, safety-first attitude, and genuine friendliness. Many mention how the instructors—notably Manu—explain things clearly, making the complex skills of navigation and deep diving accessible and fun. Reviewers also highlight the quality equipment and the boat crew’s efficiency, which contributes to a seamless experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This course fits divers with some open water experience who want to push their skills further in a beautiful, stress-free environment. It’s also ideal for those seeking personalized attention due to the small group size. If you’re interested in exploring underwater photography, night diving, or search & recovery, this flexibility makes it appealing.

It’s less suitable for complete beginners or those looking for a quick, single-day experience, as the course covers a lot of ground and requires a two-day commitment. However, the rich mix of skills and the relaxed atmosphere make it a perfect choice for adventurous, safety-conscious divers eager to expand their horizons.

The Sum Up

This PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course in Koh Kood provides a well-rounded, engaging way to develop your diving skills without feeling overwhelmed. The focus on safety, personalized instruction, and flexible specialties means you’ll leave more confident and excited about what’s beneath the surface. The inclusion of a relaxed tropical environment, delicious food, and professional guides creates a memorable experience that balances learning with fun.

If you’re a diver wanting to deepen your technical abilities, explore new underwater worlds, or simply enjoy a stress-free, small-group environment with expert support, this tour is a great choice. The value for money is clear when considering the quality of instruction, the included amenities, and the personalized attention that you’ll receive throughout.

While it’s perfect for those with some prior diving experience, absolute beginners may prefer a more introductory course first. Experienced divers looking for a relaxed yet comprehensive upgrade will find this experience especially rewarding.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making logistics hassle-free.

How many dives are included?
There are five specialty dives, with the option for an extra fun dive either on the first or last day.

Can I choose my specialties?
Yes, the course allows you to select your preferred specialties from options like digital photography, night dive, naturalist, and more.

What’s the price?
The course costs around $547.79 per person, offering great value considering the personalized instruction, equipment, and food.

Is there a minimum age or experience requirement?
Most travelers can participate, but some prior open water experience is typically recommended for the advanced course.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date.

Are the guides experienced?
Absolutely. Guests rave about Manu and Marcus, highlighting their professionalism, friendliness, and safety focus.

Are additional fees charged?
Yes, entrance fees for Koh Rang National Park are not included, so plan for that extra expense if you visit the park.

This detailed review shows that the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course on Koh Kood promises a thorough, enjoyable upgrade to your diving skills. It’s a perfect fit for curious, safety-conscious divers seeking expert guidance in a stunning tropical setting.