Scuba Diving for Certified Divers from Koh Yao Yai

If you’re a certified diver eyeing a new adventure in Thailand, this scuba diving experience on Koh Yao Yai offers a balanced mix of quality, convenience, and authentic marine encounters. The company, Elixir Divers, has earned glowing reviews for their professionalism and personalized approach, making this a standout choice for those seeking small-group diving with a local touch.

What we love about this tour are the small, intimate group sizes, the short boat rides to spectacular sites, and the expert guidance from highly experienced instructors. Plus, the brand new speedboat equipped with modern amenities ensures comfort on the journey. The only potential consideration? The activity is limited to divers with certification, so it’s not for complete newbies.

This trip is ideal for adventurers with some diving experience who want reliable, well-organized trips in a beautiful setting. It suits travelers seeking personalized service, quick access to prime dive sites, and a chance to explore the underwater world of the Andaman Sea without the crowds.

Good To Know

• Small-group diving ensures personalized attention and safety.
• Short travel times (around 20 minutes) to top dive sites maximize underwater time.
• Expert PADI instructors make sure you get thorough briefings and a safe experience.
• Premium equipment and boat facilities add comfort and reliability.
• Authentic marine encounters with coral reefs and reef fish.
• Price point around $162 makes it a good value for the quality and service offered.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Koh Yao Yai

The tour departs from Elixir Divers & Speedboat Tours, conveniently located on Koh Yao Yai, with a meeting time about 30 minutes before the scheduled dive. This allows enough time for equipment fitting, paperwork, and a brief chat with your guides—who are known for their friendliness and professionalism.

The Journey to the Dive Sites

Expect a roughly 20-minute cruise on a modern 43-foot speedboat that feels more like a luxury ride than a typical boat. Reviewers consistently mention the boat’s cleanliness, comfort, and onboard amenities like marine toilets and showers, which are nice touches after a morning of diving.

The Dive Sites: SharkPoint & Anemone Reef

The highlight of this tour is reaching Thailand’s top dive sites—SharkPoint and Anemone Reef—in just a short trip. These sites are renowned for their abundance of marine life, coral formations, and the chance to see larger species like reef sharks, as the name suggests.

A reviewer points out, “We reached two lovely dive sites with a 3 divers to 1 guide ratio, which means more personalized attention”—a key feature for those who value safety and tailored guidance. The short distances mean less time in transit and more time underwater, which makes the overall experience more rewarding.

Underwater Experience

While the tour primarily caters to certified divers, reviewers describe the quality of gear and briefings as excellent. One mentions, “The equipment is new and of very good quality,” which is crucial for a comfortable and safe dive. Expect to explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with fish, with knowledgeable guides sharing insights about the marine ecosystem.

Post-Dive and Return

After your dives, you’ll have access to soft drinks and fresh fruit onboard, providing a refreshing break. The entire activity lasts approximately 5 hours, making it a manageable half-day outing that leaves plenty of time for the rest of your day on Koh Yao Yai.

The Experience from the Guides and Reviews

The reviews paint a clear picture of a well-run operation. Igor, the owner, is praised for his accommodating nature and the seamless organization he and his team provide. One reviewer notes, “The equipment was new, their organization was flawless, and the guides were very knowledgeable,” emphasizing how smooth the process is from booking to returning.

Guides are described as friendly, professional, and knowledgeable, with a good understanding of the local dive sites. Several reviews mention the comfort and safety of the operation. For example, “Everyone on the boat was very competent and we felt very safe,” is a common sentiment, especially appealing to divers who prefer trusting guides.

Real-World Insights

Many reviewers have highlighted the small group size—usually 4 to 10 divers—which fosters a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere. This setup is perfect for divers who don’t enjoy large tour groups and want more direct interaction with their guides.

Interestingly, the cost of the full package, including gear and boat ride, is approximately 130-140 USD per two dives, which many find to be a fair value given the quality of service and equipment.

Practical Aspects and Logistics

What’s Included and Not

Included in the tour are full scuba gear, bottled water, and an English-speaking guide. The fact that the crew handles all the equipment setup means less hassle for you and more focus on enjoying the underwater sights.

However, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point. The meeting point is centrally located, and many travelers leave their rental scooters at the pier or opt for a local taxi, which is straightforward.

Costs and Additional Fees

The tour price is $161.99 per person, which covers all essentials. For diving at Phi Phi Islands, there’s a 600 THB fee per diver for the national park—something to keep in mind if you plan on extending your diving adventures there.

Booking and Cancellation

Most travelers book about 25 days in advance, indicating good availability, and the free cancellation policy provides peace of mind. Just ensure you cancel at least 24 hours prior if your plans change.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for certified divers who want a relaxed, small-group atmosphere with a focus on quality and safety. It’s ideal if you appreciate personalized attention, new equipment, and expert guides who know the local marine environment well.

It’s best suited for those who want to maximize underwater time with minimal boat travel, and who enjoy the convenience of a well-organized operation. If you’re a diver seeking a trusted, professional adventure with local charm, this tour on Koh Yao Yai will suit you well.

Final Thoughts

This scuba trip combines the best of Thailand’s underwater attractions with a professional, friendly team. The short boat rides mean more time exploring reefs, and the small group size ensures a relaxed, safe environment. The high-quality equipment and well-organized logistics make it a solid choice for certified divers wanting a hassle-free day of underwater discovery.

While it’s not aimed at beginners—since certification is required—it’s an excellent pick for those with some dive experience looking for reliable gear, expert guides, and authentic marine encounters. The consistent praise from reviewers about their knowledge, professionalism, and the stunning sites confirms that this is a top-tier option in Koh Yao Yai.

If you value personalized service, safety, and quick access to incredible dive sites, this tour offers a practical and memorable way to explore the underwater world of Thailand.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
No, it’s designed for certified divers. You need at least open water certification to join.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes all scuba equipment, bottled water, and an English-speaking guide. The boat ride and gear setup are also covered.

How long does the activity last?
The entire experience lasts around 5 hours, from meeting at the center to returning.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to get to the meeting point by scooter, taxi, or other means.

What are the main dive sites?
SharkPoint and Anemone Reef, both famous for their marine life and coral formations, just about 20 minutes from Koh Yao Yai.

Is there any additional fee I should be aware of?
For dives at Phi Phi Islands, there is a 600 THB fee per diver for the national park.

This diving experience on Koh Yao Yai is a dependable, well-organized option for certified divers craving a hassle-free day exploring stunning underwater vistas with a friendly local team that truly knows their stuff.