Phuket: PADI Advanced Open Water Course 2 days/6 Dives

Getting your advanced diving certification in Phuket offers an exciting way to enhance your underwater skills while exploring some of Thailand’s most beautiful marine environments. This 2-day, 6-dive package is designed not just to teach you new techniques but to push your confidence and open up new possibilities for your diving adventures. Whether you’re a certified diver looking to upgrade or someone eager to explore deeper waters safely, this experience promises memorable moments beneath the waves.

What we love about this course is the focus on personalized instruction by experienced PADI instructors, the chance to visit stunning sites like Racha Yai and Racha Noi, and the inclusion of delicious onboard meals that make the whole experience feel like a mini island getaway. However, a possible consideration is the limited group size—while it ensures personalized attention, it also means early booking is advisable. This tour suits adventurous travelers eager to add depth (literally) to their diving skills and enjoy authentic Thai island scenery.

Good To Know

• Expert guidance: Small group sizes ensure personalized instruction from skilled PADI instructors.
• Stunning locations: Dive at renowned sites like Racha Yai and Racha Noi, famed for clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.
• All-inclusive experience: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and refreshments onboard make for a comfortable day on the water.
• Certification upgrade: Achieve your PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification and unlock more challenging dive sites.
• Convenient logistics: Free hotel pickup and drop-off from select Phuket areas simplify your start and end.
• Comprehensive course: Includes deep diving, navigation, and specialty adventure dives tailored to your interests.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: Why Consider This Course?

If you’ve already dipped your toes into scuba and want to explore more advanced skills, this Phuket-based PADI Advanced Open Water Course is an appealing option. It combines professional guidance, beautiful underwater scenery, and the chance to build confidence in a safe, supportive environment.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is its focus on practical skill-building while soaking in the stunning surroundings of Racha Yai and Racha Noi. We appreciate that the course isn’t just about certification, but about making you a more capable and independent diver, ready for deeper or more challenging sites.

Another plus? The onboard meals and relaxed atmosphere turn what could be a hectic day into a mini vacation, blending learning and leisure seamlessly. For those with limited time but a passion for diving, this 2-day course offers excellent value—the number of dives and the level of guidance provided are quite substantial.

That said, keep in mind the importance of medical fitness, especially if you have underlying conditions like asthma, sinus problems, or heart issues. The course is best suited for those comfortable with the idea of multiple dives per day, and for travelers who appreciate small-group experiences for more personalized attention.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: From Phuket to Racha Island

The adventure kicks off with a complimentary pickup from your hotel — whether you’re in Chalong, Patong, Karon, or nearby areas. The transfer takes about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to relax and review your digital learning materials with your instructor, who is fluent in English, Persian, or Thai. This prep time helps set a confident tone for the dives ahead.

Once at the pier, you’ll enjoy a light breakfast and safety briefing before heading out on the boat to Racha Island. The boat ride itself is a scenic 1.5-hour cruise, offering stunning views of the Andaman Sea and the surrounding islands. Many reviews mention the friendliness of the crew and the well-organized start.

Day 1: The First Dives at Racha Yai

The first dives are typically conducted at Racha Yai, renowned for its calm, clear waters and colorful coral reefs. Each dive lasts about 50 minutes, giving you a generous window to explore the underwater world. Reviewers like Miika praised their guide’s professionalism, noting, “He really knew what he was doing,” which made them feel safe despite initial nerves.

Between dives, you get a break to relax, enjoy fresh fruit and light snacks onboard, and take in the breathtaking scenery. The day wraps up with a hearty onboard lunch, often including Thai-style dishes, and some free time to swim or walk around the island’s beaches.

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Day 2: Racha Noi and More Skills

On the second day, you’ll head to Racha Noi, a slightly more advanced site known for its deeper waters and interesting underwater formations. This is where you’ll practice skills like deep diving and underwater navigation—core parts of the advanced certification. Expect about 50-minute sessions at each site, with personalized coaching from your instructor, as noted in reviews praising guides like Alla and Ben for their calm, clear explanations.

Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy more onboard meals and a relaxed pace, with ample opportunities to ask questions and refine your skills. The final dives often include optional specialty dives, tailored to your interests and the conditions, making each experience unique.

Day 2: Return to Phuket

After your last dive, there’s some free time before the boat ride back to Phuket. The return trip offers another chance to unwind, take photos of the islands, and reflect on your new skills. The comfortable van transfer back to your hotel makes the whole day convenient and fuss-free.

What Makes This Experience Stand Out?

Small Group Size

Limited to just three participants, this course offers much more than a typical large-group tour. You’ll receive personalized attention, which is crucial when mastering new skills or overcoming any nerves. Many reviewers, like Denis from Germany, emphasized how instructor Ben’s calm demeanor and clear explanations made all the difference.

Stunning Dive Sites with Excellent Visibility

Racha Yai and Racha Noi are praised for their crystal-clear waters, often cited for visibility that makes underwater photography and sighting marine life a joy. The reefs are vibrant, with abundant tropical fish and colorful corals, offering an authentic tropical diving experience.

Delicious, Well-Prepared Meals

Onboard, you’ll enjoy hearty breakfasts, fresh fruit, Thai dishes, and snacks, all served with a view. Miriam’s review pointed out that the food was “a bit limited for the number of people,” but generally, most felt the meals added a relaxing, flavorsome touch to their days.

Flexible Certification Pathway

This course upgrades your diving skills and earns you the globally recognized PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification. This opens doors to more challenging dive sites worldwide, making it a practical investment for traveling divers.

Convenient Logistics

The included free pickup from multiple Phuket locations and seamless boat transfers remove much of the usual hassle. The days are well-paced, with enough breaks and free time to recharge and enjoy the scenery.

Practical Aspects: What Travelers Should Know

Duration and Schedule

Spanning two days, this experience balances learning and leisure. Starting times vary, so checking availability is essential. The full-day boat rides and dives mean you should plan to set aside a couple of full days.

Inclusions and Meals

The onboard meals—breakfast, lunch, snacks, and refreshments—are included, making the cost more justified. Reviewers have noted the quality varies, but most find the food satisfying and filling, ideal for refueling after dives.

Group Size and Personal Attention

Limited to three participants, the class allows for tailored coaching. This is especially beneficial if you’re nervous or eager to refine specific skills, as many reviewers appreciated instructors’ patience and professionalism.

Transportation and Pickup

Free pickup is available from key Phuket areas like Kamala, Patong, Karon, and Kata, with additional charges for other locations. The transfer is smooth, and most reviews mention punctuality.

Cost and Value

While the exact price isn’t specified here, considering it includes 6 dives, meals, transfers, and certification, it offers good value, especially for those seeking a comprehensive, personalized course.

Medical Fitness

Participants are advised to review medical conditions such as sinus problems, ear issues, heart conditions, or recent surgeries. Diving requires physical readiness, and the tour emphasizes this to ensure safety.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Many reviews highlight the quality of instruction and the friendliness of guides. Miriam called her instructor a “Super Tauchlehrer,” while Miika appreciated how their guide made them feel comfortable despite initial fears. Others mention the food onboard as a positive surprise, with the meals serving as a relaxing break rather than just fuel.

Some reviewers, like those from GetYourGuide, pointed out the importance of booking directly or with local operators for better value. A few found the boat crowded or the food less impressive, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule.

The overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 reflects a high level of satisfaction, especially considering the small group sizes and personalized approach.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This course appeals most to beginners with some diving experience looking to upgrade their skills, and certified divers wanting to explore more challenging sites. Its small-group format suits travelers who value personalized attention and safety.

If you’re seeking a relaxed, well-organized experience with stunning underwater scenery, delicious food, and expert guidance, this tour offers significant value. However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with recent surgeries, or individuals with serious medical conditions, as diving involves certain health considerations.

The Sum Up

This Phuket PADI Advanced Open Water Course is a smart investment for anyone eager to expand their diving horizons while enjoying the stunning waters of Thailand’s Racha Islands. Its blend of professional instruction, beautiful sites, and thoughtful logistics makes it a compelling choice for small groups who want a personalized, memorable experience.

The inclusion of 6 dives over 2 days allows ample opportunity to practice new skills, explore deeper waters, and gain confidence—all within a relaxed, friendly environment. If you’re ready to take your diving to the next level, this experience offers both adventure and certification at a fair price point.

Overall, it’s ideal for travelers who appreciate authentic, well-organized tours that focus on quality, safety, and genuine underwater beauty.

FAQ

Do I need to know how to swim to join this course?
No, participants do not need to know how to swim. The course is designed to accommodate all levels of comfort in the water.

How long are the dives?
Each dive lasts approximately 50 minutes or until the scuba tank reaches 50 bars of pressure.

Is the course suitable for beginners?
While it’s an advanced course, it’s open to certified divers and those eager to upgrade skills. No prior certification is required for participation.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, a camera, and your medical fitness review are recommended.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and refreshments are provided onboard for a comfortable experience.

What about medical conditions?
You should confirm your medical fitness before booking, especially if you have conditions like asthma, ear problems, or recent surgeries.

How do pickups work?
Free pickups are available from Chalong, Patong, Karon, and Kata, with additional charges for other Phuket areas.

Can non-certified divers join?
This is primarily a certification upgrade course; non-certified divers should look for introductory or discover scuba experiences.

Is the group size limited?
Yes, groups are capped at 3 participants to ensure personalized coaching and safety.

What’s the best time of year for this experience?
While not specified here, Phuket generally offers good diving conditions year-round, with the dry season from November to April typically ideal.

This detailed review aims to help you decide if this Phuket PADI Advanced Open Water Course fits your diving goals. With its focus on quality, authentic underwater exploration, and expert guides, it’s a rewarding choice for those ready to deepen their diving adventures.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby