Phuket is one of Thailand's main diving hubs, with dive schools offering everything from a single taster dive through to full instructor-level certification.
Discover Scuba Diving
A short, no-certification-required taster session combining brief theory with a shallow, guided dive — a good way to try diving before committing to a full course.
Open Water certification
The standard entry-level certification (PADI Open Water or equivalent), typically run over 3-4 days combining theory, pool practice and open-water dives — the most common course booked by first-time certified divers.
Advanced and specialty courses
Once certified, divers can progress through Advanced Open Water and a range of specialty certifications (night diving, wreck diving, Nitrox) — Phuket's dive schools generally offer the full progression rather than just entry-level courses.
Choosing a dive school
Look for schools affiliated with a recognised certifying body (PADI, SSI and similar), reasonable class sizes, and clear safety briefings — price alone is a poor way to judge a dive school given how much safety depends on instructor quality and group size.