Scuba Diving
6+ hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 91% of travelers
91% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$158
per adult
The Dive Academy
The Dive Academy
5
Scuba & SnorkellingBoat ToursWater SportsSpeed Boats Tours
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
The Dive Academy are an English owned and managed PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre and have been providing Scuba Diving on Koh Samui since 2002. We offer the highest standards of customer service, safety and fun and we have the best scuba diver training facilities on the island with our own speedboats, purpose built, deep training swimming pool and a full time team of Instructors speaking multiple languages. We offer a full range of PADI scuba diving courses, dive tours for certified divers, as well as VIP snorkeling tours to both Koh Tao & Angthong Marine Park. We offer e-Learning options on most PADI Courses enabling you to learn before you come on holiday! You can be assured that your scuba diving and snorkeling experience will be professional, safe, calm, yet passionate and fun, delivering the highest levels of customer service.
Bophut, Thailand
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,097 reviews
Excellent
1,003
Very good
68
Average
7
Poor
6
Terrible
13
310pres
Brooklyn, NY30 contributions
Jun 2020 • Solo
I was so glad that Dive Academy is back in action after the long lockdown. We did two amazing dives to Sail Rock. My rental equipment was first-rate, the trip to the site (on their speedboat) was fast and beautiful, and the staff were super friendly and helpful.
Definitely going with them from now on!
Definitely going with them from now on!
Written June 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Tom, thanks for taking the time to write this great review.
We had a terrific day at Sail Rock that day, I'm glad you enjoyed your time with us.
Written July 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alan W
Brisbane, Australia28 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I have just completed my IDC at the Dive Academy,they were fantastic. Really well structured and organized with the bonus of the staff being really helpful and great people. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them for any training or diving experiences
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Alan,
Thanks a lot for writing this review of your experience with us. As an academy we enjoy teaching at all levels, but instructor training is extra special as we can help people achieve their dream. It was great having you here for the last few weeks, and we wish you all the best in your future career as a diving instructor.
Written January 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MattSEdwards
Watford, UK16 contributions
Mar 2020
An amazing company, putting both customers and safety first. I completed my Open Water certification last year, and had such an amazing time, i booked again to take my Advanced Open Water last month. My instructor was Matt, who was amazing and very patient and comprehensive in his teaching approach. I was very happy to have Matt as my instructor. Visibility wasn't great in Koh Tao the day we went, but as i was going through my exam i wasn't too fussed. Visibility at Sail Rock was a lot better, and a far more enjoyable dive.
The lunches where great and plenty of food and drink for everyone. If you're looking for a professional dive company, with a great team, then look no further.....
The lunches where great and plenty of food and drink for everyone. If you're looking for a professional dive company, with a great team, then look no further.....
Written March 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Matt, thanks for this excellent review!
We always appreciate having repeat customers so thank you for completing these courses with us in consecutive years! We are glad we provide a service that is worth returning to, and we hope to see you in the future for more diving!
Written March 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
J V
Attleborough, UK1 contribution
Jan 2022 • Solo
Learnt to dive with the Dive Academy and did my advanced open water also. Great standard of teaching. Good fun! Only pool on the island specifically for dive training which was great. Had some fantastic dives. It was like swimming in giant aquarium packed with amazing coral and fish!
They were also very helpful with getting to know the local area, places to go and stay...
Thanks!
They were also very helpful with getting to know the local area, places to go and stay...
Thanks!
Written March 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dome S
Bangkok, Thailand18 contributions
Jul 2020
My gf and I went on a trip to Samui for a family getaway. My gf was taking AOW + Nitrox, while I only took Nitrox + fun dives. The Dive Academy was very flexible in having we dived together in every single dives. Matt was our instructor, and I can clearly notice a significant improvement on my gf's bouyancy control. We had a great time overall, esp. at Sail rock where the visibility couldn't have been better.
Written August 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to write this great review Dome! It's very useful that you are both now Nitrox certified. Hopefully you will now get the chance to explore more deep and exciting dive sites together!
Written September 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David H
2 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
I’m a ex-uk dive instructor and I wanted my 3 children (17,19 and 21) to experience diving so signed them up for the Open Water course. From the start they were incredibly helpful they all completed the online work before arriving in Ko Samui and all completed the pool work together and we got a 10% discount. Unfortunately next day my youngest was not well and so didn’t feel up to doing the 4 open water dives straight away, so the other two did the dives at Koh Tao and sail rock (where I joined them). They were incredibly helpful (especially Artur the manager) and ‘bent over backwards’ to fit my youngest in before the end of our holiday and even made Paul the same instructor that did the pool work available which gave her confidence. I joined her for all the OW dives as her siblings had already completed their course. The outcome was all 3 have now passed😄. The downside I had to do 6 dives instead of my planned 2, (4 at Sail Rock😎) which I guess I’ll just have to live with 😂😂
Written August 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BillB_10
United Kingdom515 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
A good day’s diving.
Long boat ride out from shore to dive site, but well worth it.
Diving spectacular - like diving in an aquarium!
As a qualified diver my buddy/guide was excellent (thanks Matt) but the unqualified people on the boat were well looked after by instructors.
Long boat ride out from shore to dive site, but well worth it.
Diving spectacular - like diving in an aquarium!
As a qualified diver my buddy/guide was excellent (thanks Matt) but the unqualified people on the boat were well looked after by instructors.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Bill
Thanks for your review. I'm glad diving in our waters made a nice change from the cold English quarries!
Written January 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Akim D
2 contributions
May 2021
I did a couple diving trips with the Dive Academy in April and May 2021. The team is super nice and very professional. The equipment was great, the speedboat is in perfect condition. I definitely recommend the Dive academy !
Written May 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim van Rensburg
Cape Town Central, South Africa51 contributions
Dec 2019
My daughters, aged 11 and 13, did their Scuba Diving Course at the Dive Academy. Julian, the instructor, was very patient and considerate to my young daughters. The diving instructors were thorough and safety orientated.
We did the first 12 m dive at Koh Tao which was unbelievable! The staff on board were helpful and professional!
I definitely recommend the Dive Academy!!!
We did the first 12 m dive at Koh Tao which was unbelievable! The staff on board were helpful and professional!
I definitely recommend the Dive Academy!!!
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Kim
Thanks for taking the time to write us this brilliant review. We are glad you all enjoyed your days on the boat with us!
Written January 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Menno K
2 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
I did my Divemaster internship with this tremendous Dive Center. Very well organized and very professional. I really felt like part of the team for 8 weeks and it was the best thing I everdone in my life.
Special thanks to my fellow Dutchmen and divecenter manager Richard my mentor Matt and off course Julian, Lin, Samira and Gan for the amazing experience!
If you are looking for a dive center on Samui... Don't hesitate and contact these guys immediately 😊
Special thanks to my fellow Dutchmen and divecenter manager Richard my mentor Matt and off course Julian, Lin, Samira and Gan for the amazing experience!
If you are looking for a dive center on Samui... Don't hesitate and contact these guys immediately 😊
Written April 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Menno, thanks for taking the time to write this excellent review!
As you know, all of us here at the dive academy really enjoy doing the divemaster programme as we get to spend a lot of time with students to build a rapport, and to teach the professional mindset. It's great to read that you felt part of the team as we all felt that way too!
All the best for your future career in diving.
Written April 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What dive spots around Koh Samui do you recommend? I’ve read that Sail Rock is FULL of divers! We are going to be there in early February. Thanks.
Written January 5, 2019
Hi there, Sail Rock is a popular site as it is the best dive site in the area but travelling with The Dive Academy by speedboat means you get to the site as one of the first boats there. Just let us know if you'd like to book, we have lots of trips to Sail Rock coming up!
Written February 1, 2019
I have my parents (age 73-decent swimmer & mother age-71 non swimmer) and me (age 42 PADI Advanced Open Water), would you be able to provide dive instructors to help with a snorkel expedition at the national park?
Written December 25, 2018
Hi,
Our instructors do accompany all of our tours including snorkeling and our Angthong trips. When are you thinking of coming to Samui?
For all information, we recommend sending an email to us.
Best regards,
Claire
Written January 3, 2019
I have my parents (age 73-decent swimmer & mother age-71 non swimmer) and me (age 42 PADI Advanced Open Water), would you be able to provide dive instructors to help with a snorkel expedition at the national park?
Written December 25, 2018
This should be answered by the Dive Academy
Written December 25, 2018
Hi,
Can you please tell me all the steps up to PADI divemaster from beginner. How many courses, dives, etc. does it mean and what would be the whole price.
Thank you,
Csaba
Written April 9, 2017
Hi Csaba, thanks for your enquiry.
If you could let us have your email address it will be easier for us to send you the information that way - there is a lot of information to share.
Or you can find us on Google and send us an email asking the questions and we will answer you.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Paul
Written April 10, 2017
Hi I have an 8 yr old son who is very keen on diving and snorkelling, he is a good swimmer, would he be allowed for diving and snorkelling
Written March 20, 2017
Hi Prachi,
The minimum age to start diving is 8 years old and they can complete a PADI programme called Bubblemaker, which is designed especially for young children between the ages of 8-10 years. If you would like more information on this programme, please send us an email and we can provide you with all of the details.
Best regards,
The Dive Academy
Written March 21, 2017
Hello, I would like to have my advanced open water course with you in April. I will be in Koh Samui 11-19 April, and I was thinking tohave the course right in the begining of that period, can you accomodate me? I have already written you using the form on your website but I didn't hear anything from you as yet.
Regards,
Sinziana
Written January 9, 2017
Hi Sinziana,
Sorry we do not appear to have received an email from you? Perhaps you could re-send it to us....
April is usually a great time to come to Koh Samui and we do have availability on the dates you mention.
Best regards,
Claire
Written January 10, 2017
Hi Sam,
November/December are usually rainy season on Samui. However that doesn't mean we are not able to go diving. As long as conditions are still ok then we do still dive. Generally speaking the best time for diving in Samui is March-September.
Best regards,
The Dive Academy
Written November 1, 2016
I will be in Koh Samui June 11th - 20th, 2016. I am looking for the best possible chance to dive with whale sharks and possibly sharks. Do you recommend a specific day and/or place to go out with The Dive Academy?
Written May 5, 2016
Hi there,
We do have whale shark sightings throughout the year across a few different dive sites. Unfortunately sightings are infrequent and so there is a lot of luck involved. The best location in the Gulf of Thailand with the possibility of seeing a whale shark is Sail Rock. Please contact us for more details on schedule and options available.
Written May 14, 2016
Hello, can anybody tell what the price is.
We would like to go snorkeling,
any suggestions?
Written December 27, 2015
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