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The Dive Academy is an English owned and managed PADI 5 Star Instructor...
The Dive Academy is an English owned and managed PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre based at Bandara Resort in Bophut and on the main ring road in Bophut on the island of Koh Samui, Thailand. We offer the full range of PADI Diving courses, dive tours for certified divers as well as VIP snorkeling tours.
We have been on Samui since 2002 so have the experience and knowledge to make the most of your diving & snorkeling around Samui. Being the highest ranking PADI dive centre on the island means you can be assured that your experience will be professional, safe, calm, yet passionate and fun, delivering the highest levels of customer service.
We are the only dive centre on Samui who have their own facilities all contained in one location. Our main dive centre has 2 modern, comfortable, air-conditioned training rooms allowing customers to learn in a relaxed and friendly environment. We have our own purpose built, 4m deep, swimming pool located on site which is perfect for simulating real diving in a safe, training environment, so you will not be transported elsewhere to use a public swimming pool. You are also able to browse our retail section which is located in store, for any items you may need for diving. We also have our own 2 engine speedboat, designed especially for diving to make your entries and exists that much easier.
Internet forums such as Trip Advisor provide a great feedback tool for customers, however please also always check out the company website, whether the company is registered with a diving organisation such as PADI and are operating legally within the laws of that country which require them to have licenses and insurance in order to offer diving services to tourists. If you are able to do so, visit the dive centre first to check out the facilities and staff. Unfortunately internet forums do not always represent the full picture as people can assume that good reviews mean everything else is in place - and you want to ensure you stay safe as well as have a good time!
Contacted this dive centre before traveling and went to see them at the office after arriving explained what I wanted to do the staff I met at first were very helpful and liked... read more
Contributor
6 reviews
3 attraction reviews
1 helpful vote
Koh Tao is known as the right place to go (and stay) if you want to experience diving in this part of the Thailand gulf. Nevertheless, The Dive Academy in Koh Samui offers an excellent alternative to go diving without leaving you stay in Koh Samui. Prices are pretty comparable with those in Koh Tao and in addition, The Dive...
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Thank juancgarciab
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Contributor
10 reviews
7 helpful votes
Contacted this dive centre before traveling and went to see them at the office after arriving explained what I wanted to do the staff I met at first were very helpful and liked the no nonsense attitude enjoyed the days out that I had and the people on the boats, thanks to Ena,Steve,Nick,Claire,Leo and Paul dive sites excellent and hope...
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Thank joe q
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Contributor
2 reviews
3 helpful votes
This was a group of 4 people, myself, my partner, her daughter and my friend. It started by the 4 of us being welcomed by a friendly group of staff, followed by the offer of water, tea or coffee. Then our instructor, Paul, explained that we would be doing a try dive in their pool, which I will say is...
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Thank pepzy1664
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Contributor
29 reviews
5 helpful votes
The staff are very friendly and extremely helpful. They made us very comfortable at our dives, as it had been a long time since our last dives. They have very high powered boats that ensure very fast transfer to the dive sites in Koh Tao. The company is run by a very experienced British couple. All in all, an amazing...
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Thank Lara D
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Hi Lara,
Thanks very much for taking the time to write a review. We're glad you had a great day and you enjoyed your time with us after such a long time diving.
See you again soon hopefully!
Best regards,
Claire
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2 reviews
I went snorkelling and my 9 year old daughter my did the bubble maker trip. We both had an amazing time. My daughter says the experience was "magical." We had good weather conditions and so she was able to dive in open water, with swimming pool conditions. A huge shoal of fish surrounded her while she was scuba diving, she...
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Thank jacquelinesA1262RD
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Hi Jacqui,
Thanks for taking the time to write a review. It's great when kids start at a young age as they are so excited and love the experience very much! Hopefully next year, you can get Mayah certified and you can both dive together for a great experience.
Best regards,
The Dive Academy
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Contributor
34 reviews
10 attraction reviews
27 helpful votes
They had a office at our hotel "Bandara resort" where "Steve" gave us some info on upgrading our certificate and doing a dive. We went back the next day to book the course where he gave us a price but said we couldn't start the next day as the staff were on training (his exact words) so I said how...
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1
Thank David K
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Hi David,
We are very sorry and feel sad that you say we ruined your whole holiday because one of our staff accidentally quoted you an incorrect price.
We understand this would be frustrating but our prices are fully available on our website and so we would have no reason to deliberately tell you something different. We don't understand where...
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1 review
Completed my open water certification with the Dive Academy , Koh Samui . Claire and Paul run a extremely professional operation , conveniently located off Bophut beach next to the main resorts and operating two amazing fast and comfortable dive boats. A very safety focused dive operation so you know you are in good hands . The dive instructors I...
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Thank Brook s
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Hi Brook,
Thanks for taking the time to write a review of your experience. It was a pleasure having you with us and safety is our priority whilst keeping the course and diving fun! Leo is a very patient instructor and its great to hear he gave you confidence to become a competent certified diver.
Best regards,
The Dive Academy
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Contributor
5 reviews
6 helpful votes
I enrolled in the Open Water course at the Dive Academy- 2.5 day course, with pre-requisit to complete some theory work beforehand.
Overall I had a great experience! My instructor Inna was patient, calm, and collected- especially when I needed a bit longer to complete some of the mandatory underwater exercises and improve upon my buoyancy. Highlight of the course...
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Thank Johnleehy
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Hi John,
Thanks for taking the time to write a review about your experience of The Dive Academy and well done again on becoming a certified diver!
All of our Instructors have great experience to share with you and are keen to help you learn in a fun but safe way. Sail Rock is indeed a fantastic dive site and...
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1 review
Our instructor Steve was very professional which was reassuring since it was our first time diving. We made two dives in Koh Tao and had a great time seeing fish and coral.
We attended the introductory pool session the day before the dive which was helpful in getting us comfortable with the equipment and practice a few skills you will...
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Thank Michelle W
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Hi Michelle,
Thanks for taking the time to write a review of your experience. Steve is a very experienced instructor who will always ensure you feel comfortable in the water.
When booking the Discover Scuba Diving experience, we offer the pool session a day or two before for free. It is not mandatory, just something we offer as an additional...
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Contributor
10 reviews
3 attraction reviews
3 helpful votes
Diving has always been the top priority for me but was very apprehensive getting the kids into the water, mainly bc of safety reasons. But the academy staff were excellent and put my mind at ease. They check and re check their equipment, give each driver adequate time, explain in leisure and make sure that we are clear with the...
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Thank smitashree1
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Hi guys,
It was a great pleasure having you with us and we're glad you had such a great experience! You were all naturals and great fun as well. We look forward to welcoming you back to complete your Open Water courses!
Best regards,
The Dive Academy
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