Indepth Dive Centre
Indepth Dive Centre
5
Scuba & SnorkellingBoat ToursSpeed Boats ToursKayaking & CanoeingDay Trips
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
Indepth Dive Centre PADI 5* IDC & TecRec Centre S-36108, formed in 2002, is owned and managed by British PADI Course Director Chris Owen with 30 years experience of diving and managing dive centres in both the Gulf of Thailand and on the Andaman coast. Chris has been conducting hugely successful PADI Instructor Courses and scuba diving internship packages for over years. Indepth offers a full range of PADI and Tec courses from beginner up to Instructor in most languages. Indepth Dive Centre (IDC) is located next to Chalong Pier and is a purpose built dive centre with uniquely designed state of the art classrooms. Indepth uses two purpose-built training pools, only a few minutes walk. IDC also offers a complete range of daily Phuket dive trips and Phuket Diving Tours to the local dive sites, including Phi Phi. As well as liveaboard diving tours and safaris to suit all budgets. PADI Courses | Day trips | Liveaboard | Nitrox | Equipment Retail | Snorkeling | Accommodation | Tec diving
Chalong, Thailand
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Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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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
216 reviews
Excellent
213
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Martin P
2 contributions
Jun 2022
My girlfriend and I took the PADI ReActivate refresher course which included 3 dives as well. We selected to do this with Indepth Dive Center largely because of their professionalism and customer service. Chris was excellent in helping us decide whether we should take the course, and explained the benefits, etc.
We each had our own instructor, electing to pay the additional cost of this approach. It had been almost 15 years since our last dive, and Chris explained the benefits of the ReActivate program. By each of us having our own instructor, this would ensure that both my girlfriend and I could go at our own pace in terms of refreshing our dive skills. The dive boat that we took included many other dive shops and clients. Some of the other dive shops we had contacted were on the same boat, and we were really happy that we selected InDepth because by far, their instructors were more professional in all respects than the instructors we met from the other dive shops! The instructors from InDepth ensured that we were comfortable practicing our dive skills, and they were patient and extremely competent! We did not feel the same way about some of the other dive shop instructors, based on the way they interacted with their students/clients. Boy were we glad that we selected InDepth! They definitely demonstrate what a five star PADI dive center really means, in terms of equipment selection, experience, competence, and professionalism. If you are looking for the best dive center in Phuket, i would not hesitate to recommend InDepth Dive Center!
We each had our own instructor, electing to pay the additional cost of this approach. It had been almost 15 years since our last dive, and Chris explained the benefits of the ReActivate program. By each of us having our own instructor, this would ensure that both my girlfriend and I could go at our own pace in terms of refreshing our dive skills. The dive boat that we took included many other dive shops and clients. Some of the other dive shops we had contacted were on the same boat, and we were really happy that we selected InDepth because by far, their instructors were more professional in all respects than the instructors we met from the other dive shops! The instructors from InDepth ensured that we were comfortable practicing our dive skills, and they were patient and extremely competent! We did not feel the same way about some of the other dive shop instructors, based on the way they interacted with their students/clients. Boy were we glad that we selected InDepth! They definitely demonstrate what a five star PADI dive center really means, in terms of equipment selection, experience, competence, and professionalism. If you are looking for the best dive center in Phuket, i would not hesitate to recommend InDepth Dive Center!
Written October 20, 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.
Many thanks for taking the time to write us a review, we do value feedback, both positive and negative, otherwise we cannot improve the services we provide.
It's not often I am lost for words, but all I can say is thank you for the feedback, and I am very, very pleased to hear that you enjoyed your time with us. We DO try and provide the very best in customer service and customer experience, as we would expect if we were the customer, and from your wonderful indepth review (pun intended : ) it looks like we did.
RE: other dive centres and instructors, all I can say is that we focus on our business and what we provide, and we don't really watch what other dive centres or instructors do. Having been teaching people to become PADI Instructors since 2000 when I became a PADI Course Director, I mainly employ staff who I have taught myself, or instructors who I know will maintain our high standards.
Thank you once again for taking the time to write such a detailed review, and we look forward to hopefully seeing you both back again one day.
Happy Diving ...
Chris and The Indepth Dive Team
Written October 24, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brian Julian
Los Angeles, CA96 contributions
Jan 2020
I'm an Advanced Open Water Diver with Nitrox Certification and I was skeptical about diving in Thailand. So many people get certified here that many of the groups are a mixed bag and it's not uncommon to have groups surface after 20 minutes because of a newly certified diver. I didn't want that experience and once Chris understood that, he facilitated an amazing experience. After connecting me to their Office Manager, Nok, they took care of much of the hassle getting set up. Nok also kindly gave me some local tips as well, which was great.
The dive itself went really well, primarily because of my instructor/guide, Vicki. Even though we didn't really see that much at Phi Phi (no sharks @ shark point, unfortunately) and the visibility wasn't that great. However, because of her amazing, can-do, fun and bubbly (pun intended) personality and guiding, she made all 3 dives extremely easy going and fun. She's also phenomenal at not only spotting incredible wildlife but also photographing it too. She sent me a bunch of amazing photos from the trip, which will always be a nice keepsake and souvenir in the days, weeks, and months to come. Highly recommended!
The dive itself went really well, primarily because of my instructor/guide, Vicki. Even though we didn't really see that much at Phi Phi (no sharks @ shark point, unfortunately) and the visibility wasn't that great. However, because of her amazing, can-do, fun and bubbly (pun intended) personality and guiding, she made all 3 dives extremely easy going and fun. She's also phenomenal at not only spotting incredible wildlife but also photographing it too. She sent me a bunch of amazing photos from the trip, which will always be a nice keepsake and souvenir in the days, weeks, and months to come. Highly recommended!
Written January 14, 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 Brian,
Many thanks for taking the time to write a review, and very pleased to hear you enjoyed your time with us. And yes Vicki is extremely good and my favourite instructors. Thank you again and hope to see you again one day.
Happy Diving!!!
Chris, Nok and Vicki
Written January 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DrPhil
London, UK15 contributions
Apr 2022
I did my PADI IDC with Chris Owen, the owner of Indepth, and despite my ineptitude in terms of getting my head round some of the theory, Chris was supremely patient and got me through the Instructor Exams with flying colours! I chose Indepth because of the friendly responses to my email enquiries and the excellent facilities available for learning (e.g air conditioned classrooms, sofa and kitchen area etc). Doing pleasure dives with Indepth is just that, a pleasure. You get what you pay for when diving in Phuket and with Indepth that means no more big, disorganised groups of mixed ability divers and early surfacing as one of the group runs low on air - you get your own guide and this ensures not just safety, but long dives and the best possible experience above and below the water. Very much looking forward to going back in 2023!!
Written November 12, 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.
Hi Phil,
Many, many thanks for taking the time to write us a review, very much appreciated. And thank you for your kind words, it always been a pleasure to work with you both as a student and a fellow PADI Instructor and a diver.
We do do our very best in the way of customer service and giving all our customers, new and old alike, the very best scuba diving experience in Phuket that we can. It was awesome to see you this again this year after such a long time and we very much look forward to seeing you again next year.
Have a fantastic Christmas and New Year and we look forward to diving with you next year.
Happy Diving ...
Chris and The Indepth Dive Team
Written November 14, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Home E
1 contribution
Nov 2021
Best Individuell Phuket Dive Centre
If you are going for diving on Phuket now it's the best time. Indepth is going to all famose dive spots around Phuket. If you prefer diving individual and not in groups where you have to follow the weakest diver i strongly recommend to book your trips here. Chris (the owner) will make your diving to a great event which is apart from the group diving you can find in all the other dive shops. I usually go with air but any kind of tech diving is as well supported by equipment and deep knowledge.
If you are going for diving on Phuket now it's the best time. Indepth is going to all famose dive spots around Phuket. If you prefer diving individual and not in groups where you have to follow the weakest diver i strongly recommend to book your trips here. Chris (the owner) will make your diving to a great event which is apart from the group diving you can find in all the other dive shops. I usually go with air but any kind of tech diving is as well supported by equipment and deep knowledge.
Written November 30, 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.
Hi Harald,
Thank you for taking the taking the time to write a rewiew, very much appreciated. And thank you again for choosing us. I am pleased you enjoyed you week's divig on the local Phuket dive sites and your Liveaboard out to the Similans and Surin Islands. I hope you are enjoying the rest of your holiday and hope to see you next time you are in Thailand.
Happy Diving ...
Chris and The Indepth Dive Team
Written December 2, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Graham B
Coventry, UK29 contributions
May 2022
I enjoyed diving around Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi with Indepth and they were friendly and professional. They provided clear information, their transport to take me to the pier arrived on time and everything went smoothly and as planned. Our dive guide was clearly a very experienced who knew the dive sites. He gave great briefings before the dive and ensured that we saw as much as possible during the dive.
I will no doubt dive with Indepth again on future trips to Phuket and I am very happy to recommend them.
I will no doubt dive with Indepth again on future trips to Phuket and I am very happy to recommend them.
Written July 4, 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.
Hi Graham,
Many thanks for your kind words and taking the time to write us a review. It was a pleasure to have had the chance to take you diving, and we do do our very best to provide the best possible service that we can. I will let your instructor know, and we look forward to seeing you again one day.
Thank you again, Happy Diving ...
Chris and The Indepth Dive Team
Written July 4, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Uvis S
2 contributions
Mar 2022
Excellent PADI IDC experience!
I did my PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor Course and additional speciality courses with Chris Owen who is the Course Director and the owner of Indepth Dive Centre, and would recommend to others who desire to learn more about diving.
The programme felt very well designed, was nicely structured, and I really liked how it was run. Although Chris was very friendly, when it came to the actual course work, he had very high expectations, and this made me feel that he truly cared not only how I would perform at the Instructor Exam itself, but as a diver and as an instructor in general. Honestly, once I got to the exam itself, I felt very prepared, but only because of how much effort Chris put into helping me hone my skills. His professional, no-nonsense and productively critical attitude mixed with a great sense of humour and caring for students was exactly the qualities I was looking for in a teacher.
The Centre's facilities were well kept and modern, and kept us cool while doing class work and presentations. We had all the equipment available when needed and there were no issues with logistics which felt smoothly organised from start to finish contributing to the great customer experience.
Would I do it again? Yes, absolutely! In fact, this is where I would like to do my rebreather course once it gets to that, as I know Chris is very competent in this regard as well, has a teaching style that I like and, most importantly, I trust him.
Thanks Chris! :)
I did my PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor Course and additional speciality courses with Chris Owen who is the Course Director and the owner of Indepth Dive Centre, and would recommend to others who desire to learn more about diving.
The programme felt very well designed, was nicely structured, and I really liked how it was run. Although Chris was very friendly, when it came to the actual course work, he had very high expectations, and this made me feel that he truly cared not only how I would perform at the Instructor Exam itself, but as a diver and as an instructor in general. Honestly, once I got to the exam itself, I felt very prepared, but only because of how much effort Chris put into helping me hone my skills. His professional, no-nonsense and productively critical attitude mixed with a great sense of humour and caring for students was exactly the qualities I was looking for in a teacher.
The Centre's facilities were well kept and modern, and kept us cool while doing class work and presentations. We had all the equipment available when needed and there were no issues with logistics which felt smoothly organised from start to finish contributing to the great customer experience.
Would I do it again? Yes, absolutely! In fact, this is where I would like to do my rebreather course once it gets to that, as I know Chris is very competent in this regard as well, has a teaching style that I like and, most importantly, I trust him.
Thanks Chris! :)
Written April 5, 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.
Hi Uvis,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such an indepth review (pun intended : ) and thank you for your kind words, it's left kind of speechless for a change. All I can really say is that it was a pleasure to have the opportunity to teach you and to watch you develop not only as a PADI Instructor, but also as an individual, going to university and studying Marine Biology etc it really has been an amazing journey.
Wishing you the very, very best for the future and we hope to see you back here one day for some diving.
Chris
Written April 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark B
Perth, Australia79 contributions
Nov 2022
I contacted Indepth Dive Centre (IDC) whilst in Phuket as both the company and Chris Owen (the owner) had been highly recommended to me. I’d also conducted my own research online and then contacted IDC via WhatsApp: shoutout to Miss Orn who is lovely and always ready to help. I also spoke with Chris Owen, who contacted me via Messenger and gave me great information on his company, years of experience, the importance of ensuring safety and which dive sites were available. Chris also assisted me with arranging return transport from my hotel in Patong, as well as recommending suitable accommodation for the night prior to the dive, as I wanted to be already in the area, rather than having to travel on the morning of the dive.
I was collected as arranged and transported to IDC where I met Chris and Miss Orn in person. Chris took the time to chat with me for a while, which was appreciated. Miss Orn then assisted with the equipment I would need for the next day. Dive sites were to be on Koh Bida Nok, Koh Bida Nai and Shark Point. The dive guide (Oliver) is a very experienced diver who has a great knowledge of the dive sites and is also a good person to communicate with. He gave good briefings and looked after our small group of four divers, ensuring that we saw as much as possible during the dives.
Dives on Koh Bida Nok and Koh Bida Nai were great and then unfortunately due to illness, I had to decide against the third dive (Shark Point): I was suffering from a stomach bug (alternating between feeding the fish or visiting the toilet: welcome to Thailand! – lol). At the end of the daytrip (about 11 hours) Miss Orn was there at the dive shop to greet me and ensure I got safely back to my hotel in Patong. Marine life highlights from my two dives were: reef sharks, cuttlefish, scorpionfish, black-banded sea krait, anemone crabs, anemone fish, large trevally and many schools of fish. A very enjoyable time and I am happy to recommend Indepth Dive Centre.
I was collected as arranged and transported to IDC where I met Chris and Miss Orn in person. Chris took the time to chat with me for a while, which was appreciated. Miss Orn then assisted with the equipment I would need for the next day. Dive sites were to be on Koh Bida Nok, Koh Bida Nai and Shark Point. The dive guide (Oliver) is a very experienced diver who has a great knowledge of the dive sites and is also a good person to communicate with. He gave good briefings and looked after our small group of four divers, ensuring that we saw as much as possible during the dives.
Dives on Koh Bida Nok and Koh Bida Nai were great and then unfortunately due to illness, I had to decide against the third dive (Shark Point): I was suffering from a stomach bug (alternating between feeding the fish or visiting the toilet: welcome to Thailand! – lol). At the end of the daytrip (about 11 hours) Miss Orn was there at the dive shop to greet me and ensure I got safely back to my hotel in Patong. Marine life highlights from my two dives were: reef sharks, cuttlefish, scorpionfish, black-banded sea krait, anemone crabs, anemone fish, large trevally and many schools of fish. A very enjoyable time and I am happy to recommend Indepth Dive Centre.
Written November 30, 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.
Hi Mark,
Many many thanks for taking the time to write us a review, very much appreciated. And I am very happy to hear you enjoyed your time with us, even if your stomach didn't quite go as planned sadly.
We do try to provide the kind of service to our customers as we would expect ourselves, who have been working in the dive industry in Thailand for 30 years now. And from your review it looks we lived up to our own expections.
Thank you again for diving with us, and again for taking the time to write this review. I hope you have had a safe and good journey back to Australia, and we look forward to seeing you again one day.
Happy Diving ...
Chris, Orn, Olivier and The Indepth Dive Team
Written December 2, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ana KD
1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Solo
Amazing Dive Course on Phuket!
Many years ago I did my Padi Rescue course with Indepth Dive Center! It really changed my life!!!
The owner Chris, also a Padi Course Director is amazing and help me so much during the process!
For me the Padi Rescue is one of the most important courses. And I really wanted to be a hard course, but in the same time I was so scared about the theory part of the course because of the language. My first language is not English, and by that point of my life my English wasn’t that good, so that was my big problem.
Chris make sure to teach me and make sure that I understood everything from the course and helped me with all my crazy questions and of course to make me feel like family!
The most important of all, is that he help me with my first ideas of changing my life from a normal vacation diver to a professional diver!
Now in days I’m a padi MSDT instructor and manager of a dive center in the Maldives. He may not know, but a lot of my students somehow now him, from when they ask me how I ended up here.
I really recommend Indepth Dive Center for anybody that want to learn how to dive! From beginners to professionals! It is a small Center, but because of this you really will get all the information and knowledge that you expect!
Many years ago I did my Padi Rescue course with Indepth Dive Center! It really changed my life!!!
The owner Chris, also a Padi Course Director is amazing and help me so much during the process!
For me the Padi Rescue is one of the most important courses. And I really wanted to be a hard course, but in the same time I was so scared about the theory part of the course because of the language. My first language is not English, and by that point of my life my English wasn’t that good, so that was my big problem.
Chris make sure to teach me and make sure that I understood everything from the course and helped me with all my crazy questions and of course to make me feel like family!
The most important of all, is that he help me with my first ideas of changing my life from a normal vacation diver to a professional diver!
Now in days I’m a padi MSDT instructor and manager of a dive center in the Maldives. He may not know, but a lot of my students somehow now him, from when they ask me how I ended up here.
I really recommend Indepth Dive Center for anybody that want to learn how to dive! From beginners to professionals! It is a small Center, but because of this you really will get all the information and knowledge that you expect!
Written June 6, 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.
Hi Ana,
Many thanks for taking the time to write a review, it was awesome to have had you join us for your PADI Rescue Diver Course, although it wasn't that many years ago : ) and yep, Sean and I were the ones who saw straight away that you would become a DM and then an Instructor. That's what 22 years of being a Course Director does to you and / or working in the diving industry in Thailand for 29 years does. We could see straight away that you were destined to be much more than a PADI Rescue Diver straight away.
As for you meeting a lot of Maldivians who know me, that's part of running 170 IDCs or so with a lot of Maldivians the past 10+ years.
Thank you again for the review, it has been an absolute pleasure watching your progress after you left us.
Happy Diving ...
Chris
Written June 7, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kira B
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Solo
I had a wonderful experience diving in Thailand with Indepth Dive Centre, Chris was extremely helpful and informative before I had even arrived in Thailand. Not only did he recommend amazing diving from Phuket which he facilitated, he also put me in contact with other great dive centres in the other areas of Thailand I was visiting. Safe, affordable private transport was also arranged through Chris which was important to me as a solo female diving, and the kit I hired was really high standard. In depth went above and beyond to make my trip great and my whole experience was amazing value for money. Thank you again!
Written October 26, 2023
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 Kira,
Many thanks for taking the time to write is a review, I am very pleased to hear you enjoyed your time with us and we met your expectations. After working in the dive industry in Thailand since 1993 we do try to provide the level of service we would hope for if we were customers. And it was great to have been able to give you some pointers and contacts with the dive shops in Thailand. One of the advantages of being in the industry for 31 years.
Thank you again for choosing to dive with us and for taking the time to write a review.
We hope to see you again one day, Happy Diving ...
Chris and The Indepth Dive Team
Written October 26, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janet G
Bournemouth20 contributions
Dec 2021
I can highly recommend any activity organised by PADI Course Director Chris Owen. I have known him for many years and his standard of expertise is second to none.
Although I am a qualified Rescue Diver and therefore did not need to take another Course with Chris he very kindly directed me to the best Instructor he knew to take me on fabulous Livaboard trips to the Similan Islands.
I have also enjoyed dozens of dives to all the local dive sights and have especially enjoyed the tours to Phi Phi Island.
I return annually for more expert guidance under the water and can relax knowing all safety precautions are being taken.
Thank you again Chris. Your guidance has been invaluable.
Although I am a qualified Rescue Diver and therefore did not need to take another Course with Chris he very kindly directed me to the best Instructor he knew to take me on fabulous Livaboard trips to the Similan Islands.
I have also enjoyed dozens of dives to all the local dive sights and have especially enjoyed the tours to Phi Phi Island.
I return annually for more expert guidance under the water and can relax knowing all safety precautions are being taken.
Thank you again Chris. Your guidance has been invaluable.
Written April 1, 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.
Hi Jan,
Many thanks for taking the write a review, very much appreciated as has been your loyalty as one of regular customers since we open our PADI 5 & IDC & TecRec Dive Centre 12 years ago.
It has been awesome diving with you over the years and once international travel pick ups again, we look forward to diving with you again.
Thank you again, Happy Diving !!!!
Chris
Written April 4, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.