Advanced Adventurer – 2 days ( Advanced Open Water)

Koh Tao’s SSI Advanced Adventurer Course: A Deep Dive into Skill and Adventure

Imagine exploring the vibrant waters of Koh Tao, Thailand — a place famed for its crystal-clear visibility, calm waters, and an abundance of marine life. For two days, you’ll be guided through five expertly curated dives, including a deep dive, wreck exploration, and night adventure, all for around $315. Led by skilled instructors like Edu, Ae, or Oni, this course is tailored for those who already have open water certification and want to elevate their diving game.

What we love most? First, the focus on practical skills—like perfect buoyancy, navigation, and wreck diving—that genuinely make a difference when you’re in the water. Second, the variety of dives, ranging from wreck exploration to night adventures, means you leave with a broader set of experiences and confidence.

The one consideration? The course involves waking up early and a fair bit of time in the water, which might be tiring for some. However, those who enjoy active days and want a comprehensive upgrade to their diving skills will find this worthwhile.

If you’re someone who values learning from passionate instructors in a relaxed, friendly environment, this course will suit you perfectly. It’s especially ideal for divers who want to see more of Koh Tao’s underwater world and learn techniques that will serve them for years to come.

Key Points

• Varied specialty dives: Includes deep, wreck, night, navigation, and buoyancy.
• Ideal for adventure seekers: Perfect for those with open water certification wanting to expand their skills.
• Highly rated: Consistently scored 5.0/5 by past participants, with glowing reviews.
• Excellent value: For just over $300, you get five immersive dives, instruction, and gear.
• Expert guides: Instructors like Edu, Ae, and Oni get praised for their knowledge, patience, and friendliness.
• Perfect site conditions: Koh Tao’s calm, clear waters make the experience accessible and enjoyable.

An In-Depth Look at the Koh Tao SSI Advanced Adventurer Course

What exactly is the Advanced Adventurer course?

This 2-day program is designed to build on your open water certification, offering five dives that introduce you to specialty skills. It’s the ideal choice if you’re looking to broaden your underwater horizons without committing to an entirely new certification. The course includes a deep dive, allowing you to reach 30 meters, along with a wreck exploration, night dive, and more.

The flexibility of the course means you can choose specific dives based on your interests, but most operators offer a balanced mix like buoyancy improvement, navigation, wreck exploration, deep diving, and night diving.

Koh Tao’s perfect environment for learning

The dive sites accessible from Koh Tao are second to none. Calm, shallow, and with excellent visibility, they’re perfect for practicing new skills. Many reviewers commented on the quality of the conditions, highlighting that “the conditions are generally very good, making it possible for everyone to dive Koh Tao.”

What really stands out is how the marine environment supports all these dives—you’re likely to see a variety of fish, coral, and perhaps even some larger creatures on the deeper or wreck dives. Sail Rock, one of the popular sites, is often praised for a huge quantity of fishes and stunning underwater scenery.

The itinerary breakdown

Day 1 typically kicks off at the Koh Tao Scuba Club around 9:30 am. After brief introductions and gear checks, the first dive might focus on perfect buoyancy—a fundamental skill that makes all other diving safer and more enjoyable. Many reviews mention how instructors like Ae or Edu are attentive and patient, especially when tackling buoyancy issues or challenging skills like navigation.

Following that, you’ll do a navigation dive, where you’ll learn to plan your routes, find your way back, and use underwater compasses. As one reviewer put it, “Ae and Christin are extremely knowledgeable and quick to help,” emphasizing the value of expert guidance.

The second day often involves a wreck dive—most notably, the HTMS Sattakut—where you’ll learn wreck diving basics. For many, this is the highlight, offering a chance to explore a sunken ship and see marine life thriving within its structure.

Finally, a night dive introduces you to a different aspect of the underwater world—nocturnal marine creatures emerge, and the experience of seeing a whole new world after sunset is often described as “amazing” by many reviewers**.

Who leads the dives?

Instructors like Edu, Ae, Oni, Nui, or William are repeatedly praised. They’re described as friendly, patient, and highly skilled, making even complex skills feel manageable. Many reviewers mention feeling safe and cared for throughout each dive, which is crucial when trying new experiences like wreck or night diving.

Group size and logistics

With a maximum of four travelers per group, the experience remains intimate and personalized. Transportation is typically included, easing the logistical concerns of getting to dive sites. The start time of 9:30 am provides a relaxed morning, and the course usually wraps up in the late afternoon, giving you time to relax or explore afterward.

The value of this experience

At $314.78 per person, considering it includes five dives, instruction, gear, and transportation, the course offers excellent value. Past participants highlight how the skills they gained—like buoyancy control and wreck navigation—have made subsequent dives more enjoyable and confident.

Authentic feedback from divers

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many calling the instructors “amazing,” “knowledgeable,” and “patient.” One reviewer raved about doing five dives, including a shipwreck and a night dive, and noted that the instructor brought a GoPro to capture the moments, adding that they got “many nice pictures.” Others appreciated the relaxed and supportive atmosphere, with comments like, “Ae, Dinos & Alex made the course a supportive, fun and relaxed experience.”

Practical considerations

This course involves early mornings and up to several hours in the water each day, so it’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with physical activity and mornings. It’s also recommended that you have “moderate physical fitness”—not a strenuous requirement but worth considering if you’re not used to active days.

Who Should Consider This Course?

If you’re an adventurous diver looking to expand your skills, explore wrecks, and experience night diving, this course is ideal. It’s perfect for those who want more confidence and a broader skill set without the time commitment of full certifications. Travelers who enjoy personalized instruction and friendly guides will find Koh Tao’s small group sizes especially appealing.

Whether you’ve done open water courses before or are eager to see more of what Koh Tao’s underwater world has to offer, this program offers a balanced mix of learning and fun. It’s especially suited to travelers who value authentic experiences, as many reviews emphasize the professionalism and enthusiasm of the instructors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dives are included?
You get five dives over two days, covering different specialties like deep, wreck, night, navigation, and buoyancy.

What is the maximum depth I will reach?
You’ll be certified to go as deep as 30 meters with the deep dive included in the course.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation from your accommodation is typically offered, making logistics easier.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is four travelers, which helps maintain a relaxed, personalized atmosphere.

What skill level do I need?
You should have your Open Water certification and be comfortable in the water; a moderate physical fitness level is recommended.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if done at least 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers.

To sum it up, the SSI Advanced Adventurer course on Koh Tao offers a comprehensive and rewarding upgrade for divers eager to explore more. With expert guides, excellent site conditions, and a well-rounded curriculum, you’ll come away feeling more confident and equipped to enjoy everything the underwater world has to offer. Whether you’re interested in wrecks, night dives, or just refining your buoyancy, this course is a great investment for anyone serious about diving in Thailand. It’s especially perfect for those who appreciate small groups, personalized attention, and authentic underwater adventures.