Breaking Down Thailand Dive Costs

By Sorrasek Phiboonthammasak Date 26 Feb 2025

Curious about scuba diving costs in Thailand? We’ve compared Koh Tao, Phuket, Krabi, and Khao Lak to reveal the averages. Koh Tao’s the cheapest—think 2,000 THB discovery dives—due to proximity and competition. Phuket’s pricier (4,500 THB and up) with luxe liveaboards to Similan. Krabi and Khao Lak fall in between, offering value and variety. Whether it’s a fun dive, course, or multi-day trip, this guide simplifies your options so you can dive in without overspending.

Am I Paying Too Much? A Guide to Scuba Diving Prices in Thailand

Am I overpaying for my scuba diving adventure in Thailand? What’s the average price, and why is Koh Tao so much cheaper than Phuket? If these questions are swirling in your mind, you’re not alone—it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out what’s a fair deal. Don’t worry, this guide will break it all down for you, covering the costs of different scuba diving activities across Thailand’s popular spots. From budget-friendly Koh Tao to pricier Phuket, plus Krabi and Khao Lak, we’ll explore why prices vary and what you can expect to pay. Let’s dive in!

Scuba Diving Day Trip Price

A day diving trip is the standard scuba diving experience, where you join the scuba diving tour where normally you get picked up, dive, eat on the boat and transfer back to your hotel. In diving day trips, there are mostly two types of activities which are explained below.

Fun Dive

What it is: A fun dive is for certified divers looking to explore underwater without any training involved—just pure enjoyment. You’ll join a group, hop on a boat or dive from the shore, and check out vibrant reefs or wrecks with a guide.

Price:

Koh Tao: Around 2,000–2,500 THB for two dives. Cheapest thanks to short boat trips (20–30 minutes) and tons of dive shops competing.
Phuket: Expect 3,200–3,900 THB for a day trip with two or three dives. Longer boat rides (over an hour) and fewer shops keep it pricier.
Krabi: 3,000–4,000 THB for two dives. Moderate cost reflects trips to nearby Phi Phi or local reefs, with less competition than Koh Tao.
Khao Lak: 2,900–3,500 THB for two dives. Slightly higher due to quality day trips to sites like Richelieu Rock.
Equipment: Add 500 THB extra for a full set (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins) if you don’t have your own.

Discovery Dive

What it is: Perfect for beginners with no certification, a discovery dive (or Discover Scuba Diving) lets you try scuba under close supervision. After a quick briefing and some shallow-water practice, you’ll dive with an instructor—usually one-on-one or in a small group.

Price:

Koh Tao: Starts at 3,000–3,500 THB for a half-day with one dive. Low prices due to its beginner-friendly setup and short travel times.
Phuket: Around 4,500–5,000 THB for a full day with two dives. Higher cost from longer boat trips and its upscale vibe.
Krabi: 3,500–4,500 THB for a day with one or two dives. Mid-range pricing matches its growing dive scene and trips to Phi Phi.
Khao Lak: 4,500–5,500 THB for a full day. Reflects access to Similan prep sites and a quieter, quality-focused market.
Equipment: Rental is included—no extra cost for mask, tank, or gear.

Why the Difference? Koh Tao’s proximity to sites and dive-shop saturation keep it cheap. Phuket’s logistics and luxury leanings push prices up. Krabi sits in the middle with decent access to sites, while Khao Lak’s focus on quality and Similan proximity adds a slight premium.

Scuba Diving Courses Price is Thailand

Open Water

What it is: The entry-level certification course (PADI or SSI) that teaches you the basics over 3–4 days, including theory, pool practice, and four open-water dives. Once done, you’re certified to dive anywhere up to 18 meters.

Price:

Koh Tao: 9,000–12,000 THB. Affordable due to high volume and often includes free or cheap accommodation.
Phuket: 12,900–16,000 THB. Higher from boat-based dives and better facilities.
Krabi: 11,500–15,500 THB. Competitive but reflects trips to Phi Phi or Ao Nang sites.
Khao Lak: 12,000–19,000 THB. Slightly pricier due to smaller groups and Similan access.

Advanced Open Water

What it is: A step up for certified divers, this course (2–3 days) includes five dives focused on skills like deep diving or navigation. It’s less about basics and more about building confidence.

Price:

Koh Tao: 9,500–12,000 THB. Competitive pricing for divers leveling up.
Phuket: 13,000–16,000 THB. Premium experience with diverse sites like wrecks and deeper reefs.
Krabi: 11,000–13,000 THB. Good value with dives around Phi Phi or Shark Point.
Khao Lak: 12,500–20,000 THB. Higher-end due to access to Similan-adjacent sites.

Nitrox

What it is: A specialty course teaching you to dive with enriched air (higher oxygen mix), extending bottom time and reducing fatigue. It’s quick—often just a day with theory and a dive.

Price:

Koh Tao: 5,000–7,000 THB. Budget-friendly from high demand and low overhead.
Phuket: 7,000–9,000 THB. More from equipment logistics and instructor expertise.
Krabi: 6,000–7,500 THB. Reasonable for its growing dive community.
Khao Lak: 6,500–8,000 THB. Reflects quality training near premium dive zones.

Why the Difference? Koh Tao’s volume and efficiency cut costs. Phuket’s upscale market and logistics raise them. Krabi balances accessibility and quality, while Khao Lak’s proximity to Similan diving adds value.

Liveaboard in Thailand Price

Similan Islands (From Phuket/Khao Lak)

What it is: A multi-day trip (typically 2–6 days) on a boat, diving remote sites like the Similan Islands. Think pristine reefs, manta rays, and whale sharks.

Price:

Phuket: Budget: 13,900 THB (2 days/7 dives); Luxury: up to 64,000 THB (4 nights).
Khao Lak: Budget: 13,500–15,000 THB (2 days/7 dives); Luxury: 25,000–60,000 THB (4 days/14 dives). Slightly cheaper from Khao Lak due to shorter boat rides to Similan (2–3 hours vs. 4 from Phuket).

Why it Varies: Boat quality, trip length, and inclusions (e.g., Nitrox, park fees—500 THB entry + 200 THB/day).

Koh Tao

What it is: Shorter liveaboards (1–2 days) in the Gulf of Thailand, exploring nearby sites like Sail Rock. Less remote but great for newer divers.

Price Range: 5,000–10,000 THB for 1–2 days, 4–7 dives. Smaller boats and shorter distances keep it affordable.

Why it Varies: Depends on boat size, amenities, and dive frequency—less luxury than Similan.

Why the Difference? Similan trips (Phuket/Khao Lak) are pricier due to distance, park fees, and world-class diving. Koh Tao’s closer sites and simpler setups save cash.

Conclusion

Scuba diving prices in Thailand vary, but it’s not about overpaying—it’s about finding your fit. Koh Tao shines for budget divers with low costs and a training focus. Phuket and Khao Lak cater to premium seekers with access to epic sites like Similan. Krabi offers a balanced mix of value and variety. Whether you’re splashing out on a liveaboard or starting with a Koh Tao discovery dive, this guide should help you pick your perfect adventure without breaking the bank. So, what’s your next dive move?

If you are still not sure what the best option for your scuba diving trip will be, you can contact us. We will try our best to pick the best scuba diving service that suited your price point. Or you can check out our scuba diving trip page to compare all the options and select by yourself. Anyhow, I hope this guide helps you choose your next diving trip.

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