A step-by-step guide for complete beginners planning their first course or try dive.
Guide metrics
Guide type
Knowledge & FAQ
Audience
First-time divers
Primary focus
Dive shop selection
Updated
2026-07-18
Guide context
Who this guide is for
If you've never dived before, choosing a dive shop in Thailand can feel overwhelming. Don't worry – you don't need to be an expert to make a safe, good decision. This guide is written for complete beginners who are planning their first ever scuba course or try dive.
Instead of chasing the cheapest deal or the prettiest Instagram feed, we suggest focusing on a few simple things: instructor attention, clear teaching, safety signals and the right island for your goals. Thailand Dive Map compares shops on these factors so you can choose in minutes, not after hours of scrolling reviews.
Focus on these signals
A quick way to use this guide
Step 1
First, decide where you want to stay – training islands like Koh Tao, resort islands like Koh Samui, or west–coast bases like Phuket.
Step 2
Then, look for shops with good recent reviews, small student–to–instructor ratios, modern equipment and clear course structure.
Step 3
Finally, pick a shop that matches your language, comfort level and budget – not just the one with the loudest marketing.
The shops listed below are filtered and ranked with beginners in mind, using Thailand Dive Map's internal beginner score plus Google reviews. Use them as a safe shortlist, then click into each shop page to see teaching style, languages and course options.
Before you book
Ranked results
Small groups 4:1 · Training pool on site · Nitrox available
SSI / TDI / SDI · English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Swedish, Dutch, Polish
💬 “Amazing dives with Big Blue, great divemaster, smooth trip, solid gear. Super safe, fun, a…”
Small groups 2:1 · Training pool on site · Beginner friendly
SSI · English, Polish
💬 “Angie explains clearly and safely, builds confidence, and leads a fun, gentle dive with be…”
Small groups 4:1 · 中文 OK · Beginner friendly
PADI · English, German, French, Chinese, Spanish
Reviews coming soon.
Small groups 4:1 · Beginner friendly
PADI · English, French, Thai
💬 “The team was supportive, patient, and made me feel safe every step of the way. Huge thanks…”
中文 OK · Beginner friendly
PADI · English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Swedish, Chinese, Dutch, German, French, Russian
💬 “Completed my AOW with Silent Divers—great training, knowledgeable instructors, helpful div…”
Training pool on site
PADI · English
💬 “Amazing IDC experience at Assava with professional, supportive instructors, fun training, …”
Course & facility details coming soon.
PADI · English
💬 “Amazing experience earning Open Water and Advanced at Coral Grand; patient instructor Matt…”
hostel
SSI · English, Spanish
💬 “customers love the professional staff, great equipment, and exceptional instructors that m…”
Resort
PADI · English, Russian
💬 “Amazing scuba experience with passionate instructors, small groups, and great support—high…”
Course & facility details coming soon.
PADI · English
💬 “Fantastic instructors and a super friendly team! Small groups, private boat, and an amazin…”
