Phuket - Diving

blackdog67 · #1 02-06-2005, 18:51

Hey All,
I'm planning on getting the PADI open water certification when I'm in Patong and I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations for dive shops; I'd appreciate it. Thanks,

BD

Shagrath · #2 02-06-2005, 19:03

You'll have a great time diving in Thailand.
http://www.phuket-info.com/forums/sh...highlight=padi
For additional info do a forum-search on "padi," "diving" or other related keywords.

Tyfon · #3 02-06-2005, 19:36

I'd recommend Calypso Divers, friendly staff, good food and relatively smoke-free experience. (http://www.calypsophuket.com/)

Their office is in Kata and you can book them through most of the Patong DSs. They pick up at your hotel ~730am and dump you back there around 6pm.

Cheers,

K.

mikediver · #4 02-06-2005, 23:00

I got my open water certification a few years ago with the Phuket Scuba Club. They are in Kata Noi, south of Karon Beach, across the street from the Boathouse hotel. The instruction was top notch, and I ended up getting individual instruction by a guy who did a great job. The link is http://www.phuket-scuba-club.com .

Have a great time.

swiftdave · #5 02-06-2005, 23:15

I'm planning on getting mine while there too. There's a woman in my home town who's son runs a dive shop in Phuket. Will forward the name as soon as she calls me.

seafox · #6 02-06-2005, 23:27

blackdog, I do not think you have the time but doing your class and pool where you live and then doing the dives in Phuket will save you some time on your vacation and maybe some money if you have to do a private class. You can get a CD Rom for the classroom stuff and usually it will only take 1 or 2 pool sessions with an instructor 1 on 1 to do that part of the class.

Normal class takes 4 to 5 days and usually all day for at least 3 of those.

This is called a warm water referral.

I have been diving for 36 years and teaching for 15 now and you will have a blast diving in Thailand. One of my favorite destinations, especially when you combine the nightlife with the diving.

Also, if you have taken a physical recently, get a copy of the form and take it with you just in case.