Warm Water Divers - Phuket - TravBuddy

Phuket Thailand is an ideal place to learn how to Scuba dive, and a great jumping off point for some of Thailands best Scuba Diving.  There are a very large number of Scuba operations on the Island, of various sizes and prices.   We chose Warm Water Divers based on the recommendation of friends who had gone with them before.

Warm Water Divers operates three shops on Phuket Island, and one in Bangkok.  Their staff was helpful and knowledgeable, and seemed to have sufficient experience to handle training for new divers.  I always felt safe during the dives with them.   Our Instructor, Alwin, was from Holland, but spoke english fluently.  He worked only with my wife and I during the three day dive certification program, and was very patient and supportive while we practiced.   There was no pressure to do anything other than enjoy ourselves, although he was careful to make sure that we successfully accomplished all of the drills, he never seemed dissapointed or worried if we didn't get it right the first time.   It made it a lot easier for both of us as nervous first time divers.

Warm Water Divers operates it's own boat, a fun looking Chinese Junk that they use for live aboard trips to Phi Phi and Similian Islands.  For the beginner diving classes, it looks like they hire on to dive boats operated by other companies for the shorter trips out to Koh Racha Yai, which has shallower water and a protected cove.  They provided all of the neccessary equipment and took care of all of the delivery and maintenance.  The equipment seemed fairly new and was in very good condition.

The cost for the three or four day Open Water Diving course, which is the first level of Padi certification for Scuba divers, was about $380 US, which included everything: Equipment, Class room training, pool diving, boat trip, lunch, PADI fees, etc.  There were no hidden costs or sales pitches.

We will dive with Warm Water Divers again, next time we go on a Scuba Diving trip.  Their level of service, competency, and size make me comfortable that we will get a safe, enjoyable trip.