PADI Advanced Open Water Koh Chang: 2025 Course Review

So, you’ve got that plastic card in your wallet that says you’re an Open Water diver, right? And it’s almost like you remember the absolute magic of breathing underwater for the first time. The world just kind of opened up in a way it never had before. Still, you have this feeling, a sort of pull, that there’s just so much more to see and do down there. Apparently, that little certification card is more of a starting point than a final destination. In fact, if you’re thinking about what comes next, you have pretty much landed in the perfect spot to figure it out. The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course is seemingly the natural next step, and frankly, choosing to do it in a place like Koh Chang, Thailand, in 2025 is an incredibly smart move. It’s sort of a chance to expand your skills in what is basically paradise, with warm water and some genuinely amazing underwater sights.

What Actually is the PADI Advanced Open Water Course?

First, let’s clear something up, because the name can be a little bit misleading. The ‘Advanced’ part honestly doesn’t mean you need to be some kind of scuba pro with hundreds of logged plunges. As a matter of fact, this course is designed for people just like you, who have their Open Water certification and are simply keen to get more experience. The main point is that it’s all about exploration and building confidence, not really about tough, stressful tests. Instead, you’ll complete five ‘Adventure Dives’, and each one is basically a taster session for a specific type of scuba activity. It is structured to show you just what’s possible in the underwater world, and it tends to be a lot of fun. So, it’s really not an exam so much as a guided adventure, you know? Discover more about how the course works here.

Now, the course has a very specific structure that’s pretty much the same everywhere in the world. There are, you know, two mandatory dives that everyone has to complete. These are the Deep Adventure Dive and the Underwater Navigation Adventure Dive. They are basically foundational skills for any well-rounded diver. For instance, the deep one safely introduces you to exploring a little further down, while the navigation one gives you the tools to, well, know where you are and where you’re going. After you finish those two, you get to choose three more Adventure Dives from a really long list of options. At the end of the day, this is where you can personalize the course to whatever interests you most. Whether it’s shipwrecks, fish identification, or perfecting your buoyancy, you actually get to shape your own learning path a little bit. It’s almost too good to be true for someone who just finished their initial open water experience and wants more freedom.

Honestly, the best part of the Advanced course is that it’s all about doing. There’s some theory, of course, usually handled with a manual or eLearning, but the real learning happens in the water, which is just how it should be.

Some of the most popular elective dives you might want to consider are things like the Wreck Adventure Dive, the Night Adventure Dive, and the Peak Performance Buoyancy (PPB) Adventure Dive. Each one of these pretty much opens a new door. The wreck dive might get you close to a sunken ship; the night dive shows you how the reef completely transforms after sunset; and PPB, frankly, is the one that could change your scuba life the most. We will talk more about these in a bit. But the core idea, you know, is that by the end of the course, you’ll be certified to go to a maximum depth of 30 meters (or 100 feet) and you’ll just have a much better feel for what kind of diver you want to be. You’ll literally be more confident and capable, ready for all sorts of new adventures.

Why Choose Koh Chang for Your Advanced Course in 2025?

Okay, so you could do this course almost anywhere on the planet, right? Yet, some places are just a little bit better suited for it than others, and Koh Chang is absolutely one of them. For instance, the island itself is this amazing blend of jungle-covered mountains and really relaxed beaches. It’s obviously not as frantic as some other Thai islands, so it has a more chilled-out vibe that is just perfect for a learning holiday. You can actually focus on your course without a million distractions, but still have amazing food and beautiful scenery to enjoy once the boat is back at the pier. It is, in a way, the perfect balance. You can get some incredible insights into life on Koh Chang here.

From a purely practical standpoint, the conditions here are typically fantastic for training. The water temperature is, more or less, like a warm bath all year round, so you won’t be shivering through your skills. Visibility is usually very good, ranging from 10 to 30 meters, meaning you can really see and appreciate the underwater landscapes you’re exploring. The currents are also generally mild, which is a huge bonus when you’re, for example, trying to master new skills like compass navigation. Basically, the environment around Koh Chang is a very gentle and forgiving teacher, which helps you build confidence much faster. Plus, the cost of courses and living here is often more reasonable than in many other world-class locations, which is just a nice bonus for anyone trying to manage a budget.

Still, the real secret weapon Koh Chang has for advanced students is, to be honest, its collection of dive sites. The jewel in the crown is the HTMS Chang, a massive 100-meter-long naval vessel that was purposefully sunk to become an artificial reef. It’s literally a world-class wreck and sits at a perfect depth for your Deep Adventure Dive and, of course, the Wreck Adventure Dive. There are, you know, not many places where you can get certified on such an impressive wreck. Beyond the ship, there are also pretty coral sites like Hin Luk Bat and Hin Rap, which are teeming with life and are just ideal for your other adventure dives, like fish identification or underwater photography. It’s this variety that makes Koh Chang a truly special place to level up your scuba skills.

A Closer Look at the Adventure Dives

The Core Dives: Deep and Navigation

So let’s talk about the two dives you absolutely have to do. First up is the Deep Adventure Dive, and this one often sounds a little intimidating, but it really shouldn’t be. The whole point of it is to have your PADI Instructor right there with you as you experience going deeper than the 18-meter limit from your Open Water course. Typically, you’ll go down to a depth somewhere between 18 and 30 meters. What’s wild is that you’ll actually notice how colors change—reds and oranges pretty much disappear, and everything gets a little bit bluer. Your instructor will also have you do a simple mental exercise, like a number game, just to show you how depth can slightly affect your thinking, a phenomenon known as nitrogen narcosis. Honestly, it’s a very controlled and super interesting experience that prepares you for safely exploring deeper wrecks and reefs in the future.

Next is the Underwater Navigation Adventure Dive, which is, frankly, one of the most practical skills you can learn. It’s actually not just about swimming with a compass, though you will definitely practice that. You’ll learn how to properly use a compass to swim a straight line and then back to where you started, and maybe even a square pattern. It sounds simple, but it’s a little tricky underwater! In addition to the compass work, you’ll also focus on natural navigation. In other words, you learn to use clues from the reef itself—like the direction of sand ripples, the slope of the reef, or distinctive coral formations—to find your way around. By the end of this dive, you will feel a lot less like you’re just following a guide and a lot more like you’re an active, aware participant in the dive plan, which is a seriously empowering feeling. This skill is something you’ll use on pretty much every single dive you do from then on.

My Top 3 Elective Dives for Koh Chang

Alright, if I had to pick three electives that are just perfect for Koh Chang, this would be my list. First, without a doubt, is the Wreck Adventure Dive. You know, with the HTMS Chang right there, it’s almost a crime not to choose this one. On this dive, you’ll learn how to safely assess and navigate the outside of a wreck. You’ll swim along its massive hull, peer into its openings, and marvel at how this former warship has transformed into a thriving home for barracuda, batfish, and countless smaller creatures. The sheer scale of it is just awe-inspiring, and to do it as part of your course is an experience you literally won’t forget. Getting a guided tour of this incredible site is reason enough to take the course here.

Second, I would strongly, strongly recommend the Peak Performance Buoyancy (PPB) Adventure Dive. To be honest, this is arguably the single most important skill for any diver to master. Buoyancy is your ability to control your position in the water, to hover effortlessly without sinking or rising. In the PPB dive, you’ll play games and do exercises that fine-tune your weighting and breathing to achieve this state of perfect trim. When you nail it, you use less air, you move more gracefully, and most importantly, you avoid accidentally kicking the delicate coral or stirring up the bottom. It’s the difference between being a visitor who is slightly clumsy and one who is perfectly in tune with the environment. You just feel, sort of, at one with the water. Find out how to improve your buoyancy skills today.

Finally, you should definitely consider the Night Adventure Dive. The reef at night is a completely different universe. You go down with a torch, and suddenly the familiar daytime scene is gone. Instead, your world shrinks to the beam of your light, focusing your attention in a really intense way. You’ll see creatures you would never spot during the day—crabs, lobsters, and shrimps scuttling over the sand, sleeping parrotfish in their mucus cocoons, and maybe even some bioluminescent plankton that sparkles like stars when you wave your hand through the water. It can be a little spooky at first, but your instructor makes you feel completely safe. It’s a seriously magical experience that shows you a whole other side of marine life and will really open your eyes to the underwater nightlife.

Picking the Right Dive School on the Island

So, choosing a dive school is a pretty personal decision, and it can really shape your entire experience. In Koh Chang, you’ll find a lot of options, which is a good thing, you know? One of the first things you should probably look at is group size. Some schools run their courses with smaller groups, maybe two to four students per instructor. This is obviously a huge benefit, as you get more personal attention and guidance. Frankly, it’s worth paying a little extra for a smaller group because your learning will be that much better. You can usually find this information on their websites or just by asking them directly. It’s always a good idea to check out these tips for selecting a great dive school.

Another really important thing is to check up-to-date reviews. I mean, websites like Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and even Facebook are full of feedback from recent customers. Don’t just look at the star rating, but actually read what people are saying. Were the instructors fun and professional? Was the equipment in good condition? Did the boat feel safe and comfortable? As a matter of fact, these personal accounts can give you a much clearer picture than the dive center’s own marketing materials. It’s almost like getting recommendations from hundreds of other divers. Just make sure you are looking at reviews from the last year or so, as things like staff and management can change over time. It gives you a real feel for what to expect from your experience.

Finally, if you have the chance, just walk into a few different dive shops before you book. The overall vibe of a place is honestly so important. Are the people behind the counter friendly and welcoming? Do they seem passionate about diving, or is it just a job to them? Ask some questions and see how they respond. A good dive center will be happy to chat, explain their course structure, and show you their gear without any pressure. You want to feel comfortable with these people because, you know, you’re going to be trusting them with your safety and your education underwater. At the end of the day, going with the school that just *feels* right is often the best decision you can make. The human connection can sometimes be the most critical factor in your choice.

Getting Ready for Your Course

So, you’ve decided on Koh Chang, you have an idea of the dives you want to do, and you’re nearly ready to go. What’s next? Well, one of the best things you can do to make your holiday more relaxing is to sign up for the PADI eLearning option. Basically, this lets you do all the reading and knowledge development online from your own home, before you even get on the plane. It means you won’t have to spend precious island time stuck in a classroom reading a book. Instead, you can just show up ready for the fun part: the diving. It’s just a really efficient way to handle the theory part of the course and something that most modern divers take advantage of.

If it’s been a little while since your last plunge, it’s a very good idea to refresh your memory on the basics. You know, practice clearing your mask in a swimming pool, or just mentally walk through the steps of setting up your gear. You could also watch a few videos online to remind yourself of key skills from the Open Water course. Your instructor will, of course, help you out, but arriving with your skills feeling fresh will just make you feel much more confident and ready to absorb the new information. Also, think about what to pack. Other than your usual holiday stuff, make sure you bring your current certification card, your logbook, and maybe some reef-safe sunscreen. A lot of schools include equipment rental, but if you have your own mask or computer that you love, it’s always nice to bring your personal items.

Finally, remember the simple things. Scuba diving, even the fun kind, is a physical activity, so it’s pretty important to take care of yourself. Try to get a good night’s sleep before your diving days and stay well-hydrated by drinking lots of water. Seriously, this helps more than you think, both for your general well-being and for reducing any risk associated with diving. Don’t go out for a massive party the night before your deep dive, for example. At the end of the day, being well-rested and clear-headed will allow you to get the absolute most out of every single moment underwater, and that’s what this entire amazing experience is really about. It’s more or less about being in the best shape to enjoy the adventure you’ve planned.