Similan Liveaboard & Open Water Course - the perfect combination

There are many different ways to learn to scuba dive. An instructor teaches someone in a pool. Others jump off a speedboat and some are lucky enough to do their course on a liveaboard. In Thailand the best bang for you Baht is on a liveaboard - more dives and more experience while cruising through paradise.

The Similan Islands are home to Thailand's most famous dive sites and are often listed as among the 10 best dive sites in the world. Conveniently located to Khao Lak and the nearby Phuket airport - the diving is very accessible. With the option of Speedboats or liveaboards - many beginning divers chose to do their Similan Liveaboard Open Water course on a 3 day journey through the uninhabited islands. These trips offer the guests their own cabins, meals and many different dive sites.

The calm clear waters, the relaxed atmosphere and the skilled instructors will all contribute to the success of the experience. This is important as SCUBA diving is a lifetime passion - not just a whim.

The courses are easy to take and only require a bit of your time. Much of the academic work can now be completed online (and for free) before you even arrive in Thailand. You can spend your vacation time in the water or on the beaches - no the classroom.

The first day is spent in the pool or on the beach simply getting used to the new equipment and incredible sensation of floating weightless! It's fun and thrilling to realize that gravity no longer exists - it also takes a bit of practice. Diving also requires a few new skills that you are unlikely to have learned before. Your Instructor will go through all the basic skills that will be demonstrated and practiced in the pool. Then you have the opportunity to practice them too!

In the pool or off the beach - the instructor will settle down in front of the student so that they can see all that she is demonstrating. After some breathing exercises and regulator recovery at the surface the instructor will get all the divers to kneel on the bottom of the pool breathing and getting used to being underwater. The instructor, followed by the student will complete each of the skills. The students need to complete mask clearing, regulator recovery and some basic buoyancy control skills. These basic skills are required to ensure the safety of the divers, as well as giving them confidence to truly enjoy the open water. The instructor and student will then swim around at the bottom of the pool getting comfortable with the equipment and used to the feeling of weightlessness and breathing underwater.

Once these basic skills are done and everyone feels comfortable - it's time to head off on an amazing journey through the Similan Islands. The student has the opportunity to do 9 dives with their instructor - gaining more confidence and feeling more and more at ease under the sea.

After the first couple of dives the underwater world will really open up. Passing turtles make the reefs an incredible opportunity to slow down and enjoy the marine life. That shadow over the students head? A Manta Ray - something that brings chills to even the most experienced diver. The chance to glide over the rainbow colored corals and the hundreds of species of reef fish make this a memory of a lifetime.

After the student has completed their first open water scuba dive - they surface with big smiles on their faces. The instructor will debrief them and explain how they may improve their diving knowledge and skills by doing a full certification open water scuba diver course. Only 8 more dives to go!

This is by far the best way to learn to scuba dive.

If you would like to make this story come true...simply join our Similan Liveaboard Open Water course

The perfect Open Water course - on a Similan Liveaboard!

There are many different ways to learn to scuba dive. AN instructor teaches someone in a pool. Others jump off a speedboat and some are lucky enough to do their course on a liveaboard. In Thailand the best bang for you Baht is on a liveaboard - more dives and more experience while cruising through paradise.

The Similan Islands are home to Thailand's most famous dive sites and are often listed as among the 10 best dive sites in the world. Conveniently located to Khao Lak and the nearby Phuket airport - the diving is very accessible. With the option of Speedboats or liveaboards - many beginning divers chose to do their Similan Liveaboard Open Water course on a 3 day journey through the uninhabited islands. These trips offer the guests their own cabins, meals and many different dive sites.

The calm clear waters, the relaxed atmosphere and the skilled instructors will all contribute to the success of the experience. This is important as SCUBA diving is a lifetime passion - not just a whim.

The courses are easy to take and only require a bit of your time. Much of the academic work can now be completed online (and for free) before you even arrive in Thailand. You can spend your vacation time in the water or on the beaches - no the classroom.

The first day is spent in the pool or on the beach simply getting used to the new equipment and incredible sensation of floating weightless! It's fun and thrilling to realize that gravity no longer exists - it also takes a bit of practice. Diving also requires a few new skills that you are unlikely to have learned before. Your Instructor will go through all the basic skills that will be demonstrated and practiced in the pool. Then you have the opportunity to practice them too!

In the pool or off the beach - the instructor will settle down in front of the student so that they can see all that she is demonstrating. After some breathing exercises and regulator recovery at the surface the instructor will get all the divers to kneel on the bottom of the pool breathing and getting used to being underwater. The instructor, followed by the student will complete each of the skills. The students need to complete mask clearing, regulator recovery and some basic buoyancy control skills. These basic skills are required to ensure the safety of the divers, as well as giving them confidence to truly enjoy the open water. The instructor and student will then swim around at the bottom of the pool getting comfortable with the equipment and used to the feeling of weightlessness and breathing underwater.

Once these basic skills are done and everyone feels comfortable - it's time to head off on an amazing journey through the Similan Islands. The student has the opportunity to do 9 dives with their instructor - gaining more confidence and feeling more and more at ease under the sea.

After the first couple of dives the underwater world will really open up. Passing turtles make the reefs an incredible opportunity to slow down and enjoy the marine life. That shadow over the students head? A Manta Ray - something that brings chills to even the most experienced diver. The chance to glide over the rainbow colored corals and the hundreds of species of reef fish make this a memory of a lifetime.

After the student has completed their first open water scuba dive - they surface with big smiles on their faces. The instructor will debrief them and explain how they may improve their diving knowledge and skills by doing a full certification open water scuba diver course. Only 8 more dives to go!

This is by far the best way to learn to scuba dive.

If you would like to make this story come true...simply join our Similan Liveaboard Open Water course

The perfect holiday - Combine your Open Water course and a Similan Liveaboard

There are many different ways to learn to scuba dive. An instructor teaches someone in a pool. Others jump off a speedboat and some are lucky enough to do their course on a liveaboard. In Thailand the best bang for you Baht is on a liveaboard - more dives and more experience while cruising through paradise.

The Similan Islands are home to Thailand's most famous dive sites and are often listed as among the 10 best dive sites in the world. Conveniently located to Khao Lak and the nearby Phuket airport - the diving is very accessible. With the option of Speedboats or liveaboards - many beginning divers chose to do their Similan Liveaboard Open Water course on a 3 day journey through the uninhabited islands. These trips offer the guests their own cabins, meals and many different dive sites.

The calm clear waters, the relaxed atmosphere and the skilled instructors will all contribute to the success of the experience. This is important as SCUBA diving is a lifetime passion - not just a whim.

The courses are easy to take and only require a bit of your time. Much of the academic work can now be completed online (and for free) before you even arrive in Thailand. You can spend your vacation time in the water or on the beaches - no the classroom.

The first day is spent in the pool or on the beach simply getting used to the new equipment and incredible sensation of floating weightless! It's fun and thrilling to realize that gravity no longer exists - it also takes a bit of practice. Diving also requires a few new skills that you are unlikely to have learned before. Your Instructor will go through all the basic skills that will be demonstrated and practiced in the pool. Then you have the opportunity to practice them too!

In the pool or off the beach - the instructor will settle down in front of the student so that they can see all that she is demonstrating. After some breathing exercises and regulator recovery at the surface the instructor will get all the divers to kneel on the bottom of the pool breathing and getting used to being underwater. The instructor, followed by the student will complete each of the skills. The students need to complete mask clearing, regulator recovery and some basic buoyancy control skills. These basic skills are required to ensure the safety of the divers, as well as giving them confidence to truly enjoy the open water. The instructor and student will then swim around at the bottom of the pool getting comfortable with the equipment and used to the feeling of weightlessness and breathing underwater.

Once these basic skills are done and everyone feels comfortable - it's time to head off on an amazing journey through the Similan Islands. The student has the opportunity to do 9 dives with their instructor - gaining more confidence and feeling more and more at ease under the sea.

After the first couple of dives the underwater world will really open up. Passing turtles make the reefs an incredible opportunity to slow down and enjoy the marine life. That shadow over the students head? A Manta Ray - something that brings chills to even the most experienced diver. The chance to glide over the rainbow colored corals and the hundreds of species of reef fish make this a memory of a lifetime.

After the student has completed their first open water scuba dive - they surface with big smiles on their faces. The instructor will debrief them and explain how they may improve their diving knowledge and skills by doing a full certification open water scuba diver course. Only 8 more dives to go!

This is by far the best way to learn to scuba dive.

If you would like to make this story come true...simply join our Similan Liveaboard Open Water course

Learn to Dive - for Free!

Learning to dive is just so much easier and simpler now. These days the academic portion of your Open Water course can be done online. Save your vacation time for the water, the sun and the beaches!

This gives you time to do the academic portion at your pace and at your preferred location (the sofa? in bed? at work?). Start when you want - and pause for a day or two. It's really that simple.

But unlike some systems - you can actually do all this for free! You don't need to pay hundreds of Dollars/Euros before you even start! With our system - you simply click on the link above - and that's it. By the time your plane lands and you settle in over sunset drinks - you'll have already completed 25% of your Open Water Training!

For free!

When you arrive - we will check on your progress, double check your work and then we are off to the water to start practicing under the sea! If you feel like you need more questions answered - we are happy to cover any sections you feel you need more work on and to demonstrate any thing that wasn't clear in the online videos and presentations.

How much does it cost? Free!!! No obligations!

For more information - check out our Online Open Water course. Or simply click on the image to the left and start...right now!

Once you have completed the online training - we still give you great options for your continued training. Why not join our liveaboard to complete your course - cruising through the Similan Islands doing 9 dives and really enjoying the uninhabited Similan Islands. We also allow you the chance to stay in your resort on the mainland and head out on our speedboat each day to the Similan Islands. Sunset drinks at your bungalow?

-Similan Diving

Learn To dive on the Similan Islands - stay there and dive there!

Similan Island SCUBA Diving - Open Water Course

A lifetime of exciting underwater adventures

only 7900 Baht!!!

If you've never dived before but would like to learn, our Similan Open Water course is your ticket to a lifetime of fun & adventure will certify you to dive with a buddy most anywhere in the world.
The Open Water course on our Similan Overnight Trip is designed to get you into the water and SCUBA diving as soon as possible. Whilst teaching you all the skills and safety knowledge needed to become a good diver, your instructor will make sure this happens in a fun and laid back way. There is no pressure to pass the course - we'd rather you enjoyed your new sport than simply rush you through, so we're happy to spend any extra time necessary making sure all students are comfortable in this new environment.

The Similan Islands

are world-famous for the incredible diversity of marine life. With fields of blue and yellow soft corals, forest of hard coral, hundreds of species of reef dwellers - Angelfish, Bannerfish, Lionfish, Puffers and more are all right here waiting for you. We also frequently see the “pelagic” or open ocean fish - Sharks, Tuna, Barracuda, and Snappers all swing by. Of course we must point out our real treasures - Manta Rays, Whale Sharks and Turtles. The Similan Islands are an incredible place to dive, so why miss this chance to learn more, go deeper, stay down longer and relax in the Andaman sea?

only 7900 Baht!!!

Would you like to learn more? Send us a quick note

How Long Does The Similan Open Water Course Take?

It usually requires four full days but when combined with our Similan Liveaboard we do 5 days and include at least 4 extra dives to hone your skills and increase your confidence. At Wicked we are not prepared to put anyone at risk by cutting corners to provide so called "cheap" diver training. We do it right.

WHO Can Do The Open Water SCUBA Diver Training?

Virtually anyone who is in good health, reasonably fit, and comfortable in the water can earn an Open Water Diver certification. During the course, your Instructor will ask you to demonstrate the ability to swim 200 meters. If you are between 12 and 14 or have a child between these ages, there is a Junior Open Water Diver program available.

Prices Begin at 7900 Baht !!!

How does it work?

Prior to the course your instructor will issue your "Crew Pack", which contains Open Water diver Manual, Log Book & diving tables.
Day 1 in Khao Lak – In the morning you will meet with your instructor and go through the introductory academics session. With a combination of video, lecture and activities there is lots to learn.. After lunch we will do a session in our swimming pool to slowly introduce you to the basics of diving!
Day 2 in Khao Lak – Again a morning session of academics and learning. An afternoon in the pool refining your skills.
Day 3 on the Similan Islands – NOW it’s time! We will do two dives at different sites. You will be guided through a few basic skills and the rest of the time swimming over the corals. That evening, sleep under the stars on the Andaman Sea.
Day 4 on the Similan Islands – another full day of diving at tehse incredible sites. The final skills of the Open Water course are completed and you will are certified! But that’s not all! With more dives – you have the opportunity to further polish your skills with your instructor!
Day 5 on the Similan Islands – EVEN More SCUBA diving! And you are certified so it’s all fun diving now! Of course your instructor is still there with you, so you can keep being mentored. Sometime during the day there will be an exam to double check on all that you learned.
Day 6 - Up to you - join the next liveaboard trip to another part of the Similan Islands, or Richelieu Rock, A daytrip to the local wrecks or even start in on your Advanced course!

only 7900 Baht!!!

When the Open Water course is done? What Then?

You will be certified as an Open Water Diver – ready to continue your passion for diving - As a graduate you will receive a 10% discount on courses and trips within 2 weeks. Of course we have more diving – local wrecks, liveaboard trips, Richelieu Rock and more! Of course you can join some of our higher level courses – or even, if you dare, become a professional diver and stay here for months!

Khao Lak Advanced Diver Course

Khao Lak Rescue Diver

Khao Lak Liveaboard

Anna's Open Water course

Sabrina and Stine joined us for their Open Water course. We were very happy to have them join us. Anna taught the course with flair and passion. The girls were very impressed with her skills.
We are officially teaching courses and looking forward to many many more this season.











Anna taught this course on her birthday! What a trooper. She even dressed up for Halloween, won first prize at Happy Snapper and still taught the girls! That's Quality!














Sabrina's first step into the ocean!










They are fully certified. The Best Danish open Water students this year!

They Joined us today for an extra days diving on Bon Soong wreck and saw 7 Leopard Sharks. So they've seen Turtles, Sharks and some pretty silly looking staff! But they made it through anyways!

We were honored to be able to teach their course and wish them many more happy dives!

Khao Lak Diving

Similan Open Water Course

Sabrina and Stine just got back and it was a great day out! Great conditions and great diving...


You can see here that Dive 1 was in Donald Duck Bay...


Tomorrow - more certified Open Water divers....



If they pass the test!


Khao Lak Diving

Khao Lak Open Water course - Stine And Sabrina

Today Stine and Sabrina started their Open Water course. We hope to have two more happy safe divers in the water in just a few days!




They are from Denmark and are two of the most eager, studious students one could ask for. We are really happy to be able to teach them.


Anna is teaching them in our technologically advanced classroom...


The weather is really starting to change and it looks to be a good time for them to dive!

If you have questions about our courses - please check here.

First Open Water Course of the season

From Marcel

First Open Water Course of the season.

Yesterday we certified Fred as an SSI Open Water Diver and he is now able to join his wife Nathalie on lots and lots of good dives in the future. Nathalie was one of my Divemaster Trainees on Koh Tao about 4 years ago. We had a wonderful time back then and she even managed to work a bit as a Divemaster in the Caribbean (we obviously did something right with her training). And ask her about her encounter with the underwater police in Tahiti if you ever get the chance. But things moved on and now she is a happy mother of a babygirl, Jenna, and living it up in Switzerland. For their holiday they decided to come to Khao Lak and the first thing on the schedule was to start Fred on his Open Water course with Wicked Diving.

Despite him being the only student we decided to make it a standard 4 day course to keep the pace nice and relaxed. The first two days were spent in the swimming pool and our mega luxurious A/C classroom (It costed us blood, sweat and tears so we were very proud to use it). We even had some time left to do a little sidetrip to the local waterfall.

On the 3^rd day we went to the Similan Islands by speedboat and we did two amazing dives on East of Eden and Anita’s Reef. In between the dives was a nice long break, which was spent on the beach of Koh Miang (island #4). The second day we went off to the Similans again to do the last two dives of the course. Unfortunately the way out to the islands was a bit rough because of the waves, but close to the islands it calmed down and we managed to make two more beautiful dives. Fred also showed me that he is already a very competent diver. Good buoyancy, no problems with the skills so I was happy to certify him after he made the exam on the way back to the mainland. What did we see on the course? Well, apart from all the usual suspects, we managed to find some boxfish, lionfish, clown triggerfish, stingray and some very big fat tuna’s passing by.

So Fred is happy with his newly gained diving certificate,

Nathalie is very happy because she can now dive together with Fred,

Marcel is even more happy with the swiss cheese and chocolate

And Paul, well, Paul is just happy for us being happy.

Marcel

Our first Open Water course of the season!

We are so excited to get back in the water. The weather is changing, the rains are over (almost) and We have some great friends around. Such a good time to learn to dive. So we begged Fred to let us teach him.

We popped up to the Pool and had some good fun. The scenery at the pool is spectacular. You can See that Khao Lak is really surrounded by jungle. That's all part of the Khao Lak - Lamru National Park in the background.




Can't even build roads there. So no houses, no vast apartment complexes or shady condominium developments. We'll never be Phuket!


Nathalie is so happy to be in the water, that she' s jumping for joy!









Here is Marcel helping. (I really just wanted to put this picture up because our logo is prominently displayed!!)








Frederic decided to show off his dancing skills. Here's the "running man" later he did a spectacular "lambada" but we aren't legally allowed to show that!







Marcel was afraid of after seeing the "lambada" and locked himself in the shark cage.





He only agreed to come out after Nathalie offered to give him chocolate and cheese they brought with them from Switzerland.


If I had known he was going to get some real cheese straight from Switzerland, I might have offered to teach the course myself!


While all our instructors follow the rules very carefully, they are often easily impressed by treats like this! (Doritos and Kombucha are in pretty high demand as well - ahem)

Tomorrow more pictures from Dive 1 & 2 on the Similan Islands!

Join us for your course! We're always happy to help, we love to share our passion for the underwater world and...well...we love it!


Khao Lak Diving

Khao Lak's best Open Water Course

Open Water Course
8000 Baht

Plus the cost of diving...

You can join our Overnight Boat for 12,000 Baht
Or join our Daily Speedboat Trips for 8,000 Baht

The ultimate way to do a Open Water course is on our Similan Overnight Expedition boat. Your instructor stays with you for the whole trip this helps to add to your confidence and have good understanding with your instructor, together in 3 days you will do 8 dives.

We start with 2 days of theory ( book & DVD) and swimming pool skills made in the pool here in khao lak, these teach you the standard rules and principles of diving - also underwater hand signs.
The course is made in our new dive center with A/C class room for your comfort. Our new location was chosen because of the quite surroundings and the short distance to the local beach 300m and the proximity of our Pool (100m)
In the pool you will do some of the basic skill training with your instructor to get you ready for your open water dives, this means you have more time for enjoyment, relaxation and diving in the Similan Islands.
Theory/Pool work takes 2 days in Khaolak before departure for the Similan islands, then 3 days & 2 nights on our Similan Overnight Expedition boat cruising all the amazing Similan Islands.

After this trip with 8 dives (with your instructor) as an Open Water Diver you should feel very confident, and ready to move on to your new diving adventures anywhere in the world, with the feeling of safety and confidence. You can continue after your open water course to do your Advanced course, this course really puts you in control.

If you choose to do an SSI course, the materials are included in the price! If you chose to do a PADI course you will be paying for Books and materials - an additional 1200 baht.

Our Boat!!!!

It is true - it is the best news ever!!!

Our boat will began operations on November 16th. She is perfect for our overnight expeditions! We visit the Similan Islands, spending our nights in tents or bungalows on this remote piece of paradise.

This boat is perfect for both divers and snorkelers. We have room for both, yet we have a separate guide for each, and the snorkelers will spend more time on the beaches.

A maximum of 16 people with groups of no more than 4 people. This is about service and the unique opportunity to enjoy the Similan Islands above and below!

We have 40 tanks and 2 compressors - so there is plenty of room for divers.

Our Boat Master, Klaus is experienced and very knowledgeable about life and dive sites on the Similans.

The whole top of the 22 meter boat is sun deck, so plenty of space to chill, relax, read a book and enjoy the scenery as we motor through the Similan Marine Park.













Snorkeling:

8000 Baht

Includes meals, guide, overnight accommodation (upgrade to bungalow available), transfers in an around Khao Lak.

We will visit several different snorkel sites, but also offer time on the beaches. We will also take you on nature walks to see some of the exciting things on the Similans (like the very rare Nicobar pigeon)

Our guides are all certified PADI Divemaster (or higher), all are trained in safety through Diver Safety to the highest standards in Thailand as well as extensive training in conservation and respect for our environment. Your safety, comfort and the well-being of our islands are our main objectives.

Diving!

13,000 Baht 9 dives, including one night dive

This trip is perfect for the casual diver. Wanting to see some of the sites? Not wanting to pay outrageous prices for a few nights? Would like to stay on land and walk around the Islands?

That's us! With less divers, more time to stretch your legs and see the islands, this trip is perfect. We will still offer 9 dives and see some of the most famous sites in Thailand!

This is also a great trip for the non-divers. You will still have lots of diving, while they will get the opportunity to enjoy the Similans in a whole different way - and you will still be together!

Our guides are all certified PADI Divemaster (or higher), all are trained in safety through Diver Safety to the highest standards in Thailand as well as extensive training in conservation and respect for our environment. Currently none of our divemasters have less than 1000 dives. Your safety, comfort and the well-being of our islands are our main objectives. In addition our staff are all passionate about the diving, the marine life and are happy to share our vast experience.

Courses

Open Water - 8000 Baht
Begin your course on land, complete your course on the Similan Islands. And do an extra 5 dives!

Advanced Course - 5000 Baht
Become a better diver - do the whole course for this incredible price! And still get 4 more dives!

Rescue Diver - 7000 Baht

Safety is number one! Our rescue course, conducted under the supervision of Diver Safety are tough. You will become a stronger and safer diver!

Divemaster!!!

30,000 Baht
(PADI Materials are extra)

4-5 weeks!

The best, most thorough course in Khao Lak.
This is not a course, this is an Internship. With at least 3 overnight trips, and joining us for our daytrips aboard our speedboat and wreck dives - you will get a very broad education.
We will also do extensive education with lectures, practical applications of knowledge and experience.
In addition to your diving education, we bring the experience of Khao Lak's only Dive Medics, Our technical diving staff and international crew!
This course will give you professional certification. You will be able to guide divers at locations around the world. Our experience will give you the confidence to handle most situations.
This course is available only in limited numbers, and we are very particular. So send us an email directly

Khao Lak Diving

Karin's Latest course in Khao Lak

Here's a great picture of Karin teaching her students how to descend while in the swimming pool.

Most of our courses are small and personal and this one was no different.
With only two students in the academic section and three students in the ocean.



Here is Simon doing a backroll into the pool at the very beginning of his skills.







This is the buddy check - testing that both regulators are working in case of emergency...



Here's Aree, Simon and Karin just about to submerge for the first time.






Check out our website for more details about courses, diving the Similans or dive trips around the area...Wicked Diving

March 31 - Khao Lak Weather

Khao Lak Weather

Again...nice weather. 33c (93) today. A bit muggy, so it's a definite day for diving or staying in A/C and napping.

I was home for lunch and found Ba-ruce standing in our pond! So he must be feeling a bit hot today.

The forecast seems to be for another good week of good clear weather, possibility of afternoon thunderstorms. There might be some storms after that.

The irony is that is during Songkram - the water festival! so It would be ironic for storms to pour in.

More later as Karin comes back from finisihing her Open water class today.

Tomorrow - Staff diving day! We're going out to the Similans with several of our Thai friends from Happy Snapper (the best live music bar in Phang Nga) who really helped make this area a community rather than some tourist trap. We'll be teaching some to dive, teaching some to swim! and also do some sweet fun dives just for ourselves!!!!

Open Water Diver!

One more of us - one less of "them"!

I Just signed off Ingrid from Norway as an SSI open water diver!

We had a really good time during the course and fotunate, as she was the only student!!!

Though her fiance Erik joined us for the dives out at the Similan Islands.

It was cool that they could share the experience of seeing their first turtle, lionfish, barracuda etc.

They were kind enough to share some photos they took during her course.
First photo is from island Four, Honeymoon Bay (doing some theory during our lunch break)

The other one in the pool- the eager student and me (Karin).