The Typical PADI Discover Scuba Diving Day
Embarking on your first scuba diving adventure is an exhilarating experience, and the PADI Discover Scuba Diving program with Aussie Divers Phuket offers the perfect introduction to the underwater world. Designed for those who are curious about scuba diving but not yet ready to commit to a full certification course, this program provides a safe and enjoyable way to explore the vibrant marine life and stunning underwater landscapes that Phuket has to offer. In this blog, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to a typical PADI Discover Scuba Diving day, detailing what you can expect from start to finish as you take your first breaths underwater and discover the magic of diving.
PADI Learn To Scuba Dive
What to Expect During Your PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience
Your PADI Discover Scuba Diving day begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel between 7:00 and 7:50 a.m., depending on your location in Phuket. You’ll be transported via minibus to Chalong Pier, the departure point for all scuba diving and snorkelling boats.
Upon arrival at the pier, you will be greeted by your PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, who will guide you onto the boat and give you a tour of its facilities. Your instructor will provide a detailed briefing about the day’s events, including information about the dive site, the marine life you can expect to see, important do’s and don’ts, and the essential PADI Discover Scuba Diving presentation. This is the perfect time to ask any questions you may have about your upcoming diving experience.
Travel to Dive Sites
The Racha Islands are to the south of Phuket and are around 2 hours away by boat to the further Racha Noi and 1-1.5 hours to the closer Racha Yai Island. During this time, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Phuket’s coastline.
The Boats
Phuket’s scuba diving boats are large, purpose-built vessels that can accommodate between 30 and 60 people. During the high season, these boats are typically full, but in the low season, they may operate with as few as 10 passengers on board.
Most boats are equipped with onboard kitchens where freshly cooked breakfasts and lunches are prepared. You’ll find free tea, coffee, and water available, as well as snacks and fruit. Some boats even offer freshly made pancakes for the return journey. Rest assured, you’ll never go hungry on a Phuket scuba diving boat! Soft drinks and beer are also available for purchase on the way back, so remember to bring some money with you.
Preparing for Your Dive
When you arrive at the dive site, your instructor will help you put on your scuba diving equipment and guide you to the back of the boat for entry into the water. Your BCD (Buoyancy Control Device) will be fully inflated to help you stay afloat once in the water. Initially, you may dip below the surface, but you’ll quickly float back up thanks to the buoyancy provided by your BCD.
Basic Skills
Before fully immersing yourself in the dive, you’ll practice four basic skills in shallow waters to ensure your safety and comfort underwater. These skills include handling the unlikely event of your regulator (breathing apparatus) coming out of your mouth and managing any water that enters your mask. These skills are usually practised in very shallow water, sometimes using a buoy line or in areas shallow enough to stand in.
Optional Pool Session
2022 Update: Due to pandemic-related issues, the pool in Patong we used for free pool sessions closed. If you would like to first try diving in the pool we can provide an instructor and equipment, a 1-2 hour pool session is THB 1,000 per person, to cover the costs of the pool, equipment and instructors time. This additional practice can make your diving experience easier, safer, and more enjoyable, providing excellent value for money.
Dive Experience
Once you’ve mastered the basic skills, you’re ready to explore the underwater world. Your instructor will guide you through some of the most stunning underwater sites, where you’ll encounter incredible marine creatures in their natural habitat.
How long will my dives last?
Each dive typically lasts between 30 and 50 minutes, and you will have the chance to complete either two or three dives during your PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience.
Lunch is usually served between the first and second dive on a two-dive day and between the second and third dive on a three-dive day. There will also be a one-hour break known as a surface interval between your dives.
On your second dive, you won’t need to repeat the initial skills, allowing you to enter the water and begin your dive immediately. Your PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor will be by your side, helping to boost your confidence and make the dive even more enjoyable.
If you have signed up for a 3-dive package then after another break, you’ll embark on your third dive, by which time you should feel very comfortable underwater and fully appreciate how accessible scuba diving is.
Return times to your hotel are typically between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. for a day trip at Racha Yai/Racha Noi.
