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Frequently asked questions
The things most divers ask before they book.
Before you book
Can I cancel or change my booking?
Free cancellation until 2 days before your course or dive starts. After that, message us — we will do what we can.
Do I pay a deposit?
Payment confirms the booking — spaces are no longer held on a pay-on-the-day basis.
Do you charge extra for paying by card?
No. There is no credit or debit card surcharge on anything we sell.
Are you a real dive centre, or just a booking site?
A real one. We are a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Patong Beach, Phuket, and you can walk in — our PADI dive centre number is S-22241.
How do I pay?
Online by credit card or PayPal before you arrive, or cash or card at the dive centre. Whichever you choose, there is no surcharge.
I can't swim. Can I still dive?
Yes. The Discover Scuba Diving day covers this — no swimming ability is required, and a PADI instructor stays with you throughout. Those dives go to a maximum of 12 metres and each one lasts up to 50 minutes.
Can I do the course theory before I arrive?
Yes, and we would rather you did. Most of the theory for most of our PADI courses can be completed online in advance at no extra cost, which leaves more of your time here for the water. Message us and we will send the right link for your course.
Can a non-diver come along on a day trip?
Yes. Non-divers and snorkellers are welcome at 2,500 THB per day, which includes return transfers, snorkelling equipment, breakfast, lunch, snacks and refreshments. The one exception is the King Cruiser wreck trip, where the depth and the boat traffic make snorkelling unsafe.
Health and safety
Do I need a medical before a course?
You need to complete and sign the PADI medical statement. If you answer no to every question you can start diving straight away. If you answer yes to any of them you will need a certificate from a doctor confirming you are fit to dive — clinics all over Phuket do this, it takes a few minutes and costs a few hundred baht.
How long do I have to wait before flying?
Eighteen hours. Divers Alert Network recommends a minimum eighteen-hour surface interval before a flight after multiple dives or multiple days of diving. In practice, if you dive with us on a course or a day trip, do not fly before 11:00 am the following day.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We cancel a handful of day trips a year and refund or reschedule them. Rain is not a reason — we run trips in the rain. High winds or a forecast of big waves are, because those are what make a small boat dangerous.
On the boat
Will I get cold?
Unlikely. The sea around Thailand sits at about 29°C all year. You could dive in swimwear, but we provide 3mm wetsuits anyway for the extra warmth.
Are there power sockets on the boat?
Yes, 220v.
Can you cater for vegetarians or special diets?
Yes — tell us when you book. The food on the boats is generally a mix of western and Asian, and no pork is served.
Still wondering about something?
Ask us directly — no question is too small.