FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PADI stands for the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. It’s the world’s leading scuba diving training organization, recognized globally for its high standards of diver education.  

The PADI certifications are internationally recognized diving credentials that are valid for a lifetime, and do not require annual fees. With these certifications, you gain the freedom to explore underwater realms across the globe, allowing you to dive in any country without limitations.”

As a diving center, being affiliated with PADI signifies a commitment to quality training and adherence to industry best practices.

General requirements to go diving:

• Basic swimming ability is necessary.
• Need to demonstrate a minimum level of comfort in the water.
• Open Water Course: Tread or float in water for 10 minutes and swim for 200 meters./300 with mask, fins and snorkel.
• Medical fitness: Need to complete the following medical questionnaire or have physician’s approval:
  
  Medical Form
  

Age Requirements:

• Bubble Maker: 8-9 years old
• Discover Scuba Dive: 10 years and older
• Junior PADI Open Water Diver certification: 10-14 years old (will automatically transition to Open Water diver at age 15)

In general, you can expect the following schedule.  Please note that the schedule is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

8:00 – 8:30 – Pick up from hotel

8:30 – 9:00 – Paperwork and equipment sizing in the Local Divers shop

9:00 – 9:30 – Get settled on the boat and boat briefing

9:30 – 12:30  – Boat heads out to first destination for diving and snorkeling

12:30 – 1:30 – Lunch on the boat or beach

1:30 – 3:30 – Additional diving and snorkeling destinations

3:30 – 5:00 – Boat heads back to Koh Chang

5:00 – Transportation back to your hotel

Open Water: Click here

Advanced: Click here

EFR and Rescue: Click here

We offer a wide variety, buffet style Thai lunch on the boat. All our food is cooked by a local restaurant fresh each morning.  

We are happy to accommodate any special requirements.  Please let us know when you book so that we can prepare in advance. 

There is also water, tea, coffee and soft drinks available at all times on the boat, as well as snacks and fruit.

The depth depends on various factors including the diver’s certification level, experience, and the specific dive sites.

🤿 Bubble Maker: Maximum of 2 meters
🤿 Discover Scuba Dive: Maximum of 12 meters 
🤿 PADI Open Water Diver: Maximum of 12 meters on the first two dives and a maximum of 18 meters after that.  For 10-11 year olds, the maximum depth is 12 meters. 
🤿 PADI Advanced Open Water Diver: Maximum of 30 meters

Some dive sites around Koh Chang offer a range of depths suitable for different certification levels. It’s crucial for divers to adhere to their training and certification limits to ensure safety underwater. Experienced divers with specialized training and certifications might have access to deeper dive sites or technical diving options, but this requires additional expertise and certification beyond recreational diving.

Local Divers is located in the village of Bang Bao, on the southwestern coast of the island of Koh Chang in Thailand. Bang Bao is a charming fishing village, one of the island’s most iconic and picturesque spots, known for its unique layout and vibrant atmosphere. The village is built on stilts extending over the water, on a long pier. Traditional Thai houses line both sides of the pier, many of which have been converted into shops, seafood restaurants, souvenir stalls, and small guesthouses. At the end of the pier stands a lighthouse offering panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding sea.

Koh Chang is a beautiful island located in the Gulf of Thailand, near the border with Cambodia. It’s part of the Koh Chang Marine Park archipelago and is known for its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and diverse marine life.

To get to Koh Chang:

• By Air: The nearest major airport is in Trat, a town on the mainland. From Bangkok, you can take a domestic flight to Trat Airport, which takes about an hour. From the airport, you’ll need to take a taxi or shuttle to the ferry pier to reach Koh Chang.
• By minibus: The minibus option from Bangkok to Koh Chang is a convenient and popular choice for travelers. These minibuses offer a direct journey from Bangkok, over the ferry and drop you at your hotel in Koh Chang.
• By Bus: Buses run regularly from Bangkok to Trat. The journey takes around 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and the type of bus. Once in Trat, you’ll need to take a taxi or shuttle to the ferry terminal for the short ferry ride to Koh Chang.
• By Car: Driving from Bangkok to Trat is an option, taking approximately 4-5 hours. From Trat, you can take your vehicle on the ferry to Koh Chang.

Once on the island, there are taxis, motorbike rentals, and songthaews (shared pick-up trucks serving as public transportation) available for getting around and reaching your specific destination within Koh Chang.

It’s a popular destination for its natural beauty and range of activities, including diving, snorkeling, trekking, and enjoying the stunning beaches, making it a great choice for a getaway in Thailand.

For more information, please check out iamkohchang. 

Dry Season (November to April): This period is characterized by lower humidity, minimal rainfall, and plenty of sunshine. Temperatures during the dry season typically range from 28°C to 34°C (82°F to 93°F). The water temperature during this time is pleasant, usually ranging from 28°C to 30°C (82°F to 86°F). December to February is considered the peak tourist season due to cooler temperatures and clearer skies.

Wet Season (May to October): The wet season brings higher humidity and increased rainfall. While it doesn’t rain continuously, there are frequent showers and occasional storms. Sea conditions might be rougher, affecting visibility. However, it’s not constant rain throughout the day, and there are still plenty of sunny intervals. Temperatures remain warm, ranging from 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F), and the average water temperature ranges from around 28°C to 30°C (82°F to 86°F). Diving and snorkeling is still be very enjoyable, and marine life can be more abundant during this season.