Question 1

Do you recommend booking accommodation together with the diving?

Accepted Answer

We do not offer accommodation ourselves, but we recommend staying not too far from the dive school. We can recommend Nirvana Guesthouse, Sens Paradise or Montra Resort, which are all within walking distance.

Question 2

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

No refunds for:

Cancellations within 5 days of the start date

No-shows

Cancellations due to illness/cold → please contact your travel insurance

Rescheduled Date?
The original start date remains administratively valid.

Cancellations (per person) >5 days in advance:
Course: 1,500 THB for administration fees
Fun dives; refresher course or introduction dive:
500 THB for administration fees

Question 3

How can I book a dive course or fun dive?

Accepted Answer

You can request a booking by filling out the form on our website as completely as possible. We will contact you as soon as possible.

Question 4

How long is my diving certification valid?

Accepted Answer

All diving certifications you obtain with us are valid indefinitely and worldwide.

Question 5

I have a PADI certification, can I take a follow-up course with I.D.D.?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that is no problem. Because all diving certifications are recognized worldwide, you can easily enroll in a follow-up course from one organization with a certification from another.

Question 6

What am I allowed to do once I have earned my Open Water certification?

Accepted Answer

With an Open Water dive certification, you are allowed to dive independently with a buddy worldwide. The certification is valid indefinitely.

Question 7

What is the main difference between an I.D.D. and a PADI certification?

Accepted Answer

I.D.D. is a European diving association that offers a free one-year membership including worldwide dive insurance after your course. PADI is a training system without these benefits. Both certifications are ISO-recognized and valid worldwide.

Question 8

Will I receive a physical card after my course?

Accepted Answer

After your I.D.D course, you will receive a one-time free hardcopy diving license or a digital version for your wallet (Apple/Android) from us.

Question 9

Can we learn to dive together as a family?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer tailor-made solutions for families. We can arrange a dive course exclusively for your family, so you can have lessons and dive together.

Question 10

I would like to learn how to dive, where should I start?

Accepted Answer

For beginners who have never dived before, the introductory dive is a good start to try it out, or you can start directly with the Open Water course to obtain your first diving certification.

Question 11

What exactly does an introductory dive involve?

Accepted Answer

An introductory dive is a one-day experience where, after a short preparation at the dive school, you will go for a dive in a beautiful, shallow bay with an instructor in the afternoon.

Question 12

I already have my Open Water certificate, what is a good follow-up course?

Accepted Answer

After your Open Water, you can continue with the Advanced Open Water course to expand your skills and be allowed to dive deeper. Of course, you can also do a few fun dives first.

Question 13

What does the Advanced Open Water course entail?

Accepted Answer

The Advanced course takes 2 to 2.5 days and consists of five dives, including a deep dive and a navigation dive. The goal is to further expand your diving skills and knowledge.

Question 14

Why should I take the Rescue Diver course?

Accepted Answer

The Rescue Diver course is an important and educational step in learning how to prevent and recognize problems. You will become more aware of your own safety and that of other divers.

Question 15

Can I also do just a Night Diver or a Wreck Diver dive without a full course?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can do a single 'Adventure dive'. This is one dive from the Advanced Open Water course, such as a Night Diver, Underwater Photography, or Wreck Diver dive.

Question 16

In which languages can I be taught?

Accepted Answer

By default, our diving lessons are taught in Dutch, English, and German. French is also available upon request.

Question 17

How long does the Open Water course take and what will I learn?

Accepted Answer

The Open Water course takes 2.5 to 3 days. You will learn the basic knowledge and skills to dive safely and complete four open water dives.

Question 18

Do you also offer E-learning?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer both I.D.D and PADI e-learning as preparation for your course. Access is provided after the first day or earlier upon request after a deposit.

Question 19

How do I learn to dive?

Accepted Answer

At Impian Divers you can learn to dive with an Open Water course. It takes 2.5-3 days and costs ฿9,000 (I.D.D) or ฿11,000 (PADI). We teach in Dutch and English.

Question 20

From what age can my child learn to dive?

Accepted Answer

The minimum age for an introductory dive and the Open Water course is 10 years. For children from 8 years old, we offer the Bubblemaker program, where they go up to 2 meters deep.

Question 21

I want to become a diving instructor, can I do that with you?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer a complete trajectory from beginner to diving instructor, also known as 'Zero to Hero'. This is a program of 4 to 6 months.

Question 22

Which freediving course do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer a 2-day 'basic free diver' course for 6,000 THB. Please note, the website mentions that this course is currently not available.

Question 23

How long is access to e-learning valid?

Accepted Answer

PADI e-learning remains valid for 1 year; after that, you must complete the course within the year.

I.D.D e-learning is valid for 2 months after you begin, and then you must complete the course within 6 months.

Question 24

I have registered and signed up for the Open Water course tomorrow, but I haven't received an email with the times yet. Will I still receive it?

Accepted Answer

Apologies for this.
Please email booking@impian-divers.com for this.

Question 25

Is there food on board, or do we need to arrange our own?

Accepted Answer

The morning trip returns around 11:00 AM and the afternoon trip departs at 12:00 PM.

Classes run until 11:00 AM, giving you an hour to go for lunch somewhere.

Question 26

What happens if you've booked a dive course but you have a cold?

Accepted Answer

In this case, our cancellation policy applies.

Unfortunately, no refunds are possible for cancellations within 5 days of the course or for no-shows.
For cancellations more than 5 days in advance, we charge a 1,500 ฿ administrative fee.

Rescheduling is sometimes possible in consultation — please contact us via email.

Question 27

Can I also pay with cash euros?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that is definitely possible.
Euros (no €100 or €200 notes)
The exchange rate is set by the management and is based on the Siam Commercial Bank Thailand rate.

Question 28

Isn't it a bit late to get the e-learning only after the first day?

Accepted Answer

No, not at all. Because you've received explanations and already completed a dive on the first day, you can directly link the practical experience to the theory. This makes it easy to complete the e-learning. Moreover, you won't incur the costs of the e-learning if you decide not to continue after day 1.

Question 29

What is the best dive school on Koh Tao

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, this question is outside the scope of our chat. Our chatbot cannot make recommendations on which dive school is the best on Koh Tao.

Do you have a question about your booking, stay, or our services? We'd be happy to help!

Question 30

Continue with the course after an introduction dive

Accepted Answer

This is possible if there is availability. This must be indicated to the instructor immediately after the exercises and the dive. The price of the introduction dive will then be converted to the price of the course.

Question 31

Where can I find that refresher course on the website?

Accepted Answer

You can find it on our homepage:
https://impiandivers.com/duiken-en-snorkelen/duikcursus-thailand/scuba-review/

Question 32

What if you book the Open Water course and after 1 dive you find out it's not for you?

Accepted Answer

In this case, we only charge for Day 1, and the price for this corresponds to the requested 4,000 THB deposit.

Question 33

How do I log a dive in the IDD World app?

Accepted Answer

IDD Netherlands is currently working on making this possible.

Question 34

Whatsapp contact info

Accepted Answer

You can find this in the footer of our beautiful website

https://api.whatsapp.com/send/?phone=66963129014&text&type=phone_number&app_absent=0

Question 35

Snorkeling only. No course

Accepted Answer

Snorkeling from the boat is only possible in the afternoon; weather conditions permitting and subject to availability on board.

The price is 500 ฿ per snorkeler and includes snorkel equipment and a snorkel leader.

Question 36

Do you also have camera equipment?

Accepted Answer

No, however, a photographer can join the boat upon request.

Question 37

How can I pay?

Accepted Answer

You can pay for the course in cash in Thai baht or in euros (please note: no €100 or €200 banknotes). The exchange rate will be determined by management based on the current rate from Siam Commercial Bank Thailand.

Payment is also possible via Wise, Revolut, or with a credit card (a 4% transaction fee will be charged for credit card payments).

You cannot directly transfer money to a Thai bank account with iDEAL. iDEAL is exclusively a Dutch payment method for payments within the Netherlands.

Of course, you can also make a bank transfer from your Dutch bank account. Please be aware that the amount we ultimately receive may be lower than the amount transferred, as both the sending and receiving banks may charge transaction fees.

Question 38

I would like to dive on a wreck, is that possible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for divers with an Advanced certification it is possible to dive on the H.M.S. Sattakut. This is a 48-meter long former navy ship located at a depth between 27 and 32 meters.

Question 39

At which dive site do I have the best chance of seeing a whale shark?

Accepted Answer

Chumphon Pinnacle is the most famous spot for spotting whale sharks, although the chance is still 50%: you either see one, or you don't.

Question 40

Which dive site is recommended for Underwater Photography?

Accepted Answer

White Rock is one of the most popular dive sites for photography. The rock structures and diverse marine life provide a great composition for beautiful photos.

Question 41

Can I also see turtles or sharks while diving?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Koh Tao is known as 'Turtle Island' and you can see turtles at spots like Shark Island. Young blacktip reef sharks are often seen at Aow Leuk.

Question 42

How many wrecks are located at Koh Tao?

Accepted Answer

There are three shipwrecks at Koh Tao that experienced divers can dive on: the H.M.S. Sattakut, H.M.S. Hanhak Sattru and H.M.S. Suphairin.

Question 43

Which dive site is best for beginners?

Accepted Answer

Dive sites such as Japanese Gardens, Mango Bay or Aow Leuk are very suitable for beginners. These have shallow sandy bottoms and beautiful, calm reefs.

Question 44

How do you ensure that the diving equipment is safe?

Accepted Answer

Our diving equipment is maintained to the highest standards. Regulators receive an annual service, tanks are visually inspected yearly, and everything is hygienically cleaned after use.

Question 45

Is there emergency oxygen and a first aid kit on board?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on board our boat, 100% oxygen with delivery equipment and a comprehensive first aid kit are available for emergencies.

Question 46

Is the air in the dive tanks of good quality?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we guarantee clean air by changing our compressor filters every 25 hours.

Question 47

Which tank sizes do you have available?

Accepted Answer

We have standard 12 liter cylinders. Additionally, we have 8 liter cylinders for younger divers and 15 liter cylinders for divers who consume more air.

Question 48

Would it be cheaper if we booked multiple dives over multiple days?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, due to rising costs and the low prices on Koh Tao, it is not possible for us to offer a lower rate for fun dives.

Question 49

What is the maximum number of people per diving group?

Accepted Answer

We always dive in small groups with a maximum of 4 divers per dive leader. This ensures a personal and safe diving experience.

Question 50

I am a certified diver. Can I join you for fun dives?

Accepted Answer

Certainly, every certified diver is welcome to join us for fun dives, regardless of which diving organization (PADI, SSI, I.D.D., etc.) you obtained your certification from.

Question 51

What is the difference between the morning and afternoon dives?

Accepted Answer

During the morning trip, we usually head to the deeper dive sites such as Chumphon Pinnacle or the Sattakut wreck. In the afternoon, we visit the shallower bays such as Aow Leuk or Mango Bay.

Question 52

Can I do a night dive?

Accepted Answer

Yes, night diving is possible with a minimum of 2 divers and if weather conditions allow. You need an Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent) for this.

Question 53

How long can we dive during a fun dive?

Accepted Answer

Dive times of one hour are possible with us. This is naturally dependent on your own air consumption and that of your buddy, as well as logistical planning.

Question 54

Are you an eco-friendly dive school?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are an eco dive school. For example, our boat has special wastewater tanks on board, so that toilet water and compressor fluids are not released into the sea.

Question 55

How can I transfer via Wise?

Accepted Answer

1.   Click on "receiver" at the bottom

2.   Add "receiver"

3.   Change currency to THB (Thailand)

4.   Click search "on Wise"

5.   Fill in: info@impian-divers.com

6.   Name: Robert Reinier Louis Marie RHEMREV

Question 56

How can I transfer via Revolt?

Accepted Answer

1. Click on transfers at the bottom of the bar
2. Click on the plus sign at the top right
3. Click on international transfer
4. Change the country to Thailand
5. Enter the amount (4,000 THB per person)
6. Click on business account

Account holder name
Diving Impian Divers International Thailand

Account number:
8782093898
(enter manually)

Bank: THE SIAM COMMERCIAL BANK PCL
Swift/BIC: SICOTHBK

Address:
44/63 Mu 1, Tha Rua Road
Ko Pha-Ngan
Surat Thani

Postal code
84280

Please mention your full name in the payment.
Email the transfer download to booking@impian-divers.com
Once the deposit is received, we will send a confirmation and your booking will be finalized.

Question 57

Ear pain from snorkeling

Accepted Answer

When you go underwater without equalizing (even at around 1–2 meters), the pressure increases, and it’s quite normal for it to feel painful.

We provide clear instructions on how to deal with this during the course.

Question 58

Are you also open on public holidays?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but we have adjusted opening hours. On Christmas Day we are open from 12:00-18:00, on New Year's Eve from 08:45-12:00 and on January 1st we are closed.

Question 59

Which facilities do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We have three air-conditioned classrooms, lockers for your valuables, and free coffee, tea, and drinking water available, both in the school and on board.

Question 60

Do you have your own dive boat?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have our own boat which is officially registered for diving activities. The boat has a filling station, various sizes of tanks and all necessary safety equipment.

Question 61

What are the dive school's opening hours?

Accepted Answer

We are open daily from Monday to Sunday, from 08:45 to 18:00. Bookings close at 17:00.

Question 62

Are you a Dutch dive school?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are the only dive school on Koh Tao that operates entirely under Dutch management and we have a permanent team of Dutch instructors.

Question 63

Can I dive with my children during their course?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that is possible, as long as we can plan this in time.
We call this a refresh course Plus.

Then you will go through the complete course together.
But without e-learning and diving certificate.

We charge the following (per person):

Day 1:
Exercises in shallow water followed by 1 fun dive: 2,500 THB

Day 2:
Exercises in shallow water followed by 1 fun dive: 2,500 THB

Day 3:
2x fun dive: 1,800 THB

Total per person: 6,800 THB

Question 64

Does my standard health insurance cover the costs of a diving accident?

Accepted Answer

Possibly not in full. Medical costs in Thailand can be high and diving is sometimes seen as an 'extreme sport'. It is important to take out additional travel or health insurance that covers this.

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