PADI Junior Open Water Diver

The PADI Junior Open Water Diver course is one of the most memorable things a family can do in Koh Samui. Children aged 10 to 14 complete the same world-class PADI scuba diving certification as adults — earning a genuine, globally recognised qualification they’ll hold for life.

At Silent Divers we have junior-sized equipment, patient and encouraging instructors, and years of experience working with young divers. Many of our junior divers come back with their parents year after year.

Depth Limits by Age

All open water dives must be conducted with a PADI certified adult diver — a parent, guardian, or one of our dive guides.

Turns 15? The PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification automatically upgrades to a full adult PADI Open Water Diver at age 15. No additional course or fee required.

Why Learn to Dive in Koh Samui?

The Gulf of Thailand offers warm, calm water (28–30°C), superb visibility, and spectacular marine life — ideal conditions for young divers making their first open water dives. Sites between Koh Samui and Koh Tao feature colourful coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and occasionally reef sharks and whale sharks.

A Koh Samui diving holiday is an extraordinary experience for families. If mum or dad wants to certify at the same time, ask us about our family bundle — both parent and child can complete the course together.

Course Structure

Before You Arrive — PADI eLearning

We send the eLearning access code as soon as you book. The online theory is designed to be accessible and engaging for younger learners — most kids complete it in an evening or two. Parents are encouraged to go through it together with their child.

Day 1 — Confined Water (Pool)

Pool session 9:00 am to around noon. Skills are taught at a comfortable pace — there’s no pressure and no rushing. The instructor works 1-on-1 with your child, mastering buoyancy, mask clearing, regulator use, and emergency procedures in a safe, shallow pool environment.

Days 2 & 3 — Open Water Dives (4 dives by boat)

Two boat days with 4 open water dives at sites between Koh Samui and Koh Tao. Hotel pickup arranged, boat departs around 9am, back by 3–4pm.

A parent or certified adult must be in the water on every dive. Our guides are happy to accompany your child if you’re not yet certified — or certify together as a family.

What to Expect

Our instructors are experienced with children of all confidence levels. Sessions are encouraging and fun — never rushed. If your child needs more time on a skill, we take more time. Safety and comfort always come first.