Sea Bees Diving in Phuket Offers a Comprehensive and Exciting 3-day Open Water Course for would-be Scuba Divers, taking you from Beginner to Certified Diver in the Stunning Andaman Sea
By: Madeleine Becker
If you’re looking to become a certified open water diver, there’s no better place to go than Sea Bees Diving in Phuket. Founded in 1989 and under the stewardship of Holger Schwab since 1995, Sea Bees has built a stellar reputation. With multiple dive centres across Thailand, they offer some of the best diving experiences in the region. Whether you’re in Chalong, Khao Lak or Nai Yang, Sea Bees has strategically placed its dive centres near the best dive sites, ensuring divers are never far from adventure. They also operate several branch offices and shops in hotels and resorts, so wherever you’re staying, Sea Bees has got you covered.
We were first-time divers and wanted an all-inclusive experience to earn our certification. After doing our research, we decided on Sea Bees Diving in Phuket, which offers a three-day open water diving course certified by SSI (Scuba Schools International), one of the top diving programs worldwide. Sea Bees has earned numerous accolades, including ten prestigious Golden Dolphin Awards for being the “Best Dive Centre in Southeast Asia and the Pacific”. They also offer convenient accommodations and restaurants near their dive centres, making it easy to focus on diving without worrying about transportation. And if you’re staying elsewhere, Sea Bees provides a reliable pick-up service from your hotel.
Day 1:
We arrived at the Sea Bees Dive Centre in Chalong at 9:00 am, greeted by their friendly staff, including our instructor, George. After a brief introduction, we selected our diving equipment, ensuring everything, from wetsuits and masks to fins and regulators, fit perfectly. Sea Bees’ attention to detail was evident from the start. Everything was set up for a smooth experience, making us feel confident even before hitting the water.
Next, we headed to Palm Garden Resort, just 500 metres from the dive centre, where we did our pool training. Palm Garden is one of Sea Bees’ accommodations, offering convenience and comfort for those who prefer to stay close to the dive centre. Before getting into the pool, we completed some theoretical learning via the SSI app. The app-based lessons allowed us to learn at our own pace, covering essential diving safety and techniques before taking a final exam. Once we passed, it was time to get hands-on.
In the pool, we practised key skills like buoyancy control, clearing our masks, equalising pressure, and sharing air in case of emergencies. George was patient and thorough, making sure we were comfortable with every step. By the end of the day, we were feeling confident and ready to take on the open water dives ahead.
Day 2:
The next morning, we were picked up from our hotel by Pui, a friendly driver who shared some great stories about his time working with Sea Bees. Once we arrived at the dive centre, we joined a group of other divers, some of whom were also completing their open water course, while others were experienced divers out for a fun day of diving. After a quick briefing, we headed to the marina and boarded Excalibur II, Sea Bees’ bright yellow speed boat. Our destinations for the day were the Racha Islands—Racha Yai and Racha Noi—perfect diving spots that are sheltered from wind and waves, making them ideal even during the rainy season.
We had three dives scheduled for the day, each going deeper, between 6 and 12 metres. During each dive, we first reviewed the essential skills we had practised in the pool, and once we were comfortable, we transitioned into the fun part: exploring the underwater world. Visibility was fantastic—ranging between 15 and 25 metres—revealing a vibrant array of marine life. Thanks to George’s sharp eye and experience, we spotted incredible creatures like cuttlefish, scorpionfish, moray eels, and even the iconic clownfish.
Day 3:
On the final day of our course, excitement was high as we prepared for two last dives. The first took us to a depth of 18 metres, our deepest dive yet. A highlight of the day was exploring a shipwreck, an awe-inspiring sight with schools of fish swirling around us as we glided through the sunken structure. The adventure and thrill of the dive were unforgettable, and the marine life was just as stunning. We encountered schools of barracuda, blue-spotted stingrays, and even an octopus hiding in the coral. After our final dive, we packed up and rinsed our equipment, feeling a great sense of accomplishment.
Throughout both days, the Sea Bees team ensured we were well taken care of. We were served breakfast, lunch, and snacks between dives, with plenty of water, tea, and coffee available. The crew was friendly and professional, making sure everyone felt safe and comfortable. By the end of the three-day course, we had not only passed our certification but had also fallen in love with diving.
Sea Bees Diving truly stands out for its professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to making every dive experience special. Whether you’re a beginner like we were or an experienced diver looking for new adventures, Sea Bees offers a tailored experience. They even offer longer liveaboard trips for those wanting to explore the depths of the Andaman Sea more extensively.
Looking back, choosing Sea Bees was the best decision we could have made. George, our instructor, was patient, knowledgeable, and always ready to answer our questions. A big thank you to George, Nico, Pui, Tim and the entire Sea Bees team for making our experience unforgettable. We are now excited to continue our diving adventures, all thanks to Sea Bees Diving.
Address: 1, 3 Wiset Rd, Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83130
Phone: 076 381 765