Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Diving from Phi Phi Don instead of Krabi or Phuket completely changes the experience. The boat trip to the reefs is short, so you spend your time in the water instead of watching the coastline drift by. That alone makes an island-based operator like this one worthwhile, regardless of whether you've never breathed through a regulator before or have a logbook full of stamps.

They offer the full range of diving courses, from introductory dives for those who simply want to try diving, to multi-day Open Water certifications. The instructors know the local dive sites and are aware of how conditions change. They'll choose a reef that suits your skill level, rather than having everyone dive in the same place. The dive desk is open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm – ideal if you'd like to dive on your first evening after dinner.

If you're aiming for certification, don't wait until the last two days of your stay on the island to book it. The course spans several consecutive dates, and the weather can affect the schedule. Therefore, it's best to book between November and April when the sea is calmest and all boats are booked.