2 Days PADI Advanced Course from Phi Phi

Ko Phi Phi’s best underwater moments are not limited to colorful reefs. This two-day PADI Advanced course lets you work toward certification while visiting sites such as Ko Bida Nok and Ko Phi Phi Le, with the chance to spot turtles and sharks. The course uses the official PADI online program, so you arrive with the classroom work largely organized.

I like the small class size, capped at 10 people, and the strong attention to safety. I also like that the team tries to avoid the busiest periods and offers both longtail and larger-boat trips. The main drawback is the cost: at $417.93 per person, you must also pay 800 THB in national park fees for two days.

Key points to know before you book

• Two days with different goals: Day one lasts about five hours, while day two runs about eight hours.
• Ko Bida Nok and Ko Phi Phi Le: These sites bring coral, fish, and the possibility of turtles and sharks into the course setting.
• Maximum depth of 30 metres: The second day includes a deep-water exercise with color and depth comparisons.
• Online study comes first: You meet your instructor the day before to review the required PADI e-learning chapters.
• Small-group instruction: The maximum group size is 10, with instructors such as Becca and Michael praised for calm, attentive teaching.
• Park fees are extra: Budget 800 THB for the two-day national park charge, paid directly to the rangers.

What the two-day course is really like

This is not simply a sightseeing trip with a certification attached. You spend time learning how to manage yourself underwater in new conditions, then use those skills at well-known sites around Phi Phi.

The course is aimed at people who already hold an Open Water certification and want the next PADI level. You should be comfortable in the water and have a moderate level of fitness. The operator does not recommend this activity for people with asthma.

The schedule begins before the boat leaves. On the day before the first outing, you meet your instructor to go over the e-learning chapters. That meeting matters. It gives you a chance to ask questions before you are standing on a boat with equipment, waves, and a full set of skills to practice.

Blue View Divers uses the official PADI online program, a useful choice if you prefer to study at your own pace. The online work also keeps the in-person course focused on practical training instead of long classroom sessions.

Day one at Ko Bida Nok

The first morning starts near Phi Phi Pier, where you meet about 30 minutes before departure. Expect a briefing before setting out, including the plan for the day and the skills you will work on.

Ko Bida Nok is the first named site. It is part of the Phi Phi area known for coral and marine life, and it gives you a scenic setting for putting advanced-course lessons into practice. The available schedule lists about five hours for this day, including the boat outing and underwater sessions.

The shorter first day can be helpful. You are learning how the group operates, checking your equipment, and getting used to your instructor’s signals and pace. You are not thrown into an eight-hour program immediately.

At the same time, five hours passes quickly. This is a training day, not a full day of leisurely exploration. You may have limited time to simply watch the reef once the required exercises are complete.

The staff places clear emphasis on safety. Instructors are expected to stay attentive, answer questions, and help you build confidence. Becca is especially associated with the advanced course, while Michael is also praised for making the certification process feel supportive and well organized.

The operator uses a training pool at its base, with a view over Phi Phi. That setting is valuable if you want to review basic skills before heading out, although the available details do not specify which exercises take place in the pool. It is a reassuring feature for anyone who wants a little extra preparation.

Day two at Ko Phi Phi Le

The second morning follows the same basic pattern: meet at the pier, attend a briefing, and review the plan before leaving. The difference is the length of the day. Allow about eight hours.

Ko Phi Phi Le is the main named location for this day. It is one of the area’s most recognizable islands, but the course is not only about taking in the scenery. The schedule centers on a deep-water session, with a maximum depth of 30 metres.

One exercise compares how colors look at different depths. This is a practical lesson, not a piece of trivia. Colors change as you descend, and understanding that shift helps you read what you see underwater more accurately.

The course may also include a night session. This is supported by the experience details from people who completed the program, but the exact timing and site are not provided. If the night exercise is part of your group’s plan, ask your instructor to explain the schedule and what equipment you will use.

The longer second day is the biggest commitment. You need enough energy for boat time, preparation, several underwater sessions, and surface intervals. I would not schedule a tight connection or another major activity immediately afterward.

Marine life and the conservation focus

The Phi Phi area gives the course a strong natural setting. You might see turtles, sharks, coral, and other marine life, though sightings are never guaranteed. The operator says it selects sites for their underwater scenery while respecting fragile ecosystems.

That conservation focus is more than a slogan if it affects how you behave in the water. You will be encouraged to protect the reef, avoid damaging coral, and treat marine life with care. For a course designed to build long-term scuba skills, this is exactly the right message.

The team also aims to miss the crowds and, when conditions allow, reach sites with fewer boats around. That can make a real difference. A quieter site gives you more room to concentrate, and it can make the whole experience feel less like a standard island excursion.

Conditions still control the day. Site choices, visibility, current, and the chance of seeing particular animals can change. The operator requires good weather and may offer another date or a full refund if poor weather forces cancellation.

Small classes and the instructor experience

The maximum group size is 10 people. That is not a private lesson, but it is small enough to support closer supervision than a large boat operation.

The strongest part of the course is the teaching style described in the available feedback. Becca is repeatedly singled out for being professional, reassuring, and clear. Michael is also praised for helping a student pass the advanced course while keeping the mood relaxed. Caroline is associated with helpful communication and flexibility when plans changed for one member of a group.

Those details matter because advanced training can feel demanding. You are learning new skills while managing buoyancy, air, equipment, depth, and the people around you. An instructor who explains the task calmly can make the difference between a useful challenge and an uncomfortable morning.

The center also presents itself as safety-focused and staffed by experienced PADI professionals. The available feedback repeatedly points to attentive supervision, good communication, and a straightforward process from booking through certification.

One practical point: instructor assignments are not guaranteed in the information provided. You can ask who will lead your group when you make contact, but you should not book on the assumption that a particular instructor will be available.

Equipment, meals, and what the price covers

The $417.93 price includes the PADI e-learning course, certification fees, scuba equipment, a dive computer, lunch, coffee or tea at the center, all listed fees and taxes, and basic insurance under the stated redemption policy.

That package makes the price easier to assess. You are not paying only for boat access. The fee also covers instruction, course materials, certification costs, rental gear, a computer, and food over two days.

A dive computer is especially useful during an advanced course. It lets you monitor depth and time while learning how the underwater profile changes. You should still ask the instructor what personal items to bring, since the supplied details do not list clothing, towels, medication, or other packing needs.

The national park fee is separate. For two days, the stated charge is 800 THB, paid to the rangers. This is a meaningful extra cost, so add it to your budget before comparing the course with other Phi Phi options.

Basic insurance is included, but the policy is described as basic redemption-only coverage. Read the terms carefully if insurance is important to you. Do not assume it covers every medical, cancellation, or travel situation.

Boats, meeting point, and the shape of the day

The meeting point is Blue View Divers at Scuba Diving Phi PhiViewpoint Resort, 107, Phi Phi Island, Ko Phi Phi, Krabi 81210. The activity ends back there.

Blue View Divers is the longest-running longtail dive operator in the area and also offers larger-boat trips. The exact boat used for this course is not specified, so ask before departure if the boat type matters to you.

Longtail boats can feel more connected to the islands and are often part of the local character of Phi Phi. They may also offer less shelter than a larger vessel. Since the trip depends on good weather, conditions on the water should be part of your planning.

Day one is about five hours, and day two is about eight hours. That second day is long enough that you should treat it as your main activity, not something to fit between beach plans. The group meets near the pier rather than at a mainland hotel, so make sure you are staying on or near Ko Phi Phi Don.

Is the $417.93 price good value?

For someone who wants the PADI Advanced certification, the price is reasonable if you use the included elements. The course combines online study, instructor-led training, boat outings, equipment, a computer, lunch, certification fees, and insurance.

It is less appealing if you only want casual sightseeing. You are paying for structured lessons and assessment, not just time at attractive reefs. The two-day schedule also demands more commitment than a single recreational outing.

The small group cap adds value. A lower student-to-instructor ratio can mean more direct help with equipment, signals, buoyancy, and course tasks. It may also give you more time to ask questions instead of waiting behind a large group.

The extra 800 THB park charge is the main budget detail to remember. Group discounts are available, but the supplied information does not state how much you save or how many people qualify. Ask for the exact discount before booking.

Who should book this course?

I would choose this course if you already have Open Water certification and want to build confidence with deeper water, navigation-style skills, or other advanced exercises in a beautiful setting.

It is also a good fit if personal instruction matters to you. The center’s approach is safety-focused, eco-minded, and built around small groups. The pool, online study, and experienced PADI staff may help you feel more prepared.

You should think twice if you dislike full-day boat outings, have limited fitness, or want a relaxed reef trip with no coursework. This is a certification program, so you will have scheduled tasks and performance goals.

People with asthma should note the stated restriction and seek appropriate medical advice before booking. You should also be ready for the possibility that weather changes the schedule.

Final booking advice

Book it if you want a serious but friendly route to PADI Advanced certification and value a small group, careful instruction, and Phi Phi’s underwater sites. Becca and Michael are names worth asking about, but instructor availability is not promised.

Skip it if you are looking only for a cheap sightseeing trip or cannot commit to the long second day. Before paying, confirm the boat type, instructor, course schedule, possible night session, and the 800 THB park fee. That quick check will tell you if the program matches your expectations.

FAQ

Where does the PADI Advanced course begin?

It begins at Blue View Divers, Scuba Diving Phi PhiViewpoint Resort, 107, Phi Phi Island, Ko Phi Phi, Krabi 81210, Thailand.

Where does the activity finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the course last?

The course lasts approximately two days. Day one is listed at about five hours, and day two at about eight hours.

What certification does the course provide?

It is an official PADI Advanced course and includes PADI e-learning and certification fees.

Do I need to study before the first day?

Yes. You meet your instructor the day before the course to review the e-learning chapters and prepare for the practical sessions.

What is the maximum group size?

The activity accepts a maximum of 10 people.

What is the deepest planned descent?

The first session on day two goes to a maximum depth of 30 metres.

Is scuba equipment provided?

Yes. Scuba equipment and a dive computer are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with coffee or tea at the center.

Are national park fees included?

No. The Phi Phi National Park charge is paid separately to the rangers. The stated two-day fee is 800 THB.

What happens if bad weather cancels the course?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for any other reason?

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or request an amendment, the amount paid is not refunded.