Aqua One Dive

Located in the coastal area of Rawai, Aqua One Dive operates as a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center (IDC). With over 13 years of experience in the Phuket region, the centre has established itself as a professional hub for both recreational divers and those pursuing a career in the industry.

The centre's approach is built on providing structured, high-standard training and well-organised dive trips. Whether you are taking your first breaths underwater or working towards your professional instructor ratings, the focus remains on safety and technical proficiency.

As a 5-Star IDC, the centre is specifically equipped to handle the full spectrum of PADI professional training. This includes everything from Divemaster internships to Open Water Scuba Instructor courses and Specialty Instructor ratings.

The instruction team is experienced in delivering a wide range of certifications, including technical and specialty courses. All instruction and communication are conducted in English, ensuring clarity for international divers.

Beyond standard recreational training, the centre is committed to marine conservation. They integrate environmental awareness into their programmes, offering specialties such as AWARE Shark Conservation, Coral Reef Conservation, and Dive Against Debris.

The course catalogue is extensive, covering all PADI levels. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving and progress through Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver. For those looking to specialise, options include Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Peak Performance Buoyancy, and Underwater Navigator.

Professional divers can undertake the Divemaster course, with both standard 14-day programmes and longer internships available. The IDC programme offers pathways for Assistant Instructor, Open Water Scuba Instructor, and even Staff Instructor levels.

The centre also provides specialised training in Sidemount Rec Diver, Self-Reliant Diver, and various freediving certifications, including Basic Freediver and PADI AWARE Freediver.

The centre organises boat dives to several key areas, including Racha, Phi Phi, King Cruiser, and the Similan Islands. These expeditions include meals and drinks on board to support divers during full-day trips.

For those requiring advanced gas mixes, Nitrox and Trimix are available for use on these dives. The logistics are designed to provide a seamless transition from the pier to the dive sites.

On-site, the centre offers basic scuba gear rental, including masks and fins. For those looking for a more complete setup, full kit rental is available.

Technical diving requirements are met with the availability of Nitrox and Trimix. The centre also provides emergency oxygen services on-site to maintain high safety standards.

The waters around Phuket are home to a vast array of reef life. You will encounter various species of coral, including branching coral and cabbage coral, which provide the framework for the ecosystem. Large numbers of reef fish, such as snappers (Lutjanus), fusiliers (Caesio), and various damselfish (Pomacentridae), inhabit these reefs.

Pelagic species and larger predators are frequently seen by those visiting the deeper sites. This includes blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus), grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), and white-tip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus). You may also encounter manta rays (Mobula alfredi), eagle rays (Aetobatus), and various species of tuna (Thunnus).

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe on the seabed and within the reef structure. The area is populated by nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), various shrimp (Caridea), octopus (Octopus vulgaris), and cuttlefish (Sepiidae). Look closely for ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), frogfish (Antennarius), and scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae).

Other notable residents include sea turtles, rays (Batoidea), and various groupers (Epinephelus). You might also spot triggerfish (Balistidae), lionfish, and moray eels (Muraenidae) amongst the rocks and ledges.

Diving in this region involves navigating various underwater environments, from shallow reef flats to deeper offshore sites. While specific current data varies by site, divers should be prepared for drift diving conditions on certain excursions.

Sea conditions can change depending on the season, affecting the accessibility of certain islands and the intensity of the swell.