Your first time underwater starts with real calm. This Koh Tao try-scuba day is built for beginners, with equipment fitting and an hour-long safety briefing before you ever go below the surface. The boat day is a big part of the experience too, with showers, a sun deck, and snacks included. One catch, though: the price covers one underwater session, and the optional second one costs extra.

Instructors can make or break a first day, and the feedback here is consistently about how patient and attentive the team is. I also like that you can end up with different instructors, including names like Juan, John, Noelia, and Ernest, all praised for clear explanations and steady check-ins.

If you get nervous fast in groups, note the setup stays small, with a maximum of 4 travelers, and the training happens in a calm bay chosen for beginners. Still, your comfort level will depend on how you click with your instructor and the pace you’re comfortable with.

Key highlights you’ll feel on the day

• Small group size (max 4), which usually means less rushing and more personal attention.
• Hour-long safety and training briefing focused on what to do and what not to do.
• Beginner-friendly bay, starting shallow and then going down gradually.
• Comfort-focused boat: three-storied, with showers, sun deck space, and refreshments.
• One included underwater session to a max depth of 12m, plus an optional extra session for a fee.

Try Scuba course, step by step, from 9:30 to 16:30

This is a full day experience, and the timing is built around a calm, practical flow. The start is listed at 9:30 am at the La Bombona meeting point on Sairee Road, then the actual TSD try-scuba course kicks off at 10:00 am with the first instruction block.

What I like about this schedule is that you do not jump straight into complicated gear setup. You begin with basic concepts, then equipment familiarity, then a safety briefing that covers the do’s and don’ts and what to expect. After about an hour of briefing and questions, you head to the boat.

A typical return lands back at the meeting point around 16:30, when paperwork gets finalized. That matters because first-time scuba participants often feel the day is longer than it is. Having a clear finish time helps you plan the rest of Koh Tao around real energy levels, not guesswork.

Also, the day is structured so you’re not guessing what comes next. The instructors walk you through land basics first, then you practice in shallow water, then you go deeper once you’re comfortable with the mechanics and the safety routine.

Gear fitting and the hour-long safety briefing that reduces panic

Before you touch the water, the program stresses comfort and preparedness. You’re sized up with equipment that’s described as brand new, which is a big deal for first-timers. When straps and fit feel right, breathing feels easier and movements feel more natural. When gear fits poorly, beginners can waste mental energy on discomfort instead of learning the basics.

Then comes the safety briefing. The course includes a detailed explanation of the basic diving concepts (think: how air use works, what to do when things feel off, and the rules that keep everyone safe). You also get guidance on the do’s and don’ts, plus a chance to ask questions.

In the feedback, one theme pops up again and again: instructors who explain clearly and take their time. People like Juan and John are specifically praised for walking through steps on land and staying patient under the surface. Another instructor named Noelia gets credit for making participants feel safe and for checking on them throughout. Ernest also gets mentioned as especially helpful for brand new participants.

One possible drawback to keep in mind: one negative review describes a less friendly instruction style where the instructor expected the student to handle more independently than the reviewer was comfortable with. The school’s response basically defended that approach by pointing to the hour-long briefing designed to prepare you. Translation for you: if you want a super hands-on, reassurance-only vibe, you might want to set expectations early, and pick an instructor you feel you can trust.

The three-storied boat ride, with showers and snacks included

The boat is not treated like a boring transfer. It’s part of the paid experience, with facilities that make you comfortable even if you’re not in the mood for a long day on open water.

The day’s boat is described as three-storied and includes practical perks:

• showers
• a sun deck with space to spread out
• refreshments included in the price

On top of that, the boat welcome includes water, coffee, tea, cookies, and fresh fruit. That’s not just nice, it’s smart. When you’re learning underwater basics, you want steady energy and hydration. First-timers often underestimate how much exertion the learning phase takes.

Group size also matters here. With a maximum of 4 travelers, the boat vibe is less like a crowded cattle car and more like a small group day. That tends to make it easier to stay relaxed before your underwater session.

Your training day in a calm bay, shallow first

The underwater plan is designed like a ladder. You start in shallow water and practice simple skills. The goal is to build confidence step by step, not throw you into the deep end of the learning curve.

The bay is chosen for beginners and described as suitably calm. That helps you focus on breathing and equipment use instead of fighting waves. You’ll likely feel the first time on air is a strange mix of excitement and concentration. The shallow-water training is where you learn how to stay calm and follow the routine.

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you go below the surface for the main underwater session. The maximum depth listed for the experience is 12m, and the point is you can still see a lot without needing advanced conditions. The program also highlights tropical fish and corals, which is what most people are chasing on their first real underwater outing.

A detail I really like: you’re not just sent off with hope. Equipment setup is prepared by the instructor, and you receive instruction before you go down. That aligns with what people praise in the reviews, especially mentions of instructors being patient and always checking in during the session.

What you’ll see at 12m, plus the option for a second session

The included underwater experience has a maximum depth of 12m. That depth is deep enough to feel like you’ve truly “gone underwater,” but shallow enough that the first-day training can still focus on safety and control. The program specifically calls out tropical fish and corals as the main highlights.

When you finish the included session and get back on the boat, there’s an important option: you can repeat the experience. The info says the Basic Dive includes only one underwater session, but once you’re out of the water, if you want to do it again, the team is happy to take you to a different underwater spot.

One part to check carefully: a second underwater session is also listed under what’s not included as 2nd Dive + 1000. So if you’re thinking about doing two sessions, budget extra for that add-on. I’d treat the first included session as your proof of concept, then decide after you’re done. Most first-timers either feel hooked after the first time or realize they’d rather save energy for the rest of the trip.

If you’re short on time, this structure is a good compromise. Reviews that recommend this place often mention that it’s perfect when you do not have the time for a multi-day course. You get the experience quickly, and you can upgrade later if you fall in love with the hobby.

Price and value: what $96.80 actually buys you

At $96.80 per person, the value comes from how the price is bundled. You’re not just paying for a spot. You’re paying for taxes and handling charges, a professional guide, use of snorkeling equipment, snacks, and coffee and/or tea. The boat experience is also described as including space and refreshments as part of the day.

That’s a fair package for a first-time try-scuba day because beginners typically need:

• proper equipment fitting
• a safety briefing and active guidance
• a calm plan for the learning portion
• a boat setup that keeps you comfortable before and after

What is not included is also clearly defined. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase after the underwater session, and food and drinks are listed as not included beyond what’s stated. The optional second underwater session also costs extra.

For value, I’d focus on whether you want only one underwater experience today, or you want the chance to do more. If you’re the type who learns fast and wants maximum time in the water, plan for the add-on budget. If you’re nervous and want to try it once without overcommitting, the included session is likely enough to decide if you want to continue.

Instructor fit and comfort: what the best feedback really signals

One of the strongest signals from the reviews is not about corals or fish. It’s about the human factor.

People praise instructors for being:

• caring and fun
• professional
• patient while you learn
• thorough in explanations
• active in checking on you during the session

That lines up with what matters for first-timers. If you feel safe and understood, you can relax enough to learn. If the instructor is abrupt or expects too much too fast, anxiety can snowball.

The best names mentioned in feedback include Juan and John (one reviewer specifically thanks Juan for step-by-step instruction on land and John for taking them underwater for two sessions), Noelia (praised for professionalism and caring check-ins), and Ernest (praised for brilliance and helpfulness for new participants).

If you’re worried about communication style, here’s a practical move: ask questions during the briefing while it’s still early. The format includes time for questions, and your questions help you match the pace to your comfort level.

Also, take note of rules on the boat. One complaint involved smoking on the boat and staff enforcing a rule to put it out. Even if you disagree with the policy, it’s a reminder that this is a safety-focused operation. If you want a smooth day, follow boat rules the moment you’re told them.

Who this try-scuba day is best for

This experience is built for first-timers. The program explicitly says you may not have dived before, and the training approach starts with basics and shallow water skills. If you’ve never done scuba, this structure is the right kind of gradual.

It’s also a good fit if you:

• want to try it quickly, in one day
• prefer a smaller group setting (max 4)
• want an organized boat day with real comfort perks
• like clear instruction and safety first

If you’re someone who strongly dislikes group instruction or needs very gentle reassurance all the way through, consider that one negative review pointed to a more independent style from an instructor. You can still have a good day here, but choose the instructor style that fits you, and ask questions early.

And if you’re already experienced and want to do a day session, the info says there are options to offer the same price a certified diver would pay. That suggests they can still make it work for advanced participants, though the plan described here is clearly geared toward beginners.

Should you book La Bombona for a first try scuba day?

Book it if you want a structured, beginner-friendly try-scuba day with strong instruction, a calm bay plan, and a boat setup that keeps you comfortable. The price bundles a lot that first-timers need, including gear use, snacks, coffee or tea, and a professional guide, plus an included underwater session to 12m.

I would not overbook your expectations for a second underwater session. The included experience is one session, and a second one has an extra cost. If you’re on the fence, do the included session first, then decide.

Finally, if you’re anxious, lean into the strengths of the program: the hour-long briefing, equipment fitting, and small group size. That combo is built to help you feel in control. Just follow boat rules and ask questions early so your instructor can match the pace to your needs.

FAQ

What time does the try scuba course start?

The course starts at 10:00 am, with the activity listed to start at 9:30 am at the meeting point.

Where do I meet for the experience?

Meet at LBD, La Bombona scuba center, Beach 17/18 Sairee Rd, Tambon Ko Tao, Koh Tao, Surat Thani 84360, Thailand.

How long does the experience take?

It’s described as about 1 day, and the return to the dive center is around 16:30 to finalize paperwork.

Is this experience suitable if I have never done scuba before?

Yes. The program is described as a try-scuba experience for people who may not have dived before, and the plan includes beginner skills in shallow water.

What training happens before you go underwater?

You start with basic scuba concepts, then you get familiarized with the equipment, and then you receive an extensive safety briefing including do’s and don’ts and what to expect.

How deep will I go?

The maximum depth listed for the underwater session is 12m.

Is one underwater session included or are there more?

The basic experience includes one underwater session. After you’re back out of the water, you can repeat the experience, but a second session is listed as extra (2nd Dive + 1000).

What’s included in the price?

Included items are a professional guide, use of snorkeling equipment, snacks, coffee and/or tea, and all taxes, fees, and handling charges.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase after the underwater session only.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Canceling less than 24 hours before the start time is not refundable.