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Pricing & Booking FAQs
Scuba diving costs at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe vary based on the activity. Fun dives start at 1,700 THB for a single dive and 3,000 THB for two dives, with multi-dive packages offering progressively better value up to 13,000 THB for ten dives. Course pricing is as follows: Try Dive from 2,800 THB, Open Water certification at 15,070 THB, Explorer 30 advanced course at 12,500 THB, Master Rescue at 11,000 THB (or 17,500 THB with First Aid and Oxygen Administration included), Divemaster at 40,000 THB, and the Instructor course at 102,000 THB. The Refresh course for returning divers is 3,500 THB. Tarutao National Marine Park entry fees of 400 THB per day apply separately on all dives within the park.
The price of every La Bombona Diving course and fun dive in Koh Lipe includes complete scuba equipment rental (mask, fins, wetsuit, BCD, regulator, dive computer, and tank), boat transport to dive sites, a professional divemaster or certified instructor, insurance, and lunch on dive days along with snacks and refreshments on the boat. Courses additionally include online RAID training materials, theory lessons, and your internationally recognised certification on completion. The Open Water course also includes a La Bombona souvenir t-shirt. The only standard additional cost is the Tarutao National Marine Park entry fee of 400 THB per day. All packages are designed to be inclusive so divers can focus on the experience rather than the logistics.
There are no hidden fees in La Bombona Diving’s pricing in Koh Lipe. All costs are listed transparently before booking. The only additional charges beyond the course or dive package price are the Tarutao National Marine Park entry fee of 400 THB per day, the optional second dive on a Try Dive day for 1,000 THB if you choose to add it, and the Explorer 30 course insurance fee of 70 THB. These are all clearly disclosed on every course and activity page. If you choose to use a personal dive computer or wetsuit, no additional charge applies. Damage or loss of equipment due to misuse may incur a fair market replacement fee, but this is rare and clearly stated in the terms.
Marine Park fees are not included in La Bombona Diving’s course or fun dive prices in Koh Lipe. The Tarutao National Marine Park charges a daily entry fee of 400 THB per person, set by the Royal Thai Government, which is paid separately on any day your dives take place inside the park. This is a one-off daily charge regardless of how many dives you complete on that day so if you do two or three dives in the park on a single day, you pay 400 THB once. The fee directly funds park conservation, ranger patrols, and reef protection, making it a meaningful contribution to keeping Koh Lipe’s marine environment healthy for future divers.
Yes, all scuba equipment is included in the price of every La Bombona Diving course and fun dive in Koh Lipe. This covers mask, fins, wetsuit, BCD (buoyancy control device), regulator, dive computer, and tank for every dive you book. All equipment is professionally maintained by the La Bombona Diving team and checked before each dive day. If you own personal equipment such as a dive computer, wetsuit, or mask that you prefer to use, you are welcome to bring it, but it is not necessary. There is no discount for using your own gear, but there is also no additional charge for using the centre’s equipment, regardless of how many dives you complete.
Yes, a deposit is required to confirm any course or dive booking at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe. The deposit is 1,000 THB for any non-professional activity, including Try Dives, fun dive packages, Open Water, Explorer 30, and Master Rescue courses, and 5,000 THB for professional level programmes such as the Divemaster or Instructor course. The remaining balance is paid on arrival at the dive centre. Your reservation is only guaranteed once the deposit has been received. Deposits can be paid online through the La Bombona Diving website or arranged via WhatsApp or Instagram with the team.
Last-minute scuba diving bookings are often possible at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe, particularly during the shoulder and low seasons. Fun dives can sometimes be arranged on the same day if you contact the dive centre early in the morning via WhatsApp on +66 98 223 1648, Instagram, or by visiting the centre directly. Courses are harder to book at the last minute as instructor scheduling typically locks in a day or two ahead. During the high season from November to April, last-minute availability is less reliable, so booking at least two or three days in advance is recommended. The team will always advise honestly on what is genuinely available on any given day.
La Bombona Diving reserves the right to modify or cancel any dive, course, or trip when weather, sea conditions, or safety considerations require it. If a dive is cancelled by La Bombona Diving due to weather or unsafe conditions, the team will work with you to reschedule for another day during your stay in Koh Lipe whenever possible. If rescheduling is not feasible because you are leaving the island, the team will discuss alternative arrangements. This is part of La Bombona Diving’s safety first approach. Diving is never conducted in conditions that compromise diver safety, regardless of commercial pressure. As small tropical islands, Koh Tao and Koh Lipe are both influenced by ocean conditions that occasionally require schedule changes.
Yes, La Bombona Diving offers progressively better value the more fun dives you book in Koh Lipe. The pricing structure rewards multi-dive packages directly: one dive is 1,700 THB, two dives are 3,000 THB (saving 400 THB), five dives are 7,000 THB (saving 1,500 THB), and ten dives are 13,000 THB (saving 4,000 THB compared to single dive rates). The full package breakdown is: three dives at 4,500 THB, four dives at 6,000 THB, six dives at 8,400 THB, seven dives at 9,800 THB, eight dives at 10,400 THB, and nine dives at 11,700 THB. Dives can be spread across multiple days during your stay on the island.
Yes, La Bombona Diving offers a course discount for divers who continue their training after a Try Dive in Koh Lipe. If you start the Open Water course immediately after completing your Try Dive, a discount is applied to the certification programme price. Combination pricing is also available when you bundle multiple courses, for example completing Open Water and Explorer 30 back to back during the same trip. For Master Rescue, if you already hold First Aid and Oxygen Administration certifications, you can take the core course alone for 11,000 THB instead of the full 17,500 THB combined package. Contact La Bombona Diving via WhatsApp for custom pricing on combined or back to back course bookings.
Yes, private scuba diving courses are available at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe. Standard course groups are kept very small, typically two students per instructor, with a maximum of four, but truly private one-on-one courses can be arranged for divers who prefer fully personalised attention, are working through specific anxieties, or simply want to progress at their own pace. Private courses carry a premium over standard group pricing, with the exact cost depending on the course and duration. Contact the La Bombona Diving team via WhatsApp on +66 98 223 1648 to discuss private course availability and pricing for your specific dates and certification level.
For courses such as Open Water, Explorer 30, or Master Rescue, La Bombona Diving recommends booking at least two to four weeks in advance, particularly during the high season from November to April when instructor and course availability fills quickly. For Try Dives and fun dive packages, one to two weeks ahead is usually sufficient. During peak travel periods including Thai public holidays, Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year, booking four to six weeks in advance is strongly recommended as both diving slots and accommodation across Koh Lipe sell out well ahead. A 1,000 THB deposit secures your booking, with the remaining balance paid on arrival.
Try Diving FAQs
Try Diving in Koh Lipe is a beginner-friendly, one-day scuba diving experience offered by La Bombona Diving that lets you breathe underwater and explore the Andaman Sea without any prior certification or experience. The programme runs from 9:30 am to approximately 5:00 pm and includes a theory session, a freshly prepared Thai lunch, a guided dive to a maximum of 12 metres inside Tarutao National Marine Park, all equipment, and insurance. It is designed for complete beginners, families, and curious travellers who want their first taste of the underwater world in a safe, structured environment.
Non-swimmers can often participate in a Try Dive experience with direct instructor support in calm, shallow conditions. At La Bombona Diving, your instructor stays beside you throughout the entire dive, and the first moments in the water take place in a shallow, protected bay. That said, a basic level of water comfort is important. Being completely unable to float or relax in water can make the experience stressful rather than enjoyable. If you have concerns about your swimming ability, speak with the team before booking so they can advise on whether Try Diving is the right starting point for you.
A Try Dive day at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe follows a structured schedule. You arrive at the dive centre at 9:30 am for a theory session covering basic equipment, underwater movement, and safety signals. At 11:00 am there is a break with a freshly prepared Thai meal. At 11:45 am you board the dive boat and head into Tarutao National Marine Park. By 12:30 pm you are in the water, descending to a maximum of 12 metres alongside your instructor to explore coral reefs and tropical fish. From 2:00 pm, you have the option to add a second dive for an additional 1,000 THB. The group returns to the dive centre by approximately 4:45 pm.
A Try Dive with La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe takes a full day, running from 9:30 am to approximately 5:00 pm. This includes the theory session, a lunch break, the boat ride into Tarutao National Marine Park, and one guided dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres. If you choose to add an optional second dive for 1,000 THB, the day extends slightly but finishes within the same afternoon. It is best to keep your schedule free for the full day and avoid planning activities immediately after.
During a Try Dive in Koh Lipe, you may encounter a variety of tropical reef fish among colourful hard and soft coral formations. Depending on conditions and the season, divers may also spot marine life such as clownfish, parrotfish, pufferfish, butterflyfish, and sea turtles. Koh Lipe is located near Tarutao National Marine Park, an area known for its rich marine biodiversity and attractive coral reefs. Many beginner-friendly dive sites allow new divers to experience vibrant underwater scenery at depths of up to 12 metres. Good visibility often makes it easier to observe marine life and appreciate the reef environment.
The minimum age for Try Diving at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe is 10 years old. Children aged 10 and above can participate alongside an instructor under the same beginner programme, making it a popular activity for families visiting Koh Lipe. Younger participants follow additional safety protocols appropriate for their age and experience. Adults of all ages are welcome, and there is no upper age limit provided you are in reasonable general health and free from conditions that may be affected by pressure changes underwater.
The Try Dive at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe is priced from 2,800 THB and includes a theory lesson, complete diving equipment rental, insurance, one guided dive to a maximum of 12 metres inside Tarutao National Marine Park, a freshly prepared Thai lunch, and snacks and refreshments on the boat. Groups are capped at two students per instructor, ensuring you receive direct attention from a certified instructor throughout the experience. The Marine Park entry fee of 400 THB per day and the optional second dive fee of 1,000 THB are not included in the base price. All scuba equipment, mask, fins, wetsuit, BCD, regulator, and tank, is provided, so you only need to bring swimwear and a towel.
Yes, and La Bombona Diving actively encourages it. If you choose to begin your Open Water course immediately after your Try Dive, the school offers a discount on the certification programme, currently priced at 15,000 THB. Many of the skills you practise during the Try Dive, including breathing technique, buoyancy, and underwater signals, carry directly into the Open Water course, making the transition seamless. Your Try Dive also counts as credit toward your RAID Open Water certification. The Open Water course at La Bombona Diving takes approximately three days to complete.
Open Water FAQs
The Open Water course at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe is a beginner certification programme that qualifies you to dive independently with a buddy anywhere in the world, to a depth of 20 metres. It combines online theory modules, a confined water session in the shallows, and four open water dives in Tarutao National Marine Park. La Bombona Diving uses RAID certification, which certifies you to 20 metres, deeper than the standard 18-metre limit offered by most other dive schools. The course is designed for complete beginners and takes three days to complete.
The Open Water course at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe takes four days to complete. Day one covers theory and your first confined water session in shallow water of around two metres. Day two includes a boat trip into Tarutao National Marine Park for your first two open water dives. Day three begins with an early 7:00 am start for your final two deeper dives, followed by the final exam and certification by midday. You leave Koh Lipe as a globally recognised RAID Open Water diver.
Yes, the Open Water certification you receive at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe is internationally recognised. La Bombona Diving certifies through RAID, the Rebreather Association of International Divers, whose certifications are accepted at dive centres, liveaboards, and dive resorts around the world. Your RAID Open Water card serves as your passport to dive anywhere globally, to a maximum depth of 20 metres. RAID certifications are stored digitally and can be verified by any dive operator worldwide.
No prior diving experience is needed to enrol in the Open Water course at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe. The course starts from zero. Your first time breathing underwater will be in a confined session in shallow water of around two metres, with your instructor beside you. You do, however, need to meet the swimming prerequisites: swim 200 metres using any stroke with no time limit, or 300 metres with mask, snorkel, and fins, and float or tread water for 10 minutes. If you have completed a Try Dive with La Bombona Diving, many of the foundational skills already carry over.
The Open Water course at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe includes five water sessions in total: one confined water session in the shallows where you practise essential skills, and four open water dives in Tarutao National Marine Park. The first two open water dives take place on day two, progressing to reef environments in Koh Lipe’s clear Andaman waters. The final two dives on day three go deeper, allowing you to explore the national park’s marine life and soft coral sites at up to 20 metres. All dives are guided by your instructor throughout.
After completing the Open Water course at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe, you are certified to dive to 20 metres, deeper than the 18-metre limit that most other dive schools and certification agencies offer. This extra two metres of depth opens access to a wider range of dive sites, including some of the more spectacular coral formations and marine life encounters around Koh Lipe and beyond. Your RAID Open Water certification allows you to dive independently with a buddy to this depth at any recognised dive centre in the world.
The Open Water course at La Bombona Diving is challenging in the right way. It requires focus and commitment, but it is designed to be completable by anyone in reasonable health who meets the swimming prerequisites. The theory is delivered through online RAID modules completed at your own pace before and during the course, and the final exam is open book with a minimum pass score of 80%. In the water, skills are introduced gradually over three days so you build confidence step by step. Groups are kept small to ensure your instructor can give you personal attention and adjust the pace to suit you.
Yes, the Open Water course at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe is designed to fit within a holiday schedule, taking just three days from start to finish. With courses starting daily, you can begin as soon as you arrive on the island, completing your certification by day three with the rest of your trip free to explore Koh Lipe or dive as a certified diver. It is recommended to complete the online RAID e-learning modules before you arrive to save time and make your days at the dive centre more relaxed and enjoyable.
No, your RAID Open Water certification from La Bombona Diving does not expire. Once certified, you are a qualified diver for life. However, if you have not dived for a significant period, typically a year or more, most dive centres will recommend a refresher session before resuming diving at depth, to ensure your skills and confidence are current. La Bombona Diving offers a one-day Scuba Refresh course in Koh Lipe for 3,500 THB for exactly this purpose.
Yes, teenagers can take the Open Water course at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe. The minimum age breakdown is: 15 and above for the adult course with no restriction, 12 to 14 years for the Junior Open Water programme, and 10 to 11 years for the Cadet programme. All participants under 18 require written parental or guardian consent before the course begins. Junior and Cadet divers follow the same core curriculum with additional supervision and depth limits appropriate for their age group.
All scuba equipment needed for the Open Water course is included in the La Bombona Diving programme price. This covers mask, fins, wetsuit, BCD (buoyancy control device), regulator, dive computer, and tank for every water session throughout the three-day course. Online RAID training materials, insurance, Thai lunch on dive days, snacks and refreshments on the boat, and a La Bombona souvenir t-shirt are also included. The only additional cost is the Tarutao National Marine Park entry fee of 400 THB per dive day. You only need to bring swimwear, a towel, your passport number, and a smartphone to access the RAID online materials.
The Open Water course at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe costs 15,000 THB. This price includes all diving equipment, online RAID training materials, theory lessons, one confined water session, four open water dives in Tarutao National Marine Park, insurance, Thai lunch on dive days, boat snacks and refreshments, and a La Bombona souvenir t-shirt. The Marine Park entry fee of 400 THB per dive day is charged separately by the Thai government and is not included. If you complete a Try Dive first and decide to continue into the Open Water course, La Bombona Diving offers a discount on the course price.
Explorer 30 FAQs
The Explorer 30 course at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe is an advanced certification programme for divers who already hold an Open Water qualification and want to expand their skills and dive deeper. It is the RAID equivalent of an Advanced Open Water course and certifies you to a maximum depth of 30 metres. The two-day course includes five dives, three core dives and two elective dives, covering specialised techniques including buoyancy control, underwater navigation, and drift diving in Koh Lipe’s waters. You leave with an internationally recognised RAID Explorer 30 certification.
Explorer 30 is the RAID equivalent of the PADI Advanced Open Water certification, covering the same fundamental advanced skills but delivered through RAID’s training system, which La Bombona Diving considers to be a higher standard of instruction. Both certifications are internationally recognised and serve the same purpose, extending your depth limit and diversifying your diving skills beyond the Open Water level. The Explorer 30 certifies you to 30 metres, and like Advanced Open Water, it is accepted by dive centres and liveaboards worldwide. One reviewer at La Bombona Diving noted they found RAID Explorer 30 to be qualitatively stronger than the PADI equivalent.
The Open Water course is your entry-level certification, qualifying you to dive with a buddy to 20 metres at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe. The Explorer 30 course is the next step up, designed for already-certified divers who want to go deeper and develop more advanced techniques. Explorer 30 extends your depth limit to 30 metres, introduces specialised dive types including drift diving and compass navigation, and refines the buoyancy and air management skills you built during Open Water. While Open Water teaches you to dive safely, Explorer 30 teaches you to dive with genuine confidence, efficiency, and range.
After completing the Explorer 30 course at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe, you are certified to dive to a maximum depth of 30 metres. This opens access to a significantly wider range of dive sites around Koh Lipe and globally, including deeper pinnacles, wall dives, and sites where larger pelagic marine life, including manta rays and whale sharks, are more commonly encountered. The 30-metre limit is the standard recreational diving ceiling and gives you access to the vast majority of the world’s most celebrated dive sites.
Yes, you can take the Explorer 30 course immediately after completing your Open Water certification at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe. The only prerequisite is a valid Open Water certification. There is no minimum number of logged dives or waiting period required. Many divers choose to complete both courses back to back during the same trip to Koh Lipe, moving from Open Water certification on day three directly into Explorer 30 on days four and five. If you are planning this, let the La Bombona Diving team know in advance so they can schedule your courses consecutively.
The Explorer 30 course at La Bombona Diving includes five dives across two days, three core dives, and two elective dives. The core dives cover buoyancy control, underwater navigation, and drift diving. Day one includes a buoyancy dive in a shallow site, a navigation dive where you practise leading a dive with compass and natural cues, and a drift dive through Koh Lipe’s currents. Day two covers the remaining dives, which include deeper sites within Tarutao National Marine Park. All five dives are guided by your instructor in small groups.
Deep diving to 30 metres is safe for recreational divers who are properly trained, and the Explorer 30 course at La Bombona Diving is specifically designed to prepare you for it. The course builds your understanding of how pressure, air consumption, and buoyancy change at depth before you dive deeper. Dives are conducted in small groups with experienced instructors who have been teaching in Koh Lipe since 2014. The 30-metre recreational limit exists because it keeps divers within a range where standard equipment and training are sufficient to manage the dive safely without specialist technical knowledge.
The Explorer 30 course at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe takes two days to complete. Day one begins at 10:00 am with a theory and skills workshop, followed by three dives: a buoyancy dive, a navigation dive, and a drift dive. Day two covers the remaining two elective dives at deeper sites in Tarutao National Marine Park. By the end of day two, you hold your RAID Explorer 30 certification. The course is designed to fit comfortably within a holiday schedule, and courses start regularly so you can book around your time on the island.
Yes, the RAID Explorer 30 certification you receive at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe is internationally recognised and accepted by dive centres, liveaboards, and dive resorts worldwide. RAID certifications are stored digitally and can be verified by any operator globally, making it as straightforward to use as PADI or SSI credentials. Your Explorer 30 card confirms you are qualified to dive to 30 metres independently with a buddy, and no dive centre will ask which agency issued your certification, only that you are certified to the appropriate level.
Explorer 30 is worth it for any diver who wants to get more out of their time in the water. Beyond extending your depth limit from 20 to 30 metres, the course meaningfully improves the skills you use on every dive, buoyancy control, air management, navigation, and reading currents. These are the techniques that make diving more relaxed, efficient, and enjoyable regardless of depth. In Koh Lipe specifically, Explorer 30 unlocks deeper sites within Tarutao National Marine Park where soft coral formations, larger reef sharks, and occasional manta ray sightings are more common. At 12,500 THB over two days, it is also one of the most cost-effective ways to extend your diving capability.
All diving equipment is included in the Explorer 30 course price at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe. This covers mask, fins, wetsuit, BCD, regulator, dive computer, and tank for all five dives across both days. Education materials, theory lessons, lunch, snacks, and refreshments on the boat are also included. The Marine Park entry fee of 200 THB per day and the one-time insurance fee of 70 THB are charged separately and are not included in the course price. You only need to bring swimwear, a towel, and your existing Open Water certification card or digital credential.
The Explorer 30 course at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe costs 12,500 THB. This includes all diving equipment, education materials, theory lessons, three core dives, two elective dives, lunch, and snacks and refreshments on the boat, plus your internationally recognised RAID Explorer 30 certification. The Marine Park entry fee of 200 THB per dive day and the one-time insurance fee of 70 THB are not included and are paid separately. A 10% deposit can be paid at the time of booking to secure your spot, with the balance paid on arrival.
Medical FAQs
You do not automatically need a medical certificate to dive at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe, but you are required to complete a standard diving medical questionnaire before starting any course or fun dive. If you answer “yes” to any question on the form, you must be evaluated and cleared by a licensed diving doctor in Thailand before participating in any water activities. Alternatively, you can bring a valid medical certificate from your home country. However, Thai law requires that this be verified and counter-signed by a licensed Thai doctor before your course begins. La Bombona Diving’s team will help you arrange the local medical visit.
Scuba diving with asthma is possible in many cases, but it requires medical evaluation and clearance before you dive. Asthma was historically considered an absolute contraindication to diving, but current guidance from the Divers Alert Network acknowledges that people with mild, well-controlled asthma may be cleared after a proper fitness-to-dive assessment. The primary concern is air trapping in the lungs during ascent, which can cause serious lung over-expansion injury. If your asthma is exercise-induced, triggered by cold or dry air, which is what you breathe from a scuba tank, or has required hospital treatment recently, diving carries a higher risk. If you answer “yes” to the asthma question on La Bombona Diving’s health questionnaire in Koh Lipe, you will be referred to a local diving doctor for assessment before any water activity can begin.
Many people with well-managed diabetes dive safely, but it requires medical clearance and careful preparation. Current guidance from the Divers Alert Network indicates that diving with diabetes is possible if blood sugar is well controlled, there are no significant diabetes-related complications such as vascular disease or neuropathy, and the diver follows a monitoring protocol on dive days, including checking glucose levels 60, 30, and 10 minutes before entering the water. The main underwater risk is hypoglycaemia, which can cause confusion or loss of consciousness at depth. Diabetic divers should also avoid dives longer than 60 minutes, physically demanding conditions, and strong currents. Disclose diabetes on La Bombona Diving’s medical questionnaire in Koh Lipe. You will need a licensed Thai diving doctor to sign off before your course or dive begins.
You can often dive with high blood pressure if it is well controlled and has not caused damage to the heart, brain, kidneys, or blood vessels. The Divers Alert Network does not consider controlled hypertension to be an automatic contraindication to recreational diving. However, uncontrolled high blood pressure is a significant risk factor underwater, and physical exertion such as carrying gear and entering the water can temporarily raise blood pressure further.
If you are managing hypertension with medication, flag this on La Bombona Diving’s health questionnaire in Koh Lipe. You will need clearance from a licensed Thai diving doctor, which the team can help you arrange locally in Koh Lipe for between 200 and 500 THB.
Whether you can dive after surgery depends on the type of procedure and how long ago it took place. Chest or thoracic surgery typically requires at least 12 months of recovery before returning to diving due to lung pressure risks underwater. Other surgeries, including abdominal, orthopaedic, ear, eye, or dental procedures, have varying wait times depending on the area affected. The surgical site must be fully healed, any implants must be confirmed safe under pressure, and your physical fitness must support the demands of diving. If you have had surgery in the past 12 months, disclose this on La Bombona Diving’s health questionnaire and obtain written clearance from your surgeon before any water activity in Koh Lipe.
It depends on the medication. Many common medications are compatible with recreational diving, but some can pose meaningful risks underwater. Sedatives, tranquilisers, antihistamines, antidepressants, anti-epilepsy drugs, and some blood thinners can impair judgement, reaction time, or consciousness in ways that become dangerous at depth. Anti-nausea medications such as Bonine (meclizine) are used by many divers but should be tested on a non-dive day first to assess drowsiness, a common side effect that can compromise safety underwater. Birth control pills and most anti-malarials are generally considered compatible with diving. La Bombona Diving’s medical questionnaire in Koh Lipe asks about current prescription medications. If you answer “yes,” a licensed Thai diving doctor will need to confirm you are fit to dive before your activity begins.
Yes, you can scuba dive wearing contact lenses at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe. Soft contact lenses are strongly preferred over hard lenses for diving. Hard lenses are gas permeable, which means nitrogen bubbles can form between the lens and the cornea during descent, causing blurred vision and discomfort. Soft lenses do not carry this risk and are less likely to be dislodged if your mask floods. Daily disposable soft lenses are ideal for dive days as they can be discarded afterwards, reducing infection risk from ocean water. Always close your eyes during any mask-clearing skills to avoid losing your lenses, and inform your La Bombona Diving instructor in Koh Lipe that you wear contacts before the course begins. A prescription dive mask is a reliable alternative worth considering for divers who dive regularly.
Scuba diving is not recommended at any stage of pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Divers Alert Network, and all major dive certification agencies advise against diving for the full duration of pregnancy. The central concern is that a developing fetus cannot filter nitrogen bubbles from its circulation the way adult lungs can. Most fetal blood bypasses the lungs, meaning bubbles enter the arterial system directly and could cause arterial gas embolism with potentially devastating consequences. Pressure changes at depth also carry risks to fetal development that cannot be safely studied through clinical trials. If you are pregnant or suspect you may be, please disclose this before any water activity at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe. Your safety and that of your baby are the priority, and the team will always find a suitable alternative for you.
Some medical conditions are considered absolute contraindications to recreational diving, meaning they prevent diving regardless of how well managed they appear to be. These include epilepsy or uncontrolled seizure disorders, as a seizure underwater is almost always fatal; spontaneous pneumothorax (collapsed lung), which carries a high risk of recurrence under pressure; severe uncontrolled asthma or COPD; active psychosis or severe panic disorder; and pregnancy at any stage. Conditions that are relative contraindications, meaning they may prevent diving depending on their severity and level of control, include cardiovascular disease, diabetes with complications, recent surgery, certain ear and sinus conditions, and some medications that impair cognitive function or exercise tolerance. La Bombona Diving’s pre-dive health questionnaire is designed to identify all relevant conditions before any course or fun dive in Koh Lipe begins.
Difficulty equalising ears is one of the most common concerns among new divers, and in most cases it is a technique issue rather than a permanent barrier. As you descend, increasing water pressure compresses the air in your middle ear. Equalising by gently blowing against a pinched nose allows air to flow in and balance the pressure, eliminating discomfort. If equalising is difficult, the correct approach is to stop the descent, ascend slightly, and try again at a slower pace. Rushing the descent is the most common reason equalisation fails. Diving with a current cold, sinus congestion, or active ear infection makes equalisation significantly harder and increases the risk of ear barotrauma, a painful and potentially serious injury, so diving should be postponed until full recovery. If you have a structural ear condition or history of ear surgery, speak with a licensed diving doctor before joining any course at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe.
Mild to moderate anxiety does not generally prevent you from scuba diving, and many people find that a well-introduced diving experience reduces rather than amplifies their anxiety over time. La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe works with nervous beginners regularly. The theory briefing, gradual shallow water entry, small group sizes, and one-to-one instructor attention throughout the Try Dive are all designed to build confidence step by step. However, severe anxiety disorders, particularly those involving panic attacks or a significant fear of water, should be discussed honestly with the team before booking and with your doctor before diving. Active panic disorder is considered a contraindication to scuba diving because a panic response underwater can lead to uncontrolled ascent and serious decompression injury. The health questionnaire at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe will ask relevant questions, and the team will always advise honestly based on your situation.
If you feel seasick on the boat before a dive at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe, the most effective option is often to enter the water. Many divers find nausea clears quickly once submerged and the visual motion of the boat is removed. Prevention is far more effective than treatment: avoid alcohol and heavy meals the evening before your dive day, stay well hydrated, and if you are prone to motion sickness, take an antiemetic such as Bonine (meclizine) or Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) the night before rather than the morning of your dive. Always test any anti-nausea medication on a non-dive day first to check how it affects your alertness. Drowsiness is a common side effect that can impair safe diving. Natural options, including ginger candy or tea and acupressure wristbands, are effective for mild nausea without the drowsiness risk. La Bombona Diving’s team will always advise you on whether it is safe to dive if you are feeling unwell on the day.
Certification FAQs
No, your RAID scuba certification from La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe does not expire. Once you complete your Open Water, Explorer 30, or Master Rescue course, you are a qualified diver for life. However, if you have not dived for a significant period, typically a year or more, most reputable dive centres will recommend completing a refresher session before resuming diving at depth, to ensure your practical skills and confidence are current. La Bombona Diving offers a one-day Scuba Refresh course in Koh Lipe for 3,500 THB specifically for this purpose. Your certification card remains valid permanently.
Yes, your RAID certification from La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe is internationally recognised and accepted by dive centres, liveaboards, and dive resorts worldwide. RAID, the Rebreather Association of International Divers, is one of the major recreational diving certification agencies alongside PADI and SSI, and its qualifications are stored digitally for global verification. Your Open Water certification qualifies you to dive anywhere in the world to 20 metres, the Explorer 30 extends that to 30 metres, and the Master Rescue allows you to manage diving emergencies in any location. No dive centre will question which agency issued your certification, only that you are certified to the appropriate level for the dive being planned.
Your RAID certification from La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe is stored digitally in your RAID online profile, which you create during the course enrolment process. To prove your certification at any dive centre worldwide, you can show your digital RAID certification card directly from the RAID app or website on your phone. Most dive centres accept this as standard. A physical certification card can also be requested, although the digital version is the primary method of verification. Dive operators can verify your certification independently by checking your RAID profile, which means you do not need to carry physical documentation when travelling to dive.
Yes, replacing a lost scuba certification card is straightforward. Because La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe certifies through RAID, your certification is stored digitally in your RAID online profile and is never truly lost, you can simply log in to your RAID account from any device to access your certification details and digital card at any time. If you need a replacement physical card, you can request one directly through your RAID profile online. There is typically a small administrative fee for a new physical card, but the digital version is always free to access. Contact La Bombona Diving via WhatsApp if you need help with account recovery or replacement card requests.
The natural next step after completing the Open Water course at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe is the Explorer 30 advanced course. Priced at 12,500 THB, Explorer 30 extends your depth limit from 20 to 30 metres and meaningfully improves the skills you use on every dive, including buoyancy control, underwater navigation, drift diving, and air management. The two-day course includes five dives across three core and two elective categories. After Explorer 30, divers who want to develop emergency response skills can progress to the Master Rescue course (11,000 to 17,500 THB), which is widely considered the most rewarding course in recreational diving. Beyond that, the Divemaster course opens the door to becoming a diving professional.
Yes, the Open Water certification from La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe is sufficient for the majority of recreational dive sites worldwide. The certification qualifies you to dive independently with a buddy to 20 metres, two metres deeper than the standard 18-metre limit offered by most other certification programmes, which is enough for the vast majority of coral reef, wall, and macro dive sites you are likely to encounter. However, some of the world’s most celebrated dive sites, including offshore pinnacles, deeper wrecks, and certain wall dives, require certification beyond 20 metres. For those, the Explorer 30 advanced course is recommended, which extends your depth limit to 30 metres and gives you access to a much wider range of dive sites globally.
The Open Water course is your entry-level scuba certification at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe, qualifying you to dive with a buddy to a maximum depth of 20 metres. The Explorer 30 course is the next step up, designed for already certified Open Water divers who want to dive deeper and develop more advanced techniques. Explorer 30 extends your depth limit to 30 metres, introduces specialised dive types including drift diving and compass navigation, and refines the buoyancy and air management skills built during Open Water. Open Water takes three days and costs 15,070 THB; Explorer 30 takes two days and costs 12,500 THB. Open Water teaches you to dive safely; Explorer 30 teaches you to dive with confidence, efficiency, and range.
If you have not dived for a year or more, La Bombona Diving recommends completing a Scuba Refresh course before joining fun dives or progressing into advanced training in Koh Lipe. Rusty skills, particularly buoyancy control, equipment setup, and emergency signals, can reduce both your safety and your enjoyment underwater, especially at depth. The Refresh course at La Bombona Diving costs 3,500 THB and takes one day. It covers equipment setup, key underwater skills, buoyancy, and safety procedures in a relaxed, low pressure environment before you return to open water diving. Most returning divers find a single refresh session is all they need to feel fully comfortable underwater again.
Yes, the RAID certifications issued by La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe are internationally recognised and accepted at dive centres, liveaboards, and dive resorts worldwide. RAID is one of the major global recreational diving agencies, with certifications digitally verifiable by any operator. The certifications you can earn at La Bombona Diving, including Open Water, Explorer 30, Master Rescue, Divemaster, and Instructor, are accepted internationally on the same basis as PADI, SSI, and other major agency certifications. Whichever country you travel to next, your RAID certification will allow you to rent equipment, join fun dives, and progress through further training without restriction.
The time to get scuba certified at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe depends on which level of certification you want. The Open Water course, which qualifies you to dive independently with a buddy to 20 metres anywhere in the world, takes three days from start to finish. The Explorer 30 advanced certification takes two days. The Master Rescue takes three days, plus an additional half day if you also need First Aid and Oxygen Administration training. For most divers visiting Koh Lipe, three to seven days is enough to gain a meaningful certification and complete several fun dives afterwards. Completing the online RAID e-learning modules before you arrive saves time and makes your days at the dive centre more relaxed.
Yes, scuba certification is designed to fit within a typical holiday schedule at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe. The Open Water course takes three days, and courses start daily, so you can begin as soon as you arrive on the island and complete your certification with several days still free to explore Koh Lipe or fun dive as a newly certified diver. For divers wanting to certify and continue diving for the rest of their trip, a stay of five to seven days is ideal. Completing the online RAID e-learning theory before you arrive saves classroom time and gives you more time in the water. The dry season from November to April offers the most reliable course conditions.
After completing the Open Water course at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe, you are certified to dive to a maximum depth of 20 metres, deeper than the standard 18-metre limit offered by most other dive schools and certification agencies. This extra two metres of depth opens access to a wider range of dive sites globally, including some of the more spectacular coral formations and marine life encounters around Koh Lipe and worldwide. Your RAID Open Water certification allows you to dive independently with a buddy to this depth at any recognised dive centre in the world. To dive deeper than 20 metres recreationally, you would need to complete the Explorer 30 advanced course, which extends your limit to 30 metres.
Fun Diving FAQs
Fun Diving at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe is guided recreational diving for certified divers who want to explore Koh Lipe’s reefs, walls, and marine life without the structure of a course. Each fun dive includes a professional divemaster, complete equipment rental, a boat trip to top-rated dive sites around the island, and lunch on dive days. Dives take place in and around Tarutao National Marine Park, one of Thailand’s oldest and best-protected marine reserves. Packages range from a single dive at 1,700 THB up to ten dives at 13,000 THB, with the price per dive decreasing the more dives you book.
Yes, a valid scuba certification is required to join Fun Diving at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe. Fun dives are designed for certified divers, at minimum an Open Water qualification or equivalent from any recognised agency. If you are not yet certified, La Bombona Diving offers a Try Dive from 2,800 THB for complete beginners, and an Open Water course at 15,070 THB that certifies you to dive independently. If you are certified but have not dived for a long time, a Scuba Refresh course at 3,500 THB is available to bring your skills back up to speed before joining fun dives.
Koh Lipe’s most celebrated fun dive site is Stonehenge, a five-minute boat ride from Sunrise Beach, known for its dramatic granite rock formations draped in vibrant pink and purple soft corals, resident seahorses, and schools of barracuda. Zero Rock is a popular choice for its easy conditions and diverse marine life including marble rays and schools of bannerfish. Honeycomb is Koh Lipe’s premier macro dive site, home to frogfish, nudibranchs, honeycomb moray eels, and ghost pipefish. For more advanced certified divers, 8 Mile Rock is a deep offshore pinnacle where pelagic species including reef sharks, manta rays, and occasional whale sharks are encountered. La Bombona Diving selects sites based on daily tidal and current conditions to ensure the best experience for each group.
Yes, sea turtles are one of the most commonly encountered marine animals while fun diving in Koh Lipe. Both green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles are regularly spotted grazing on coral heads or resting on the reef across multiple dive sites in Tarutao National Marine Park. Sites such as Koh Taru, Koh Yang, and 8 Mile Rock offer particularly reliable turtle encounters. Koh Lipe is also considered one of the primary nesting areas for both species in southern Thailand, which means sightings are frequent rather than exceptional. Most divers who spend two or more days diving in Koh Lipe will encounter at least one turtle.
Full scuba equipment rental is included in every Fun Diving package at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe. You do not need to bring or source any of your own gear. Each package covers mask, fins, wetsuit, BCD, regulator, dive computer, and tank for every dive you book. All equipment is maintained by the La Bombona Diving team and checked before each dive day. If you own personal equipment such as a dive computer or wetsuit that you prefer to use, you are welcome to bring it, but it is not necessary.
Marine Park fees are not included in the Fun Diving package price at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe. The Tarutao National Marine Park entry fee of 400 THB per diver per day is set by the Royal Thai Government and is charged separately on top of your dive package. This fee applies on any day your dives take place inside the marine park boundaries. It is a one-off daily charge regardless of how many dives you complete that day, so if you do two or three dives in a single day within the park, you pay the 400 THB fee once.
If you have not dived for a year or more, La Bombona Diving recommends completing a Scuba Refresh course before joining fun dives. Rusty skills, particularly buoyancy control, equipment checks, and emergency signals, can reduce both your safety and your enjoyment underwater, especially at depth. The Refresh course at La Bombona Diving costs 3,500 THB and takes one day, bringing your practical skills and confidence back to a comfortable level before you head out to Koh Lipe’s reefs. Many returning divers find that a single refresh session is all they need to feel completely at home underwater again.
Yes, La Bombona Diving offers a dedicated Scuba Refresh course in Koh Lipe priced at 3,500 THB. It is a one-day programme designed for certified divers who have been out of the water for an extended period, whether months or years. The course covers equipment setup, key underwater skills, buoyancy, and safety procedures in a relaxed, low-pressure environment before you return to open water diving. It is the recommended starting point for any certified diver who feels uncertain about jumping straight into fun dives after a long break.
The most popular dive sites for fun diving around Koh Lipe are Stonehenge, Zero Rock, Honeycomb, Koh Taru, Koh Yang East and West, and 8 Mile Rock. Stonehenge is the island’s most iconic site, a short five-minute boat ride from Sunrise Beach, with pink and purple soft coral formations starting at just five metres depth. Zero Rock is ideal for easy drift conditions and strong marine diversity. Koh Yang East and West are sheltered from current and reliable for turtle sightings, schooling snappers, and soft coral. 8 Mile Rock is the go-to site for experienced divers seeking encounters with larger pelagic species. La Bombona Diving selects the day’s sites based on tides, current, and group experience level.
Yes, and the more days you dive with La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe, the better value your package becomes. Multi-dive packages are structured as follows: one dive at 1,700 THB, two dives at 3,000 THB, three dives at 4,500 THB, four dives at 6,000 THB, five dives at 7,000 THB, six dives at 8,400 THB, seven dives at 9,800 THB, eight dives at 10,400 THB, nine dives at 11,700 THB, and ten dives at 13,000 THB. Dives can be spread across multiple days to suit your schedule on the island. Each day includes a boat trip to the dive sites, a professional divemaster, full equipment rental, and lunch.
Fun Diving at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe starts from 1,700 THB for a single dive, with the price per dive reducing significantly as you add more dives to your package. Two dives cost 3,000 THB, five dives cost 7,000 THB, and ten dives cost 13,000 THB. Every package includes a professional divemaster, complete equipment rental, a boat trip to the dive sites, insurance, and lunch. The Tarutao National Marine Park entry fee of 400 THB per person per day is charged separately and is not included in any package price. Multi-day bookings can be arranged directly with the La Bombona Diving team.
Koh Lipe Diving FAQs
Koh Lipe is an excellent scuba diving destination and one of the most underrated in Southeast Asia. The island sits within Tarutao National Marine Park, one of Thailand’s oldest and best-protected marine reserves, and is surrounded by 15 to 20 distinct dive sites ranging from shallow beginner reefs to deep offshore pinnacles. Divers encounter blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, green and hawksbill turtles, barracuda, stingrays, nudibranchs, seahorses, and vibrant soft coral formations in pink and purple. Visibility regularly reaches 20 to 30 metres during the dry season, and water temperatures stay between 27°C and 30°C year-round. La Bombona Diving has been operating in Koh Lipe since 2014 and offers courses and fun dives for all experience levels.
The best time to dive in Koh Lipe is during the dry season from November to April. During these months the seas are calm, visibility peaks at 20 to 30 metres, and pelagic species including reef sharks and barracuda are most active around the island’s dive sites. The low season from May to October brings the southwest monsoon, which produces rougher surface conditions and slightly reduced visibility. However, sites like Stonehenge and 8 Mile Rock remain accessible, and the plankton-rich waters during this period attract whale sharks and manta rays, making it the better time of year for encounters with those species. La Bombona Diving operates throughout the year, adjusting site selection to suit daily conditions.
Koh Lipe’s waters support exceptional marine biodiversity within Tarutao National Marine Park. On a typical dive you can expect to encounter blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, green and hawksbill sea turtles, barracuda, stingrays, pufferfish, parrotfish, clownfish, moray eels, and schools of tropical reef fish. Macro life is equally impressive. Stonehenge and Honeycomb are known for seahorses, nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, and frogfish. Deeper sites like 8 Mile Rock and the Far Islands offer encounters with manta rays and occasional whale sharks during the low season. The park’s protected status means coral health is consistently high, with both hard and soft coral formations covering most dive sites in striking condition.
Yes, sea turtles are one of the most reliably encountered animals while scuba diving in Koh Lipe. Both green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles are common sightings, particularly around shallow reefs near Koh Adang, Koh Taru, and Koh Yang, where they are regularly spotted grazing on coral heads or resting undisturbed on the reef. Koh Lipe is considered one of the primary nesting areas for both species in southern Thailand, which means encounters are frequent rather than incidental. Most divers who complete two or more fun dives with La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe will see at least one turtle during their time in the water.
Yes, reef sharks are regularly spotted while scuba diving in Koh Lipe. Blacktip reef sharks are the most commonly encountered species, typically seen cruising reef edges and shallower sites throughout Tarutao National Marine Park. Whitetip reef sharks are also frequently spotted, often resting motionlessly on sandy patches or ledges between dives. Both species are non-aggressive toward divers and are a highlight of the diving experience in Koh Lipe. For the best chance of a sighting, sites such as 8 Mile Rock, Stonehenge, and Koh Adang Corner consistently produce reef shark encounters, particularly during the dry season from November to April.
Koh Lipe is surrounded by 15 to 20 distinct dive sites within the Butang archipelago and the broader Tarutao National Marine Park. These range from shallow, beginner-friendly coral gardens like Honeycomb and Zero Rock, accessible within minutes by boat, to deeper offshore pinnacles like 8 Mile Rock, located approximately eight miles northwest of the island, and the Far Islands, which require a 25 to 30-minute boat ride. The variety of sites means La Bombona Diving can find appropriate diving for every experience level on any given day, selecting sites based on tidal conditions, current strength, and group certification level.
The water temperature in Koh Lipe stays warm year-round, consistently ranging between 27°C and 30°C. This makes a 3mm wetsuit sufficient for most divers throughout the year, and many experienced divers are comfortable in a shorty or lycra rash guard during the warmest months. Temperature variation between the surface and depth is minimal at recreational diving depths, so there is no need for heavy equipment or dry suit considerations. La Bombona Diving provides full wetsuit rental as part of every course and fun dive package.
Yes, La Bombona Diving offers a dedicated Scuba Refresh course in Koh Lipe priced at 3,500 THB. It is a one-day programme designed for certified divers who have been out of the water for an extended period, whether months or years. The course covers equipment setup, key underwater skills, buoyancy, and safety procedures in a relaxed, low-pressure environment before you return to open water diving. It is the recommended starting point for any certified diver who feels uncertain about jumping straight into fun dives after a long break.
Koh Lipe and Koh Tao are both excellent diving destinations, but suit different types of divers. Koh Lipe offers a more remote, tranquil atmosphere with stunning soft coral formations, stronger currents at sites like 8 Mile Rock and Stonehenge, and a wilder, more pristine marine environment within Tarutao National Marine Park. It is the better choice for divers seeking natural beauty, less crowded reefs, and encounters with larger pelagic species, including reef sharks and occasional whale sharks. Koh Tao is Thailand’s most popular certification hub. It tends to be busier, has a more developed nightlife and social scene, and is better known for accessible, affordable beginner diving. La Bombona Diving operates at both locations, so the quality of instruction and course experience is consistent whichever island you choose.
Koh Lipe and Phuket serve different diving purposes. Koh Lipe is a remote island destination where the dive sites are close to shore, the reefs are healthy and protected within Tarutao National Marine Park, and the overall experience is relaxed and uncrowded. It suits divers who want to spend several days diving in pristine conditions without travelling far between sites. Phuket is a large transit hub rather than a dive destination in itself. Its main role in diving is as the departure point for liveaboard trips to the Similan Islands, which are world-class but require a full-day boat journey. For day diving, Koh Lipe’s reefs are generally closer, healthier, and less trafficked than those accessible directly from Phuket.
The cost of scuba diving in Koh Lipe at La Bombona Diving depends on what you want to do. Fun dives start at 1,700 THB for a single dive, with a two-dive package at 3,000 THB and multi-dive packages offering progressively better value up to ten dives at 13,000 THB. All packages include equipment rental, a divemaster guide, boat transport, and lunch. The Tarutao National Marine Park entry fee of 400 THB per person per day is charged separately. For courses, the Try Dive starts at 2,800 THB, the Open Water certification is 15,070 THB, the Explorer 30 is 12,500 THB, and the Master Rescue is 17,500 THB, including First Aid and Oxygen Administration. All course prices include equipment, theory materials, and insurance.
Marine Life FAQs
Scuba diving in Koh Lipe offers exceptional marine biodiversity within Tarutao National Marine Park. On a typical dive with La Bombona Diving you can expect to encounter green and hawksbill sea turtles, blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, schools of barracuda, stingrays, pufferfish, parrotfish, clownfish, moray eels, and butterflyfish among hard and soft coral formations. Macro life is particularly impressive at sites like Stonehenge and Honeycomb, where seahorses, nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, and frogfish are regularly spotted. Deeper sites such as 8 Mile Rock and the Far Islands occasionally produce encounters with manta rays and whale sharks, particularly during the low season from May to October. The park’s protected status keeps coral health consistently high across all dive sites.
Yes, sea turtles are one of the most reliably encountered marine animals while scuba diving in Koh Lipe. Both green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles are commonly spotted across dive sites in Tarutao National Marine Park, particularly at shallower reefs near Koh Adang, Koh Taru, and Koh Yang where they graze on coral and seagrass. Koh Lipe is also considered one of the primary nesting areas for both species in southern Thailand, which makes encounters frequent rather than rare. Most divers who complete two or more dives with La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe will see at least one turtle during their time in the water.
Yes, whale shark encounters are possible while diving in Koh Lipe, though they are not guaranteed on any given dive. Whale sharks are most commonly seen during the low season from May to October when plankton-rich waters draw them in to feed. The best dive sites for potential whale shark encounters are 8 Mile Rock and Stonehenge, both deeper offshore sites located further from the island. Sightings are also possible during the dry season but less predictable. La Bombona Diving’s experienced divemasters know the conditions and sites where whale sharks are most likely to appear and will adjust the day’s dive plan whenever recent sightings have been reported in the area.
Yes, reef sharks are regularly spotted while scuba diving in Koh Lipe. Blacktip reef sharks are the most commonly encountered species, typically seen patrolling reef edges and shallower sites throughout Tarutao National Marine Park. Whitetip reef sharks are also frequently spotted, often resting motionless on sandy patches or under ledges between hunting cycles. Sites such as 8 Mile Rock, Stonehenge, and Koh Adang produce particularly consistent reef shark sightings, especially during the dry season from November to April. Both species are non-aggressive toward divers and are widely considered one of the highlights of diving in Koh Lipe.
No, the blacktip and whitetip reef sharks commonly encountered in Koh Lipe are not dangerous to scuba divers. Both species are naturally cautious around humans, typically maintaining a respectful distance and continuing their patrol of the reef without engaging divers. Reef sharks do not view divers as prey. The size, bubble production, and slow movement of a scuba diver does not resemble anything they would naturally hunt. Encounters with reef sharks are considered a highlight of diving in Tarutao National Marine Park rather than a hazard. La Bombona Diving’s divemasters brief divers on respectful behaviour around all marine life, including sharks, before every dive.
Koh Lipe is one of Thailand’s most rewarding destinations for macro diving and underwater photography. Sites such as Stonehenge, Honeycomb, and Koh Taru host an exceptional variety of small marine life including seahorses, multiple species of nudibranch, ghost pipefish, frogfish, harlequin shrimp, banded boxer shrimp, mantis shrimp, flatworms, and tiny crabs hidden in the coral. Honeycomb is particularly famous for its honeycomb moray eels and resident nudibranch population. The slow, deliberate pace of macro diving, combined with Koh Lipe’s healthy coral coverage and protected park status, makes the island a strong choice for divers who enjoy spotting the smaller, often overlooked details of the reef.
Yes, nudibranchs are abundant in Koh Lipe and are one of the highlights for macro divers and underwater photographers. Multiple species are found across the island’s dive sites including Shaun the Sheep, blue dragon nudibranch, and many vibrantly coloured smaller varieties. Honeycomb dive site is particularly known for its nudibranch population, with divers regularly finding several species on a single dive. Koh Lipe’s healthy soft coral environment, sheltered conditions at several beginner-friendly sites, and protected status within Tarutao National Marine Park create ideal conditions for nudibranchs to thrive. La Bombona Diving’s divemasters know where to look for the harder-to-spot species and will help you find them on guided dives.
The best dive sites for seeing turtles in Koh Lipe are Koh Taru, Koh Yang East and Koh Yang West, and the reefs around Koh Adang. Koh Taru offers sheltered conditions, shallow reefs, and rich coral gardens where green turtles regularly graze undisturbed. Koh Yang’s shallow sites, going to a maximum of 15 metres, provide reliable turtle encounters and are particularly suitable for newer divers. The reefs around Koh Adang, the large island north of Koh Lipe, are considered one of the best areas for both green and hawksbill turtle sightings. La Bombona Diving’s divemasters select dive sites daily based on conditions and group experience, often choosing turtle rich sites when conditions allow.
The dive sites with the most prolific marine life in Koh Lipe are Stonehenge, 8 Mile Rock, Koh Taru, and the Far Islands. Stonehenge, Koh Lipe’s most iconic site, combines pink and purple soft coral formations with seahorses, barracuda, and macro critters in the shallows, plus larger pelagic species at the deeper cleaning station around 22 metres. 8 Mile Rock is the go-to site for larger marine life including reef sharks, schooling barracuda, and occasional manta ray or whale shark sightings. Koh Taru offers exceptional coral diversity and consistent turtle encounters. The Far Islands, accessible by a longer boat ride, host the highest macro variety and the most untouched reef conditions.
Yes, Koh Lipe is considered one of Thailand’s most rewarding destinations for underwater photography. The combination of exceptional macro subjects including nudibranchs, seahorses, and ghost pipefish, vibrant pink and purple soft coral formations at sites like Stonehenge and Sarang, and reliable turtle and reef shark encounters provides material for both wide-angle and macro photographers. Water visibility of 20 to 30 metres during the dry season creates excellent light conditions, and the protected status of Tarutao National Marine Park keeps the reefs in consistently healthy condition. La Bombona Diving offers photography packages with professional underwater photographers who can capture your dive and provide images as a permanent record of your time in Koh Lipe.
Different seasons in Koh Lipe favour different marine life encounters. The dry season from November to April offers the most reliable diving conditions overall, visibility of 20 to 30 metres, calm seas, and consistent sightings of reef sharks, turtles, schooling barracuda, and the full range of macro life including seahorses and nudibranchs. The low season from May to October is the better period for larger pelagic species including whale sharks and manta rays, drawn to Koh Lipe’s waters by the plankton-rich currents. Turtles are encountered reliably year round, as are reef sharks. La Bombona Diving operates throughout the year and adapts site selection daily based on what is most likely to be seen given current conditions.
Safety FAQs
Scuba diving is a safe activity when conducted with proper training, qualified supervision, and respect for established diving procedures. La Bombona Diving has been operating in Thailand since 2014, has trained over 20,000 certified divers, and maintains a 100% safety record across all courses and fun dives. Like any adventure sport, diving carries an inherent level of risk, which is why La Bombona Diving keeps groups small, requires all participants to complete a health questionnaire before any water activity, and ensures every dive is led by certified, experienced instructors. In Koh Lipe specifically, the calm, warm, and clear conditions of the Andaman Sea make it one of the most forgiving environments in the world to learn and dive.
Most diving accidents are the result of preventable human errors rather than equipment failure or uncontrollable events. The most common contributing factors are poor air management, ascending too quickly, diving beyond your training or certification level, ignoring pre-dive health concerns, and separation from your buddy or instructor. This is precisely why La Bombona Diving invests heavily in thorough pre-dive briefings, small group sizes of two students per instructor, mandatory health questionnaires, and a structured introduction to skills before any open water dive. Diving with a qualified, attentive instructor, rather than solo or in large groups, eliminates the majority of the conditions that lead to incidents.
Running out of air underwater is a serious situation, but one that La Bombona Diving’s training and supervision are specifically designed to prevent. Every diver is taught to monitor their air gauge throughout the dive and to surface with a safe reserve remaining. All La Bombona Diving instructors and divemasters carry a secondary regulator, called an octopus, which allows them to share their air supply with a diver in an emergency for a controlled, safe ascent. During all courses and fun dives in Koh Lipe, your instructor monitors the air supply of every diver in the group and gives clear signals when it is time to begin ascending. Reaching critically low air is not an emergency that should ever arrive without warning when diving with a qualified guide.
Decompression sickness, often called DCS or “the bends”, occurs when a diver ascends too quickly and nitrogen that has dissolved into the body’s tissues under pressure forms bubbles rather than being eliminated safely through normal breathing. Symptoms can range from joint pain, skin rashes, and fatigue to more serious effects on the nervous system, and can appear within an hour of surfacing or up to 48 hours later. Treatment requires immediate administration of 100% oxygen and evacuation to a hyperbaric chamber. At La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe, every diver is equipped with a personal dive computer to monitor depth, bottom time, and ascent rate throughout each dive, and instructors enforce slow, controlled ascents and safety stops on every dive to prevent decompression sickness from occurring.
Decompression sickness is almost entirely preventable by following safe diving practices consistently. The key measures are ascending slowly, no faster than the standard nine metres per minute, and performing a three to five minute safety stop at five metres depth at the end of every dive. Divers should also stay within the depth and time limits shown on their dive computer, allow adequate surface intervals between repetitive dives, stay well hydrated before and after diving, avoid alcohol before diving, and not fly within 18 to 24 hours of their last dive. At La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe, these practices are built into every dive from the very first session. Instructors manage ascent rates actively and call safety stops on every dive as standard procedure, not an optional extra.
Panic is uncommon when divers are properly prepared and closely supervised, but it can happen, particularly on a first dive. The trained response is straightforward: stop all movement, breathe slowly and steadily, and signal your instructor. Breathing is the single most effective tool for restoring calm underwater. Slow, deliberate breaths reduce anxiety quickly and give you time to think clearly. At La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe, instructors are trained to recognise early signs of distress before they escalate to full panic, and the two-students-per-instructor ratio means your instructor is always close enough to intervene immediately. No diver is ever pushed deeper or further than they feel comfortable. You can signal to stop or ascend at any point, and your instructor will respond without hesitation.
Sharks are not dangerous to divers in the waters around Koh Lipe, and encounters with reef sharks are considered one of the highlights of diving in Tarutao National Marine Park rather than a cause for concern. The blacktip and whitetip reef sharks commonly seen on dives around Koh Lipe are non-aggressive species that are naturally cautious around divers, typically maintaining a respectful distance and continuing their patrol of the reef undisturbed. Sharks do not view scuba divers as prey. The size, bubble production, and slow movement of a diver in the water does not resemble anything a reef shark would naturally hunt. La Bombona Diving’s divemasters know the local dive sites and their resident marine life well, and will always brief you on how to behave calmly around any sharks you encounter.
Yes, La Bombona Diving carries emergency oxygen on all dive boats as standard safety equipment. Administering 100% oxygen is the most important first response to any suspected diving injury, including decompression sickness or arterial gas embolism, and it significantly improves a diver’s outcome while they are transported to appropriate medical care. All La Bombona Diving instructors hold current First Aid, CPR, and Oxygen Administration certifications as a mandatory professional requirement, meaning the team on every boat is trained and equipped to use emergency oxygen correctly if a situation arises. Having oxygen on board is not an optional extra. It is a non-negotiable component of responsible dive operations.
In the event of a diving emergency at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe, the response is immediate and structured. The priority at the surface is to establish buoyancy, remove the diver from the water safely, and assess their condition. If a diving-related injury is suspected, emergency oxygen is administered on the boat while the team coordinates with local emergency services and, where necessary, arranges evacuation to a hyperbaric facility. La Bombona Diving’s entire instructor team holds First Aid, CPR, and Oxygen Administration certifications for exactly this purpose. The Divers Alert Network emergency line is also available around the clock for expert medical guidance during any diving incident. La Bombona Diving’s ten-plus years of operational experience in Thailand means the team knows local emergency procedures and contacts thoroughly.
Yes, beginners can dive very safely at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe. La Bombona Diving has trained over 20,000 certified divers since 2014 with a 100% safety record, a track record built on small group sizes, thorough pre-dive briefings, mandatory health screening, and experienced instructors who work at the pace of the slowest and most nervous diver in the group, never the fastest. Beginner dives take place in calm, sheltered bays in the warm, clear waters of the Andaman Sea, where conditions are predictable and manageable. No beginner is taken deeper than 12 metres on their first experience, and every moment in the water is supervised by a certified instructor within arm’s reach. Koh Lipe is one of the most suitable environments in Thailand for a first dive.
Serious scuba diving accidents are uncommon, particularly when divers learn with qualified schools and follow established safety procedures. La Bombona Diving has operated since 2014 across both Koh Tao and Koh Lipe, has trained over 20,000 certified divers, and has maintained a 100% safety record throughout. The conditions that most commonly lead to diving incidents, poor supervision, inadequate training, diving beyond certification limits, and pre-existing health conditions that are not disclosed, are directly addressed by La Bombona Diving’s operating standards. Small group sizes, mandatory health questionnaires, certified and experienced instructors, emergency oxygen on every boat, and conservative dive profiles in beginner-friendly conditions collectively make accidents at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe an extremely rare occurrence.
Travel Planning FAQs
Koh Lipe is reached only by boat. There is no airport on the island. The most common route is to fly into Hat Yai International Airport, take a minivan or shared transfer for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to Pak Bara Pier in Satun province, then board a speedboat for a 1.5 to 2-hour journey to Koh Lipe. Most travel companies offer combined minivan-plus-speedboat tickets that coordinate timings around your flight arrival. During the high season from November to April, direct international ferries also run from Langkawi in Malaysia, taking around 90 minutes. Booking your full transfer in advance through a service like 12Go Asia is strongly recommended to ensure your speedboat connection is secured.
The closest airport to Koh Lipe is Hat Yai International Airport (HDY) in southern Thailand, located approximately 100 kilometres from Pak Bara Pier where the speedboats to Koh Lipe depart. Hat Yai is served by direct flights from Bangkok (both Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports), Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, and connecting flights from most major international destinations via Bangkok. The closest international airport overall is actually Langkawi in Malaysia. During the high season from November to April, direct ferries run between Langkawi and Koh Lipe in around 90 minutes, making it the fastest single-transfer option for international travellers. Trang Airport is another option but offers fewer connections.
For meaningful diving in Koh Lipe, La Bombona Diving recommends a minimum stay of three to four days, with five to seven days being ideal. A single Try Dive takes one full day. The Open Water certification course takes three days, the Explorer 30 advanced course takes two days, and the Master Rescue course takes three days. If you are an already certified diver wanting to fun dive across multiple sites, including Stonehenge, 8 Mile Rock, Koh Taru, and the Far Islands, you will need at least three diving days to experience the variety of what Koh Lipe offers. Factor in arrival and departure days plus a non-diving day before your flight home, and a full week is the most relaxed way to plan your trip.
Diving on your arrival day in Koh Lipe is possible but rarely advisable. Most travellers reach the island in the late morning or early afternoon after a long journey from Hat Yai, typically 3.5 to 5 hours total travel time including transfers. La Bombona Diving’s Try Dive and full-day fun dive trips begin at 9:30 am, which means you will usually have missed the morning departure by the time you arrive. A better approach is to arrive, check in to your accommodation, register at the dive centre that afternoon, and begin diving fresh the next morning. If you must dive on arrival day, contact La Bombona Diving in advance. Afternoon-only options may sometimes be available depending on the schedule.
You can fly after scuba diving, but only after waiting an appropriate surface interval to allow nitrogen to safely leave your body. Flying too soon after diving significantly increases the risk of decompression sickness due to the reduced cabin pressure at altitude. The Divers Alert Network (DAN) and PADI both recommend a minimum 12-hour wait after a single no-decompression dive, and a minimum 18-hour wait after multiple dives or multiple days of diving. Most divers and dive professionals, including the team at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe, recommend playing it safe and waiting a full 24 hours before any flight, regardless of dive profile. Plan your final dive day with this in mind so it does not conflict with your travel home.
The recommended waiting time before flying after scuba diving depends on the type and number of dives you have completed. After a single no-decompression dive, the minimum recommended surface interval is 12 hours. After multiple dives in a day or multiple days of diving, which applies to most divers visiting Koh Lipe, the minimum recommended wait is 18 hours. After any dive requiring a mandatory decompression stop, the recommended wait extends to at least 24 hours. La Bombona Diving recommends following the safest practice of waiting a full 24 hours before flying regardless of your dive profile, as this allows for variables including dehydration, fatigue, and individual physiology that can affect nitrogen elimination from the body.
The best time to visit Koh Lipe is during the dry season from November to April. During these months, the seas are calm, visibility reaches 20 to 30 metres, water temperatures stay between 27°C and 30°C, and all dive sites within Tarutao National Marine Park are accessible. This is also the period when ferries from Langkawi run directly, and weather conditions are most reliable for travel. The low season from May to October brings the southwest monsoon. Surface conditions can be rougher, visibility slightly reduced, and some travel routes operate on limited schedules. However, La Bombona Diving operates year-round and the low season also offers the highest chance of whale shark and manta ray encounters due to plankton rich waters.
Yes, diving is available during the rainy season in Koh Lipe, and La Bombona Diving operates year-round. The southwest monsoon runs from May to October, bringing increased rainfall and rougher surface conditions, but core dive sites including Stonehenge and 8 Mile Rock remain accessible throughout this period. Underwater visibility may be slightly reduced compared to the dry season, typically 15 to 20 metres rather than 25 to 30. The plankton rich water during this period attracts whale sharks and manta rays, making it the better season for encounters with larger pelagic species. La Bombona Diving selects dive sites daily based on weather and tidal conditions to ensure the best possible experience regardless of season.
For courses such as Open Water, Explorer 30, or Master Rescue, La Bombona Diving recommends booking at least two to four weeks in advance, particularly during the high season from November to April when course availability fills quickly. For Try Dives and fun dive packages, one to two weeks ahead is usually sufficient. A 1,000 THB deposit confirms your spot for any non-professional course or activity, with the remaining balance paid on arrival at the dive centre in Koh Lipe. If you are travelling during peak periods, including Thai public holidays, Christmas and New Year, or Chinese New Year, book as early as possible. Accommodation in Koh Lipe also fills up well in advance during these times.
Yes, travel insurance with specific scuba diving coverage is strongly recommended for any diving trip to Koh Lipe. Standard travel insurance policies often exclude scuba diving or only cover it to limited depths, typically 18 metres, which would not cover dives at the Explorer 30 or deeper recreational level. Diving-specific insurance through providers such as the Divers Alert Network (DAN) is the recommended option as it covers diving accidents, including the costs of hyperbaric chamber treatment and emergency medical evacuation, both of which can be extremely expensive without coverage. DAN membership also gives you access to a 24-hour emergency medical hotline during your trip. Always confirm that your policy covers diving to the depth you intend to certify or dive to.
Beginner Diving FAQs
Scuba diving is very safe for beginners when conducted under qualified instruction, and Koh Lipe is one of the most beginner-friendly diving destinations in Southeast Asia. At La Bombona Diving, beginners are supervised by certified instructors in small groups throughout every stage of their first experience. The warm, calm waters of the Andaman Sea, with temperatures consistently between 27–30°C, and protected shallow sites make conditions ideal for first-time divers. All necessary safety procedures are covered before entering the water, so beginners can focus on enjoying the experience with confidence.
Yes, you can scuba dive in Koh Lipe with absolutely no prior experience. La Bombona Diving’s Try Dive programme is designed specifically for complete beginners. No certification, no previous dives, and no specialist knowledge are required. Your instructor will walk you through how the equipment works, how to breathe underwater, and how to signal before you enter the water. Many first-time divers describe the experience as surprisingly natural, especially in the calm, clear conditions around Koh Lipe.
Scuba diving is not as difficult as most beginners expect. The equipment is designed to support you, and once you find your breathing rhythm and natural buoyancy, moving underwater feels effortless. At La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe, instructors introduce skills gradually, starting in shallow water near the beach before progressing deeper, so you build confidence at your own pace. The warm 28–30°C Andaman Sea water and high visibility of up to 20 metres also make conditions significantly more relaxed than colder, murkier dive destinations.
Yes, many people who feel nervous or fearful of being underwater go on to have a positive first dive experience in Koh Lipe. Fear is usually rooted in not knowing what to expect, and a thorough briefing from your La Bombona Diving instructor, covering exactly what will happen, how to breathe, and how to signal if you need to stop, makes a significant difference. The Try Dive experience begins in very shallow water, so you can get comfortable before going deeper. You will never be pressured to continue beyond what feels right for you.
Panic while scuba diving is uncommon, but instructors at La Bombona Diving are trained to manage it calmly and effectively. If you feel anxious underwater, the immediate response is to stop moving, breathe slowly and steadily, and signal to your instructor. Your instructor will stay close throughout the dive and can help you return to the surface safely if needed. Most beginners find that slowing down and focusing on their breathing is enough to restore a sense of calm within seconds.
On a Try Dive at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe, beginners start in very shallow water, often just one to two metres, to practise breathing and basic skills before gradually descending. The maximum depth for a Try Dive is twelve metres. This is shallow enough to keep the experience relaxed and manageable while still allowing you to explore Koh Lipe’s coral reefs and encounter marine life such as reef fish, sea turtles, and soft corals. Depth only increases when your instructor confirms you are comfortable and ready.
The time it takes depends on the type of diving experience you choose. A Try Dive at La Bombona Diving is a one-day adventure that runs from 9:30 am to approximately 5:00 pm and requires no prior experience or certification. During the day, you will learn the basics of scuba diving, practise essential skills, and complete a guided dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres. If you decide to continue your diving journey, La Bombona Diving also offers the RAID Open Water certification course, which allows you to develop your skills further and work toward an internationally recognised diving qualification.
Koh Lipe is an excellent destination for first-time scuba divers. Located in the Andaman Sea near Tarutao National Marine Park, the island offers a variety of dive sites suitable for beginners and experienced divers alike. Warm water temperatures typically range from 27–30°C throughout the year, and beginner-friendly sites such as Stonehenge, Honeycomb, and Zero Rock provide comfortable conditions for learning. Depending on conditions and the season, divers may encounter colourful reef fish, sea turtles, nudibranchs, soft corals, and other marine life, all within a short boat ride from shore.
You do not need to be athletic or highly fit to try scuba diving, but you should be in good general health. La Bombona Diving’s beginner-friendly courses are designed for people with no previous diving experience, and children as young as 10 can begin with the Junior Open Water Diver course. Safety is always the top priority, and programs are tailored to suit different ages and experience levels. If you have any medical concerns or questions about whether diving is suitable for you, it is best to contact La Bombona Diving before booking and seek medical advice if necessary.
For your first scuba dive with La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe, all necessary diving equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring any specialist gear. You only need to arrive with swimwear and a sense of adventure. Your Try Dive experience also includes snacks and refreshments on the boat, allowing you to focus on enjoying your first underwater experience in comfort.
Rescue Diver FAQs
The Rescue Diver course at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe, called the Master Rescue, is an advanced certification programme that teaches certified divers how to prevent, recognise, and respond to diving emergencies. It is widely considered one of the most rewarding courses in recreational diving, transforming you from a passive participant into a confident, capable underwater guardian. The course covers rescue psychology, stress recognition, search and recovery, emergency ascent management, and unconscious diver rescue through a combination of theory, controlled water practice, and realistic open water scenarios. It is delivered through RAID certification, which is internationally recognised.
The Master Rescue course at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe takes four full days to complete. Day one combines First Aid, CPR, and Oxygen Administration theory with a first-aid workshop covering rescue scenarios including burns, dehydration, and hypothermia. Day two is dedicated to a confined session and theory covering physiology, physics, and rescue techniques. Days three and four take place in open water at Koh Lipe’s dive sites, with two rescue dives per day covering search patterns, underwater rescue scenarios, surface responses, and full incident management including communication with emergency services.
To enrol in the Master Rescue course at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe, you must hold an Explorer 30 certification or equivalent Advanced Open Water qualification from any recognised agency. First Aid Responder and Oxygen Administration certifications are also mandatory for the Master Rescue Diver qualification. If you do not already have these, La Bombona Diving includes them in the combined Master Rescue + First Aid and Oxygen package, which is built into the four-day schedule. The minimum age is 15 years for the standard course. A medical questionnaire is required before the course begins, and a doctor’s signature may be needed if you have flagged any health conditions.
Yes, First Aid Responder and Oxygen Administration certifications are mandatory requirements for the RAID Master Rescue Diver certification. If you do not yet hold these, La Bombona Diving offers a combined package, Master Rescue + First Aid and Oxygen, priced at 17,500 THB, which includes all three certifications together as part of the four-day course. If you already hold valid First Aid and Oxygen Administration certifications from a previous course, contact La Bombona Diving via WhatsApp before booking and they will provide a custom price for the Master Rescue core course only, priced at 11,000 THB.
The Master Rescue course is the most demanding recreational diving course most divers will undertake, and it is designed to be. It requires both physical effort and mental composure, particularly during realistic rescue scenarios where you must manage stress, solve problems, and assist others simultaneously. That said, it is structured progressively over four days, with skills introduced in theory and confined water before being tested in open water, and La Bombona Diving’s instructors are experienced in guiding divers through moments of difficulty. Most students find the challenge is exactly what makes it the most rewarding course in their diving education.
The Master Rescue course at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe includes one confined water session and four open water rescue dives across the four-day course. Day one covers First Aid theory and a workshop. Day two is dedicated to a confined session and core rescue theory. Days three and four each include two open water dives in Koh Lipe’s dive sites, covering underwater search patterns, missing buddy procedures, surface rescue scenarios, and unresponsive diver management. The final dives test your ability to handle full rescue scenarios independently, including delegation, EMS communication, and oxygen administration.
Yes, the Master Rescue course is available at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe. La Bombona Diving has been running rescue training since 2014, with instructors who have real emergency response experience and an established track record across both their Koh Tao and Koh Lipe operations. The course runs across four full days in Koh Lipe, using the island’s dive sites within Tarutao National Marine Park for the open water rescue scenarios on days three and four. Courses can be booked directly through La Bombona Diving’s website or by contacting the team via WhatsApp to confirm availability and scheduling.
The Master Rescue course at La Bombona Diving covers a comprehensive range of emergency response skills. These include First Aid, CPR, AED use, and Oxygen Administration; recognising and responding to a panicking or distressed diver; underwater search patterns and missing buddy procedures; managing emergency ascents; rescuing an unconscious diver and providing surface support; equipment failure problem-solving; rescue breathing coordination; and managing burns, dehydration, hypothermia, and other diving-related injuries. You will also learn how to delegate during a real incident, communicate with emergency services, and manage the psychological dimension of a diving incident.
Completing the Master Rescue certification at La Bombona Diving opens clear pathways for both recreational and professional progression. The most natural next step is the Divemaster course, priced at 40,000 THB at La Bombona Diving Koh Lipe, which is the entry point to becoming a professional dive guide. Beyond that, the Instructor course at 102,000 THB allows you to teach and certify other divers. Many Master Rescue graduates also find that the skills transfer directly into everyday life, improving calm decision-making and situational awareness well beyond diving. The certification also makes you a significantly more valued dive buddy in any group.
The Master Rescue course at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe is available at two price points depending on your existing certifications. If you already hold valid First Aid Responder and Oxygen Administration certifications, the Master Rescue core course costs 11,000 THB. Contact the team via WhatsApp before booking for a custom price. If you need to complete the First Aid and Oxygen Administration courses alongside the rescue training, the combined Master Rescue + First Aid and Oxygen package costs 17,500 THB and includes all three certifications across the four-day course. All diving equipment required for the course is included in both packages.
Marine Life FAQs
Absolutamente! Nuestros cursos están diseñados teniendo la seguridad como máxima prioridad. Nuestros experimentados instructores te guiarán en cada paso, garantizando una experiencia de aprendizaje segura y agradable.
Para tu primera inmersión, le proporcionamos todo el equipo necesario. ¡Ven preparado con traje de baño y ganas de aventura!
La duración varía, pero nuestro curso Open Water suele durar 3 días. Nuestros instructores trabajan a tu ritmo para garantizar que te sientas seguro y listo antes de conseguir la certificación.
Si que existen limitaciones de edad para ciertos cursos, niños de hasta 10 años pueden empezar con el curso Cadet Open Water Diver. La seguridad es nuestra prioridad y adaptamos programas para adaptarnos a diferentes grupos de edad.
While basic swimming skills are important, you don’t need to be an expert. Our instructors provide buoyancy control and water confidence training to ensure you feel comfortable in the underwater environment.
If you discover that the course isn’t aligning with your preferences midway, we’re flexible and can discuss options to ensure your experience suits your needs.
A medical questionnaire is typically required. If you answer “yes” to any medical history questions, a physician’s approval may be necessary. Safety is paramount, and we ensure all divers are physically fit for the underwater experience.
Las certificaciones RAID tienen reconocimiento y aceptación global. Al finalizar su curso, se emitirá tu certificación digital sin demora y reconocida internacionalmente.
The 200 THB fee is the official entrance fee for el Parque Nacional Marino de Tarutao, which encompasses the beautiful waters around Koh Lipe where we conduct our diving activities. This fee is mandatory for all visitors and is collected by the Thai National Parks authority, not by our dive center.
The 70 THB insurance fee covers diving insurance that provides coverage during your underwater activities. This insurance is required for all divers participating in our courses and fun dives.
Non-Swimmer FAQs
Non-swimmers can try scuba diving in Koh Lipe through La Bombona Diving’s Try Dive programme, which does not require swimming ability as a formal prerequisite. The Try Dive takes place in a calm, sheltered bay with your instructor beside you throughout the entire experience, making it accessible to people with limited swimming confidence. However, a basic level of comfort in water is important, as being completely unable to relax near or in water can make the experience stressful rather than enjoyable. If you are unsure whether Try Diving is right for you, speak with the La Bombona Diving team before booking, and they will advise honestly based on your situation.
It depends on which type of diving you want to do. For the Try Dive at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe, no formal swimming test is required, and the experience is designed for complete beginners in a controlled, supervised environment. For the Open Water certification course, swimming ability is a mandatory prerequisite: you must be able to swim 200 metres continuously using any stroke with no time limit, or 300 metres using mask, snorkel, and fins, and tread water or survival float for 10 minutes. These requirements exist because certified diving involves independent buddy diving, which requires a baseline level of water confidence and physical capability.
Yes, non-swimmers can generally participate in an introductory scuba experience, called Try Diving at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe, without needing to pass a swimming test. The programme is supervised entirely by a certified instructor who stays beside you from the moment you enter the water, and the dive takes place in a calm, shallow bay within Tarutao National Marine Park. The key requirement is not swimming ability but basic water comfort. You should be able to stay calm in water without panicking. If you have significant fear of water or cannot relax near the surface, it is worth discussing this with the team before booking so the right approach can be agreed in advance.
Not without first developing basic swimming ability. The Open Water certification course at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe requires you to swim 200 metres continuously using any stroke with no time limit, or 300 metres with mask, snorkel, and fins, and to tread water or survival float for 10 minutes before the course begins. These prerequisites exist because certified divers dive independently with a buddy and must be capable of managing themselves in open water. If you cannot currently meet these requirements, the recommended path is to begin with the Try Dive to experience scuba in a supervised setting, and develop your swimming ability in parallel before enrolling in the certification course.
Many people with a mild fear of water go on to have a positive first scuba diving experience, and Koh Lipe is a particularly good place to try it. The Try Dive at La Bombona Diving is designed to introduce you to the underwater environment gradually, starting with a full theory briefing on land, followed by a slow, supported entry into calm, shallow water with your instructor beside you at every moment. You will never be pushed to go deeper or further than feels comfortable, and you can signal to stop at any time. Most people who arrive nervous find that the sense of weightlessness and the visual beauty of the reef quickly overrides any initial anxiety. If your fear is severe, speaking with the team beforehand allows them to tailor the pace to you.
Scuba diving actually makes floating effortless, as your BCD (buoyancy control device) is inflated at the surface to keep you buoyant without any effort on your part, so the inability to float unaided is not a barrier to trying scuba diving. During the Try Dive at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe, your instructor manages your buoyancy throughout the dive, meaning you do not need to maintain your position in the water independently. For the Open Water certification course, however, you are required to demonstrate that you can tread water or survival float for 10 minutes as part of the prerequisites, as this skill is important for safety in open water situations where equipment may need to be removed.
Scuba diving through the Try Dive programme at La Bombona Diving is designed to be safe for people without strong swimming ability, provided they have a basic level of water comfort. Groups are capped at two students per instructor, your instructor remains beside you for the entire dive, and dives take place in calm, sheltered bays within Tarutao National Marine Park where conditions are controlled and predictable. All necessary equipment, including the BCD which keeps you buoyant at the surface, is provided and fitted by the team before you enter the water. The risk increases if a participant has significant water phobia or panic tendencies, which is why an honest conversation with the team before booking is always recommended.
Yes, and anxious beginners are among the most common participants in the Try Dive at La Bombona Diving in Koh Lipe. Anxiety about scuba diving is almost always rooted in not knowing what to expect, and the Try Dive addresses this directly. The morning theory session walks you through exactly how the equipment works, what breathing underwater feels like, how to signal your instructor, and what to do if you feel uncomfortable. Nothing happens in the water without your readiness and consent. La Bombona Diving’s instructors are experienced in working with nervous beginners, and the small group size of two students per instructor means you receive individual attention throughout. Most anxious beginners describe the experience as far more relaxing than they anticipated.
Koh Lipe is one of the more suitable destinations in Thailand for non-swimmers who want to try scuba diving. The island’s sheltered bays and calm Andaman Sea conditions, particularly during the dry season from November to April, provide a genuinely relaxed environment for first-time underwater experiences. La Bombona Diving’s Try Dive takes place in a protected bay within Tarutao National Marine Park where surface conditions are consistently manageable, and the shallow entry point allows you to ease into the water at your own pace. Non-swimmers who are water-comfortable can have a meaningful and memorable first dive experience in Koh Lipe without needing formal swimming ability. Those looking to pursue full certification will need to develop basic swimming skills before enrolling in the Open Water course.
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