Remember that although cost is important, it isn't the
only factor that you should take into account when deciding who to dive with.
Competition for your business is fierce so don't be afraid to bargain a little
and try to see past the suntans and smiles of the guys you meet in the dive shop
office.
You'll
find that prices always include: wetsuit hire, all necessary equipment, tanks, weights, lunch and
soft drinks.
Looking a the table below it's hard to imagine that I had
a nice colour co-ordinated table planned detailing the costs of all courses at
all the dive schools. But when all dive schools are members of a of a club who's
sole duty appears to be to keep the prices of dive courses on Koh Chang well
above those on other more popular destinations obvious price fixing (on published
prices at least), is what you get. But discounts on courses are possible
if you deal direct with the owners of the dive company.
No, I don't understand how keeping prices 30%
higher than those on Koh Tao, for example, will encourage people to take their PADI courses on Koh Chang either. Comparatively high course prices are designed to ensure that dive operators
can make a healthy profit until the time comes when there are enough potential divers
visiting Koh Chang to ensure that the owners of dive schools can sleep safely in the
knowledge that, no matter if their courses are 500 baht more expensive than their neighbours, they will still make
loads of money.
Although if I was boss of a large, well-financed dive
school I'd just play along until deregulation came, then slash prices to only
minimal profit margins, drive the small fry out of business, and then jack the
price up the next high season when half the competition has shut up shop and my
slice of the dive course pie has more than doubled. Disclaimer:
I'm sure that the possibility of this happening is only a figment of my
imagination ;-)
Also worth noting that prices for dive courses now often
include free accommodation at the dive operator's own small resort. So, if you
haven't booked accommodation before you decide on a dive course, ask about this
when you book your course.
| |
Discover Scuba |
Scuba Diver |
Open Water Diver |
Advanced Open Water Diver |
Rescue Diver |
Divemaster |
|
Generic Dive School |
3,500 - 4,000 (2 days) |
8,000 |
12,500 - 14,000 |
11,000 - 12,000 |
12,500 |
25,000 - 28,000 |
Dive Trips
Qualified divers should expect an expect to pay the
following:
A night dive will set you back around 1,600 baht.
Two dives in the Koh Rang area go for around 2,400 - 2,600 baht.
A couple of dives at nearer dive sites are around 2,200 baht.
Multiple dive trips should entitle you to a worthwhile
discount. 100 baht
and a free coke shouldn't be counted as a discount, more a sign of desperation
or lack of authority on the staff member's part to offer discounts.
Snorkellers can expect to pay 700 - 900 baht/head for a
day out with the big boys whilst anyone just along for the ride or keeping their
spouse company is charged around 500 baht for the privilege.
