Best places to work as a diving instructor
In this series, we’ll explore the best places in Asia to work as a scuba diving instructor, showcasing career opportunities, dive sites, and lifestyle perks.
Phuket, Thailand
Phuket, Thailand, is a name that resonates with tropical adventures, bustling nightlife, and stunning natural beauty. But for scuba diving professionals, it’s more than just a tourist hotspot—it’s a dream workplace for PADI instructors. With plenty career opportunities, great diving sites and a comfortable lifestyle, Phuket is a location where work truly feels like a vacation.
Career Opportunities in Phuket
Phuket is one of the busiest diving hubs in Southeast Asia, with a thriving dive industry supported by hundreds of dive shops and liveaboard operators. Whether you’re a newly certified PADI Instructor or a seasoned professional, finding a job here is relatively easy if you have the right attitude and skills.
Liveaboard companies frequently hire instructors to guide dives in the world-famous Similan Islands and nearby destinations like the Andaman Sea. If you prefer to work day trips or teach courses, Phuket’s dive shops offer everything from Discover Scuba Diving experiences to advanced specialties. Because Phuket attracts many different tourists – not only divers, the focus is on beginner courses. The high volume of tourists ensures consistent work year-round.
Underwater Beauty
Phuket’s proximity to some of Thailand’s best dive sites makes it a magnet for marine life lovers. Popular spots like Racha Noi, Shark Point, and King Cruiser Wreck offer vibrant coral reefs, schooling fish, and opportunities to encounter sharks, turtles, and even the occasional whale shark.
If you crave bigger adventures, the Similan Islands are just a liveaboard away. Known for crystal-clear waters and dramatic underwater topography, these sites feature everything from giant boulders to swim-throughs and an abundance of marine biodiversity.
Lifestyle Perks
Life in Phuket is a blend of tropical relaxation and endless entertainment. You can be spending your day teaching students underwater, and unwinding at a beachfront bar in the evening.
The island offers a balance of luxury and affordability, with plenty of local markets, street food stalls, and budget-friendly accommodations. For those who enjoy a vibrant social scene, Patong Beach’s nightlife is legendary. But if peace and quiet are more your style, areas like Nai Harn or Kata provide a laid-back vibe.
What Makes Phuket Unique
Phuket stands out as a diving instructor’s paradise not only for its natural beauty but also for its accessibility. The island is well-connected with an international airport, making it easy for family or friends to visit—or for you to hop off to nearby dive destinations during your time off.
The diversity of clientele also makes teaching here exciting. You’ll meet students from all over the world, each bringing their own stories and energy to your classroom, whether it’s on a dive boat or in a pool.
Is Phuket the Right Fit for You?
Phuket is ideal for instructors who thrive in a bustling environment and enjoy variety in their work. Whether you’re conducting your first Open Water course or leading advanced divers on exciting wreck dives, every day offers something new. And with the island’s year-round warm weather and endless list of activities, it’s hard to imagine a better place to combine work and relaxation.
So, if you’re dreaming of a career as a PADI Instructor, Phuket might just be the perfect starting point.
Become a PADI diving instructor
Being a PADI diving instructor is truly the best job in the world! You get to live and work in stunning tropical destinations, stay active every day, and share your love for the underwater world.
Dreaming of becoming a PADI diving instructor? Get in touch, and we’ll show you how!