Reviews from previous IDC students and candidates

“PADI IDC Candidate previous Student Reviews – Would you like to know what former IDC candidates say about their IDC course at Sairee Cottage Diving on Koh Tao? Then read these online IDC reviews below!

There are so many PADI IDC courses to choose from these day’s and equally as many PADI Course Directors teaching them. With this many PADI IDC courses and Course Directors, it can be hard to find the right PADI IDC Course for you. To make it even more difficult is that there are quite some differences between Course Directors and the quality of their teaching styles. Online IDC Reviews can help a lot.


Dave M

Sairee Cottage IDC November 2019 – What a ride!!!
Having just completed such a professional and in-depth programme I’ve came out at the end with more respect and enthusiasm… Read Full Review “Dave M”

Julien P

Great location!
We spent our idc with Marcel as race director, absolutely wonderful!!!
Extremely present from the beginning to the end!!!
Amazing atmosphere!!!
Very beautiful school… Read Full Review “Julien P”

Tushar C

Great & easy going schedule for the course. It was nice doing it under Marcel Van Den Berg (Course director), he makes it easy to understand every subject and also… Read Full Review “Tushar C”

Tony V

Its hard to describe what an amazing experience i have had with Sairee Cottage Diving. Helping me achieve my lifelong dream of becoming a dive instructor. Marcel is one of… Read Full Review “Tony V”

Billy

Amazing group of people works in Sairee Cottage Diving, It was best 4 months in my life thank you guys love you everyone 

Bryan K

Marcel is a very nice and cool course director. The environment at Sairee Cottage is relax and nice view. If you want to join a quality dive course, Sairee Cottage… Read Full Review “Bryan K”

David P

Great staff. Awesome swimming pool and pool bar. Love it. Right on the beach too

Scott R

The IDC Program at Sairee Cottage Diving is outstanding! Marcel Van Den Berg is an amazing instructor that knows the business, highly engaging, and provides the personal instruction for each… Read Full Review “Scott R”

Jason T

I have recently completed my IDC course with Marcel van den Berg at sairee cottage diving , and I can’t begin to tell you how amazing the experience was. From… Read Full Review “Jason T”

Maud S

The decision to do my IDC at Sairee Cottage Diving was my best decision ever! What an incredible experience it has been! From the first time I’ve met Marcel Van… Read Full Review “Maud S”

Patrick A

Very good place to do your IDC training !
Sairee cottage amenities are really nice with an aircon classroom, pool dedicated to divers, boat dedicated for training and a… Read Full Review “Patrick A”

Ellen Y

Just finished the IDC and MSDT with Sairee Cottage. It is an amazing journey with only a few weeks. I arrived with all kind of uncertainties about my ability to… Read Full Review “Ellen Y”

Michael P

A life lasting experience! Just a couple of days ago I’ve finished my IDC here on Koh Tao at Sairee Cottage Diving with the wonderful PADI Platinum Course Director Marcel… Read Full Review “Michael P”

Eric S

Two years ago after losing my dad to Parkinson’s disease, I decided to quit my job and finally get my PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor Certification. I did my research,… Read Full Review “Eric S”

David S

Absolutely Incredible! Only a few days have come and gone since I finished my IDC here on Koh Tao at Sairee Cottage Diving with the amazing PADI Platinum Course Director… Read Full Review “David S”

Emil U

Couple of days ago I successfully passed my IE, like everyone I was bit a nervous but I knew that I would do it, because for the the period of… Read Full Review “Emil U”

Ze C

Chose Sairee Cottage Diving for my IDC and couldn´t have made a better choice. Marcel van den Berg truly gives his best to his students. His course goes way beyond… Read Full Review “Ze C”

Dimitri D

Great IDC with Marcel Van Den Berg who prepared us so well for the IE and also for real life in the scuba diving professional sector! We could clearly see… Read Full Review “Dimitri D”

Karla P

I did my IDC with Marcel Van den Berg from Sairee Cottage I can said that I really like the way how he teach and explain everything. Marcel have a… Read Full Review “Karla P”

Guillaume G

I completed the IDC in December with Marcel Van Den Berg and Julián Picco and what can I say… It was a huge blast! From the lectures, the confined pool… Read Full Review “Guillaume G”

Meand D

I am very happy I chose to do my IDC at Sairee Cottage Diving!! Marcel is a person who understands people and knows how to put everything you need in… Read Full Review “Meand D”

Sameer B

I chose to complete my IDC and MSDT at Sairee cottage diving and I am very happy that I made the choice to do it with the Sairee Cottage fam.… Read Full Review “Sameer B”

Ben L

I chose to do my IDC and MSDT at Sairee cottage without ever visiting Thailand or knowing Koh Tao at all. When I discovered it is the busiest dive island… Read Full Review “Ben L”

Mike J

I did my IDC with Sairee Cottage Diving and it was outstanding. As a mature diver it provided everything I needed from excellent instruction and guidance to secure, clean and… Read Full Review “Mike J”

Marc P

What an amazing experience !!
Did part of my MSDT there. For sure, the best and the most professional diving center at Koh Tao. Only highly experienced instructors with… Read Full Review “Marc P”

Taz W

I completed my IDC and MSDT at Sairee Cottage Diving with Marcel in August 2015 and really enjoyed the course and content. The structure was great and since I had… Read Full Review “Taz W”

Leon A

After working as a PADI Divemaster in Australia for 8 years I decided to do my instructors cert. in February 2016. I choose Sairee Cottage because family and friends had… Read Full Review “Leon A”

Brigita S

Just finished my IDC & MSDT. It was great, I have met so many amazing people. Course director – Marcel and IDC staff instructor Charly (Sharky) prepared us well for… Read Full Review “Brigita S”

Bart B

Highly recommended! Course director Marcel van den Berg trains his IDC students well beyond PADI requirements and his course material is elaborate, really good!! Sairee Cottage Diving has a big… Read Full Review “Bart B”

Peter S

I went to Sairee cottage to do my, IDC and MSDT, it was a fantastic experience, I made a lot of great friends and Marcel the course director couldn’t have… Read Full Review “Peter S”

Nikki M

I completed my IDC with Sairee Cottage Diving in December 2016 and could not have chosen a better place! So much fun through learning! I was very nervous during the… Read Full Review “Nikki M”

Simon L

I’ve been doing my dive training with Sairee Cottage Diving for a few months now – I came as an advanced open water diver but have since done Emergency First… Read Full Review “Simon L”

Roman-Michael F

The perfect paradise place with excellent Scuba professionals.The equipment is new or professional maintained and looking nice. For example the Sidemount Equipment is from Hollis. Same the nice traditional boats.… Read Full Review “Roman-Michael F”

Basia M

I did my IDC at Sairee Cottage and it was great choice. Our course director Marcel van den Berg prepared us very well so we all passed with high scores.… Read Full Review “Basia M”

Andreas P

Marcel Van Den Berg is the Course Director and I cannot express strongly enough what an amazing IDC it was. During the course Marcel gave 110% to all of us… Read Full Review “Andreas P”

Gerard M

Great all round atmosphere. Great instructor Maddy who was amazing in her delivery and teaching. Really enjoyed for having zero experience in Scuba. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to… Read Full Review “Gerard M”

Jay H

The IDC course in Sairee Cottage was brilliant. I was so well prepared that when it came to the actual exams and practical stuff, I thought it was pretty easy.… Read Full Review “Jay H”

Barbara T

I had a great time at Sairee Cottage during and after my IDC. The facilities are excellent, crystal clear pool, well maintained equipment and amazing staff not just at the… Read Full Review “Barbara T”

Flor M

I recently did my IDC at Sairee Cottage, it was an incredible experience, I really learned how to handle myself with students, how to use different tools to make people… Read Full Review “Flor M”

Maggie H

Have just completed my IDC at Sairee Cottage .. I made a choice to commit to the challenge .. which is just as well .. as every day brought fresh… Read Full Review “Maggie H”

Genevieve G

I have known Marcel for a while now so when it came to looking for a place to do my IDC, there was no question about it. I had a… Read Full Review “Genevieve G”

Valeriia V

I recently did my IDC at Sairee Cottage and it was definitely a great choice! It seems like 2 weeks is not enough to learn a lot, however my experience… Read Full Review “Valeriia V”

Sheldon G

I’ve recently completed divemaster program with Sairee Cottage, and I must say, it’s been the best decision I’ve made to complete it at this particular dive school.
The facilities,… Read Full Review “Sheldon G”

Cobus M

Six months ago i decided to go to Koh Tao and take up scuba diving like I always wanted. With so much choice around and no reference to base my… Read Full Review “Cobus M”

Sarah N

I came to Koh Tao to do my Instructor Development Course, originally with a different company. However, upon hearing about Sairee Cottage, and many people recommending their IDC program, I… Read Full Review “Sarah N”

Elwin K

I did my IDC in November 2017 with Sairee Cottage Diving and it was the best choice so far ! Ideal location in the centre of Sairee beach, the dive… Read Full Review “Elwin K”

Ricky D

After wanting to do my IDC for 10 years I had been looking at many schools in many countries. After doing lots of research and reading countless reviews, I finally… Read Full Review “Ricky D”

Martin T

I completed my IDC at Sairee Cottage with Marcel in November and I can honestly say it’s one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. The knowledge I… Read Full Review “Martin T”

Leopard L

IDC @ Sairee Cottage Diving is to date one of the best dive training experience I have! Course Direction Marcel and Staff Instructor Julian had patiently guided us in developing… Read Full Review “Leopard L”

Lee K

The experience I had at Sairee Cottage was simply life changing. I arrived with the plan of doing my Divemaster course and ended up leaving as a Master Scuba Diving… Read Full Review “Lee K”

Wendy D

It’s already a few months ago that I did my Divemaster and IDC at Sairee Cottage. I had the best time ever. Only planned to do my divemaster, but just… Read Full Review “Wendy D”

Anthony W

Awesome experience, learned a lot from this course.
Marcel’s lectures are informative, also he was very patient, if you needed extra help he was always there. The lectures were… Read Full Review “Anthony W”

Dennis E

Did my IDC here in January, it was great working with all the people from the shop! Marcel, Kody and Julian were great instructors and would help any time of… Read Full Review “Dennis E”

Amye W

I spent many long hours, days and weeks researching the best place to enroll in an IDC program. I had five main criteria. I wanted a highly rated 5 star… Read Full Review “Amye W”

Nikita V

I did the classic ‘come to Koh Tao, fall in love with the place’ and knew I’d be back. I had already done my initial training with Sairee Cottage so… Read Full Review “Nikita V”

Kyumin K

Choosing Sairee Cottage Diving to do my IDC was one of my best decisions I’ve ever made in my life- Marcel and Julian made it all happen as I hoped.… Read Full Review “Kyumin K”

Camille G

Choosing Sairee Cottage to do your IDC is the best choice you can make, I really mean it. You know I arrived here by recommendation actually and everyone were saying… Read Full Review “Camille G”

Drew M

My IDC at Sairee Cottage Diving was a truly fantastic experience, The Course Director Marcel is a natural teacher who is super passionate and knowledgeable about diving. He and his… Read Full Review “Drew M”

Jason W

Doing my IDC at Sairee Cottage Diving was the best decision I’ve made. I did my DMT at Sairee Cottage Diving last year and didn’t think it could get any… Read Full Review “Jason W”

Kobus H

Sairee Cottage Diving IDC
After traveling the world and it’s seven seas and much contemplation, I decided to do my IDC and MSDTI at Sairee Cottage Diving. The PADI… Read Full Review “Kobus H”

Casey R

Seriously some of the best people in the world here! I Would recommend Sairee Cottage Diving to anyone and everyone who comes to Koh Tao. Marcel is the greatest of… Read Full Review “Casey R”

Benson Y

I spent 3 months at Sairee Cottage Diving and I had amazing 3 months here. I did my EFR, Rescue, DMT and IDC with amazing teaching team of Sairee Cottage… Read Full Review “Benson Y”

Luke T

Had such a good doing the IDC. Everyone was really friendly and helpful. Marcel is the Koh Tao king of diving! Thanks to the team for all the help and… Read Full Review “Luke T”

Tom C

I completed my IDC at Sairee Cottage and from what I’ve seen it is one of the best places around. The people are friendly, facilities are great and most importantly… Read Full Review “Tom C”

Andre V

Did my IDC with the course director Marcel and the staff Julian, Joseph and Martin. And couldn’t have a better experience! The whole course was amazing! Great facilities and for… Read Full Review “Andre V”

Oscar S

Doing my IDC at Sairee Cottage Diving was definitively the best choice ever! In part because I loved the place, beautiful Island, the best facilities in Koh tao, but also… Read Full Review “Oscar S”

Daniel W

Life changing experience Koh tao. What a place. I didn’t really knew this place bevor I came here. I didn’t even knew what to think about.
I just wanted… Read Full Review “Daniel W”

Andrew D

I came and got my Advanced Open Water Diver three years ago at Sairee Cottage Diving., so when I decided to come back and do my IDC, it just seemed… Read Full Review “Andrew D”

Lex S

Having decided to take the plunge and change career to become a diving instructor I knew that there was only one course director who I wanted to do my IDC… Read Full Review “Lex S”

Helen X

I will definitely recommend Sairee Cottage for anyone who would like to do their IDC in Koh Tao!!
A couple of reasons:
You got free accommodation, free lunch… Read Full Review “Helen X”

Andromache D

I am very happy I chose to do my IDC at Sairee Cottage!! Marcel is a person who understands people and knows how to put everything you need in your… Read Full Review “Andromache D”

Thomas D

This has been so amazing, I have no wordz. Marcel and Julian is the best. I will do it all over again in a heartbeat. Experience and knowledge is power,… Read Full Review “Thomas D”

Joonwoo C

I have recently completed a instructor course with platinum course director Marcel. I recommend scuba diving to you who want to safely experience a new adventure. Most of all, The… Read Full Review “Joonwoo C”

Igor V

I finished IDC with Marcel just few months ago, and it was an overall great experience, As you are looking for the right course director it’s hectic enough and scary… Read Full Review “Igor V”

Flavia B

During September I did my Instructor Development Course at Sairee Cottage Diving and I can highly recommend to do it there. I had such a good time with them on… Read Full Review “Flavia B”

Nubia I

Sincerely all the team in Sairee Cottage is the best, are compromised people they care about you and are interested in how can they Help you succeed .. Thanks specially… Read Full Review “Nubia I”

Katie O

Words cannot even do justice to how pleased I am to have been part of the family at sairee cottage for my IDC. I had an absolutely mind blowing experience.… Read Full Review “Katie O”

Some PADI Course Directors will only teach you to pass the IE with short IDC lectures, no real-life teaching and almost no passion at all. While other PADI Course Directors will go the extra mile and even beyond that. These PADI Course Directors will spend the time to improve their PADI IDC program every day, have immense passion, genuinely caring about your future as a diving instructor, give private lessons when needed, real-life teaching and the list goes on and on...

But these day's almost all PADI IDC Dive Centres and PADI Course Directors have excellent websites with beautiful pictures and the same text... So how do you know which PADI Course Director teaches the best IDC course with incredible passion and energy or which one that just wants your money and lost all enthusiasm and quality?

Well, the best way to find out what the best PADI IDC course is and what PADI Course Director will give you what you want is to read the online IDC reviews from previous IDC Candidates. So please check out our IDC reviews below and please contact them through Facebook if you have more questions about their opinion about our IDC program at Sairee Cottage Diving on Koh Tao in Thailand.

Marcel van den Berg
PADI Platinum Course Director"


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