Scuba Diving in Koh Tao

- Crystal Dive Koh Tao: Crystal dive is one of the most popular centers for learning scuba diving in Koh Tao. You can choose from the various courses available here. From different PADI courses, tech diving lessons, specialty courses for open water diving, eco diving lessons and fun diving courses, every scuba diving technique gets imparted here via trained professionals. With their dedicated instructors, you can explore the scintillating marine world.

Location- 7/1 Moo 2, Koh Tao, Surat Thani, Thailand.
Cost- Ranges from 800-1000 THB, according to the number of dives.

- Roctopus: Roctopus with their exclusive designed boats and different eco diving and scuba diving classes will make your diving experience worthwhile. It is one of the few centers comprising a separate building for training purposes. You can avail the open water course or the scuba diving course for a fruitful underwater journey. Their proficient instructors will guide and assist you throughout the marine excursion. Diving here is generally carried out in small groups. So beginners, do not worry. Get ready for an enthralling dive.

Location-Sairee Beach, Koh Tao, Surat Thani, Thailand.
Cost- Diving packages begin from 2500 THB.

- Big Blue Diving Resort: At the Big Blue Diving Resort, besides diving classes, you would receive various other amenities for a comfortable stay. Set on the scenic Sairee Beach, the resort offers various beginners courses along with specialty lessons for skilled divers. You can also avail the fun diving course and the advanced adventurous ones. After learning the diving skills, procure your certificate from here and embark on the fascinating diving trip.

Location- Koh Tao Amphoe Ko Pha-ngan, Chang Wat Surat Thani, Thailand.
Cost - A single day diving package commences from 25oo THB.

- Goodtime Adventures: Goodtime Adventures has courses for both the pro-divers and the amateur ones. While beginners can learn at the ‘try diving courses’, the experienced ones can choose from different pro courses or try the advanced adventure ones. You can go to plunge into the waters at some popular spots with them and their dedicated group of instructors will make your aquatic expedition more memorable.

Location- 4P Sea Beach, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, Thailand.
Cost - Courses start from 2000 THB.

- Sairee Cottage Resort: Located right on the Sairee beach, the Sairee Cottage Resort offers its guests a PADI 5-star diving course. With their latest equipment and boats, they facilitate a safe diving experience. Though it is always better to carry your basic diving gear, you can easily get rentals here. At affordable rates, you can opt for any of the ‘learn diving packages’. They also cater to the special needs of novices. The staff at Sairee’s academy is extremely cooperative and you can look out for an exciting journey here.

Location- 10/1 Sairee Cottage, Sairee Beach, Koh Tao, Surat Thani, Thailand.
Cost- The entire diving package with equipment starts from 45233 THB.

- ACE Marine Expeditions: If you are seeking for a private marine expedition, then this tour operator cum academy will make it possible. With ACE Marine Expeditions, you can avail a luxurious scuba diving experience and also a guided photography tour. You can take along your family, as at each step you will get assisted by experts. Get yourself certified and explore the fascinating marine world. ACE also offers you snorkeling trips and fishing games. Though it is a bit more expensive in comparison to the other diving schools, at the end of your journey, the extra bit of your money spent will be worth it.

Location-10/46 Moo 1, Ko Tao, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani, Thailand.
Cost- Contact the organization for the latest prices.

A visit to Koh Tao can be scheduled during any season. Generally, the island sees hundreds of tourists visiting each month. However, if you want to avoid the swarm of the crowd, then keep away during the peak months.

Scuba diving in Koh tao is best done in the warm and sunny months extending from July to September. You will also get clear visibility under the water. The cooler months have unpredictable weather forecast, however, it will not create a big hindrance in your scuba diving.

While in Koh Tao, if you are not time-bound, then besides scuba diving, there are varied interesting activities that you can engage in.

- Go visit the nearby scenic archipelago in Koh Nang Yuan. Surrounded by the azure waters while you stand on the pristine white sand beach, a mesmerizing feeling is sure to seep inside you.

- If you want to witness a memorable sunset, then do make a trip to the John-Suwan Viewpoint. Nearby lies the Freedom Beach of Koh Tao. If you want to relax and lie down for a sunbath, then this is the ideal place. Viewing the sunset at the Mango Viewpoint is also another splendid choice.

- If you take an interest in fishing activities, then why not take a trip from the Mae Haad pier. A night fishing journey will indeed turn out to be a once in a lifetime experience. Keep your fishing rods ready for some colorful catches.

- At Koh Tao island you will come across many therapeutic body massage centers. Pamper yourself with a rejuvenating aroma or Thai spa. You can also try looking for yoga centers at Koh Tao. Yoga, reiki and T’ai Chi are some of the healing practices offered here that will help you soothe your mind, body, and spirit.

- If you want to color your stay at Koh Tao with some fun, then go and join the beach parties on Sairee Beach. Grab some beer and let yourselves flow with the grooving music.

- You can also enjoy the buzzing nightlife at Sairee Beach. Gorge on some delicious seafood at the Fishbowl Beach Bar. Some cherishable moments await as you sip on a cocktail and enjoy the view of the dark, enchanting seas.

- If you are seeking for some aesthetic engagements, then try heading towards the art galleries in Sairee and Mae Haad. From beautiful sand sculptures to handmade souvenirs and shell jewelry, the visit will be an exquisite one.

- Wondering how you can spend the evening? Be a spectator at the traditional Muay Thai boxing. Let your evening be action-packed. You can also enroll yourself for learning basic martial arts skills.

- Finally for the shoppers! Yes, Koh Tao remains dotted with supermarkets and shops around the main beach areas. You can surely purchase some ethnic souvenirs. Choose from an array of clothes, hats, bags, perfumed oils and other items. Prices are negotiable.

The diving operators do not recommend any tourists suffering from any heart diseases, neurological diseases, spinal cord or head injury, any abnormalities of unconsciousness for indulging in Koh Tao diving. Such patients must derive a no-objection certificate from a doctor before embarking on any underwater activity. Pregnant women are also advised to refrain from scuba diving.

For those suffering from obesity, diving tends to be an arduous task. If the person suffers from epilepsy or seizures, heart congestion, nervous disorder, decompression sickness, hypertension or panic disorder and other chronic diseases, a consultation with the doctor and the scuba trainer are mandatory.

At Koh Tao, over 70 training schools offer you the necessary lessons for a successful scuba diving experience. Hence, the thrilling sport can be easily tried by a newbie as well. Grasp the basic swimming techniques like underwater breathing, using the diving instrument properly and some others. A proper course under the training of PADI or SSI will make you eligible for the aquatic quest.

So gear yourselves up, spend a few days at the training classes and get ready to set into the enchanting marine world. And remember, always listen to your divemasters for a safe experience.

Securing a diving license is always recommended before you undertake the water sport. Your safety comes first, and without a diving license, you can compromise on your well being. Enroll yourself into any Koh Tao diving school, learn the skills and train yourself, acquire a license and out you go on a thrilling expedition. The amazing marine world lurking beneath the tropical waters will be worth your training time and efforts.

Koh Tao diving can be done between the range of 5-35 meters. With water temperature at such depths remaining between 27- 30-degree centigrade, you are bound to enjoy your dive. Visibility inside the waters remains clear during the warm months and will not cause any hindrance. Before you dive in, consult with your divemasters as they will guide you on the different levels of depth.

Scuba diving in Koh Tao can indeed turn out to be a pleasant pursuit if you remember these vital tips. Before you plunge in, glance carefully through this list.

- If this is your first attempt at scuba diving, try snorkeling first. This will give you a fair idea about how to breathe continuously inside the waters.

- Avoid any kind of alcoholic drinks the night before the diving activity. You don’t want to push yourself towards any kind of untoward incidents or any embarrassing situation.

- Do not hurry when you have entered the marine world. Follow your instructor, make small moves and try to feel the soothing essence that lurks beneath the surface. The slower you go, the more fish you see!

- A proper diving course from any qualified SSI or PADI in Koh Tao is mandatory. Never dive in without the necessary skills.

- Do not forget your sunscreen. You do not want to return with that extra bit of tan on your skin.

- Make sure your mask is properly fitted.

- It is very important to keep yourself well hydrated before you undertake the diving expedition. This will help you to avoid any kind of decompression sickness when you are under the water.

An ideal place for divers, scuba diving in Koh tao prices are very reasonable. With the numerous available diving courses, a single dive starts from around 1000 Baht per person. If you are keen on trying an open water course or want to avail a private dive experience, then prices tend to go a bit higher starting from 10,000 Baht for 2 people.