Koh Tao Diving Review

In this page you will find more detailed information about scuba diving in Koh Tao.

Dive Summary

Scuba diving in Koh Tao is actually quite good but can’t compete with the world class dive sites of the Andaman sea like for example in Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi or Similan and Surin Islands.

Whale Sharks are sometimes spotted around Koh Tao, and on offshore dive sites like Chumphon Pinnacle, it is possible to see Bull Sharks. It is actually one of the few places in the world where it is possible to spot them from up close. They have been misidentified for a long time as Grey Sharks. Bull Sharks can be curious, and sometimes aggressive, but in years of diving on these sites, there hasn’t been any problems reported of attacks or the like.

Apart from the big stuff, you will also spot turtles, reef sharks, Leopard Sharks, barracudas and all the usual reef life of South East Asia.

Don’t expect to be alone underwater! The most popular dive spots are often very crowded during high season…

Best time to Dive in Koh Tao

It is possible to dive in Koh Tao all year round. The best diving time runs from May to August when the conditions are excellent. Luckily it is also the off season on the West coast of Thailand. Water temperature is about 29 °C all year round.

Credit

Dive courses

Koh Tao is where there is the highest number of Padi open water certifications completed in the world after Cairns in Australia!

People from all over the world come here to take cheap (around US$ 24 for a dive) diving lessons as the Island features very easy dive sites with gentle currents and shallow coral reefs. Experienced divers come to get higher certification and many dive centres propose all inclusive dive master courses with accommodation provided.

As there are over 30 dive operators, competition is high, meaning prices are generally quite low. Always visit several dive shops and ask questions before choosing as they may not all have the same standards. It is sometimes better to spend more money for better service and safety.

Scuba Diving conditions

Conditions underwater are excellent. No current on most of the dive sites, nice and shallow coral reefs.

Visibility can be sometimes poor especially in November after heavy rains. You can expect from 10 to 20 meters visibility otherwise. Water temperature is around 29 °C all year round ;-)

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jelle82/4802659392/

Snorkelling in Koh Tao

You can find great snorkelling spots around Koh Tao. It is possible to arrange snorkelling tours to take you to the best places around the island. You can also try to reach the beaches by scooter but it can be very difficult and even dangerous. You will often have to finish by foot.

A popular spot is Shark Bay where you can spot harmless Black Tip reef sharks. Although Koh Nang Yuan, Freedom beach, Laem Thian, Mango Bay, Hin Wong Bay and Tanote Bay are good snorkelling sites.

Diving in Ko Samui

It is actually possible to dive around Ko Samui and Koh Phangan but most of the dive shops will take you on a day trip diving around Koh Tao. Note that visibility is usually poor and diving interest low around Ko Samui. It will take about one hour by speed boat to reach the Koh Tao dive sites and as the fuel is expensive, the average cost of a dive is higher on Ko Samui than on Koh Tao. Snorkelling in Ko Samui is also poor.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/davespencer/3789837841/

"Actually we use speed boats and dive on Sail Rock and Koh Tao area. To
Sail Rock travel time is 45min and to Koh Tao/Chumpon Pinacle around 1h
15min.

Water is really shallow around Koh Samui and waves disturb sand bottom and
visibility. Here are couple of dive sites, but not so good that we use
them very often." Padi Instructor in Koh Samui.

Travel Guide

Now that you know all about the underwater world, you might want to start planning your scuba holiday! Check out our Koh Tao Travel Review for information about how to get there, activities and excursions, where to stay, and more.

Dive spots in Koh Tao