Koh Tao Diving in Koh Samui and Koh Tao
Part of the Koh Samui and Koh Tao travel guide — see every topic in All Koh Samui and Koh Tao Guides.
Koh Tao is a small island north of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. It is one of the most popular places in the world to learn to scuba dive. There are many dive schools on the island, and the dive sites are close to shore. The water is warm all year. Koh Tao is also a good base for snorkelling, short hikes and quiet bays. This guide covers courses, dive sites and the best months to go.
Learning to dive
Most new divers on Koh Tao take an Open Water course. This is the first full scuba certificate. It usually takes about three to four days. The course has some theory, practice in a pool or shallow water, and four dives in the sea. Most schools teach the PADI or SSI system. Both are accepted around the world. Many schools also offer a short try dive for people who are not sure. Choose a school with small groups and good reviews, and ask about the size of the class. Many schools give a discount on a room if you take a course with them.
Top dive sites
Koh Tao has dive sites for every level. Shallow sites near the island are good for training, with coral, reef fish and turtles on some days. Japanese Gardens, next to Koh Nang Yuan, is a well-known shallow reef. For more experienced divers, Chumphon Pinnacle is a deep granite pinnacle north-west of the island. It is covered in anemones and has large schools of fish. Sail Rock is between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. It is a tall rock with a vertical swim-through called the Chimney. Both deep sites are known for whale shark sightings in some seasons, but sightings are never certain.
When to dive
You can dive on Koh Tao all year, but conditions change. From about February to May the sea is often very calm, with good visibility. From about June to September it is still good, and this is also a peak time for whale sharks. The rainy months on the Gulf side are about October to December. In November the sea can be rough, and some days boats cannot go to the far sites. Even then, sheltered bays on one side of the island are often fine for diving. Visibility and weather change from day to day, so ask your dive school what to expect.
Snorkelling and the island
You do not need to dive to enjoy the water. Koh Nang Yuan is a group of three small islands joined by sand bars, just off the north-west coast. It has clear water and a short climb to a viewpoint. The island charges an entry fee and has strict rules to keep it clean. Shark Bay and Aow Leuk in the south and Tanote Bay on the east coast are good for snorkelling from the beach. Sairee Beach, on the west coast, is the longest beach and the centre of island life. It faces the sunset. Mae Haad is the main pier and village.
Safety tips
Diving is safe when you follow the rules, but there are a few things to know. Tell your school about any health problems before the course. Do not fly for at least 18 to 24 hours after your last dive. Plan your trip so your flight is not the day after diving. Roads on Koh Tao are steep, narrow and often unpaved. Many visitors have scooter accidents, so ride slowly or take a taxi. Use reef-safe sun cream and never touch or stand on coral. Drink plenty of water, because heat and diving both make you tired.
Koh Tao Diving at a glance
| Getting there | High-speed ferry from Chumphon, or from Koh Samui via Koh Phangan; arrival at Mae Haad pier |
|---|---|
| Course length | Open Water course usually about 3 to 4 days |
| Cost | Courses are often good value; prices vary by school, so compare |
| Best time | About February to September; calmest about February to May |
| Whale sharks | Possible about March to September at deep sites; never certain |