diving in koh tao
Only about 12 years ago the only form of transportation around Koh Tao was by either a small boat or a water buffalo and small cart. It’s only in the last five to six years that South East Asia and especially Koh Tao has been recognised as having some the best dive sites in the world. And because of that Koh Tao, this small island has seen a large growth in the number of dive companies emerging.
All of the main international diving organisations are also based on Koh Tao; these include PADI, SSI, IANTD, and BSAC & NAUI. PADI & SSI now send their representatives to the island on a regular basis to monitor the quality and to help keep their members informed about any future changes to the industry.
There is a full range of different dive packages available, from the beginner wanting to do their PADI, to the experienced wanting to expand to instructor or rescue diver. And special courses like under water photography and technical diving (Nitrox). So, if it’s a fun dive you’re looking for or expand your diving career, then this is the place to choose. Koh Tao has just recently become the leading area in Thailand for Instructor Development Centres (IDC).
The quality of the equipment has also improved over the years with nearly all dive companies using the latest models including Scubapro, Suunto, US Divers, Technisub and SeacSub. If you use your own equipment and it is in need of service or repair, [there is loads of retail shops and service centres on the island. A diver’s safety has always been the highest priority on the island and it now has a mono recompression chamber and a DMT O2 and evacuation station located on the island. With a larger chamber only 90 minutes away on Koh Samui by speed boat.
So, in summary you can ensure that diving on Koh Tao is going to an experience you will never forget, whether it’s just fun dives you want to do or you might even want to make a career out of it, this is the place to be, warm sunshine, warm clear waters to dive in, sharks (harmless ones), turtles and so many different types of fish to see that it will keep you amazed and bewildered for a very long time.