Scuba Diving in Koh Tao, Thailand
Koh Tao is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand known for its stunning dive sites and beautiful marine life. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, Koh Tao offers something for everyone.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Experienced Diver
- Chumphon Pinnacle - a site with diverse marine life, including whale sharks, barracuda, and rays.
- Southwest Pinnacle - a deeper dive site with schools of fish, large groupers, and occasionally whale sharks.
- Sail Rock - a large pinnacle dive site with schools of fish, barracuda, and occasional sightings of whale sharks.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Beginners
- Japanese Gardens - a shallow dive site with calm waters, colorful corals, and abundant marine life, perfect for beginner divers.
- Mango Bay - another shallow dive site with calm waters and an array of marine life, including turtles, angelfish, and nudibranchs.
- Twins - a dive site with a maximum depth of 12 meters, offering a variety of marine life, including blue spotted rays and moray eels.
Marine Life
Koh Tao is home to an abundance of marine life, including tropical fish, turtles, rays, whale sharks, and even occasional sightings of dolphins and whales. Divers can expect to see schools of fish, colorful corals, and a variety of macro life such as nudibranchs and sea slugs.
Dive Conditions
Diving conditions in Koh Tao are generally good, with visibility ranging from 10 to 30 meters. Water temperature ranges from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for diving year-round. Currents are generally mild, but can occasionally be strong at some dive sites.
Cost
The cost of scuba diving in Koh Tao varies depending on the dive center and the type of dive. A single dive can cost anywhere from 800 to 1,500 Thai Baht (approximately $25 to $50 USD), while a full day of diving with multiple dives can cost around 3,500 to 5,000 Thai Baht (approximately $115 to $165 USD). Some dive centers offer discounts for multiple days of diving or for booking in advance.
