About us: a Dutch-speaking dive school on Koh Tao
A PADI dive school where you learn in your own language, in a small group.
A PADI dive school with Dutch-speaking instructors
Below Zero Divers is a PADI dive school on Koh Tao, Thailand. Our instructors speak Dutch, so theory, briefings and guidance are given in Dutch.
Why does that matter? For most people learning to dive is new and sometimes a little nerve-racking. In your own language nothing important gets lost, questions come more easily and you settle in underwater sooner.
Prefer to learn in English?
No problem. Let us know in advance and we will schedule an extra instructor for the theory lessons. You can always take the PADI eLearning in your own language.
Time and attention for every student
On every course, one instructor teaches a maximum of four students. Five of you? Then a second instructor comes along.
That way we take the time to explain things and to answer your questions. Want to practise something again? There is room for that.
What that means for you
- Your instructor notices when something is hard for you
- You build up gradually, at your own pace
- You ask your questions in your own language
- The whole course with the same small group
How we keep it safe
We only dive with modern, high-quality equipment. It is maintained to the manufacturer's guidelines and thoroughly cleaned and checked after every dive. Full equipment and a dive computer are included in the course price.
PADI
We are a PADI dive school. Your certification is recognised worldwide.
Three diving rules we always follow
Diving is safe as long as you follow your instructor and the diving rules. Three rules come first. And drink plenty of water.
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Equalise on the way down
Keep equalising the pressure in your ears as you descend. That is how you avoid ear pain.
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Never stop breathing
Never hold your breath underwater. Breathing slowly and steadily is the most important rule.
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Come up slowly
The rule is no faster than 18 metres per minute. We take it more gently: 9 metres per minute.
Diving with Below Zero Divers, first-hand
What students wrote about us after their course or fun dive.
Under Sander's guidance I got my Open Water here. I can recommend it to everyone! Everything is explained clearly and calmly, so you know exactly what to expect. All in all a really nice atmosphere and a great 3 days! Thanks!
Translated from Dutch
I got my PADI here. It took 3 days, going into the water twice a day. I had a really nice instructor who explained everything well! On our last dive we also had a professional photographer with us, so we all got great photos of the diving too!
Translated from Dutch
Did an intro dive with Noud, super cool experience! Got to see a lot and definitely got excited to continue!
Translated from Dutch
Did the PADI Open Water and Advanced at Below Zero Divers with Anouk as instructor, plus a full day of fun diving. Really fun dives and loads of cool things seen underwater. The lessons were really easy to follow, clear instruction and a really friendly vibe every day. On top of that we got beautiful photos! Genuine people who really want to teach you something and are always up for a drink and a chat after diving. Would absolutely recommend it. 10/10!
Translated from Dutch
Did the Open Water course at Below Zero in October 2026. By chance I ran into John at their place on Koh Tao. After a nice, relaxed chat I started the course one day later. Divemaster Anouk gave super professional and fun lessons. She and the team make you feel very safe underwater. Iris also takes great photos on the last dive day. A different dive site every day, so you get to experience different environments. This dive school has everything well organised, from the physical location to the equipment (all new). The team is very skilled and fun too! If you're looking for a PADI course or fun dive on Koh Tao in Dutch, choose Below Zero Diving.
Translated from Dutch
Frequently asked questions
Does my instructor speak Dutch?
Yes. We are a Dutch-speaking dive school: theory, briefings and guidance are given in Dutch. You do the whole course with the same small group.
Do you also teach in English?
Yes. Let us know in advance and we will schedule an extra instructor for the theory lessons. You can always take the eLearning in your own language.
How big are the groups?
A maximum of four students per instructor, on every course. Five of you? Then a second instructor comes along.
Is diving safe?
Diving is safe as long as you follow your instructor and the diving rules: equalise on the way down, never stop breathing and come up no faster than 18 metres per minute. We keep to 9 metres per minute. Drink plenty of water too.
What about the equipment?
We only dive with modern, high-quality equipment, maintained to the manufacturer's guidelines and thoroughly cleaned and checked after every dive. Equipment and a dive computer are included in the course price.
Can I dive with a medical condition?
Before any dive activity you fill in the PADI medical statement. If you answer “yes” anywhere, you may need a form signed by a doctor. That can be arranged on Koh Tao, but it is easier before you travel. Not sure? Send us a WhatsApp.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance that covers diving is required. As an extra option we recommend DiveAssure.
Still have a question?
Send a message, even if you are not sure yet which course suits you, and we will help you choose.
Ask us on WhatsApp+66 90 984 6090
Open daily from 8:30 to 11:00 and from 13:00 to 18:00