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Half above, half below the water: a green island with rocks, and divers on a pale sandy bottom beneath

Diving on Koh Tao

What to expect when you travel to Koh Tao to dive: the dive sites, what lives underwater, the seasons and how to get there.

A moray eel looks into the camera from the reef
The island

Why so many people learn to dive on Koh Tao

Koh Tao literally means "Turtle Island". It is one of the most popular islands in Thailand, for its relaxed atmosphere, its beaches and the chance to dive or learn to dive.

There are more than 25 dive spots around the island. The water is warm, there are shallow spots with a sandy bottom where you can start calmly, and there are rock formations out at sea for when you are already certified.

At Below Zero Divers your theory, briefings and guidance can be in Dutch, with never more than four students per instructor. English is possible too.

All courses and prices
Dive sites

The dive sites on our trips

Our two fixed fun dive trips visit these four dive sites. Which one we choose also depends on the weather and the sea that day.

Sail Rock

One of the most popular dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand. A large granite rock rising out of the sea, roughly between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. It is about two hours by boat from Koh Tao, which is why we make two dives there on the Sail Rock trip.

Known for big schools of barracuda and for the Chimney: a vertical passage through the rock that experienced divers can swim through, from about 18 metres up to about 6 metres below the surface. Whale sharks are also seen here regularly, depending on the season.

2S and 3S trips

South-West Pinnacle

Granite peaks rising from the seabed. The rocks are covered in anemones, which draw a lot of marine life: big schools of reef fish, barracuda, trevally, rays and colourful coral.

3S trip

Shark Island

The island is named after its shape. You might see sharks, but the chance is no higher here than at other dive sites. What you will see is a lovely reef with large rock formations, and even soft coral deeper down.

3S trip

Samran Pinnacle

A lesser known site, out in open water. We really only go here on the 3S trip, when the weather calls for a different site from Shark Island. You regularly see batfish, rays, pufferfish and reef fish.

3S trip, instead of Shark Island

Depth and level per dive site, and whether a site suits your experience: ask us on WhatsApp. We always choose between Shark Island and Samran Pinnacle based on safety and that day's sea conditions.

Fun diving and trips
Marine life

What lives around Koh Tao

Photos from our own album. Around Koh Tao you see tropical reef fish, parrotfish, moray eels, rays and barracuda. Turtles and reef sharks are seen regularly. Whale sharks turn up mainly around Sail Rock, depending on the season and never guaranteed.

A yellow boxfish with black spots in front of a rock wall with coral
A large triggerfish swims past a rock covered in red coral
A blue-spotted ray tucked under a ledge of coral
A diver looks at a pink anemone with small fish on a rocky ledge
Divers at the surface under a cloudy sky, with the island's hills in the distance
Seasons

When can you dive on Koh Tao?

All year round. In the rainy season, in November and early December, the weather can be disappointing. Dives still go ahead 9 times out of 10, but bear in mind that we sometimes have to move or cancel a trip. Safety comes first.

Rain itself is no problem: you get wet underwater anyway.

Water temperature and visibility

How warm the water is and how far you can see varies by month and by dive site. Coming in a particular month? Ask us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what to expect.

Practical

Getting to Koh Tao and what to bring

The questions you have before you set off.

How do you get to Koh Tao?
Koh Tao has no airport. You arrive by boat, for example from the mainland at Chumphon or from the neighbouring islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Want to know whether you will make your first dive day? Send us your travel plan on WhatsApp.
Pick-up from the boat
We do not have a pick-up and drop-off service at the moment. Send us a message and we will help you find your way to the dive school.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included in the price of a course or trip; you arrange it yourself.
Insurance
Travel insurance that covers diving is required. As an extra, we recommend DiveAssure.
What to bring
A towel, sun cream, mineral water and a salty snack. Put your swimwear on before you come. Dive equipment and a dive computer are provided.
Medical statement
Before every dive activity you fill in the PADI medical statement. If you answer "yes" anywhere, you may need a statement signed by a doctor. Best to sort that out before you leave.
Diving with Below Zero Divers

Where do you start?

Never dived, getting certified or already certified: pick what suits you.

Three divers hold on to a line in blue water and look at the camera

PADI Open Water

Your certification to 18 metres in three days, valid worldwide, with Dutch-speaking instructors.

฿11,000
More about learning to dive
A diver makes the OK sign in deep blue water, a second diver swims alongside

Fun diving and trips

Already certified? Join the Sail Rock trip, the 3S trip or the daily boat.

฿2,000
More about fun diving
Questions

Frequently asked questions

Can I dive on Koh Tao all year round?

Yes. In the rainy season (November and early December) the weather can be disappointing. Dives still go ahead 9 times out of 10; sometimes we move a trip. We can dive in the rain without any problem.

Which dive sites do you visit?

On the fixed trips we go to Sail Rock, South-West Pinnacle and Shark Island, or Samran Pinnacle when the weather calls for it. There are more than 25 dive spots around the island.

Can I see whale sharks at Koh Tao?

Sometimes. Whale sharks are seen regularly around Sail Rock, depending on the season. An encounter is never guaranteed.

How warm is the water and how good is the visibility?

That varies by month and by dive site. Ask us on WhatsApp for the month you are coming.

How do I get to Koh Tao?

Koh Tao has no airport, so the last leg is by boat. Send us your travel plan and we will check with you whether you will make your first dive day.

Do you offer pick-up and drop-off?

Not at the moment. Send us a message and we will help you on your way.

Can I fly after diving?

Wait at least 18 to 24 hours after your last dive before you fly. That includes a short domestic flight.

Do I need insurance?

Yes. Travel insurance that covers diving is required. As an extra, we recommend DiveAssure.

Planning Koh Tao?

Send a message about the seasons, getting to the island or which course suits you, and we will help you plan.

Ask us on WhatsApp

+66 90 984 6090

Open daily from 8:30 to 11:00 and from 13:00 to 18:00