Koh Tao is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand that is famous for its diving. Only dive schools near the Great Barrier Reef in Australia teach more people to dive than the schools in Koh Tao. There are over 40 dive schools to choose from in Koh Tao. It can be a daunting prospect to choose one if you have your heart set on diving.

There are two main reasons why Koh Tao is such a divers Mecca. Firstly, Koh Tao offers some of the cheapest Open Water PADI courses in the world. For about $300 you can gain your first PADI qualification. Malawi is cheaper but many people are put off learning diving in a poor African country. The second reason why Koh Tao is so popular is because the island has plenty of great dive sites around its shores. Thian Og, Mango Bay, Sai Daeng, Jansom Bay and Tanote Bay all offer great places nearby to spot a plethora of marine life around pristine corals. Farther afield there are some good dive sites such as Chumphon Pinnacles and Angthong National Park.

The only 5 star PADI rated dive site in the Gulf of Thailand is Sail Rock. This is about 40 minutes away from Koh Tao. It is one of the best spots in the Gulf to see huge Whale Sharks.

When you arrive in Bangkok there are agents for the big dive schools in Koh Tao looking to sell dive courses and make a commission fee. On the boat over to Koh Tao the chances are someone will try and sell you accommodation or a dive course. When you arrive at Mae Haad someone will try and sell you a course.

There are two types of dive school in Koh Tao: small dive shops often attached to resorts. These dive schools are slightly more expensive but offer more personal attention and smaller dive groups. The other type of school is the big dive school. Such places as Ban’s Diving, the Big Blue and Scuba Junction teach hundreds of people every month. They have big groups and provide less personal attention. The advantage of the big schools is that they often offer free basic accommodation with the courses.

If you book online you will get a fixed price. If you go to Koh Tao you will be able to haggle. There is no shortage of schools or instructors in Koh Tao so you needn’t worry about not getting a place.

Finally, it is worth remembering that all agents and schools can give discounts. Israelis seem to get instant discounts while Japanese seem to get offered the worst rates. Being aware of these disparities will help you haggle better.

Good luck and be safe diving!

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