Visit Koh Tao in Thaland to experience the quintissential diving island
Valeriy Ryasnyanskiy
Koh Tao (sometimes spelt Ko Tao) is Thailand's original island diving destination and now the most popular place in the country to learn to dive.
The diving on Koh Tao is known for its colourful reefs that are ideal for beginners, plus some deeper pinnacles with the chance of big fish encounters for more advanced divers.
There is a wide choice of dive centres to enjoy and plenty of accommodation options to choose from.
Highlights
Best diving spots
One of the most famous dives from Koh Tao is Chumpon Pinnacle. This underwater seamount, which lies to the west of the island starts around 14m and descends down to 36m. The pinnacle, attracts no shortage of pelagic action with large schools of Trevally and Barracuda congregating around the reef, plus fairly regular shark sightings. Whale Sharks are also occasional visitors to this excellent dive site.
Sail Rock, sometimes known as Hin Bai, jostles with Chumpon for the title of Ko Tao's best dive site. The pinnacle begins above water and drops down to around 30m. A large school of Batfish often hover in the shallows, while in the blue big fish encounters are common. Barracuda, Trevally & large Groupers are all seen here and Whalesharks are known to pass by. The site also has an interesting underwater passage known as 'The Chimney', starting at 18m and rising almost vertically to around 12m.
Due south of Ko Tao, Southwest Pinnacle is actually a series of pinnacles rising up from around 30 metres. This is another dive spot with a chance of larger marine life, where Barracuda and Trevally are often seen.
Just a short boat ride from Ko Tao, Ko Nang Yuan offers a wide range of easy and enjoyable scuba dives, with shallow coral gardens and interesting rock-formations, making this a great spot to learn to dive. White Rock is also a popular dive site, despite the occasionaly attentions of overly zealous Triggerfish, while Hin Thong Koo, Mango Bay & Whale Rock offer more options. Blacktip Reef Sharks are relatively common around Ko Tao and can be encountered at manydive sites.
Angthong Marine Park to the south-west has beautiful islands and dive sites that are also great for beginners. Ko Wao and Ko Yippon are the most popular spots. Banded Sea Kraits are often seen here, while Turtles are more commonly encountered than at sites further north.
When to dive
The best time to dive on Koh Tao is between May and August. Out of season, the visibility can be reduced. However, due to the proximity of many of the dive sites in the area, it is possible to dive around Ko Tao all year round.
Getting there
The easiest way to reach Koh Tao is via Ko Samui, which has its own airport. Samui connects with many spots in Thailand, most noteably Bangkok, the capital. There are also international connections to Malaysia, Singapore & Hong Kong.
From Samui, you can take a boat to Ko Tao via Ko Pha Ngan, either by speedboat or slowboat. Ferries also leave from Surat Thani and Chumpon on the mainland to the west.
Activities
Away from the diving, there are plenty of beautiful beaches to visit and the nightlife is good, with many enjoyable restaurants and bars.
Resort and liveaboard options
Koh Tao has resort options to suit most budgets, with plenty of excellent value options. There is also a large number of dive centres to choose between, some of which have their own accommodation.
Most resorts will also be able to assist with your travel to Koh Tao.
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Choosing the right dive center
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If you are learning to dive or taking a diving course, it is important to have the right people around you and to learn in the right environment. Likewise, if you are already a diver who is planning a diving break, you want to make sure your dives are remembered for all the right reasons.
Phuket & Phi Phi Islands
Diving in Phuket has always been hugely popular due to its ease of access and choice of dive centres. It is one of Thailand's top tourist spots.
Phi Phi Island is equally popular. Actually two main islands - Don and Lae - they are truly spectacular with limestone cliffs rising into the sky.
Langkawi
Situated on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, close to the Thai border, is the island of Langkawi.
The island is one of Malaysia’s most popular tourist spots, with great beaches, beautiful scenery, great shopping and plenty to do.
Cebu
Cebu is the most accessible island in the Visayas, and home to some wonderful scuba diving.
Diving Malapascua is a thrill for more advanced divers due to regular sightings of Thresher Sharks. Oslob, to the south of Cebu City is famous for whale sharks, while you can dive on beautiful coral reefs in Moalboal or Mactan Island.
This is a great area for island-hopping, combining well with Bohol and Negros Islands.
Puerto Galera
Originally a safe harbour during typhoons, Puerto Galera has become one of the Philippines' most popular tourist & diving destinations.
Situated only 150km south of the capital Manila, the curious geography of the area has created not only a perfect natural harbour, but also many picturesque beaches and coves to enjoy.
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