Ko Tao is where most of Southeast Asia learns to dive. The island is 21 square kilometres of jungle and granite boulders dropping into the Gulf of Thailand, with reef systems shallow enough for first-time divers and deep enough for experienced ones. Around 50,000 people get their PADI open water certification here every year. The island is small enough that you know the dive shop owner's name by day two, and the sunsets from Sairee Beach are the kind that make you miss flights.
What to do there
- 01
Get your PADI Open Water certification — Ko Tao has more dive schools per square kilometre than anywhere in the world and the prices reflect it: a full Open Water course runs $300–400 USD including all equipment, boat, and four open water dives. Crystal Dive, New Heaven, and Big Blue are the established operators. The underwater visibility in the Gulf of Thailand runs 20–30 metres; the whale sharks that appear March through May are the bonus.
- 02
Dive Chumphon Pinnacle — a seamount 45 minutes by boat rising from 40 metres to 14 metres, consistently ranked one of the top dive sites in Asia. At depth, schools of giant trevally and barracuda circle the rock. In season, whale sharks feed at the surface. An Advanced Open Water certification required.
- 03
Sunrise hike to John-Suwan viewpoint — a 45-minute scramble up granite boulders through jungle to a viewpoint above the south of the island with 360-degree views of the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Nang Yuan, and Ko Phangan on the horizon. Do it before 6:30am while it's cool. Bring water.
- 04
Ko Nang Yuan — three small islands connected by a sandbar, 10 minutes by longtail boat from Ko Tao. Snorkelling around the connecting bar is excellent at high tide; the viewpoint above requires a short hike. Arrive early before the day-trip boats from Ko Samui arrive.
- 05
Night dive on the Japanese Gardens reef — a shallow (<15m) reef system on the northwest of Ko Tao where night diving reveals moray eels, octopus, cuttlefish, and bioluminescent plankton in the dark water around you. Any established dive shop runs these. One of the most accessible night dives in Asia.
Best time to go
March through October — dry season in the Gulf of Thailand, calm seas, best visibility. Whale sharks most common April through June. November through February is monsoon season — Ko Tao can be rough and dive sites close.
Insider tip
Ko Tao has a diving price cartel — almost all schools charge within a few dollars of each other for Open Water. The difference is the instructor ratio, equipment quality, and group size. Ask specifically how many students per instructor (4:1 is good, 8:1 is too many) and whether wetsuits are included.
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