Updated 3rd June 2010

If you want an unforgettable holiday and learn to scuba dive, Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand would be at the top of the list.  With so many dive sites and fantastic on-land attractions, you’re in for the time of your life (and who knows, an encounter with a massive whale shark!).  Being Thailand, it’s bound to be economical with surprises around every corner.  But finding your way around courses and activities can be a bit daunting so we asked Koh Tao residents Nat and Nic to fill us in.

Koh Tao is a beautiful tropical island with great trekking paths that lead to stunning white sandy beaches to swim and snorkel.  There are loads of great places to eat ranging from cheap and delicious Thai food to top class European style restaurants, not to mention all the great bars on the beach.  Boat trips around the island are easy and there are plenty of on-land activities such as mini golf, paint-ball and biking.

Your first step when learning to dive is choosing a dive centre.  Koh Tao has so much to offer to any learner diver as it is one of the most popular places to train in Asia if not the world.  With over 25 dive sites ranging from shallow, colorful bays to deep blue open ocean, Koh Tao has something for everybody.

When making your choice, remember that price is not that important in Koh Tao as all the schools have very similar rates and it’s more important to find a school with a good record of safety and customer service.  Do some homework on the internet and look at previous customer’s reviews of schools as you need to find a place that will feel like home away from home for a few days.  Try to talk to the instructor that will be teaching you and make sure they have the passion and experience.  There are so many great instructors and schools you are sure to find a perfect match if you look around a little.

Open Water scuba training

Look at the dive school you like and check out the equipment you will be using to make sure it’s well maintained.   Ask how big the classes are.  Some schools have big groups of eight or more people.  There will be other customers around doing their courses already so ask them their opinions on the school.  You only learn to dive once so go with caring people.

At Scuba Junction, your Open Water course will take three to four days and costs 9000THB or 9800THB depending  on which certification agency you choose (SSI and PADI are the two biggest training agencies and both are very good). The course consists of; a) classroom sessions going through basic diving theory and b) boat-based dives starting in very shallow water and progressing to the final dives of up to 18 meters.  There is never any pressure on you during the course to perform to a certain standard.  You can take your time to master the basic skills needed to be a diver and your instructor will be there every step of the way.

Following your Open Water course, you’ll have the option of taking the Advanced course which takes two days.  There is only a bit of theory and the course focuses on giving you more experience.  Go deeper, learn to find your own way around the reef, take photos, perfect your buoyancy skills or learn to dive at night.  In one of the beautiful bays you’ll even have the chance of diving around a ship wreck.

Nat and Nic are Head Instructors and Managers at Scuba Junction, one of the most well-respected dive schools in Tao, specializing  in small groups and personalized teaching.  With a maximum of four divers per group, learning is made easier and safer and the school has excellent reviews from former students and divers.  For further information on the many diving activities they offer please say hi on info@scuba-junction.com.

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