Dive Shops On Koh Tao

[PumpuiJomtien]

I live in Pattaya and am thinking about going to Koh Tao for some snorkeling (which I do here in Pattaya's outer islands), but also would like to get dive certified.

I notice the prices are somewhat better there and by reputation the diving and waters are better than here (even the outer islands like Koh Pai / Koh Rin).

The internet search highlights two shops which seem fine--Crystal Diving and Big Blue Diving, althought it seems like there are literally hundreds of others.

Any recommendations? I'm pushing 60 so I'd swing toward something that wasn't totally dedicated to the 20-something crowd.

There also seems to be dozens of accommodation options which all look ok on paper.

So any specific recommendations in either area (dive shops or accommodation) would be most helpful.

I don't want to break the bank, but I'm not on a backpacker budget either. 2K per night would be fine. Maybe more for the right place.

Thanks in Advance.

[Rooo]

You can have a look here

You can also use the search function, just type in Koh Tao diving, pick option this forum & it will come out with all related topics.

Hope this helps.

[doingok]

You can have a look here

You can also use the search function, just type in Koh Tao diving, pick option this forum & it will come out with all related topics.

Hope this helps.

we are thinking of going with DJL though we are going to have a good look ion the island before we pick one.they is a couple below and they is many more.

Koh easy divers does the best deal out of most of them

this is a email from them.

Dear Paul, Thank you for your information and here please find for itinerary of PADI Open Water Course for you to consider:<br style="line-height: 17px; "><br style="line-height: 17px; ">We do have course available for you at any time please advise for your arrival on Koh Tao price will be <br style="line-height: 17px; ">1 person = 9550Baht per person ( will get 1 house no one share+300baht for meal tickets included )<br style="line-height: 17px; ">2 person = 9300Baht per person<br style="line-height: 17px; ">PADI Open Water - Basic beginner level training:<br style="line-height: 17px; ">The Open Water course starts every day at 4pm so you can start whenever you wish, <br style="line-height: 17px; ">and accommodation should be fine if you let us know in advance your exact arrival date. <br style="line-height: 17px; ">DAY ONE: 4pm - course orientation and video (1.5hrs) / can be same day as your arrival<br style="line-height: 17px; ">DAY TWO: 08:30am - Classroom (2hrs) 12:30 - Boat for confined water training and Open Water dive 1<br style="line-height: 17px; ">DAY THREE: 08:30am - Classroom (2hrs) 12:30 - Boat for confined water training and Open Water dive 2<br style="line-height: 17px; ">DAY FOUR: 7:30am - Boat for open water dives 3 and 4 / certification by 12:00pm<br style="line-height: 17px; ">With price as above will include<br style="line-height: 17px; ">1. 1 private budget fan cottages for 4nights for twin bed or double bed to share<br style="line-height: 17px; ">please visit this link for your room http://www.kohtaoeasydivers.asia/Easy-Beach-Club-Fan-very-Budget-Cottages.html2. 6 meal ticket for food&beverage value 300baht for each of you<br style="line-height: 17px; ">3. Insurrance<br style="line-height: 17px; ">4. PADI Manual book<br style="line-height: 17px; ">5. Professional instructor<br style="line-height: 17px; ">6. Log book<br style="line-height: 17px; ">7. All diving gear included<br style="line-height: 17px; ">Important note:

To upgrade your room to the better one in the same area please see for price as below : http://www.nangyuane...le&Id=539147557 http://tour.sawadee....o_packages.html

http://www.scubadive...tion/4548702951

http://www.kohtaoeasydivers.com

http://www.scuba-jun...ve-courses/padi

http://www.saireecot...ommodation.html

http://www.kohtaoeasydivers.com/

Edited July 13, 2011 by doingok

[futsukayoi]

I have dived with Crystal, Planet Scuba and New Way on Koh Tao. All have good instructors and prices are standard on the island. I now stick to New Way as they suit me best. They are a smaller so it feels a little less like being herded around and they seem able to be more flexible, but they are big enough to have their own boat so are out every day. I am 53 and also find they have more divers over about 25 than most of the other operations. Will not matter while you certify as you will be out on the afternoon dives but a plus or minus with New Way depending on your point of view is they set off earlier than everyone else in the morning. This means far less crowded dive sites but can be a challenge after a few beers the night before.

[FunkyMonkey]

You could also look at Seashell Divers in Sairee who are a very good school and they have a lovely resort or if you prefer Mae Haad, then Master Divers who can fix you up in one of their associated resorts like Sensi or the Rocks.

I can recommend both schools, they are both fairly small and only teach in small groups,. which should suit your needs.

[jjjetski]

Hey there

Sairee may be a bit noisy for someone that age group

I'd go for Master Divers. They actually care for their students.

OP didn't say when he was going. From around now and some weeks on, the island will be super busy and it's not the ideal time to visit (power cuts, mad traffic etc)

Good luck. It's a lovely island when you pick the right time to visit

Cheers

You could also look at Seashell Divers in Sairee who are a very good school and they have a lovely resort or if you prefer Mae Haad, then Master Divers who can fix you up in one of their associated resorts like Sensi or the Rocks.

I can recommend both schools, they are both fairly small and only teach in small groups,. which should suit your needs.

[FunkyMonkey]

Yes, the island is likely to be pretty manic the next six weeks!

I'd come in Sept when its a lot quieter and normally still really good conditions.

Enjoy!