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Diving
Many international diving agencies are represented on this
small island, including PADI, SSI, IANTD, BSAC & NAUI. (So intense
has the market growth been in the past decade that PADI and
SSI now send their representatives to the island to monitor
the quality and to help keeping all their members informed about
changes with the industry).
All
course levels are available from beginner to professional, including
special courses like UW- photography and technical diving (nitrox)
for the more adventurous, so if you just fancy a few days of
fun diving or wish to go on with your underwater career, it's
all here. Actually Koh Tao has become the leading area in Thailand
for Instructor Development Centers (IDC). IDC's are held at
the larger dive resorts or shops with courses running every
two months.
 Equipment
quality has also improved with shops using the latest models
including Scubapro, Suunto, US Divers, Technisub and Seac Sub.
There are repair shops for divers traveling with their own equipment
and who may need a service. There is also a selection of retail
centers for those who wish to purchase some scuba gear. Safety
has been much increased with the nearest decompression chamber
located in Samui only 90 minutes away by speedboat and a heliport
is now operational on the south side of the island. Most of
the reputable shops have staff that are fully trained first
aiders and oxygen providers with oxygen on the boats and in
their facilities. Some shops even offer full diving insurances
to have that extra peace of mind.
If you don't fancy
diving don't forget that snorkeling is available through most
dive centers, if you prefer it more private try a longtail trip
around the island or just swim or kayak along Koh Tao's beautiful
coast line. Sunlovers, remember our beaches are nearly always
empty as the divers are either in the classroom, on the diveboat
or underwater, wherever they are, they are not on the beaches. |
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Dive
Sites
●
Chumporn Pinnacle
Located approximately 11km northwest, this site is widely
regarded as one of the best in the region. One main huge granite
pinnacle and a series of smaller ones rising from the bottom
at 36m to within 14m of the surface, covered with anemones and
their attendant Pink Clown Fishes. Large shoals of Great and
Cheveron Barracuda, schools of Trevally, Batfish and large Groupers
are commonly spotted. Less common but still possible to see
are Spanish Mackerel and Scorpion Fish. This great site also
plays host to seasonal visits by Whale sharks and Manta Rays.
●
White Rock
A very
popular dive site located 1km off Sairee.It boasts a large coral
garden situated between two distinct granite pinnacles to the
north and south side and a vast array of bottom day time and
noctural inhabitants. With a depth range
of 26m to 5m, it is suitable for every experience level. White
Eyed Moray and Blue Spotted Sting Rays are commonly sighted,
as well as the infamous Trigger Fish. Several species of Barracuda
routinely visit the site, it is particularly impressive to see
them hunting on night dives, following divers torch beams to
spot their dinner. Night diving also unveils many different
kinds of Feather Stars, hunting Cone Shell, feeding Sting Rays,
Black Spotted Porcupine fish, sleeping Parrot fish and Monocle
Beam fish. You may also be lucky enough to spot a Hawksbill
Turtle.
●
Shark Island
One of the most varied site in terms of marine life. Located
about 300m southeast of Ao Leuk, this small granite peak rises
out of the water from a sandy bottom at 20-24m. Enjoy a huge
variety of corals, sea whips and Gorgonian Sea Fans covering
the multiple pinnacles. Some of the most usual marine life includes
Blue Spotted Sting Rays, Scribbled Filefish, Harlequin Sweetlips,
Starry Pufferfish, various Groupers and Titan Triggerfish that
sometimes like nibbling the fins of divers who get too close
to their nesting site. Although Shark Island is suitable for
divers of all levels, strong currents may be encountered, especially
during full moon, allowing the possibility of exciting drift
dives.
●
South West Pinnacle
Situated 13km southwest, depth ranging from 30m upward,
a series of seven pinnacles form an underwater mountain range,
with the largest peaks rising at 5m below the surface, covered
with sea anemones. Along the lower edges of the site is an abundance
of whip coral and gardens of large sea fans. Impressive Baracudas
over a meter long can be seen, as well as massive Groupers,
schools of black spotted Snappers, Emperors, Sweetlips and Batfish.
Not to forget that Manta Rays and Whale sharks as well as Leopard
Sharks may also pass by.
 ●
Koh Nang Yuan Bay (Twins)
Twins consists of two main pinnacles and a smaller deeper
“little brother”. A perfect site for both training activities
and fun dives with a depth range of 18m to 5m surrounded by
soft white sand dotted with the unusual symbiotic relationship
of Goby fishes and their blind Shrimp house mates. Twins offers
the chance to spot large Groupers, Blue Ringed Angelfish, Yellow
Racoon Butterfly fish, Parrots and Wrasses of many kinds. Not
to forget “Mork and Mindy”, a friendly pair of the uncommon
Saddleback Clownfish, and enjoy your safety stop surrounded
by hundreds of Yellow Tail Barracudas.
●
Koh Tao's east side
The sparsely populated east side of the island offers a range
of unusual sites. Light House, a favourite place for Turtle
spotting, Hin Wong Pinnacle with its stunning blue soft corals
at 26m, Laem Thian for exploring a series of connected swimthroughs
& canyons, and Ao Leuk Point with cornfield-like areas of Whip
Corals. These sites also offer the chance of encountering Banded
Sea Snakes, Unicorn Surgeon fish, Parrot fish and the occasional
passing Black Tip Reef Shark. From this side of the island,
the lush, steep jungle slopes makes a magnificent back drop.
On a clear day, divers on the surface can even spot Koh Samui
and Koh Phangan. |
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Featured Hotels |
Jamahkiri Spa & Res
Koh Tao, Thian Og
from THB 5900
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Utopia Suites
Koh Tao, Mae Haad
from THB 600
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Nang Yuan Island Div
Nang Yuan Island
from THB 1400
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Mango Bay Grand Reso
Koh Tao, Mango Bay
from THB 1500
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kohtao hotels |
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