Welcome to Koh Tao
Thailand's diving capital where underwater dreams come true and island vibes run deep
Koh Tao is where travelers become divers, and divers become completely obsessed with the underwater world.
This tiny turtle-shaped island in the Gulf of Thailand has earned its reputation as one of the best (and most affordable) places on Earth to learn to dive. But Koh Tao is so much more than just scuba—think dramatic jungle viewpoints, hidden beaches, fire-lit beach bars, and the kind of laid-back vibes that make you extend your stay. Again. And again.
Whether you're here to get your PADI certification, snorkel with reef sharks, hike to jaw-dropping viewpoints, or just escape the chaos of mainland life—Koh Tao delivers that perfect mix of adventure and chill that keeps travelers coming back for more.
Diving: Why People Come (and Stay)
World-Class Dive Sites
Koh Tao has over 25 dive sites, each with its own personality. From colorful coral gardens to underwater rock formations and even a few shipwrecks, there's something for every skill level. The water visibility here is insane—often 20+ meters—so you'll see everything from tiny nudibranchs to massive whale sharks (if you're lucky).
Must-dive sites: Chumphon Pinnacle (whale shark territory), Sail Rock (the best in the Gulf), Southwest Pinnacle, and Japanese Gardens for beginners.
Get Certified Here
More people get their PADI certification on Koh Tao than almost anywhere else in the world—and for good reason. The combination of warm, clear water, experienced instructors from every country imaginable, and unbeatable prices makes this THE place to learn. Plus, you're actually diving at beautiful sites, not some murky training pool.
Open Water certification: ~9,000-11,000 baht (3-4 days) | Advanced: ~8,000-10,000 baht (2 days)
Snorkeling is Epic Too
Not into scuba? No worries. The snorkeling around Koh Tao is world-class. Shark Bay lives up to its name with regular blacktip reef shark sightings (totally harmless, totally awesome). Japanese Gardens, Tanote Bay, and Mango Bay are all accessible by longtail boat or even swimming from shore. Sea turtles are common—this island is named after them, after all.
Beyond the Deep Blue
John-Suwan Viewpoint
The most iconic viewpoint on Koh Tao. A moderate 30-minute hike through jungle brings you to a massive boulder overlooking the southern tip of the island. The panoramic views of Shark Bay and the surrounding islands are absolutely stunning—especially at sunset. This is THE Instagram spot.
Entry: 50 baht | Difficulty: Moderate | Bring: Water, good shoes, camera
Beach Hopping Adventures
Koh Tao's coastline is dotted with beautiful bays, each with its own character. Tanote Bay is perfect for cliff jumping and snorkeling. Mango Bay feels like your own private paradise. Sairee Beach is the main strip with bars and restaurants. Ao Leuk has the clearest water for easy reef access. Rent a scooter or grab a water taxi and explore them all.
Water taxi: 100-300 baht per person | Scooter rental: 200-300 baht/day
Sunset & Nightlife
Koh Tao's nightlife is more chill than Phi Phi but still delivers. Sairee Beach lights up at sunset with beach bars, fire shows, and live music. Fisherman's Bar has that old-school dive bar vibe, while Choppers serves up burgers and beers with stunning views. The monthly full moon parties at various venues are legendary.
Wellness & Yoga
The island attracts a health-conscious crowd. You'll find yoga studios with ocean views, meditation retreats, Thai massage spots on every corner, and smoothie bowls at cute cafes. It's the perfect balance to all those post-dive beers. Blue Tao and Jamahkiri Spa & Resort are popular wellness spots.
Must-Visit Spots on Koh Tao
01.Shark Bay (Thian Og)
Snorkel with blacktip reef sharks in crystal-clear shallows. Best visited in the morning when sharks are most active. Bring your own gear or rent at nearby resorts.
02.Tanote Bay
Cliff jumping, great snorkeling, and that classic tropical bay vibe. The rocks on either side are perfect for adventurous jumps into deep, clear water.
03.Mango Bay
Remote, peaceful, and gorgeous. Access by boat or a challenging jungle hike. The snorkeling here is pristine with healthy coral and plenty of fish.
04.Sairee Beach
The main strip—1.7km of sand lined with dive shops, bars, restaurants, and accommodations. This is where the action is, especially at sunset.
Insider Tips for Koh Tao
Best Time to Visit
March to September offers the best diving conditions and calmest seas. October to December can be rainy. Avoid April's Songkran if you want productive diving days.
Getting There
Ferries from Koh Samui (2 hours), Chumphon (1.5-3 hours), or Surat Thani (longer, cheaper). Night boats available for the adventurous. Check out our Transport page.
Getting Around
The island is small but hilly. Scooters are the way to go (200-300 baht/day) but roads can be steep and dodgy—drive carefully! Taxis and water taxis available for those less confident.
Dive Shop Freebies
Many dive shops offer free or discounted accommodation if you're doing a course. Ask around and compare—this can save you serious cash on longer stays.
Food & Budget
Prices are higher than mainland but still reasonable. Street food near the pier is cheapest. Sairee has everything from 60 baht pad thai to fancy seafood dinners.
Eco-Conscious Travel
Koh Tao faces water shortages and coral damage. Use reef-safe sunscreen, skip single-use plastics, and choose eco-conscious dive operators. The island needs our help.
Ready to Dive into Koh Tao?
Find your perfect island base—whether you're here to get certified, explore underwater worlds, or just soak up the laid-back vibes.
Find Your Koh Tao Stay