subject: Scuba Diving In Koh Tao [print this page] Koh Tao is a relaxed little tropical island paradise. The water is never cooler than 27 degrees and average throughout the year at around 30 degrees making it perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Water visibility often stretches 20 meters or more and the diversity of our dive sites generates continuous tourist interest throughout the year. Rest assured diving in Koh Tao will be a memorable experience.
Scuba Diving in Koh Tao is enjoyed by thousands of visitors to Thailand each year. Not only is the visibility good year round and is not effected as much as the West coast from the monsoon, but prices for scuba diving in Koh Tao are amongst the cheapest in the world. Visitors to Koh Tao can get their PADI beginner certificate or advanced certificate from just $150 USD and single dives from just $20 USD.
There are dozens of diving sites in Koh Tao and with a well organized infrastructure diving operators ensure that the boats are spread out to avoid too many divers at one location. Whether for macro diving or scuba diving to view the mighty whale shark, Koh Tao offers plenty of opportunities for visitors to indulge in their passion for scuba diving.
Famous scuba diving spots include Sail Rock - an iceberg shaped pinnacle that rises from the sea floor at 40 metres and rises 15 metres above the surface. It is a suitable dive site for all levels of diver, from beginner to advanced.
The surface of Sail Rock consists of patches of colourful hard and soft corals. Common fauna that may be seen include barracuda, batfish, jacks, occasional whale sharks, and many other species of tropical fish. Visibility is usually in the 10-30 meter range. For more advanced divers, there is a vertical 'swim through' on the northwest side of the rock. Commonly called "The Chimney", it begins at a depth of 18 meters and exits the rock again at depths of 12 and 6 meters.
Chumphon pinnacle is noted for the abundance of larger fish and sightings of whale sharks, bull sharks, reef sharks are most likely from this dive spot. Visibility is in the region of 30m + making this one of the more popular diving spots in Koh Tao.
Whilst taking a break from scuba diving in Koh Tao there are plenty of other activities to keep you amused, Koh Tao is a rocky island just 25 square miles in size offering an abundance of rock climbing and abseiling possibilities as well as hiking, cycling or more relaxing activities such as yoga, Thai cooking classes and simply relaxing on the beach.
Other water sports include wakeboarding in Koh Tao, the adrenaline filled sport of cliff jumping and kayaking in Koh Tao is also popular. Visiting Koh Tao is a memorable experience and visitors to this island take away many memories of a lifetime.
