Chalok Reef Divers | Chalok Baan Kao | Koh Tao

Posted on September 22, 2025April 30, 2026 by phil

Chalok Reef Divers, Koh Tao

Location: Chalok Baan Kao, Koh Tao, Thailand

Why Choose Chalok Reef Divers

Nestled in the peaceful south of Koh Tao, Chalok Reef Divers combines high-quality SSI dive training with small groups, attentive instructors, and solid safety standards—ideal for both beginners and experienced divers.

Languages

Courses are available in English, Spanish, German, and French, with dedicated pages in each language:

Courses Offered (SSI)

Here’s the full range from first-time try dives to pro level, plus popular specialties: Diving on Koh Tao

Try Scuba (1-day experience) — Learn more
Open Water Diver (3–4 days) — Learn more
Advanced (Advanced Adventurer) — Learn more
Stress & Rescue + React Right — Learn more
Nitrox (Enriched Air) — Learn more
Deep & Nitrox Combo — Learn more
Divemaster (Professional) — Learn more

Spanish, German & French Course Pages (examples)

Spanish: Try Scuba · Open Water · Advanced · Rescue + React Right · Divemaster
German: Divemaster (more courses via the German site menu)
French: Open Water · Advanced

Fun Dives

Already certified? Join guided fun dives around Koh Tao’s reefs, wrecks, and pinnacles (often two dives per trip, morning or afternoon). Fun Diving info

What Stands Out

Small training groups for personal attention and safety
Full range of SSI courses + popular specialties (Nitrox, Deep)
Quiet, convenient base in Chalok Baan Kao with easy access to sites

Contact & Booking

Questions or ready to book? Reach out via the website contact form: chalokreefdivers.com

Diving & Snorkeling on Koh Tao — Best Sites, Day Trips & How to Start

Posted on August 18, 2025May 7, 2026 by phil

Koh Tao is famous for both scuba diving and snorkeling, offering everything from easy shore reefs to world-class dive sites offshore. Whether you want to stay on the surface or explore deeper, the island has options for every level.

At a Glance

Best snorkeling: Ao Leuk, Tanote Bay, Shark Bay, Sai Daeng, Hin Wong
Best diving: Chumphon Pinnacle, Southwest Pinnacle, Sail Rock, HTMS Sattakut
Beginner friendly: calm bays, shallow reefs, warm water year-round
Marine life: turtles, reef sharks, barracuda, groupers, and occasional whale sharks

Snorkeling on Koh Tao

Snorkeling is one of the easiest ways to experience Koh Tao’s reefs. Many of the best spots are accessible directly from the beach.

Ao Leuk: calm bay with coral on both sides — ideal for beginners
Tanote Bay: fish life straight from shore with boulder formations
Shark Bay: known for turtles and blacktip reef sharks
Sai Daeng: clear water with views towards Shark Island
Hin Wong: deeper water and excellent visibility for confident swimmers

Conditions vary with wind — if one side of the island is rough, the other is often calm.

Snorkeling Tips

Use fins for easier swimming in light current
Avoid standing on coral
Stay visible to boats if far from shore
Use reef-safe sunscreen

Want to Go Beyond Snorkeling?

Snorkeling shows you the surface — scuba diving lets you explore the reef properly.

Swim alongside marine life instead of looking down
Reach deeper reefs and dive sites
Experience true weightlessness underwater

👉 Try scuba diving on Koh Tao

Scuba Diving on Koh Tao

Koh Tao is one of the most popular places in the world to learn scuba diving, thanks to its warm water, calm conditions, and affordable courses.

Learn to Dive

Open Water Course: 3–4 days to become a certified diver
Try Scuba Diving: half-day beginner experience
Advanced Courses: deep diving, wreck diving, navigation and more

👉 Open Water course Koh Tao

Top Dive Sites

Chumphon Pinnacle: deep site with large schools of fish
Southwest Pinnacle: colourful anemone-covered reef
White Rock: great for all levels and night dives
HTMS Sattakut: famous wreck dive
Sail Rock: top day trip dive site in the Gulf

Conditions & Seasons

Best visibility: Jan–May and often Jul–Sep
Rougher seas: Oct–Nov
Whale sharks: occasional sightings (not guaranteed)

Final Thoughts

Snorkeling is the perfect introduction to Koh Tao’s underwater world — but diving is where the real experience begins.

Many visitors start on the surface and quickly decide to take the next step.

Divemaster Training on Koh Tao

Posted on May 17, 2019April 30, 2026 by phil

Divemaster Training on Koh Tao (2025 Guide)

Becoming a Divemaster is the first step into the professional world of scuba diving. On Koh Tao, one of the busiest training hubs in the world, you’ll find courses with the three major certifying agencies: PADI, SSI, and RAID. Each follows international standards and prepares you to supervise dives, assist instructors, and grow into a dive professional — but they differ slightly in philosophy, flexibility, and fees.

Fun Diving

Posted on April 29, 2018April 30, 2026 by phil

Fun Diving on Koh Tao (2025)

If you’re already certified, Koh Tao is an easy place to log relaxed reef dives, wreck training dives, and the occasional pelagic visit. Boats run morning, afternoon, and some evenings for night dives, with small-group ratios at many shops.

Discover Scuba Diving – Try Scuba Diving on Koh Tao

Posted on April 29, 2018May 7, 2026 by phil

If you're curious about scuba diving but not ready to commit to a full course, a Discover Scuba Diving (PADI) or Try Scuba Diving (SSI) experience is the perfect way to get started.

Designed for complete beginners, this experience lets you try breathing underwater in a safe and controlled environment before heading out for a real dive on Koh Tao’s coral reefs.

What Is Discover Scuba Diving?

Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) is the name used by PADI, while SSI calls it Try Scuba Diving. Other agencies offer similar beginner experiences under slightly different names, but the concept is the same.

You’ll learn the basics with an instructor, practise a few simple skills, and then complete a shallow open water dive.

What to Expect

Introduction & briefing — learn how the equipment works and basic safety rules.
Pool or shallow water session — practise breathing underwater and basic skills.
Open water dive — explore a reef with your instructor by your side.

Most experiences are designed to be relaxed, fun, and suitable for first-time divers.

Is It Safe for Beginners?

Yes — absolutely.

Discover scuba experiences are conducted in small groups under close supervision, making them a safe and enjoyable introduction to diving.

You don’t need any prior experience — just be comfortable in the water and reasonably fit.

How Deep Can You Go?

Beginner dives are usually limited to around 10–12 metres, depending on the training agency and conditions.

This is more than enough to experience marine life, coral reefs, and the feeling of being underwater.

What Happens If You Love It?

Most people do.

For many, a try dive is just the beginning — and the next step is getting certified so you can dive independently anywhere in the world.

The usual progression is to continue with an Open Water course, which teaches you all the essential skills needed to become a certified diver.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're thinking about going beyond a single dive, you can check out this Open Water course in Koh Tao to see what’s involved.

It’s the most popular way to learn scuba diving and can usually be completed in just a few days.

Try scuba diving Koh Tao beginner experience

Scuba Diving Koh Tao | Best Dive Schools & Courses (SSI, PADI, RAID)

Posted on April 29, 2018May 6, 2026 by phil

Scuba Diving Koh Tao – Your Guide to the Island’s Dive Schools

Scuba Diving in Koh Tao

Koh Tao is one of the world’s most popular destinations for learning to dive, with warm tropical water, year-round conditions, and dozens of professional dive schools to choose from. Whether you’re looking for your very first underwater experience or aiming to become a dive professional, the island has something for everyone.

Why Koh Tao is a Diving Hub

Ideal conditions: warm water, calm seas, and excellent visibility most of the year.
Affordable training: some of the best-value courses worldwide, without sacrificing quality.
Variety of dive sites: shallow coral reefs for beginners and famous advanced sites like Chumphon Pinnacle, Southwest, and the HTMS Sattakut wreck.
International atmosphere: dive schools teach in many languages and welcome people from all over the world.

Dive Schools on Koh Tao

There are over 50 dive centers on the island, ranging from small, family-style schools to large operations with multiple boats. A few well-known options include:

Chalok Reef Divers – a friendly SSI dive center based in Chalok Baan Kao.
Taco Shack Divers – a social, backpacker-friendly option connected to a popular hostel.
Fifty Six – boutique diving with a focus on small groups and personal service.
Bans Diving – one of the largest dive schools in the world, training thousands of divers each year.
Black Turtle Dive – conservation-focused diving and marine ecology programs.
Assava Diving – long-established school in Chalok offering PADI courses and professional training.
Phoenix Divers – centrally located in Sairee, with courses taught in multiple languages.

Each school has its own style, atmosphere, and teaching philosophy, so it’s worth thinking about what matters most to you — small groups, social vibe, conservation focus, or professional-level training.

Dive Agencies You’ll Find on Koh Tao

Training agencies provide the standards and certifications that are recognized worldwide. The main agencies represented on the island are:

SSI (Scuba Schools International): flexible digital learning options and student-friendly teaching methods.
PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors): the most widely recognized agency worldwide.
RAID: known for high training standards and eco-conscious diving practices.
Other agencies such as NAUI and SDI/TDI are also available through selected schools.

Popular Diving Courses

Try Scuba / Discover Scuba Diving: a half-day experience with pool skills and a reef dive, perfect for beginners.
Open Water Diver: the most popular entry-level certification (3–4 days), allowing you to dive to 18–20 meters worldwide.
Advanced Open Water: build confidence and skills with deep diving, wreck diving, buoyancy, or night diving.
Specialties & Professional Courses: including Rescue Diver, Divemaster, Nitrox, and technical diving programs.

The Open Water course in Koh Tao is the most popular starting point for beginners, allowing you to get certified and dive worldwide in just a few days.

What to Know Before You Dive

You’ll complete a medical questionnaire before starting; some conditions require doctor’s clearance.
Always leave at least 18–24 hours before flying after your last dive.
Many courses now offer digital learning options so you can finish the theory at home and maximize your time in the water.

If you're planning to learn to dive on Koh Tao, choosing the right dive school can make a big difference to your experience.

For a more personalised approach with small groups and experienced instructors, you can check out this Open Water course in Koh Tao to see what’s involved.

PADI Advanced Open Water course

Posted on April 29, 2018April 30, 2026 by phil

PADI Advanced Open Water Course – Koh Tao (2025)

The PADI Advanced Open Water (AOW) is a fun, skills-building course that you can complete at an easy pace over two days, or—if you’re tight on time—in about 24 hours (start ~10:00, do two dives in the afternoon, add a night dive, then finish with two morning dives next day).

EFR + PADI Rescue Diver course

Posted on April 29, 2018April 30, 2026 by phil

Okay so you're already a Advanced Open Water Diver, so what's the next step? Well the next step which is logical is to be able to be confident that if there was to be an emergency and someone else needed help before the emergency response services arrived that you would know what to do. So the next step is the Rescue Diver & EFR course, be it a PADI/RAID/SSI course etc it doesn't really matter as they're all essentially the same and you can switch courses between different agencies through until you get to the Dive Instructor level anyway as all the agencies recognise each others courses below that anyway.

PADI Open Water course

Posted on April 29, 2018April 30, 2026 by phil

Open Water Course (Updated for 2025)

Getting certified on Koh Tao is one of the island’s big draws. We recommend Fifty Six Diving (Sairee) and Scuba Shack Diving as partner centers for the PADI Open Water course. Prefer another agency? Big Blue Diving offers SSI Open Water, and La Bombona Diving runs the RAID Open Water 20.

PADI vs SSI vs RAID — what’s the difference?

PADI Open Water / SSI Open Water: qualify to dive to 18 m (Juniors: shallower limits apply). Global recognition is similar for fun diving.
RAID Open Water 20: qualifies to 20 m. RAID is a newer agency (founded 2007) with e-learning-first materials, but the real-world experience is broadly comparable to PADI/SSI.

Bottom line: choose the center that fits your vibe, schedule, and location. All agencies let you complete theory online before you arrive.

Where to stay matters

Pick a dive center close to where you’ll stay — Chalok Baan Kao, Mae Haad, or Sairee — so your training days are easy.

Standard 4-Day PADI Open Water — starts 4:00 pm day 1

Includes:

PADI Open Water Diver Course (4 days)
4 boat dives at different Koh Tao sites (weather permitting)
Your PADI eManual, logbook & certification

Small groups: Fifty Six & Scuba Shack run max 4 students : 1 instructor. A Divemaster trainee or second instructor may assist.

Schedule (typical)

Day 1 (4:00–7:30 pm): Welcome + intro videos/theory. Arrive on an earlier ferry (book via 12Go.asia).
Day 2 (full day): Finish theory by lunch, then confined water skills in the pool.
Day 3 (pm boat): First two ocean dives, max 12 m.
Day 4 (am boat): Dives 3 & 4, max 18 m. Optional videographer; certification usually wrapped by lunchtime.

Price (guide): ฿11,000 incl. equipment hire & certification. Subject to change; confirm current rates when booking.

3-Day PADI Open Water with eLearning — starts 11:00 am day 1

Do the theory before you arrive to spend more time in the water.

Day 1 (11:00 am): Instructor reviews your eLearning, then pool skills.
Day 2 (pm boat): Open Water dives 1 & 2 (to 12 m).
Day 3 (early am boat): Dives 3 & 4 (to 18 m); finish before lunch.

Price (guide): ฿11,500 incl. equipment & certification. Deposit: ฿5,000 to activate PADI eLearning.

After certification you’ll have the afternoon free — beach time, explore, or try a Thai cooking class.

Group sizes & supervision

Maximum 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio for recreational courses. New instructors are supervised and mentored to keep standards high.

Medical & swim requirements

Complete the standard diving medical questionnaire. If you answer “yes” to any item, bring a doctor’s clearance from home if possible. Download: PADI Medical questionnaire.
Comfort in water: 10-minute float/tread and 200 m swim (any style).

Flying after diving

Avoid flying for at least 18 hours after training dives. See current guidance here.

Booking & deposits

Reserve ferries to arrive in time for your start: 12Go.asia.
Standard course deposit: 15% (typical). eLearning course deposit: ฿5,000 to cover PADI eLearning activation.

Optional video

Videography of your final day is available (~฿3,000 per group video). Split costs with friends if you like.

Quick shout-out

Fifty Six Diving (Sairee) — friendly team, small groups, and easy Sairee Beach access. A great choice if you’re staying in or near Sairee.