Koh Tao, or Turtle Island to give it its literal translation is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand located approximately 40 miles north of Koh Samui. Here, alongside its relaxed, and tropical atmosphere is also one of the most successful dive industries to be found anywhere in Thailand or even South East Asia.
Koh Tao, once a sleepy island relying on its income from the coconut trade and fishing, is now home to a number of dive operators, who offer a wide range of diving opportunities for the constant stream of backpackers and holidaymakers who visit the island throughout the year.
Whilst there are a number of major diving destinations in Thailand, the main reason for the large number of dive operators in Koh Tao is the numerous, and varied dive sites in close proximity to this small granite island. In fact, the dive sites in Koh Tao, which range from shallow sheltered bays through to deep water pinnacles offer almost perfect conditions for the wide range of scuba diving courses which the dive operators here offer.
Of the more popular dive sites in Koh Tao, perhaps the most known would be Chumphon Pinnacles, which is a large seamount rising from just over 30 metres and rises to around 14 metres below the surface. This dive is popular with a large number of the dive operators in Koh Tao (and Koh Samui) for people looking to do their first deep dive due to the favourable conditions often found here. Other popular dive sites in Koh Tao include Green Rock, Southwest Pinnacle and Twins.
If you are considering learning to scuba dive in Thailand, then it would certainly be worthwhile considering Koh Tao as a potential venue. There are a number of excellent dive operators in Koh Tao, who are experienced and who have good facilities for the wide range of scuba diving courses on offer.
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