Try Scuba Diving in Koh Tao
The Try Scuba programme in Koh Tao is a one-day introduction for new divers. It includes a classroom briefing, pool session and two sea dives for 3,600 THB.
3600 THB
Reserve 
5 spots left this week · Open Water starts tomorrow
Scuba Diving Koh Tao
Learn to dive or go pro in Koh Tao, Thailand — SSI courses with small groups (max 4 students) and certified instructors since 2014.
The world's most popular place to get certified — on-site hostel & bar, 100 m from Mae Haad beach. Over 10,000 divers trained.
10,000+
Divers certified
4.9 ★
Google · 5,624 reviews
SSI
Official training center
Since 2014
11 years on Koh Tao
1:3
Instructor ratio
Courses for beginners
Take your first breath underwater
All courses include theory, pool sessions, open-water dives and certification. Equipment included.
SSI Scuba Diver Course in Koh Tao
The SSI Scuba Diver course certifies Koh Tao divers to 12 metres under supervision in one day. Equipment and a lifetime SSI certification are included for 8,600 THB.
8600 THB
Reserve 
SSI Open Water Diver Course in Koh Tao
Open Water Diver is the first scuba certification, valid worldwide to 18 metres. DPM Diving in Koh Tao delivers the SSI programme over three days with six dives.
11000 THB
Reserve 
Open Water 30 Programme in Koh Tao
The Open Water 30 is a DPM-exclusive three-day package certifying beginners to 30 metres via SSI Open Water and Deep Adventurer. Six dives and all equipment are included.
23200 THB
Reserve All prices in Thai Baht (THB). Approx. USD / EUR conversion available at checkout.
Advanced & specialties
Go deeper, dive smarter
SSI Advanced Course in Koh Tao
The SSI Advanced course in Koh Tao runs over two days with five dives reaching 30 metres. DPM Diving includes full equipment and certification with no theory classes.
10000 THB
Reserve 
React Right + Rescue Course in Koh Tao
The SSI React Right and Rescue course in Koh Tao covers first aid and four rescue scenario dives over two days. The combined programme costs 12,600 THB.
12600 THB
Reserve 
Deep Adventure Dive in Koh Tao
The Deep Adventure at Koh Tao takes Open Water-certified divers to 30 metres under SSI instructor supervision. DPM includes the SSI Deep recognition card and full dive equipment.
2900 THB
Reserve Professional levels
Turn diving into your career
SSI Divemaster Program in Koh Tao
The SSI Divemaster programme in Koh Tao is a six-week internship with daily diving. DPM includes hostel accommodation and Deep Specialty in the 44,000 THB fee.
44000 THB
Reserve And also…
For certified divers
Fun Dives in Koh Tao
Fun dive trips in Koh Tao run twice daily for certified divers at Chumphon Pinnacle, White Rock and the HTMS Sattakut wreck. Each two-tank trip is 2,100 THB.
2100 THB
Reserve 
Scuba Refresh + Fun Dive in Koh Tao
The Koh Tao Refresh covers a theory review, a shallow skills dive and a fun dive for certified divers returning after a break. The programme costs 2,600 THB.
2600 THB
Reserve Compare at a glance
All courses, side by side
Not sure which course is right for you? This table breaks down duration, pricing, and prerequisites so you can pick the perfect fit.
| Course | Duration | Price | Level | Prerequisite | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fun Dives in Koh Tao | 1 day | 2100 THB | Fun Dive | SSI Open Water Diver cert required | Book |
| Try Scuba Diving in Koh Tao | 1 day | 3600 THB | Beginner | — | Book |
| SSI Advanced Course in Koh Tao | 2 days | 10000 THB | Advanced | Open Water Diver certification required | Book |
| React Right + Rescue Course in Koh Tao | 2-3 days | 12600 THB | Advanced | Open Water Diver certification | Book |
| Deep Adventure Dive in Koh Tao | 1 day | 2900 THB | Advanced | Open Water Diver certification required | Book |
| Scuba Refresh + Fun Dive in Koh Tao | 1 day | 2600 THB | Refresh | Certified diver required | Book |
| SSI Scuba Diver Course in Koh Tao | 1 day | 8600 THB | Beginner | — | Book |
| SSI Divemaster Program in Koh Tao | 6-8 weeks | 44000 THB | Professional | 40 logged dives + Diver Stress & Rescue certification or equivalent required | Book |
| SSI Open Water Diver Course in Koh Tao | 3 days | 11000 THB | Beginner | — | Book |
| Open Water 30 Programme in Koh Tao | 3 days | 23200 THB | Beginner | — | Book |
Diving in Koh Tao
Why Koh Tao is the world's best place to learn
The Gulf of Thailand's calm shallow bays, warm 28–30 °C water and year-round diving have made this 21 km² island the planet's biggest training ground. More open-water certifications are issued here than anywhere else on earth — and once you've taken your first breath underwater, the dive sites just keep getting better.
Best season
March – OctoberVisibility
10 – 30 mWater temp
28 – 30 °C year-roundMarine life
Whale sharks, turtles, reef sharksThe dive sites you'll explore
From shallow reefs to legendary pinnacles — six headline sites around Koh Tao.
Wreck dive at HTMS SattakutHTMS Sattakut
5 km off Hin Pee Wee48 m decommissioned navy wreck — artificial reef since 2011.
Bull shark over Chumphon PinnacleChumphon Pinnacle
14 km NWGranite pinnacles, bull sharks and barracuda schools.
Beginner diver over the coral gardens at Japanese GardensJapanese Garden
1.5 km NWSheltered shallow bay with sandy patches, coral gardens and calm conditions — ideal for training dives, snorkelling and relaxed reef dives.
Anemonefish at TwinsTwins
3 km WTwo pinnacles, anemones, juvenile fish and resident triggerfish.
Conditions year-round
When to dive in Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a year-round dive destination. The dry season (March – September) brings the best visibility; whale sharks pass through March – May and August – September.
Conditions
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Visibility
18m
22m
25m
28m
22m
20m
18m
18m
16m
14m
10m
12m
Peak season
March – May
Best visibility (up to 30 m), warm calm seas, and the highest chance of whale sharks. Book courses 2–4 weeks ahead.
Water visibility
10 – 30 m
Average 18 m year-round; clears to 25–30 m through the dry season. Reduces during November monsoon swells.
Water temperature
27 – 30 °C
Warm year-round — a 3 mm shorty wetsuit is plenty. April is warmest at ~30 °C; January coolest at 27 °C.
Marine life by season
Whale sharks Mar–May & Aug–Sep
Turtles, reef sharks and barracuda year-round. Bull sharks at Chumphon Pinnacle, manta rays occasional Feb–Apr.
4.9
5624 Google reviews
Verified reviews · updated daily
What people say
Reviews, straight from divers
A
Alessia D. Local Guide
· 2 months ago
"I’m so happy I chose DPM for my Open Water certification. I initially started the course with my partner, but unfortunately he was unable to continue after the first day due to personal circumstances. The entire team was incredibly understanding and kindly refunded the remaining balance, which we really appreciated. [...]"
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Open Water Course
P
Pai Liu Local Guide
· 3 months ago
"Guille was our instructor - she was funny and patient, it definitely made us more calm for our first time scuba diving and she did a wonderful job! She even took pictures underwater for us without us asking to and didnt ask for any money for them, sent it right away to us and didnt even take any tips when I tried. Only compliments to her. [...]"
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H
Harish Suresh Local Guide
· 2 months ago
"Did a fun dive with Ryan which was amazing - I only got recently qualified as an OW diver and he took the time to refresh the basics. He also has passion for what he does, and takes care to point as much as he can - not just focusing on the big catches, but appreciating smaller creatures too and telling you about their cool behaviours. He also gave me some really good recommendations for stuff to check on Koh Tao outside of diving!
Edit: He also made a video from footage of our dive!! [...]"
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Fun dive
M
Matt Larter Local Guide
· 3 months ago
"We chose to do our Advanced Diver course at DPM at short notice and everything was fantastic from start to finish. We stayed at the school and the dorms are comfortable, clean and have al everything you need for a few nights. And such good value for money. [...]"
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Advanced Diver
H
Harish S. Local Guide
· 2 months ago
"Did a fun dive with Ryan which was amazing — I only recently qualified as an OW diver and he took the time to refresh the basics. He has real passion for what he does and points out the smaller creatures too. The team has a family vibe and were really quick to reply."
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P
Pai L. Local Guide
· 2 months ago
"Guille was our instructor — funny and patient, it definitely made us calmer for our first time scuba diving. She even took pictures underwater for us without asking for money. DPM made sure we got back on time for our ferry — very responsive on WhatsApp. HIGHLY RECOMMEND."
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About DPM Diving Koh Tao
Established in 2014, we've issued more than 10,000 diving certifications across SSI, PADI and RAID. But that experience, we've added our own twist and the courses to the most modern and more responsible diving — and raise awareness about the state of our oceans.
10,000+Certifications issued
11 yrsOn the beach
3Agencies (SSI · PADI · RAID)
What you'll see
Crystal-clear waters, packed with life.
Find us
Find us in Koh Tao
DPM Diving Koh Tao
Koh Tao
Open in Google Maps
DPM Diving Koh Tao
Mae Haad Beach
Koh Tao, Surat Thani 84360
TH
Koh Tao, Surat Thani 84360
TH
+66 92 873 6368
koh-tao@dpmdiving.com
Open daily · 8:00 – 20:00
Stay where you dive — Diving Hostel & Bar
3-star accommodation 100 m from Mae Haad Beach. Air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, shared lounge and a terrace. Steps from Sairee, Jansom Bay and the Sairee ATM.
100 mFrom the beach
9.1Booking.com score
PoolOn site
FAQs about Koh Tao
Everything you wanted to ask.
Still curious? Message us — we usually reply within minutes.
Chat on WhatsAppWhat is diving in Koh Tao like?
One of the best places in the world to learn how to dive — that's not marketing, it's a fact. If you're already certified you'll also find plenty of interesting dives. Calm waters, good visibility, loads of marine life.
Where can you dive in Koh Tao?
The island has dive sites all around its coastline. Some are perfect for beginners, others deeper and better suited for experienced divers. Well-known spots include Chumphon Pinnacle, Sail Rock, Twins and the HTMS Sattakut wreck.
How much does diving in Koh Tao cost?
A Discover Scuba Dive is around ฿3,600, an Open Water course roughly ฿11,000. Fun dives for certified divers are very affordable compared to many other dive destinations.
I'm in Koh Tao and want to dive — what do I need?
No previous experience required. As long as you're in good health, can swim, and feel like trying something new, you're good. For courses and first-time dives, all equipment is included.
Is Koh Tao a good place to get my Open Water certification?
Yes — one of the most popular places in the world to do it. Affordable prices, easy sea conditions and a huge number of dive schools make learning here simple, accessible and fun.
When is the best time to dive in Koh Tao?
Koh Tao is a year-round dive destination. The dry season (March to September) offers the best visibility, while October through December can bring some rain but still plenty of great diving days.
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