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
Thailand · Koh Tao
Diving in Koh Tao
The world's most popular island to get certified: over 10,000 divers trained, on-site hostel and bar, 100 m from Mae Haad beach.
Learn to dive or go pro in Koh Tao — SSI courses, max 4 students per group and certified instructors since 2014. Courses from 2100 THB
I completed my Open Water certification here and had a great experience from start to finish. My instructor, Francisco, was extremely helpful and patient throughout the entire course. He really took the time to explain everything properly, making sure we understood both the theory and the practical skills before moving on. The dives were incredibly fun and well organized. We visited several beautiful dive sites, each offering something unique, which made the course even more exciting. I always felt safe, well-prepared, and supported in the water. Highly recommend this dive school to anyone looking to get certified or improve their diving skills. Professional team, great atmosphere, and unforgettable dives.
Most popular
The most booked in Koh Tao
SSI Open Water Diver Course in Koh Tao
SSI Open Water Diver is the first scuba certification, valid worldwide to 18 metres. In Koh Tao it takes three days and six dives. Through November and December 2026, the same price includes three free nights in a shared room.
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
Deep Adventure Dive in Koh Tao
The Deep Adventure in Koh Tao is a single dive to 30 metres for Open Water-certified divers, under SSI instructor supervision. DPM includes the SSI Deep recognition card and full dive equipment.
3500 THB
All prices in Thai Baht (THB). Approx. conversion available at checkout.
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
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.
Advanced & specialties
Go deeper, dive smarter
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
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. The 44,000 THB fee includes hostel accommodation; with the Deep Specialty, it is 49,000 THB.
44000 THB
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
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
Compare at a glanceAll courses, side by sideCompare all 10 courses
| Course | Level | Duration | Prerequisite | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Try Scuba Diving in Koh Tao | Beginner | 1 day | — | 3600 THB | Book |
| SSI Scuba Diver Course in Koh Tao | Beginner | 1 day | — | 8600 THB | Book |
| SSI Open Water Diver Course in Koh Tao | Beginner | 3 days | — | Book | |
| Open Water 30 Programme in Koh Tao | Beginner | 3 days | — | Book | |
| Deep Adventure Dive in Koh Tao | Advanced | 1 day | Open Water Diver certification required | 3500 THB | Book |
| SSI Advanced Course in Koh Tao | Advanced | 2 days | Open Water Diver certification required | 10000 THB | Book |
| React Right + Rescue Course in Koh Tao | Advanced | 2-3 days | Open Water Diver certification + React Right or equivalent first aid (React Right included) | 12600 THB | Book |
| SSI Divemaster Program in Koh Tao | Professional | 6-8 weeks | 40 logged dives + Diver Stress & Rescue certification or equivalent required | 44000 THB | Book |
| Fun Dives in Koh Tao | Fun Dive | 1 day | SSI Open Water Diver cert required | 2100 THB | Book |
| Scuba Refresh + Fun Dive in Koh Tao | Refresh | 1 day | Certified diver required | 2600 THB | Book |
Google reviews
Reviews, straight from divers
Alessia D.
2 months ago · Local Guide
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. [...]
Open Water Course
Pai Liu
3 months ago · Local Guide
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. [...]
Harish Suresh
2 months ago · Local Guide
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!! [...]
Fun dive
Matt Larter
3 months ago · Local Guide
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. [...]
Advanced Diver
Harish S.
2 months ago · Local Guide
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.
Pai L.
2 months ago · Local Guide
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.
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.
- March – OctoberBest season
- 10 – 30 mVisibility
- 28 – 30 °C year-roundWater temp
- Whale sharks, turtles, reef sharksMarine life
The dive sites you'll explore
From shallow reefs to legendary pinnacles — four headline sites around Koh Tao.
HTMS Sattakut
48 m decommissioned navy wreck — artificial reef since 2011.
Chumphon Pinnacle
Granite pinnacles, bull sharks and barracuda schools.
Japanese Garden
Sheltered shallow bay with sandy patches, coral gardens and calm conditions — ideal for training dives, snorkelling and relaxed reef dives.
Twins
Two pinnacles, anemones, juvenile fish and resident triggerfish.
Dive sites are chosen on the day according to weather and sea conditions.
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.
- JanDry, calm seas 18 m
- FebPeak visibility 22 m
- MarWhale sharks return 25 m
- AprBest month overall 28 m
- MayWarm & busy 22 m
- JunQuieter, great viz 20 m
- JulShoulder season 18 m
- AugWhale shark peak 18 m
- SepLight SW winds 16 m
- OctRains start 14 m
- NovMonsoon — limited 10 m
- DecClearing up 12 m
Peak seasonMarch – May
Best visibility (up to 30 m), warm calm seas, and the highest chance of whale sharks. Book courses 2–4 weeks ahead.
Water visibility10 – 30 m
Average 18 m year-round; clears to 25–30 m through the dry season. Reduces during November monsoon swells.
Water temperature27 – 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 seasonWhale sharks Mar–May & Aug–Sep
Turtles, reef sharks and barracuda year-round. Bull sharks at Chumphon Pinnacle, manta rays occasional Feb–Apr.
Meet your instructors
Certified pros — verifiable agency credentials
The school
About DPM Diving Koh Tao
Established in 2014, we've issued more than 10,000 diving certifications; today we certify exclusively with SSI, and PADI-certified divers are welcome on our courses and dives. To that experience we've added our own twist: courses adapted to the most modern and most responsible way of diving, and a commitment to raising awareness about the state of our oceans.
- 10,000+Certifications issued
- 11 yrsOn the beach
- In-houseInstructor training
What you'll see
Crystal-clear waters, packed with life.
Find us in Koh Tao
DPM Diving Koh TaoMae Haad Beach, Koh Tao, Surat Thani 84360, TH Open daily · 8:00 – 20:00 +66 92 873 6368 koh-tao@dpmdiving.com
Koh Tao · Show map
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Stay with us
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
Included with your course
Your course, organised on your phone
Book and register online, then follow your course day by day in our Mareaviva app: dive briefings with site maps, a species logbook and an underwater photo pack when you finish, all included. Send us a message to get started.
Start on WhatsApp
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 costs 3,600 THB and an Open Water course 11,000 THB. 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.
Can I get PADI certified in Koh Tao with DPM Diving?
Our courses in Koh Tao certify you with SSI, the other big international agency alongside PADI. For your diving it's the same: SSI and PADI recognise each other's certifications worldwide, so an SSI Open Water lets you dive or keep training at any centre, PADI ones included. Already PADI certified? Your card is valid here and counts as the prerequisite for your next course. And Koh Tao is where more divers get certified than anywhere else on earth. Message us on WhatsApp and we'll help you choose.
Is scuba diving in Koh Tao worth it?
Yes, especially if you want to learn. Calm shallow bays, 28–30 °C water and year-round diving have made Koh Tao the island where more divers get certified than anywhere else on earth. Certified divers have plenty to explore too: Chumphon Pinnacle, Twins and the HTMS Sattakut wreck, with whale sharks passing through from March to May and in August and September. At DPM our courses run in groups of max 4 students.
Are there bull sharks in Koh Tao?
They can be seen, but not every day. The site where they turn up is Chumphon Pinnacle, a set of granite pinnacles 14–36 m deep about 14 km northwest of the island, rated for advanced divers and also home to schools of barracuda. Bull sharks are wild animals and sightings are never guaranteed, so it's best not to plan your trip around them. What you will see year-round are turtles, reef sharks and barracuda, plus whale sharks in season.
