Koh Tao Island

Koh Tao is a small island located on the eastern coast of Surat Thani province, near the neighboring islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui.

The name "Koh Tao" translates as "Turtle Island." There are several theories about the origin of the name. Some say it comes from the shape of the island, while others believe it refers to the large number of turtles once found in its coastal waters. Unfortunately, turtles are less common today, but they are still regularly seen around the island.

In the past, this Thai island was uninhabited until the 20th century. In 1933, a political prison was built here, which operated for 14 years before closing and granting amnesty to the prisoners.

Later, fishermen began settling on the island with their families. Over time, thanks to growing tourist interest, Koh Tao developed rapidly.

Its natural beauty, rich marine life, and warm clear waters have made Koh Tao one of the largest diving centers in the world.

On this small island of only 21 square kilometers, there are around 150 dive centers from different associations. This is possible because more than 30 dive sites surround the island - from deep pinnacles to calm sandy bays. The island truly lives on diving, freediving, and snorkeling.

Underwater visibility can reach up to 40 meters. Coastal reefs are home to turtles, electric rays, barracudas, reef sharks, and even whale sharks. A well-developed dive infrastructure, excellent visibility, rich marine life, low diving prices compared to other Thai destinations, and good weather almost all year round make Koh Tao a real paradise for underwater lovers.

Getting to Koh Tao is not easy. There is no airport, bus station, or train station. The only way to reach the island is by sea. Ferries depart from the mainland provinces of Chumphon and Surat Thani. You can travel overnight on a slow ferry or take a high-speed catamaran in the morning.

The slow ferry is suitable if you want to bring your car or bike, or if you are worried about seasickness. It moves less in waves but takes more time.

The second option is high-speed catamarans by Lomprayah. These three-deck catamarans can carry up to 400 passengers and travel at speeds over 45 km/h, making the trip relatively fast.

I chose the second option, combining the trip to Koh Tao with a road trip across Thailand.

We drove from Phuket to Surat Thani (about 250 km), stayed overnight, then went to Don Sak pier in the morning, left the car at the port, and continued by ferry.

Koh Tao surprised me from the beginning. A noisy crowd at the pier --- tourists arriving, others leaving, and locals offering taxi rides. The first impression was not great. But once I left the pier and walked toward the hotel, I started to like the island. Jungle paths, beach cafés with beautiful views, relaxed smiling people - it felt like a movie scene.

However, you can't simply walk peacefully drinking coconut water. Mopeds are everywhere. The island is small, and almost everyone rents a scooter. There are no police checkpoints, and few people ask for licenses, so traffic can be chaotic.

In the evening, I visited the dive center I had contacted earlier. My plans changed - morning dives were full because priority was given to students taking courses. Diving here is very cheap, especially fun dives, and dive centers earn most of their money from courses.

So I booked an afternoon dive and went to watch the sunset.

Before describing the dive sites, I want to mention the infrastructure. A certified diver with their own equipment pays about $13 per dive here. On Phuket, prices start around $35.

Boats are simpler, older, and offer minimal comfort - water, cheap tea, instant coffee. No breakfasts like on Phuket boats. But because dive sites are close to the island, you don't spend much time on board. And underwater, everything is excellent.

Now, finally, about the dive sites I visited.

Dive Sites of Koh Tao (That I Visited)

Japanese Gardens

Located near Koh Nang Yuan, this site features impressive hard corals. Visibility during my dive was around 12 meters. Maximum depth is about 18 meters.

There is a small swim-through cave where only one diver can pass at a time. Once inside, you must continue to the end - turning around is almost impossible.

Fish here are surprisingly calm and allow divers to approach closely. It seems marine life has become used to the large number of divers.

Before the dive, we had a special briefing about Titan Triggerfish, as April is their breeding season. Fortunately, no aggressive behavior occurred.

Buoyancy World

An artificial dive site created as a training area to protect natural reefs. Depth is about 12 meters. It includes sculptures, tunnels, and even a small "wreck."

It feels like an underwater playground.

Green Rock

A site with many caves and swim-throughs. Often strong currents. Depth ranges from 5 to 32 meters.

We saw a large school of yellowtail barracudas but no turtles this time.

Hin Pee Wee

A reef with three pinnacles on the northwest coast. Visibility was poor, currents strong. For me, this site felt less impressive compared to others.

White Rock

One of the largest dive sites near Koh Tao. Depth 4--22 meters. Excellent for both day and night dives.

My dive here was at night - intense and unforgettable. We descended immediately to 21 meters into complete darkness. 50 minutes underwater with several unexpected moments, including a broken torch and a curious giant grouper.

Southwest Pinnacle

A deeper site located about 30 minutes by boat. Seven granite pinnacles arranged in a circle. Visibility can change quickly because the site is in open sea.

At the end of the dive, we saw a huge school of yellowtail scad chased by giant trevallies - an incredible moment.

HTMS Sattakut

A former US Navy ship launched in 1944 and sunk in 2011 to create an artificial reef. Length 48 meters, resting at around 30 meters depth.

The wreck is home to giant groupers, barracudas, snappers, morays, and many other species.

Hang Yuan Drop

A rarely visited site near Japanese Gardens. A relaxed dive along the shoreline with many triggerfish and parrotfish.

Twins

One of the most popular sites near Koh Nang Yuan. Two main pinnacles at 5--18 meters depth. Easy navigation and rich marine life.

Conclusion

My vacation on Koh Tao came to an end. The island truly feels made for divers.

There may not be as much luxury above water as in Phuket, but underwater everything is top level. Dive instructors seemed genuinely passionate and focused on giving the best experience possible.

I will definitely return and spend more time exploring all the dive sites.