Second Trip to Koh Tao

Introduction

In August 2024, I found myself back on Koh Tao. I wrote about my first trip here - back then everything was new and exciting, but also a bit chaotic: not everything went smoothly because of poor planning and some bad luck. This time, it was different.

It was a well-planned trip. I already knew who I would dive with, how things worked, and what to expect.

At the same time, I understood that this trip would be a farewell --- not only to Koh Tao, but to Thailand in general. A month later, I had to leave the country, and I had no idea what would happen to my diving journey. One thing was clear: diving every week would soon be in the past.

That's why this trip felt special - like a goodbye. Maybe that's also why I postponed writing about it for so long. But now it's time to share these memories.

Day 1 -- The Road

The first day was about driving from Phuket to Don Sak. Traveling around Thailand in the low season is a pleasure. Yes, heavy rain can start at any moment (and it did), but it usually stops quickly. Empty roads and beautiful landscapes make the trip even more enjoyable.

By evening, we reached the pier and stayed overnight nearby. The day ended with a beautiful sunset. The journey had begun.

Thai
sunset

Day 2 -- Dive Center

July and August are considered peak season on Koh Tao, and I was ready for crowds. Still, I was surprised that the ferry was smaller than the one I took in April - and completely full. During the transfer in Samui, it became clear that the season was in full swing. Somehow, we made it to the island, and the most stressful part of the journey was over.

After checking into the hotel, we went straight to the dive center. This time I chose Master Divers, and it was the right decision. Everything was smooth and professional. We filled out the paperwork and booked two morning dives and a night dive.

Since Nastya had never done a night dive before, she was invited to a short theory session before departure and was told the dive could count toward the Night Diver certification. With my Assistant Instructor certification, I didn't need that part. We paid and agreed to meet the next morning.

After my previous trip - when I lost two days because a dive center simply ignored me - this experience felt perfect. So no, this is not advertising. It's just an honest recommendation.

One of the most important things in diving is who you dive with. Your buddy affects safety, comfort, and mood. This time, my buddy was a colleague I had already dived with many times.

We were lucky with our divemasters too. For several days we dived with Steve and James - guys who truly love diving. They showed us as much as possible, never rushed the dives, and were genuinely enthusiastic.

Day 3 -- Finally Diving

We woke up at 6 a.m. Quick breakfast - onigiri, yogurt, nuts - and headed to the dive center. From there we reached the dive boat by longtail taxi.

Our first dive was planned at No Name Reef, but Steve suggested starting at the wreck HTMS Suphairin 313, located nearby. Of course, we agreed.

HTMS Suphairin 313

In September 2023, two ships were sunk near Koh Tao to create artificial reefs: HTMS Suphairin 313 and HTMS Hanhaksattru 312.

Suphairin served for more than 40 years before being sunk near No Name Pinnacle. The highest point lies at 16 meters, the bottom at 28 meters --- perfect for recreational divers.

Since being sunk, the wreck has quickly become part of the ecosystem. Corals are growing, fish have settled in, and the site helps reduce pressure on natural reefs.

White Rock

The second dive was at White Rock. During my previous visit, I dived here at night, but during the day this site is famous for whale shark sightings. Unfortunately, this time we were not lucky.

White Rock is one of the most popular dive sites on Koh Tao. Coral-covered rocks rise from around 25 meters, and marine life is everywhere - moray eels, triggerfish, barracudas, angelfish, turtles.

Junkyard Reef -- Night Dive

In the evening, we went to Junkyard Reef - an artificial reef created by Eco Koh Tao. Old gym equipment and metal structures were placed underwater to create habitats for marine life.

Depth is only 8--12 meters, making it perfect for night dives and training. Over the years, the reef has grown into a lively underwater ecosystem.

Day 4 -- Four Dives

We decided to continue diving with the same center. Four dives were planned.

Chumphon Pinnacle

One of the most famous sites near Koh Tao, located about 10 km from the island. Depth ranges from 14 to 40 meters. Large schools of fish surround the pinnacle.

It can be crowded in high season, but the marine life makes it worth it.