Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LEARNING THE LOCAL LINGO
Due to the steady influx of international visitors, English is spoken just about everywhere; however, the locals on
scuba-savvy Ko Tao regularly incorporate diving sign-language symbols into common parlance - especially at
the bars.
Here are a few gestures to get you started:
I'm OK
Make a fist and tap the top of your head twice.
Cool
Bring together the tips of your index finger and thumb forming an 'O'.
I'm finished/I'm ready to go
Hold your hand tight like a karate chop and quickly swing it back and forth per-
pendicular to your neck.
Roctopus
OFFLINE MAP
( 0 7745 6611;
www.roctopusdive.com
;
Sairee Beach)
One of the newer places on the scene, Roc-
topus already has a near legendary reputation for its great staff and high standards. Groups
are small and the centre is heavily involved in local reef conservation.
DIVING
Ban's Diving School
OFFLINE MAP
( 0 7745 6466;
www.amazingkohtao.com
;
Sairee Beach)
A well-oiled diving machine that's relent-
lessly expanding, Ban's is one of the world's most prolific diver certification schools yet it
retains a five-star feel. Classroom sessions tend to be conducted in large groups, but
there's a reasonable amount of individual attention in the water. A breadth of international
instructors means that students can learn to dive in their native tongue.
DIVING
Big Blue Diving
OFFLINE MAP
DIVING
( 0 7745 6772, 0 7745 6415;
www.bigbluediving.com
; Sairee Beach)
If Goldilocks were picking a dive
school, she'd probably pick Big Blue - this midsize operation (not too big, not too small)
gets props for fostering a sociable vibe while maintaining a high standard of service.
Divers of every ilk can score dirt-cheap accommodation at their resort.
Buddha View
( 0 7745 6074;
www.buddhaview-diving.com
;
Chalok Ban Kao)
Another big dive operation on Ko Tao,
Buddha View offers the standard fare of certification and special programs for technical
DIVING
