Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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 internation-
al 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 tech-
nical diving (venturing beyond the usual parameters of recreational underwater explora-
tion). Discounted accommodation is available at its friendly resort.
DIVING
Crystal Dive
OFFLINE MAP
( 0 7745 6107;
www.crystaldive.com
; Mae Hat)
Crystal is the Meryl Streep of diving operators,
winning all the awards for best performance year after year. It's one of the largest schools
on the island (and around the world), although high-quality instructors and intimate
classes keep the school feeling quite personal. Multilingual staff members, air-condi-
tioned classes and two on-site swimming pools sweeten the deal. Highly recommended.
DIVING
