Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
New Heaven
( 0 7745 6587;
www.newheavendiveschool.com
; Chalok Ban Kao)
The owners of this small diving op-
eration dedicate a lot of their time to preserving the natural beauty of Ko Tao's underwa-
ter sites by conducting regular reef checks and contributing to reef restoration efforts. A
special CPAD research diver certification program is available in addition to the regular
order of programs and fun dives.
DIVING
Scuba Junction
OFFLINE MAP
DIVING
(Scuba J; 0 7745 6164;
www.scubajunction.com
; Sairee Beach)
A groovy new storefront and a team
of outgoing instructors lure travellers looking for a more intimate dive experience. Scuba
Junction guarantees a maximum of four people per diving group.
TAKING THE PLUNGE: CHOOSING A DIVE SCHOOL ON KO TAO
It's no surprise that this underwater playground has become exceptionally popular with beginners. But before
you dive in (so to speak) it's important to look around at the various dive schools available.
When you alight at the pier in Mae Hat, swarms of touts will try to coax you into staying at their dive resort
with promises of a 'special price for you' (some touts even accost tourists on the boat ride over to the island).
But there are dozens of dive centres on Ko Tao, so it's best to arrive armed with the names of a few reputable
schools (such as the ones listed in this guide book). If you're not rushed for time, consider relaxing on the island
for a couple of days before making any decisions - you will undoubtedly bump into swarms of scubaphiles and
instructors who will offer their advice and opinions.
Remember: the success of your diving experience will largely depend on how much you like your instructor.
Other factors to consider are the size of your diving group, the condition of your equipment and the condition of
the dive sites, to name a few.
For the most part, diving prices are somewhat standardised across the island, so there's no need to spend your
time hunting around for the best deal. A
PADI
(
www.padi.com
) Open Water certification course costs 9800B; an
SSI
(
www.ssithailand.com
) Open Water certificate is slightly less (9000B) because you do not have to pay for
instruction materials. An Advanced Open Water certification course will set you back 8500B, a rescue course is
9500B and the Divemaster program costs a cool 25,000B. Fun divers should expect to pay roughly 1000B per
dive, or around 7000B for a 10-dive package. These rates include all dive gear, boat, instructors/guides and
snacks. Discounts are usually given if you bring your own equipment. Be wary of dive centres that offer too
many price cuts - safety is paramount, and a shop giving out unusually good deals is probably cutting too many
corners.
Most dive schools will hook you up with cheap or even free accommodation. Almost all scuba centres offer
gratis fan rooms for anyone doing beginner coursework. Expect large crowds and booked-out beds throughout
December, January, June, July and August, and a monthly glut of wannabe divers after every Full Moon Party on
Ko Pha-Ngan.
Snorkelling
