Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Snorkelling is a popular alternative to diving, and orchestrating your own snorkelling ad-
venture here is simple, since the bays on the east coast have small bungalow operations
offering equipment rental for between 100B and 200B per day.
Most snorkel enthusiasts opt for the do-it-yourself approach on Ko Tao, which in-
volves swimming out into the offshore bays or hiring a long-tail boat to putter around
further out. Guided tours are also available and can be booked at any local travel agency.
Tours range from 500B to 800B (usually including gear, lunch and a guide/boat captain)
and stop at various snorkelling hotspots around the island. Laem Thian is popular for its
small sharks, Shark Island has loads of fish (and ironically no sharks), Ao Hin Wong is known
for its crystalline waters, and Light House Point , in the north, offers a dazzling array of col-
ourful sea anemones. Dive schools will usually allow snorkellers on their vessels for a
comparable price - but it's only worth snorkelling at the shallower sites such as Japanese
Gardens. Note that dive boats visit the shallower sites in the afternoons.
ZERO TO HERO
It's the oldest story in the topic: 'I came to Ko Tao on vacation and six months later I'm still here!' Seems like
the island's magical magnetic energy catches hold of everyone, so don't be surprised if you too find yourself al-
tering flight plans.
For those of you who anticipate embracing the castaway lifestyle, consider going from 'Zero to Hero' as they
call it on Ko Tao. Over the last few years, several of the savvier diving operators started package deals where
you can go from scuba newbie to pro over the course of a couple of months. You'll graduate through four levels
of diving certifications, 'intern' as a divemaster at your dive school, then take a stab at the instructor program.
Prices hover around 80,000B and include all the bells and whistles necessary to turn you into a fish. Accommod-
ation is not included.
Freediving
Over the last couple of years freediving (exploring the sea using breath-holding tech-
niques rather than scuba gear) has grown rapidly in popularity. Several small schools
have opened up across the island. We recommend the capable staff at Apnea Total
OFFLINE MAP ( 08 7183 2321; www.apnea-total.com ; Sairee Beach) who have earned several awards
in the freediving world and possess a special knack for easing newbies into this heart-
pounding sport. The student-teacher ratio of three to one also ensures plenty of attention
to safety. Also worth a special mention is Blue Immersion OFFLINE MAP ( 08 7682 1886;
www.blue-immersion.com ; Sairee Beach) run by friendly Akim, a martial arts expert and a freediv-
ing pro - he was one of the first people in the world to freedive below 100m. Freediving
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