Many many people come here to learn to dive, after all it is one of the cheapest places in the world to learn how to do this life changing activity. As a result there are nearly 40 dive centres for you to choose from and this can be a little off putting !! However this really does give you the choice and centres certainly cater to different needs.
I've worked here as a dive instructor over the past 6 years and am writing this to help make your choice easier and hopefully more informed.
Ask yourself what you want from your course....
Are you happy in a large group or would you prefer smaller groups? On the whole the biggest dive centres teach in the biggest groups, great if you are travelling on your own and want to meet new people. However if you are a little nervous and want some more personal attention then check out the smaller dive centres, these often guarantee a maximum of four and are happy to teach in classes of 1 or 2 also.
Do you want a lively resort who will offer a busy after dive party scene or do you want to chill, then choose your location carefully.
What kind of accommodation do you want? Most places offer rooms within the resort and are happy to recommend somewhere else too if you would like something a bit different.
What sort of location do you want; the main and central area of Sairee which has a wide range of food, accommodation and nightlife but can be a bit too busy and noisy for some; your arrival point of Mae Haad which is certainly quieter at night but ensures you have easy access to everything or Chalok Ban Khao which is a quieter beach located on the south side.
What language would you like to complete your course in? On Koh Tao you are very likely to be able to find an instructor to teach you in your own language.
Do not worry that there is a choice of PADI and SSI courses. Each are valid licences and most SSI instructors are PADI instructors too - so you will benefit from the same experience which ever you choose.
Booking before arrival is a good idea as it ensures you have the accommodation reserved for you and a free taxi from the pier. This means you dont have to deal with touts and haggle with taxi drivers upon arrival after a long journey. But why not just book one nights accommodation at a resort of your choice , this will also get you a free transfer. You will have somewhere to stay and then can have a relaxed wander around a few dive centres and choose for yourself. Remember it is the cheap accommodation that gets snapped up first and not the availability of dive courses so atleast this way you get to have a look around for yourself.
How are your questions answered in the dive centre, are the staff friendly and patient? Do they take the time to explain what you will be doing? If the person you talk to is going to be your instructor, are they enthusiastic and passionate? What exactly is included in the course? What is their refund policy if you can’t complete the course and what happens if you have difficulty with some exercises and need more time? Do you warm to the environment?
To choose your dive centre before arrival I would advise speaking to fellow travellers and getting their recommendations and thoughts, look for reviews on online forums and check out websites. Bear in mind though that as the biggest centres have the more students then there will be more references made to them. Prices vary little but I would not advise simply booking the cheapest, would you bungee jump with the cheapest operator?
Look for what you want based on the answers to the above questions and if you have to pay a few hundred Baht more to get it, then thats not so bad. You will only learn to dive once so make sure you are in the environment that you want not simply the cheapest one !
Dont be pushed and take your time - when you have spoken to a few - go and grab yourself a well earned beer, have a little think and decide.
I've worked here as a dive instructor over the past 6 years and am writing this to help make your choice easier and hopefully more informed.
Ask yourself what you want from your course....
Are you happy in a large group or would you prefer smaller groups? On the whole the biggest dive centres teach in the biggest groups, great if you are travelling on your own and want to meet new people. However if you are a little nervous and want some more personal attention then check out the smaller dive centres, these often guarantee a maximum of four and are happy to teach in classes of 1 or 2 also.
Do you want a lively resort who will offer a busy after dive party scene or do you want to chill, then choose your location carefully.
What kind of accommodation do you want? Most places offer rooms within the resort and are happy to recommend somewhere else too if you would like something a bit different.
What sort of location do you want; the main and central area of Sairee which has a wide range of food, accommodation and nightlife but can be a bit too busy and noisy for some; your arrival point of Mae Haad which is certainly quieter at night but ensures you have easy access to everything or Chalok Ban Khao which is a quieter beach located on the south side.
What language would you like to complete your course in? On Koh Tao you are very likely to be able to find an instructor to teach you in your own language.
Do not worry that there is a choice of PADI and SSI courses. Each are valid licences and most SSI instructors are PADI instructors too - so you will benefit from the same experience which ever you choose.
Booking before arrival is a good idea as it ensures you have the accommodation reserved for you and a free taxi from the pier. This means you dont have to deal with touts and haggle with taxi drivers upon arrival after a long journey. But why not just book one nights accommodation at a resort of your choice , this will also get you a free transfer. You will have somewhere to stay and then can have a relaxed wander around a few dive centres and choose for yourself. Remember it is the cheap accommodation that gets snapped up first and not the availability of dive courses so atleast this way you get to have a look around for yourself.
How are your questions answered in the dive centre, are the staff friendly and patient? Do they take the time to explain what you will be doing? If the person you talk to is going to be your instructor, are they enthusiastic and passionate? What exactly is included in the course? What is their refund policy if you can’t complete the course and what happens if you have difficulty with some exercises and need more time? Do you warm to the environment?
To choose your dive centre before arrival I would advise speaking to fellow travellers and getting their recommendations and thoughts, look for reviews on online forums and check out websites. Bear in mind though that as the biggest centres have the more students then there will be more references made to them. Prices vary little but I would not advise simply booking the cheapest, would you bungee jump with the cheapest operator?
Look for what you want based on the answers to the above questions and if you have to pay a few hundred Baht more to get it, then thats not so bad. You will only learn to dive once so make sure you are in the environment that you want not simply the cheapest one !
Dont be pushed and take your time - when you have spoken to a few - go and grab yourself a well earned beer, have a little think and decide.
