Upto date Koh Tao report

[DORSETBOY]

I've been out to KT before, had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the diving and night life there... I'm going back out there again to combine the trip with going to Phuket also... I'd be interested to hear from people who've been out this year to KT as to what the diving's like this year, where the best places to stay are and if and how it's changed.

many thanks, Greg.

 

[densha99]

Hey Greg,
When were you there last? I know the island has changed alot over the last few years!! Still, I found it a fantastic place to dive and just relax (lots of the relaxing!). I dove with the Taa Toh Lagoon folks (small shop) and had a really great time, good shop and nice dive masters. I was looking for a really quiet place to stay and dive and found both there. If you are looking for a bigger shop and more people to hang with, you might try BAN diving. I did not dive with them but met many who did. Anyway, I just got back 2 days ago, so if you have any questions just ask! Also, most of the combo diving shops and resorts have deals if you stay and dive there.

Kevin
PADI, Advanced O/W, Nitrox

 

[DORSETBOY]

thanks Kevin, what's the conditions like now? Ive heard rumour that the coral growth is coming back really well and that viz has been better on the inwater sites this year.

Are the police cracking down on the parties so much this year too?

 

[densha99]

thanks Kevin, what's the conditions like now? Ive heard rumour that the coral growth is coming back really well and that viz has been better on the inwater sites this year.

Are the police cracking down on the parties so much this year too?

Last first: I didn't hear anything about party crack downs, so I don't know. It didn't "seem" like an issue.

The viz was great and so was the coral growth. SW Pinical was beautiful and Sail Rock (yea I know, not Koh Tao proper) vis was like 50 to 60 meters. Overall the diving was really nice, water was perfect temp as well. Got in some really nice drift diving around shark island as well. That means watching the moon and the tides though.
When are you heading back?

 

[DORSETBOY]

girlfriend dependent.. ie. if we're still together! She wants to go out at new years and do 4-5 days on KT before going across to the west coast. If I go out there with the guys we'll prob do something similar but spend a bit longer on KT.

Glad to hear the coral's growing back.. Ive heard rumour when I did my IDC that the thai government's taking more control over planning on the island and is planning to knock down any resorts within 50m of the shore and force them inland.. that's a lot of resorts when I last checked! I think the main idea is to stop or reduce run off into near water sites.

 

[DORSETBOY]

I might add that given that the gf doesn't dive I think the more fun option is going out to thailand with the guys!