Scuba
diving is still the biggest attraction on Ko
Tao. Diving in Ko Tao is easy, fun, and you can
see turtles, stingrays, barracudas, lots of small
fish, reef sharks, and there is a very small chance
of seeing a whale shark.
Nearly any time of the year except November is
good diving weather in Ko Tao, In November, the
visibility is reduced and the seas are choppy, but
diving is good by the standards of many other destinations.
When diving is good, the visibility can be 40+
meters. Average visibility is around 15-20 meters.
There are a huge number of dive operators on the
island, many offering budget accommodation (sometimes
described as "free" accommodation, but
this is not really true as you will usually get
a discount if you stay elsewhere). Currently (2006)
the price for PADI open water certification including
the new PADI training manual, professional instruction,
rental equipment, boat dives, and certification
is around 10,000 baht; insurance and basic accommodation
may also be included. Shop around as not all shops
teach the in the same way. Look for experienced
dive instructors instead of a low price.
A common method for teaching new divers is to train
in a pool first by being taught about 20 basic skills
before being taken out into the open water. Others
will instead take you to a private beach so you
will see fish and coral from the start (you can
also squeeze an extra dive in this way). Also try
and find a shop with a private pier as many others
will make you climb across several boats at the
main pier. Find out maximum number of dive students
in a group. These are the little things that will
make the difference between an OK course and a great
one.
Coral Grand DiversCoral Grand Divers & Resort
[1]. Located in a much quieter area than the other
dive shops, at the far end of the beach, the hotel
is more upmarket than most on the island although
the 'free' rooms are still basic. Operates 2 dive
boats plus a speed boat.
Divepoint (on the waterfront in Mae Haad) [2].
Divepoint has probably the nicest dive boat on the
island, big enough that you won't have to carry
your gear to and from it. PADI and SSI. (closed
during Nov & Dec 2006)
DJL Diving Resort (dive resort on Sairee Beach,
office in Mae Haad) [3]. Small groups, experienced
instructors and quality instruction. PADI, BSAC
& SSI courses.
Easy Divers [4]. Fantastic PADI dive shop with
really experienced instructors. Professional and
fun with great accommodation.
IDC Ko Tao [5]. Instructor development courses
(IDC's) run every month by English PADI course director
Matt Bolton.
Phoenix Divers (Sairee Beach) [6]. Good boats,
new gear and multilingual Western and Thai staff.
Sairee Hut (Sairee Beach) [7]. Small but good,
on the beach.
Stingray Divers (CLOSED 2007) [8].
Master Divers (Mae Haad) [9]. Good safety record
and well placed for divers that may want to progress
on to technical diving.
Seashell Dive Center [10]. Wonderful place with
helpful multilingual staff, good boats and gear.
Located on Sairee Beach.
If you're not into scuba diving, many operators
arrange snorkeling trips around the island. Ask
your accommodation about a tour. Long-tail boat
and a driver can be chartered for about 1500-2000
baht per day including snorkeling gear.
Other watersports
Sailing near Ko TaoOver the last couple of years
more and more non divers have discovered the beauty
of this island with its secluded little bays and
unspoiled mointain ridges. Due to this, and the
increasing amount of small upmarket resorts and
villas nestled in the hillsides there are nowadays
a lot more activities provided.
In January 2007 the first sailing charter company
on Ko Tao was opened:
Island Cruises [11]. They are offering Day Sails,
Sunset Cruises, private charters and Ang Thong Marine
Park safaris. The helpful staff is happy to assist
finding accommodation or transport.
Other water related activities available are wake
boarding, water skiing, sumo tube, wind surfing,
and sailing lessons.
Other sports
Hike to one of the secluded bays on the northern
and eastern side of the island? On the 2 hour walk
through the jungle to Mango Bay you will hardly
meet any people. And when you're there-well, the
snorkeling is good too.
Or do the same trip with a dirt bike or ATV but
be advised: Only for really experienced drivers-the
medical facilities on the island make a very good
living from motorcycle accidents.
More adrenaline? Go rock climbing or do some paint-ball
jungle games (temporarily closed, reopens in December
2007)
For the ones who are into a serious workout the
Thai boxing stadium in Sairee is offering Muoy Thai
courses and if that's not enough the Monsoon Gym
is conveniently located beside the stadium.
Less straining is playing mini golf or bowling
in Mae Haad, doing a massage course or yoga. Cooking
courses are also available.
Last but not least elephants have arrived here;
if you want to look at Ko Tao from an elephants
back, go for it.
Scuba
diving is still the biggest attraction on Ko
Tao. Diving in Ko Tao is easy, fun, and you can
see turtles, stingrays, barracudas, lots of small
fish, reef sharks, and there is a very small chance
of seeing a whale shark. 
Coral Grand DiversCoral Grand Divers & Resort
[1]. Located in a much quieter area than the other
dive shops, at the far end of the beach, the hotel
is more upmarket than most on the island although
the 'free' rooms are still basic. Operates 2 dive
boats plus a speed boat. 
Other watersports
