Advice on Koh Tao dive shops needed ASAP!

[sandys1]

I would say Scuba Junction - about a year back they had superbly maintained equipment (they make you wash everything and learn how to maintain it). From the general opinion around, it seemed that they do everything by the rulebook and maintain very high standards of teaching.

My instructor was Alex Tyrell Kenyon (the only guy around who knew about cricket) and he was super cool.

Call them when you get to Koh Tao and they'll pick you up.

FYI - one of the common opinions on Koh Tao was the high level of disdain for Ban's and that they teach really unsafe practices.

 

[DevonDiver]

I would say Scuba Junction - about a year back they had superbly maintained equipment (they make you wash everything and learn how to maintain it). From the general opinion around, it seemed that they do everything by the rulebook and maintain very high standards of teaching.

That's a pretty standard practice for most of the dive shops on Tao.

Call them when you get to Koh Tao and they'll pick you up.

That's also a pretty standard practice for most of the dive shops on Tao.

FYI - one of the common opinions on Koh Tao was the high level of disdain for Ban's and that they teach really unsafe practices.

I don't think anyone has ever accused them of "teaching really unsafe practices". They teach PADI courses to the letter of the standards, nothing more, nothing less.

However, they are a very popular and large dive centre. That means they have a lot of customers and very big boats. They also have a lot of students on their courses (8 per instructor + more if a certified assistant is present), but they don't exceed PADI standards.

On the plus side, Ban's is a great place for young travellers to meet and socialise with other like-minded people. There's too much emphasis on drinking and partying for my tastes, but then I am no-longer a 20-something backpacker with a resistance to hangovers and a hyperactive youthful libido (oh, but I wish I still was ).

 

[HappyHonu]

I'm old and need my sleep now too. And I get a hangover within an hour of drinking, so that's probably not the best for me...

 

[ayeshacantrell]

I live here on Koh Tao, so I am a bit biased however I do think there are more than just two sites worth visiting.

With experienced guides you are going to have a lot of fun diving here, particularly as you say in comparison to your dives in the UK. Its going to be warm, warm water and some great viz too. Theres a great variety of diving here and some super cool critters too. The trips to the dive sites are short too.

I work at Master Divers, which was recommended by an earlier poster, so just click the link in the signature if you want to know more about us. There is a comprehensive dive site guide on the website too, so you can see which sites would interest you too.

Please dont hesitate to message me if you want any further information.

Ayesha

 

[jamiemac]

I prefer Hondas to Toyotas.

That's my opinion too. It is equally unrelated to the OP's question. :mooner:



In which case, the whole of Asia becomes an option...and there are far more interesting destinations that west coast Thailand.

But then, as the OP stated.... they are going to Koh Tao to visit with a friend.

Every time a question is asked about KT in this forum, it seems like someone needs to 'educate' about the delights of the West Coast. It gets boring... and it insults people's intelligence.

Just saying...

Andy, you've been around SB long enough to not give this a second thought. those west coasties just can't resist replying to a gulf enquiry, i reckon they must have a rota so that don't miss a single chance to try and re-direct divers, it's funny!

 

[Quero]

Andy, you've been around SB long enough to not give this a second thought. those west coasties just can't resist replying to a gulf enquiry, i reckon they must have a rota so that don't miss a single chance to try and re-direct divers, it's funny!

Aw, come on, Jamie! Choose a narrower brush to paint with! Some of us Westies actually did give encouraging information to the OP without trying to poach her from our Gulfie colleagues :blinking:

 

[lord khram]

With experienced guides you are going to have a lot of fun diving here, particularly as you say in comparison to your dives in the UK.

????

Puget sound, as mentioned previously, is in West America on the US/Canadian border I think?

 

[limbo]

Aw, come on, Jamie! Choose a narrower brush to paint with! Some of us Westies actually did give encouraging information to the OP without trying to poach her from our Gulfie colleagues :blinking:

Dear Quero,

You're an exception, a diamond in the rough?:cool2:

 

[jamiemac]

Aw, come on, Jamie! Choose a narrower brush to paint with! Some of us Westies actually did give encouraging information to the OP without trying to poach her from our Gulfie colleagues :blinking:

I know, but a bit of generalisation never hurt anyone, ever!

It is funny though, I love the blatant high-jacks. They must work as well otherwise who'd bother? Must be like Nigerian scams, do it enough , you'll catch one.

Any way, Quero, back to your original point, The Underwater Nav course on koh tao will cost you three warm heinekens..............

 

[Quero]

I know, but a bit of generalisation never hurt anyone, ever!

It is funny though, I love the blatant high-jacks. They must work as well otherwise who'd bother? Must be like Nigerian scams, do it enough , you'll catch one.

Any way, Quero, back to your original point, The Underwater Nav course on koh tao will cost you three warm heinekens..............

Heinekens give me headaches. How about four Leos with ice cubes?