I am looking to "go pro", most likely in Thailand. I am open water and have about 280 dives. Any areas/IDC programs/internships you all would recommend. I will likely spend at least 3 months there.
Koh Tao seems to be the best bang for the buck. The programs/internships at both Crystal Dive and Buddha View Dive look very good and comprehensive, at least on their websites. But I read that the diving in Koh Toa lags behind the Andaman sea. How is food and laundry handled/priced in Koh Toa? Grocery is to find? Easier/cheaper to just eat out? Is Koh Tao dive still better than Caribbean diving?
Phuket obviously has all the amenities anyone would need and access to better diving, but that SEEMS to come at a price. I am considering Scubacat, who seem to have an excellent reputation, but the equivalent training there is almost double the price of Koh Tao. Who else is recommended in Phuket?
First and foremost, I want to get good, thorough, comprehensive (including compressor, opportunity to get experience assisting and perhaps teaching open water classes, gas blending, equipment repair, etc...) training. IF only doing 3-6 months of training, how important is the quality of the diving.
What are your thoughts and recommendations concerning locations, programs, other locals like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Khao Lak etc...?
There are just so many option is Thailand, I need some help to narrow down my choices.
Thanks
Mike
Koh Tao seems to be the best bang for the buck. The programs/internships at both Crystal Dive and Buddha View Dive look very good and comprehensive, at least on their websites. But I read that the diving in Koh Toa lags behind the Andaman sea. How is food and laundry handled/priced in Koh Toa? Grocery is to find? Easier/cheaper to just eat out? Is Koh Tao dive still better than Caribbean diving?
Phuket obviously has all the amenities anyone would need and access to better diving, but that SEEMS to come at a price. I am considering Scubacat, who seem to have an excellent reputation, but the equivalent training there is almost double the price of Koh Tao. Who else is recommended in Phuket?
First and foremost, I want to get good, thorough, comprehensive (including compressor, opportunity to get experience assisting and perhaps teaching open water classes, gas blending, equipment repair, etc...) training. IF only doing 3-6 months of training, how important is the quality of the diving.
What are your thoughts and recommendations concerning locations, programs, other locals like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Khao Lak etc...?
There are just so many option is Thailand, I need some help to narrow down my choices.
Thanks
Mike