Fav places n dive shops in Koh Tao?

[SangP]

Hi,

For those of you who have dived at Koh Kao, where are your fav spots, dive shops and what did you like about them like small groups, very patient dm free transport to n from hotels etc, etc?

Thanks

SangP

 

[crowleyW]

I have always been using Koh tao divers. Small dive shop and boats are never too packed and chumphon pinnacle is easily the best dive spot.

Koh Tao Divers Presentation

 

[stiggy]

Pipefish seahorses over the sand.
Big shark action at Chumporn.
No loooong boat journeys Two dives then back for Lunch.
Balance of lifestyle and diving.
Lots of community projects the last few years.
No batman wet suits.
Fav sites for me Hing wong and south of shark island.

 

[ayeshacantrell]

Whalesharks and Bull Sharks at Chumpon
Whales at The Unicorn
Baby reef sharks of Aow Leuk.
Seahorse and Pipefish at Twins
Turtles at White Rock
Thick schools of fish at Mango Bay and Southwest Pinnacle.
The aquarium that is Shark Island
Soooooo many flat worms.
Baracuda hunting at night...
Stalking Sailfish at Chumpon.
The triggers and swimthrus at Green Rock....
The eagle rays at Japanese Gardens.
Squid - love em - everywhere in the last few days....
Puffers at Pottery...
Banded Sea Snakes at whie rock...

I could go on - this is my backgarden and I love seeing it everyday....

 

[mase]

Samaka: Hmmmmmmmm

 

[gregsfrontporch]

I would never go to Koh Tao as a dive destination, this being said after I've spent nearly a year there.
For dive training, no place like it. You get a lot of bang for your buck!
Escape from the hustle and bustle, Koh Tao has a really cool lifestyle!
Dive quality, I'd give a 4 out of 10 (10 being highest), but then, I've seen four whale sharks here. That is kind of hard to beat.
You were asking about small groups, I'm laughing out loud, there is no such thing!
For a good patient DM, avoid the larger shops, they tend to be full of kids working too long hours and drinking hard at night to make up for lost time.
Free hotel transport, all the large shops provide it, (for that matter I'm sure every shop on the island does), you really don't need it though as the place is so small, you'll be wanting the walk just to stretch your legs.

Enjoy

 

[limbo]

As for dive sites, the Lighthouse as stunning coral.

As for more dive tips, try to find a shop that goes 'out of the way' to the Eastern shore dive sites, there are some really good spots there where hardly anybody goes to.

 

[JohnW]

I'd give a 4 out of 10 (10 being highest),

This is kinda true(I'd give it a 5 out of 10), but it is close to the best you'll find in Thailand. Koh Phi Phi is a close second( and more expensive). But if you are in Thailand, Koh Tao is a great destination. I've used Big Blue 3 times so far this year and have no complaints, my girlfriend and I are diving with them again at the end of this month.

 

[SangP]

Thanks guys, I'm recovering from a recent hospital stay after taking a bad fall, bruising some ribs and having a tube stuck in my chest. I think I've more or less decided upon the dive shop I'll be diving with and also a nice relaxing place to stay.

Btw, if not Koh Tao what other places in Thailand are worth a dive visit?

Regards,

SangP