Updated as of July 25, 2025
If you want to get your PADI certification, you may.consider the islands around Koh Samui as a possible destination. Among these outlying islands is the beloved Koh Tao, one of the most popular scuba diving destinations in Thailand.
The island is surrounded by shallow bays, rock pinnacles, and reefs, perfect for new and seasoned divers. Koh Tao has a friendly feel and a laid-back atmosphere that is visually stunning. It is common to overhear stories of different critters, sharks, and turtles on the island. We’ve compiled a handy guide on what to expect from a scuba diving trip to Koh Tao.
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Popular Diving Sites in Koh Tao
Koh Tao’s diving sites welcome divers to see a wide variety of natural spectacles, from coral and rock formations to a plethora of marine life, both big and small. There are even man-made objects to be found resting on the sea floor, spending their retirement as artificial homes for the creatures of the blue. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, there is a dive site that is perfect for you.
1. HTMS Sattakut
HTMS Sattakut is perfect for people looking for a thrill-filled wreck diving experience. It is located close to Sairee Beach and is great for experienced divers as well as dive-training. The military vessel was sunk in 2011 and goes as deep as 30m. It also hosts a number of yellowtail barracuda, trevally, blennies, and moray eels.
2. White Rock
White Rock is located offshore from Sairee Beach and ranges from 1m to 20m deep. Due to its favorable depth, it is one of the best diving sites near the island and can easily be explored by divers of all levels. Besides the numerous angelfish and butterflyfish, White Rock is also home to the endangered hawksbill and green turtles. It is a popular choice for PADI open-water training.
3. Shark Island
Located off the southeast coast of Koh Tao, Shark Island derives its name from its shark-fin-like appearance, not because it is infested with sharks. The mild current allows a variety of marine life to thrive amidst the large granite boulders. Shark Island is famous for its diversity in marine life, and the hard and soft corals are teeming with butterfly fish, barracuda, sea snakes, and turtles. This diving site is ideal for divers of all levels.
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4. Chumphon Pinnacle
This is one of the most popular diving sites in Thailand, located 12 km offshore on the northwest coast of Koh Tao. Chumphon Pinnacle features granite and coral pinnacles, which are home to schools of barracuda, batfish, and giant groupers. You may be lucky to spot a whale shark or a manta ray, as they occasionally make an appearance here. With a minimum depth of 14m, Chumphon Pinnacle is great for more experienced and advanced divers.
5. Green Rock
Green Rock is situated off the Northwestern coastline of Nang Yuan and has a depth of up to 20m. What makes it fascinating is the unique underwater features, which consist of caverns and caves, making for a series of swim-throughs. Although it is home to marine life, such as triggerfish, clownfish, and even sea snakes, Green Rock has strong currents. It is therefore suitable for more experienced divers.
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Why Koh Tao is Great for PADI Certifications
It’s believed that most diver certifications worldwide come from Koh Tao. Hence, so many people visit the island year after year. In addition, scuba diving on the island is very easy. The island’s shallow bays are the best for training and straightforward dives, plus they have plenty of reef fish and healthy coral reefs.
While numerous diving schools have also made Koh Tao their home, you can also earn your certification from dive centers based on Koh Samui itself. Diving lessons and tours are available from professional PADI-certified centers in Chaweng and Bophut, which can also organize tours for divers of all levels.
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Activities for Families and Non-Divers
If you’re not so keen on scuba diving in Thailand, you can still find a wide array of activities suitable for families and non-drivers. Off the shoreline, you can enjoy the water by visiting different snorkeling locations. You can strap on some walking shoes and explore the several hiking paths and hills in Koh Tao as well. It is also one of the best locations in Thailand where you can find family-run massage kiosks that offer professional massage services.
Koh Tao is also a popular destination for island-hopping yachts from Koh Samui that can be chartered for a visit to the island. Whether you plan on staying the whole day or just stopping by on the way to the other islands, chartering a yacht to Koh Tao can be an unforgettable experience.
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Enjoy A Day Trip to Koh Tao
For guests of opulent villa rentals 0n Koh Samui who are interested in diving, a day trip to Koh Tao is a must. One important perk of staying in a private villa is taking advantage of the in-house Guest Experience services, which can book your diving lessons and trips in advance before you arrive on Koh Samui. This also gives you the opportunity to get the best local recommendations for schools and tours, as well as yacht charters.
Consider adding Koh Tao to your list of must-visit destinations during your stay on Koh Samui, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you will find on the island.
Explore the best of Thailand’s beautiful island paradise with our Koh Samui Travel Guide.
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The Luxury Signature represents and manages reservations of the finest villa rentals in Southeast Asia, specializing in some of the most stunning destinations including the islands of Phuket and Samui in Thailand, and Bali, Indonesia.
