Diving in Koh Tao

Explore 123 dive sites in Koh Tao, Thailand. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Koh Tao

The warmest water temperatures in Koh Tao occur in May, averaging 30.6°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 28.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.3°C
  • February: 28.6°C
  • March: 29.3°C
  • April: 30.2°C
  • May: 30.6°C
  • June: 30.2°C
  • July: 30.0°C
  • August: 29.7°C
  • September: 29.4°C
  • October: 29.2°C
  • November: 29.3°C
  • December: 28.6°C

Marine Life in Koh Tao

Home to 56 recorded species including 35 reef fish, 11 sharks & rays, 4 other, 2 hard corals, 1 clams & mussels, 1 sea urchins.

Dive Site Difficulty in Koh Tao

Koh Tao has 19 beginner dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Koh Tao

Based on average water temperature of 29.5°C, currents 14 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Koh Tao

  • Khao Sam Roi Yot - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Mu ko Chang - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Hat Wanakon - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Khao Sam Roi Yot Wetland - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category VI)
  • Chonburi Environmental Protected Area - Environmental Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Suratthani Environmental Protected Area - Environmental Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)

Getting to Koh Tao - Nearest Airports

  • U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport (UTP), Rayong - 166 km away, approx 196 min travel time
  • Samui International Airport (USM), Na Thon (Ko Samui Island) - 209 km away, approx 243 min travel time
  • Dara Sakor International Airport (DSY), Ta Noun - 245 km away, approx 283 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres