The Dearly Dive Koh Tao

Koh Tao, Thailand

The team at The Dearly Dive Koh Tao are exactly the kind of people you want to dive with. They’ve got this infectious calm, perfect for anyone taking their first breaths underwater. We love them especially for their Open Water courses; they really shine when teaching new divers, striking that perfect balance between thorough instruction and keeping things light. The boats are never packed, which is a big plus for us – no elbowing for space on the deck or feeling rushed in the water. We usually head out to sites like Twins or Japanese Gardens, often getting there before the bigger boats. Seeing those anemonefish darting through their homes, or spotting a curious hawksbill turtle glide past without a flotilla of divers behind it, makes a real difference. For fun dives, they’re pretty flexible, often happy to do longer bottom times if the conditions are good and everyone's air consumption allows. Our favourite part? They really listen to what you want to see, rather than just sticking to a fixed itinerary. We'd suggest asking about their morning trips; sometimes you can snag a second dive at a less-frequented spot after the initial rush.