Diving schools on Koh Tao are recognised as some of the best dive training facilities worldwide. The experienced dive instructors and their knowledge on Koh Tao’s dive sites provide the perfect environment for all levels of training.
Most diving schools on Koh Tao include accommodation within the cost of the dive course along with a friendly atmosphere and highly qualified, multilingual instructors. If you plan on spending a few days or a few months to learn about diving, Koh Tao provides the perfect balance for education and island living. Koh Tao Complete Guide has put together a list of highly recommended and professional diving schools to help you find the best suited for you. The list is not ranked in any particular order.|
The 15 Best Diving Schools on Koh Tao in 2026 |
Ban’s Diving Resort has grown to be one of the largest diving schools on Koh Tao. With more than 200 rooms, beautifully kept grounds, a total of five swimming pools, two restaurants and the beach bar that provides a clear view of the sunset, Ban’s is a world in itself. Ban’s Diving Resort teaches PADI courses in a variety of languages such as English, Thai, Chinese, German, French, Spanish, Dutch, Swedish, Hebrew, Japanese, and Korean…
Big Blue Diving opened in 1991 and has remained a well-known dive establishment on Koh Tao. Located in the centre of Sairee village, Big Blue has its dive school operated in Silver Sand Beachfront Resort. Guests diving with Big Blue can enjoy the poolside bar or soak in all the beach activities, sunsets, bars and restaurants in Sairee Beach. Big Blue Diving is well-known for its scuba diving courses. Training sessions are done at the swimming pool…
Established in 2004, Apnea Total is the longest-running freediving school on Koh Tao. It started off with teaching the freediving techniques to students in a simple bungalow 16 years ago to grow into the headquarters of the organization with 20 locations worldwide. Apnea Total Freediving has a student-centered teaching approach for all courses, whether someone is training for the starting level of Freediver or working on their Advanced Freediver training…
Big Bubble Diving is one of the first dive schools to be established back in 1994 on Koh Tao. As a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Dive Resort, Big Bubble offers PADI courses from beginner to instructor development for someone who wants to take their diving certification to the next level. In addition to scuba diving options, Big Bubble also has PADI technical diving and freediving courses from beginner level to basic freediving instructor training…
SSI, or Scuba Schools International, was founded in 1970. It offers training, certifications, and resources for divers, instructors, dive centers, and resorts worldwide. The programs include scuba diving, extended range diving, freediving, mermaid courses, lifeguard training, and more. SSI is now the largest business-focused dive training agency, with over 3,500 centers and 100,000 professionals in more than 150 countries. Notably, SSI certifications are widely available on Koh Tao, with more diving schools on the island offering their courses than anywhere else…
Visit the official SSI website |
First opened in 2012, French Kiss Divers is an SSI-affiliated dive school that caters to the Francophone travel market visiting Koh Tao, Thailand. Over the years, French Kiss Divers has built a strong reputation for offering a wide range of diving training opportunities. Beginner divers can earn their Open Water and Advanced certifications, all taught in small groups (maximum of four people) by experienced instructors. Families with young children are welcome…
Assava Dive Resort is located in the southern part of Koh Tao in the small town of Chalok Baan Kao Bay. This beachside family-style diving school has all the amenities that travellers of all sorts are looking for when on a relaxed holiday. Assava is a PADI dive centre and prides itself on offering diving courses from beginner levels, such as Discover Scuba and Open Water, to professional levels, like the PADI Divemaster and Instructor Development Course…
New Heaven Dive School Koh Tao is renowned for its research-based conservation. Divers can participate in training courses led by resident marine biologists, covering topics such as coral taxonomy and coral restoration. New Heaven is affiliated with SSI, offering a wide range of scuba diving courses from Open Water and extending to professional dive guide training. They also provide RAID Freediving courses, which incorporate yoga training…
Impian Divers teaches most of their courses following the IDD program (Instructor Dive Development), which is a well-known European professional dive organisation and is internationally recognised. PADI and SSI scuba diving courses are offered as well; however, most students get IDD certified. All dive courses are taught with the international dive standards and follow the general structure and skills practice for the Open Water, Advanced…
Established in 2014 by passionate owners, La Bombona Diving has grown into a reputable diving center focused on safety and customer satisfaction, treating everyone like family. Their dedicated team provides comprehensive instruction across a wide range of courses from Try Dive and to Instructor courses. Enjoy your theory lessons with the soothing sound of waves in the background, and unwind with breathtaking sunset views on the seaside patio…
Since its opening in 2017, The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel has become a popular choice for travelers seeking high-end dormitories in a quieter part of the island. The hostel also features a newly established PADI diving school with an on-site pool for confined training, modern classrooms, brand-new equipment, and a custom-built diving boat. Dive students can earn their Open Water or Advanced certification in small groups or through private instruction…
Experience Koh Tao’s unique scuba diving opportunities at Chalok Reef Divers, where nature’s beauty surrounds you both on land and underwater. Located within the peaceful Woodlawn Villas Resort, shaded by coconut trees and conveniently close to Chalok Baan Kao Bay, your time here will stand out from any other spot on the island. With an exclusive swimming pool, you can focus on your underwater training in a relaxed and scenic environment…
Located beachfront on the quiet north end of Sairee Beach, Scuba Shack is a well-established dive school on Koh Tao. Since opening in 2014, it has built a strong international reputation, with over 10 years of consistent positive reviews on Google. Scuba Shack offers a full range of PADI courses, from beginner Open Water to specialty and instructor levels. Dive theory is taught in a relaxed setting, with two comfortable classrooms overlooking the sea…
Jamahkiri Dive Resort & Spa on Koh Tao offers a premier diving experience through its exclusive SSI diving school, with just 2 students per instructor and two private dive boats, perfect for exploring the island’s stunning underwater world. After diving, unwind at the renowned Jamahkiri Spa, where a range of relaxing treatments and a sauna help you fully recharge. With luxury ocean-view rooms and villas, it’s the ideal blend of adventure and indulgence…
Sairee Cottage Diving is one of Koh Tao’s longest-established dive centres, located directly on Sairee Beach. With training programmes ranging from beginner level to professional qualifications, the centre is supported by experienced instructors, modern facilities, and its own comfortable dive boats. It is also well known for its PADI Instructor Development Course and has earned a reputation as one of the island’s most respected dive centres…
Read our review of Sairee Cottage Diving Resort
Visit their website
Established in 1999, Calypso Diving is located in the stunning Tanote Bay. This dive centre prioritises quality experiences over quantity and offers a friendly, enjoyable atmosphere. At Calypso Diving, you’ll find a relaxed environment with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. The centre offers CMAS and SSI diving courses for all levels, from beginners to professionals. Courses are available in German, English, French, and Thai…
18/3 Moo 3, Koh Tao
Surat Thani 84360 THAILAND
info@kohtaocompleteguide.com
