August 9, 2013
Swim for Sharks- Charity swim around Koh Nang Yuan
So its the biggest day of the year for our Green Queens Eco Jen & her trusty Steed Lizzie May. Its our annual Swim for Sharks a 3.4 Kilometer swim around Nang Yuan Island all in the name of charity- to raise money for shark conservation projects here in Thailand & hopefully & especially here in Koh Tao. Last year we raised over 100000 Bt. This year we hope to double that as the main party will be held at Koh Tao's Number One Party Venue - Maya Bar. So bring your cheque books & heaps of cash & lets raise some money to help increase the awareness of shark conservation here in Koh Tao & increase the numbers of Black Tips, White Tips, Bull Sharks, Grey Reefs, Leopard Sharks & Whale Sharks that are all native to our Koh Tao waters.
Still the Best Dive Shop on Koh Tao
It's my second diving holiday with Big Blue and it equalled the first. What makes this diving company different from the rest is the staff. The are knowledgeable, friendly and their enthusiasm for diving is contagious. I completed 26 fun dives over the 10 days and the following staff need particular mention. 1. Steven- His direct observational commentary during briefings is spot on. He says what others wouldn't dare try to get away with but some how he does. He was very welcoming and his enthusiasm for tiny marine life is unequalled. He is also a moral mentor towards DMTs guiding them in their diving journey such as 2. Laura. Laura led me on the majority of dives and is a credit to her mentor and a fab dive master in the making. Give her a job.3. James-His in depth knowledge of wreck diving led to a lively and thought provoking discussion. The tech shack is definately worth checking out! 4. Nick- made me feel welcome from day 1 both in the shop and on the boats. Always free to offer advice and help. A credit to Big Blue. THANKS BB for another fab holiday! Man falls overboard on Nightboat to Koh Tao
"German Expat Rescued From 9-Hour Sea Drift"- (7 August) A German expat has been rescued after he was forced to spend 9 hours drifting in the sea off Koh Tao Island. The 47 year old German, identified simply by officials as ′Sasha′, is believed to have fallen off the ferry boat on his way to the island, which situated near the coast of Chumpon province in southern Thailand. The ferry crew told our correspondent they saw the German smoking on the side of the boat around 02.00 on the previous night. They could not locate him once the boat reached the island, they said, so they realised that he must have fallen overboard and immediately alerted the rescue teams. Mr. Sasha was eventually found 10 kilometres away from the shore, close to Koh Mattra and Koh Kalok islands. He said he had been swimming for around 9 hours as he waited for the help to arrive. Officials said Mr. Sasha was very exhausted but had sustained no injury. According to his friends, Mr. Sasha is originally from Berlin and has settled in Surat Thani province for 10 years now, where he has been running his hotel business. Mr. Sasha′s friends also told our correspondent that, fortunately, he has been a very talented swimmer. By Khaosod Online- Moral of this story- Stop Smoking!
August 8, 2013
Ex Big Blue Photographer Lia Barrett, hits the Big Time on CNN
Just awesome to see Lia Barrett being featured on CNN over some awesome photos shes taken over the years but specifically this very unique photo shoot of professional Free divers going about every day type of roles underwater, like sitting supping on a coffee or taking a stroll through the park with a background of reef sharks swimming round. Lia first came to us at Big Blue as a very talented photographer looking to make a name for herself by collating a portfolio of underwater shots & in exchange for some photos we could use ourselves we offerred her as much diving as she wanted. Since then she's done numerous liveaboards with our friends in Komodo, Indonesia Wicked Diving & has become quite a big Underwater Photographey celebrity. Congrats Lia. So happy to see you hit the big time. All the best from your friends at Big Blue.
Recommended by Practically Everyone
Just left koh tao weeping, I would have loved to stay on and do an advanced but alas no time. Big blue was recommended by practically everyone and it lived up to expectations. My friend and i stayed in separate dorms due to it being so busy but what can ya do if you dont plan in advance. the fan rooms were actually fine temperature wise as there was a nice bit if sea breeze that would come rrrrolling through. Can I please fully endorse one special man by the name of GUY BANNISTER he is a top fella and was a great instructor. Our group had such a good time so thank you Guy and thank you big blue. I'll definitely be back. TerrraaaaahShark Survey Around Koh Tao
Volunteers joined forces with Big Blue Conservation to do a shark survey around Koh Tao this morning. The survey was conducted around Shark Bay. Volunteers from Big Blue and ACE Marine Images counted, photographed, and documented their findings with Jen and Lizzie of Big Blue Conservation. The information collected will be included with other surveys conducted around Koh Tao. Surveys and other shark programs have been made possible by donations from the annual Swim for Sharks with Big Blue Conservation and the kind efforts of volunteers. We hope our recordings and documentation will be helpful in the future efforts of shark conservation. Contact Big Blue Conservation for more information.
August 7, 2013
Big Blue BSAC & Big Blue Tech Feature
Another bit of shameless self promotion but hey when you're this good its hard not to blow your own trumpet! More editorial on Big Blue this time featuring our very own Big Blue Tech Manager James Foleherherereh. Big Blue Tech offers everything you can think of when it comes to Tech diving from the run of the mill Tech Courses with TDI, SDI, BSAC, PADI & SSI and Sidemount courses, Cave Diving, Wreck Diving & Tech Liveaboards as far afield as Singapore to dive some of the legendary World War 2 Sunken treasures in that area. In addition James is also our BSAC chap about to be BSAC Instructor Trainer & consequently one of the highest trained Diving Professionals in the world with an unpronounceable surname. James Forleherereh. James Folererereh. James Fohelererer. Oh Feck it! Tech James!
Fantastic Days on Koh Tao
Came to Koh Tao back in April and couldn't have been more happy with my choice in Big Blue. It came with numerous recommendations from friends met along the way and I wasn't disappointed. The instructors were incredibly knowledgeable and a lot of fun, always there to help you and they help to create a fun and infectious atmosphere when on the course and dives. Our instructor was Iain who is a top bloke, pushed us through the skills and learning quickly efficiently - definitely ask for Iain if you can! look out for the Scottish accent - was great to hear about how he became an instructor and why he chooses to live & work on Koh Tao. was always up for a beer after the diving. Big Blue threw in free accommodation for my 4 day open water SSI course which was a great bonus and I was very happy with the dorm, 1 minute walk from the sea and the bar/restaurant. Thoroughly enjoyed the course and was very very close to staying on for the advanced course along with my group, however couldn't stretch the budget! Until next time. A definite highlight of my trip to south east asia and was made even better by the video that you have the chance to watch and buy after your 3rd and 4th dives on the final day. Will always be able to watch and remember those fantastic days on Koh Tao. Swim for Sharks Charity Event
August 6, 2013
Editorial Feature in SCUBA- UK's Leading Dive Mag
Another day another magazine article on Big Blue Diving Koh Tao in another one of the worlds leading Dive Magazines. This time its the UK's largest circulating Scuba Diver Magazine with a nice article on Asia's largest BSAC Center Big Blue Diving, & a lot of talk about our Eco activities with our very own in house Marine Biologist Green Queen Dr. Jennifer Matthews PhD. One Eco activity she's very proud of organising is Koh Tao's extremely popular swim for sharks a 3.4 Km swim around the Island of Nang Yuan which coincidentally happens to be taking place this coming Saturday the 10th August. Want to get involved & raise money for Shark Awareness & protection then look no further. Come join in the Swim & help us save some sharks & then you can read all about it in our next big Magazine featured editorial.
The Best Dive School on Koh Tao
No words to express our love for Big Blue! We came to Koh Tao undecided on whether to dive or not and we couldn't be more glad that we did, if you're looking for an unforgettable experience then choose BIG BLUE.. the best dive school on the island. The whole place and courses is absolutely faultless. We came to Ko Tao at the end of our travels and did both the Open Water Course and squeezed in the Advance with 2 days to spare to get home, we never wanted to leave!! Our instructor was Rich who was an absolutely amazing instructor... professional, patient, knows his stuff and at the same time such a laugh and made the whole experience unforgettable for us! Even after attempting a triple front off the top of the boat with a painful face plant he made me laugh!! - proudly its making the Christmas video haha!! We strongly suggest you request Rich if you want an unforgettable diving experience! It was definitely the highlight of our trip. THANKYOUUUU RICH AND BIG BLUE FOR AN AWESOME 6 DAYS!! WE WILL BE BACK! Mia & Craig x A Diving Vacation- The Holiday of a Lifetime
Have you met anyone lately who has said: “I just have so much time on my hands, and I get to relax whenever I want!” Not likely. It seems like everyone has a jam-packed schedule, a never-ending list of obligations and not much time to devote to themselves. It can feel nearly impossible to step away – but you should. And when you do, diving provides one of the best ways to not only escape the everyday grind, but to shake off the stresses of life. Psychologists and health care professionals frequently point out the possible benefits of simply taking time off. Studies have shown that a restful, relaxing break from daily stresses may enhance the body’s ability to heal, enhance creativity and may even increase motivation and productivity. Enjoying some of that free time in nature only enriches the effects – and what better way to enjoy nature than by diving? With every descent beneath the waves, you reap multiple benefits: Physical exercise, Natural light, Calming sounds, Close contact with nature. Diving provides an exceptional opportunity to really interact with and be immersed in the natural world. While there’s plenty to think about during a dive, it’s all directed toward the cause of an experience you love. A diving vacation could be just the thing you need to recharge your batteries. So if you fancy a holiday of a lifetime why don't you get in touch?
August 5, 2013
Book Your Accommodation before you get to Koh Tao
Happy to be picking up the phone & answering the question "Should I book before I get to Koh Tao?' The answer is of course yes! If August is anything like July then thats a 100% yes! Unless of course you want to spend your first night sleeping on the beach or on the cushions in some f the restaurants or classrooms of some of the Dive shops. Not a great way to spend the night unless of course you fancy being ravaged by mosquitoes all night! Use your head & Book a bed! Call us on 077456415 or better email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
No Place Better on Koh Tao than Big Blue
No words can express my love for this place. I recently completed my dive master training after having done my open water, advanced, EFR and rescue courses all at big blue. I was fortunate enough to have Tim as my instructor earlier in the year for OW and AAOW…upon my return to the island, in May, I was so pleased to see he was my instructor for both EFR and rescue! Every instructor there is truly amazing at what they do and Tim instructed in the perfect way that worked for me. He introduced me to the other instructors and really helped to make me feel at home and welcome. During my DMT I had 6 brilliant mentors, all of whom would help in any way they could. The full time dive masters were also fantastic role models and really helped to show myself and all the other DMTs the ins and outs of being a good dive master. The tech boys are one in a million, and were good enough to put up with me sitting in the tech shack for many hours on many occasions, boring them with meaningless stories and terrible jokes. The genuine highlights of my time there were the assists! Seeing the DM’s and instructors deals with all manner of situations in relaxed, confident and professional manners is really inspirational. The DMT challenge really put me through my (drinking) paces and I have Simmo to thank for making it such a fun night! (from what I remember that is). Dive at this school and you will not regret it for a second. All the instructors and DMs take the time to get to know their students and customers personally and won’t give up ANYONE. Upon completion of open water, I can guarantee the thought of continuing onto advanced will be playing on your mind. DO IT. Everything is better below 18meters! Once you do the advanced, you will be hooked. And it is safe to say, there are far worse things to be obsessed with. Obviously diving is the main attraction of this beautiful place, but in the evenings the bar is always buzzing, great food in the restaurant and once a week beer pong is held. Get involved! it is a great way to meet other people- especially if you are backpackers! Living on this island for 3months simply wasn’t long enough, so I will be back next year for the entire summer. Sorry guys, not got rid of me that quickly. Just read all of the other reviews and it speaks for its self…there is no place better than Big Blue. Happy diving!! Missing you all like mad. AliceKoh Tao Weather Forecast
Think you'll be happy to know that the weather has become beautiful & sunny again! All those English people wandering around the place in their jumpers & overcoats last week moaning about how cold wet & windy it was are now wandering round in the singlets & sunburnt sleeves moaning about how hot it is!. God Bless 'em! Forecast is good too so it looks like the bad weather is over now for a while & we'll be hearing heaps more posh people whinging about the heat! Pip Pip!
August 3, 2013
Swim For Sharks Round Nang Yuan Island
Don't miss out on the event of the year!!Only one week left until the Swim for Sharks!! The whole Swim for Sharks event is centred on involving the local community in active shark conservation and awareness. We came up with the event 4 years ago, and we donated our proceeds to Project AWARE, whose shark conservation action included driving interest in the recent CITES meeting. Due to the success of our event, we have been able in subsequent years to fund local projects, including a release program in Pattaya by Dive Tribe last year. As part of this project, Dive Tribe visit local restaurants and hotels and buy any captive sharks, which they then tagged and released in March this year. And as for us on Koh Tao, we set out to investigate the shark trade in local areas, including Koh Tao, Koh Samui and Chumphon. In general, we found no real trade in shark products and although a small number of sharks were turning up in markets and in restaurants, these where thought to have been caught on the Andaman coast, instead of in Koh Tao's waters as we feared. That said, we actually have very little information about the health of our shark populations and so we began the which using volunteer snorkelers we survey our reef shark populations. After hearing about what we were doing, the local fishermen wanted to get involved, and now we have a program started with them where if they accidentally catch sharks or rays, they bring to us where we have a tank to record and photograph them safely, then release back to the reef they were taken from. The information gathering is where we hope to expand on next, using Rototags to tag individual sharks, collect DNA samples for a global DNA database coordinated by Johanne Mourier of French Polynesia University. As well we want to teach the tagging techniques to the fishermen, so that they can perform the tagging themselves, putting less stress on the sharks during transportation. We want to also help increase awareness and education on shark conservation among divers and tourists in general, in a hope that people will not buy shark products, especially whilst visiting Thailand. Our event entails a sponsored swim, which last year had 73 participants. The swim is approximately 3.4 km long, around the island of Koh Nang Yuan. As well as this, we have an evening festival with local bands and international DJs, where the fundraising continues and the head shaving starts (it seems we have begun a tradition in shaving for sharks - many people raise money to shave a fin-like Mohawk into their heads!). Last year we raised a fantastic 127,000 baht, and this year we hope to raise more. We have decided to contribute the money raised to various charities:
15% to ECOOCEAN Whaleshark Monitoring Programme
20% to Fin Free Thailand (www.finfree.org)
50% to the Koh Tao Shark Project.
If you would like to help us raise money for these very worthy charities, and support the shark conservation work they do then come along and help. If you would like to do the swim, you can get sponsored by your friends and family. You don’t have to be Michael Phelps to participate, you can even wear fins and a mask if you would like! But if you want to really go for the win, you can and we have a serious competitor race starting 5 minutes before the fun swim.
There are 4 prizes donated by Shark Skin as well this year, and these will go to:
• 1st back from the competitive race
• 1st back with fins
• Person who raises the most sponsorship
• Swimmer with the best fancy dress
If you just want to come and support then that’s fine too, come along to our evening event at Maya Beach Club from 6pm, wehere there is a free BBQ and International DJs playing until the early hours. The fundraising continues here too with the head shaving and drink promotions!
If you're reading this from somewhere other than Koh Tao, then don't fear, you can still get involved! Organis your own Swim for Sharks and get in contact with us how to transfer any money you raise. Or ifg you want to donate then fantastic!! Just go to our booking website here and enter how much you would like to donate, then in the comments section specify that it is for the Swim for Sharks.
Thanks and hopefully see you on August 10th!
August 1, 2013
7 Newly certified SSI Scuba Instructors
Congratulations to our in House Instructor Trainers Simon Garrity & Paul 'Tosh' Tanner for maintaining their 100% record when it comes to new Scuba Diving Instructors! 7 SSI Instructor candidates & 7 brand new fully certified SSI Instructors today! And apparently every single Instructor they have ever certified is actually still working in the Dive business which means that not only are these candidates happy with their career choices but that all of them have been able to get work in Diving! Says alot about SSI. The fastest growing Scuba organisation in the world with jobs available in almost every country you can imagine. Sun, sea, scuba, Best job in the World? You bet your ass!
One of the Best Experiences of my Life
A friend and I didn't have a diving course booked when we arrived in Koh Tao but we saw great reviews so we thought we'd give Big Blue a go. Arrived at 4pm and were signed up for the 5pm Open Water certification that day. I can say that this was one of the best experiences of my life. Our instructor Guy was FANTASTIC! After the four dives we had time to spare and were excited to take on the Advance certification over the next two days (5 specialised dives to be certified in). The Open Water was great but it was just a taste of what you can see & explore on the Advance course. I would recommend it to anyone if you have the time. Overall an awesome experience at Big Blue diving and very professional. Thailands Most Popular Tourist Island
A picture postcard beach on one of Thailand's most popular tourist islands is now the focus of frantic efforts to staunch a tide of oil sweeping ashore. Where pleasure seekers would normally relax on pristine white sand, sandwiched between two lush green headlands, now white-coated cleanup crew smeared with crude oil from the shallow waters. Goblets of oil lie along the beach, a thin sheen covers much of the wet sand and oil-drenched booms lie like giant black snakes along the shoreline. The sea is a rust red color and the odor of fuel hangs heavy in the air. Not even a brisk onshore wind can keep the smell away. For the past four days crude has been washing up here and cleanup crews have been dealing with it the best way they can - pumping it into holding tanks, containing it with booms, even mopping it up with absorbent pads. Ao Prao beach on the island of Koh Samet is the main impact zone of the 50,000 liters of oil spilled during a faulty transfer operation between a tanker and a seabed pipeline on Saturday. About 600 soldiers, volunteers and workers from PTT Global Chemical, the partially state-owned oil giant that has claimed responsibility for the spill, are involved in the cleanup. A PTT spokesman says that 70% of the oil has been dealt with. The remaining crude will be "90% clear by Friday or Sunday at the latest.
July 30th, 2013
World Ocean Clean-up 27th September
Dear Jim, Big Blue Diving & Ocean Ambassadors around the world! Welcome to the biggest ecological diving family in the World. My name is Kristijan Curavic, I am a diver and the president of GUWAA (Global Under Water Awareness Association). In September 2013 we are organizing the biggest sea, lakes and rivers clean up in History. This global clean up is being organized in memory of Legendary Jacques-Yves Cousteau in Partnership with Prince Albert II Foundation of Monaco, Bernie Ecclestone Formula 1 CEO, GUWAA Patron Bianca Jagger and Francois Sarano a personal friend of Cousteau and former member and diver of Calypso. This clean up will be verified by Guinness Book of World Records and together with you we will make this officially the biggest water clean up in history with more than 80 countries participating. Become a part of history with us and make your diving centre an official GUWAA supporter, representative or an agent. Please join us on 27 September 2013 (time zone variations apply) in this incredible mission to preserve, protect and clean our most important life support element ”water” which is responsible for all life on Earth. This clean up will unite all countries, continents, people around the world to come together and fight for the same cause and same dream - Ocean preservation. As a diver you are also an ambassador - you speak for the sea and all life in it. Guwaa has started systematic clean up in the whole world during 2013 and this will continue for 3 years - at one point it will come to your country to organize clean up with your diving center.
Great acccommodation, food, location & Scuba Instructors
Had such a great time doing my advanced open water with big blue. My instructor Kyle Davis was so great he helped me so much with my two main issues, equalizing pressure and buoyancy. I feel like I am now a much improved diver! Big blue has great accommodation, food, location, and more, everything you would want from a scuba diving trip. Book accommodation before you get to Koh Tao
"Super duper busy" is how one person described it. Busier than a cop in a donut shop or Earls Court during a porn convention, its just gone mental here in Koh Tao & this is just the beginning of peak season. August actually gets busier though its hard to believe at this very moment. So I can't stress this enough if you are planning on visiting Koh Tao in August & you happen to be coinciding your visit either side of the Full Moon Party than you really must book something before you get here. Unless of course you fany sleeping on the beach or resting your head down in our mozzie ravaged classrooms! Use your head! Book a bed! Use your noggin, get your booking... in!
July 26, 2013
Sail Rock - Best Divesite in the Gulf of Thailand
Big Blue's going to Sail Rock TOMORROW! The weather has cleared up, and the sun is shining again! We are all excited to be heading out to this amazing dive site, and it's an opportunity you definitely don't want to miss out on! Come along and do 2 outstanding dives at Sail Rock & 1 dive at the beautiful Samran Pinnacle - one of Big Blue's best kept secrets. Experience diving with huge schools of bat fish, spanish mackerel, big-eyed trevally, colossal schools of barracuda...and maybe even a whaleshark! And don't even get me started on the sublime Thai cuisine - breakfast, lunch, unlimited soft drinks & just wait till you see the scrumptious chocolate brownies for dessert!
Our Scuba Diving Instructor was Incredible!
My wife and I have just started our year sabbatical and had been advised by fellow colleagues not to bother with any other dive company, but to go straight to Big Blue Diving. This advice turned out to be 100% accurate. Our instructor, Rich, was incredible. As two teachers in one of Londons top private schools, we feel very qualified to state that Rich has a natural talent for teaching. His knowledge and delivery thereof was second to none. His patience and ability to adapt his teaching style to the individuals in our group reflected excellent skills in differentiation. He made the course so exciting that we changed plans and stayed to complete our Advanced. We were also most fortunate to have Jeff doing his Dive Instructor training and so under the supervision of Rich, we had excellent instruction. The price for the courses was good and fair and the entire package is something that will make us want to return and do other courses. We will of course be, asking for Rich.Post Full Moon Party Rush
Right its going to be one heck of a busy day today so I've come in early to fill you in on the latest but I can't muck about it as time is of the essence so its one quick breath.... phooooooooooo &, Day after Full Moon party today, & its peak season so its officially the busiest day of the year next to the Full Moon Parties in August & New Year so maybe the 3rd busiest day of the year but still barmey busy so we got 4 Instructors meeting & greeting today, & they probably won't even get time to eat, & you thought being an Instructor was fun, & all our boats are full especially tomorrow as we have a Full Day trip planned to Sail Rock again & its sunny, hot & sunny, great viz, heaps of fish awesome diving, but no rooms, you should have booked but pop in here anyway & we'll see if there's anything we can do to help you out, which I'm sure there is as we are that helpful, & nice & professional, look forward to seeing you here soon!... and breathe!
July 25, 2013
Nang Yuan Island Swim for Sharks Appeal
Our Swim for Sharks a 3.4 km charity swim around the island of Nang Yuan to raise money & awareness for Shark protection is coming up in just a couple of weeks. Last year's winner, Big Blue Instructor Nick Bufton has been training for months and is looking forward to meeting the challengers for the 2013 title. He is feeling pretty confident about his swim this year too, and is hoping to win the title for most money raised for the charity as well. In fact he's so keen to win that he has promised to wear this fancy little number during the evening celebrations at Maya Beach bar. So calling all his old students, past Big Blue employees, or anyone who just wants to see him shake his stuff in this sexy one-piece, sponsor him for his swim!! To sponsor him contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will give you all the details.
A Qualtiy Dive Center in Koh Tao
“Highlight of our trip to Thailand!” Had never gone diving before, but had heard good things about it from friends. We chose Big Blue based on reviews, and arrived to do the two day Open Water course. We had such a good time, that we extended our stay on Koh Tao by five days and completed the advanced course and did fun dives too. We learned with Phil and Rich as our instructors, who were immeasurably patient with me when I had trouble equalising on some dives. Granted the quality of the dive school was high, the greatest return factor was Phil and Rich, who were extremely friendly, knowledgable about diving, and such a pleasure to be around that we went out with them more than once after the dives :) We will be back!
Orcas at Seaworld
Those who think that Orcas have great lives in SeaWorld are naive. In the wild, these animals swim 80 -100 miles a day across the oceans. They enjoy lifelong relationships in tight, close- knit family groups. (males never leave Mum, except to mate) All this natural behaviour is denied in SeaWorld, where they live in concrete & glass pools where their amazingly sensitive sonar is useless. Even some of those whales actually born as captives in SeaWorld have been separated from their mothers when young and moved onto other centres, the equivalent of a human child being torn from its mother and placed with strangers. The stress caused by lack of stable family relationships and confinement is immense. Those who support keeping these animals in captivity should watch the documentary 'Fall from Freedom' to see the true 'backstage' story of this industry. It does not make easy watching, but you will never want to see a captive whale or dolphin used for human entertainment again.
