After a stint in Khao Lak, it feels fantastic to be back on Koh Tao, or as we island dwellers affectionately call it, “The Rock.” My days were consumed at Big Blue Diving Khao Lak, immersing myself daily in the underwater wonders of the Similan Islands. No doubt, the Similans boast some of the planet’s premier dive spots, but there’s a particular charm about Koh Tao that tugs at my diving heartstrings. Allow me to explain…

It all boils down to lifestyle.

While the western shores teem with incredible aquatic life, the eastern side boasts an even more incredible life above the waterline. Four years ago, I made the move to Koh Tao, and there’s been no looking back. The island’s ambiance, a harmonious blend of laid-back vibes and lively soirées, captivated me. Tao, with its absence of the pandemonium seen at Koh Pha-Ngan’s full moon revelry, offers serene sunset bars and even clubs that dance till dawn. Unlike the commercial hustle of Samui, Tao embraces a more authentic vibe, yet you can savor a top-notch steak dinner. Koh Tao never sleeps, and there’s always a vibrant crowd to share the adventures with.

Khao Lak, a diver’s utopia, seems to wind down post-dive. Most visitors there are vacationers rather than intrepid travelers, diving during the day and retreating to their hotels. Dive staff often toil away or embark on live-aboard adventures, leaving the town’s lone bustling bar with a modest gathering. Don’t get me wrong, I cherished my time in Khao Lak, and that one trendy bar held its allure, but there’s a unique energy on Koh Tao that I’ve yet to encounter anywhere else. It’s the only place I’ve ever lived where the prospect of returning home after a holiday genuinely thrilled me.

For those grappling with the choice of diving in Khao Lak’s Similan Islands or Koh Tao, let me lay out the facts. There are no Open Water Courses to the Similan Islands. It’s a little too challenging for students and potentially environmentally damaging to coral. The Similan courses come at a premium—nearly twice the cost, with accommodations following suit. On Koh Tao, you’ll likely find an Open Water Course starting every day with a lively bunch, fostering a dynamic group dynamic. Similan courses, on the other hand, often cater to just one or two individuals. Some may see this as a plus, but many dive shops worldwide can arrange a private instructor if requested.

Now, about the diving itself. While the Similans typically steal the spotlight for superior underwater experiences, Koh Tao can offer dives on par—it’s just a tad more elusive. Our underwater visibility hovers between 10-15 meters, whereas the Similans boast a customary 20-25 meters. Koh Tao usually delivers good diving, occasionally even spectacular, but those rare days with 30-meter visibility and vibrant marine life are pure magic. We also have more whaleshark encounters on Koh Tao than over 90% of dive destinations in the world, an experience that, in my humble diver’s opinion, ranks among life’s coolest.

So, to those pondering the east coast versus west coast dilemma, I propose a novel idea—do both. Instead of shelling out a hefty 18000 for your Similan open water experience, start with your Open Water certification in Koh Tao. Bask in the island’s atmosphere a bit longer, then venture over for some fun dives in the Similans. The cost? A mere 12,000 for the OW, plus 4 days of exhilarating diving in Khao Lak, onboard our Liveaboard the Blue Dolphin. It’s only a little more than you’d pay staying in a hotel and eating 1st class cuisine every day, and you’ll triple your dives while relishing the nightlife of Koh Tao and the underwater marvels of the Similans. (Note: The Similan Islands are accessible only from November to May; diving is off-limits outside these months.)

Ultimately, the choice isn’t a make-or-break one. Just plunge beneath the waves, and I guarantee you’ll fall head over fins in love!