When it comes to exploring the underwater wonders of the Gulf of Thailand, diving Koh Samui probably springs to mind, however, the truth is that diving Koh Samui is really not very good. The waters around Koh Samui are very shallow and very silty so diving here is actually very disappointing which is why diving enthusiasts often find themselves making the journey to Koh Tao for a more authentic experience. But of course it is possible to dive from Samui it just entails, a sure to be memorable, speedboat trip to Koh Tao.
From Samui to Koh Tao:
One of the first surprises that await divers heading out Koh Tao on a dive trip from Samui is the lengthy and bumpy speedboat journey. Clocking in at around four hours of travel time, there and back, this noisy and occasionally rough ride can be a less-than-ideal start to a diving adventure. Shared by multiple operators, each carrying only a handful of divers, the journey becomes both crowded and expensive.
Limited Dive Site Choice:
The shared speedboat rides from Koh Samui to Koh Tao result in a higher cost for divers, making it less economical compared to direct journeys from Koh Tao. Additionally, due to the different levels of experience of those diving, including novices, it means divers are often confined to exploring areas mainly dived on Koh Tao for training purposes. This limitation significantly diminishes the variety and excitement that divers seek in a destination known for its vibrant marine life.
Alternatives on Offer:
While Samui-based dive centers do offer trips to popular day trips such as Sail Rock and Angthong Marine Park, these alternatives come with their own set of challenges. Sail Rock trips, though available, tend to be more expensive from Samui than from Koh Tao, making them a less appealing option for budget-conscious divers. Angthong Marine Park, while stunning above the surface, offers relatively unspectacular and shallow dive sites below, as it’s very shallow and very green, leaving divers yearning for more.
The Koh Tao Solution:
To truly experience the best of diving around Samui, it appears that the most sensible solution is to head over to Koh Tao and make it a base for a night or two.
FUN DIVER 5 DIVE PACKAGE INCLUDING 1 NIGHT
Day 1- 7-11am – Hotel pick up from Samui to Koh Tao includes all your taxis and the Lomprayah High Speed Ferry. It is an early start but you should be all checked in to your room on Koh Tao by 11am.
12:30- 17:00 – Head out on the boat for 2 dives around the beautiful Koh Nang Yuan*. As spectacular above the water as it is below. Should have about an hour on land before the night dive.
18:00-20:00 – Head out to White Rock for the night dive**. Koh Tao’s best night dive.
Day 2- 6:30- 12:00 – Early start as we head out to 2 of Koh Tao’s best dive sites Chumphon Pinnacle and the Sattakut Wreck.
14:00- 18:00 – Koh Tao to Samui- Taxi from your hotel to the ferry to a taxi to your hotel. Home by 6pm.
KOH TAO PRICE ONLY 7,500Bt – KOH SAMUI PRICE 10,500Bt – SAVE 3,000Bt
* REFRESHER – If you haven’t dived for a year or more you may be asked to do a Refresher dive for an additional 1100Bt. Please check with us before.