1. Safety First – Always

Choose a dive center affiliated with a certified agency like PADI, SSI, or RAID. These centers follow global safety standards. Ask if the center is an official dive resort or training facility with the agency.

Inspect their rental equipment: Are the regulators clean and recently serviced? Are BCDs functioning properly? Good centers will gladly answer and show you.

Recommended group size: No more than 4 fun divers per guide, fewer for courses.

2. Vibe Check – People Matter

Koh Tao dive shops range from chill beach vibes to party boats or serious pro-training schools. Visit in person and trust your gut. Are the staff welcoming? Do they explain things clearly? Are they pushing you to sign up or giving you time to decide?

Choose a center where you feel relaxed and confident.

3. Location & Dive Sites

Most dive centers are located in Sairee, Mae Haad, or Chalok. Sairee is the busiest and most social, Chalok is quieter, and Mae Haad is central.

Ask how often they visit the best sites like Chumphon Pinnacle, Sail Rock, or Southwest Pinnacle. Not all dive centers go to these every day.

4. Transparent Pricing

Compare total prices, not just what's on the signboard.

• Is equipment rental included?
• Are dive computers available (and are they extra)?
• Any boat fuel surcharges or certification card fees?
• For courses: Does the price include pool sessions or confined water training?

Ask for a full price breakdown before booking.

5. Boats & Dive Logistics

Some centers have big boats with shaded decks and toilets; others use longtail or speedboats for fast access. Both are fine — but comfort, space, and safety matter.

• Are there oxygen kits and first aid on board?
• Do they set up and clean your gear for you?
• Are dry areas available for cameras or phones?

6. Equipment Quality

Koh Tao’s salt and sun are tough on gear — that’s why regular maintenance is key. Look for:

• New or well-maintained regulators and BCDs
• Wetsuits that fit and aren’t falling apart
• Computer rentals for safer diving

If you see moldy mouthpieces or mismatched gear — walk away.

7. Environmental Responsibility

Choose dive centers that care about the ocean:

• Do they use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid feeding/touching marine life?
• Are they involved in cleanups, coral restoration, or marine education?
• Do boats have trash bins and proper waste handling?

Koh Tao has amazing marine life — support the centers that protect it.

8. Languages & Communication

English is spoken everywhere, but many centers also offer courses and briefings in French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and more. Make sure you can understand your instructor clearly — especially for certification courses.

9. Read Recent Reviews

Check reviews on FindYourDive.com, Google, or TripAdvisor. Focus on recent experiences and look out for mentions of hidden costs, safety practices, and overall vibe.

Pro tip: Don’t just read 5-star or 1-star reviews. 3- and 4-star ones often give the most balanced info.

10. Ask Yourself This:

After walking in and chatting with the staff:

• Do I feel safe and welcomed?
• Are they giving me time to decide?
• Do they take time to explain how things work?

If the answer is yes — you’ve probably found your dive center.

Quick Checklist

• ✅ Certified by PADI/SSI/RAID
• ✅ Clean, maintained equipment
• ✅ Transparent pricing, no surprises
• ✅ Good vibes and friendly staff
• ✅ Visits top dive sites regularly
• ✅ Safety gear on boats
• ✅ Eco-responsible and respectful to marine life

Use our Dive Center Finder to compare options, read real reviews, and find the perfect match for your dive adventure in Koh Tao.