Diving in Koh Tao with The Dearly Dive-A PADI 5 Star Dive Resort
The Dearly Dive is a trusted PADI 5 Star Dive Resort and one of the best hostels in Koh Tao. We offer quality scuba diving courses, fun dives, and comfortable accommodation in one place. Located in the heart of the island, our Koh Tao hostel is ideal for travelers looking to explore the underwater world through certified PADI programs. With small group classes, experienced instructors, and access to top dive sites, we make diving in Koh Tao safe, fun, and unforgettable.
Our facilities are designed for your comfort and convenience. We feature clean, well-designed rooms, a vibrant common room and rooftop lounge for socializing, and an on-site swimming pool perfect for your dive training. As one of the top-rated Koh Tao hostels, we also offer a comfortable, air-conditioned classroom for your theory sessions and have a fantastic restaurant and cafe right on-site to keep you fueled and refreshed. From PADI diving Koh Tao courses to leisure stays, The Dearly Dive combines comfort, community, and world-class Koh Tao scuba diving in one convenient destination.
Why Choose The Dearly Dive
in Koh Tao
Certified and Experienced Dive Instructors
Our instructors are certified PADI professionals with years of experience in scuba diving on Koh Tao. Every team member is selected and trained to deliver high-quality instruction, helping you build confidence and skills from your first breath underwater to advanced diving certifications.
Safety Standards You Can Rely On
At The Dearly Dive, your safety comes first. We follow international dive safety protocols and use well-maintained diving equipment to ensure worry-free Koh Tao scuba diving experiences. From detailed briefings to emergency preparedness, we put safety at the center of every dive.
Comfort and Convenience from Hostel to Ocean – Koh Tao Hostel + Diving
Enjoy a seamless experience with our Koh Tao hostel and dive center in one location. Stay in comfort, attend classes in our on-site facility, and train in our pool before exploring the sea. It’s diving made simple—from your hostel in Koh Tao straight to the boat.
Small Group Sizes for Better Learning
We limit our PADI diving Koh Tao courses and fun dives to a maximum of four students per instructor. This approach ensures you get more attention, ask more questions, and build confidence at your own pace in every session.
International Standard with a Local Touch
At The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel and The Dearly Dive, your PADI diving Koh Tao journey is built on a dual foundation: adherence to the highest international safety and training standards, perfectly blended with the genuine warmth of Thai hospitality.
We are proud to feature highly qualified PADI instructors from around the globe, alongside a wonderful local Thai team. Beyond professional excellence, we champion inclusivity. We are particularly proud to be a women-led team and promote a member of LGBTQ+ community in many key roles, from our dive instructors to our hostel managers, fostering a strong, supportive environment especially for women entering the world of diving in Koh Tao. We also extend a heartfelt welcome to all members of the community, ensuring that everyone feels respected and safe during their Koh Tao diving adventure with us, making us one of the most welcoming hostels Koh Tao has to offer.
Eco-Friendly and Responsible Diving Practices
We are committed to marine conservation and promote eco-conscious diving practices. By educating our divers on coral-safe techniques and supporting local cleanup efforts, we help protect the marine beauty of Koh Tao scuba diving for future generations.
Programs for All Experience Levels
We offer a full range of PADI Koh Tao courses—from beginner to pro. Whether it’s Discover Scuba Diving, PADI Open Water, Advanced Open Water, or the Divemaster program, our team will guide you through every step with professionalism and care.
The Dearly Dive Boat – Clean, Spacious, and Reliable for Koh Tao Diving
Our dedicated dive boat is designed for comfort, safety, and efficiency. It’s new, clean, spacious, and equipped with everything you need for a smooth trip to Koh Tao’s best scuba diving sites. Dive with confidence, from deck to depth.
PADI Diving Courses and Programs at The Dearly Dive
The Dearly Dive offers a full selection of PADI-certified programs tailored to all experience levels. From introductory experiences to advanced certifications, our courses are conducted in small groups by experienced instructors, ensuring a safe and structured learning environment. New divers and those working toward professional certification will find our PADI diving courses in Koh Tao designed to guide and support their growth with expertise and care.
PADI Open Water Course
Take your first step toward becoming a certified diver. The PADI Open Water course teaches you the fundamentals of scuba diving, including theory, pool training, and four open water dives. Once completed, you'll be certified to dive up to 18 meters anywhere in the world.
PADI Advanced Open Water Course
Build on your existing certification with the PADI Advanced Open Water course. Choose from a variety of adventure dives, such as deep diving, navigation, wreck diving, or underwater photography and improve your skills while exploring new depths.
Discover Scuba Diving
Not ready to commit to a full course? Discover Scuba Diving offers a safe and guided introduction to scuba diving without certification. It’s the perfect way to experience the thrill of diving and explore the ocean with close instructor supervision.
Fun Dives in koh tao
Already certified? Join our guided fun dives in Koh Tao and explore over 20 diverse dive sites across the island. From coral gardens to reef pinnacles, our experienced dive guides will help you uncover the hidden gems of this underwater paradise.
Emergency First Response (EFR)
Learn critical life-saving skills through the EFR course. You’ll gain hands-on knowledge in CPR, first aid, and emergency response techniques—essential for divers who want to be better prepared and more confident in emergency situations.
PADI Rescue Diver course
Elevate your diving skills with the PADI Rescue Diver course. This program focuses on identifying, preventing, and managing dive emergencies through realistic scenarios and practical exercises. It’s an empowering course that increases both safety and confidence underwater.
PADI DiveMaster Program
Turn your passion into a profession with the PADI Divemaster course in Koh Tao. This intensive program trains you to assist instructors, lead certified divers, and take on leadership roles in the diving industry. You’ll build advanced dive skills, deepen your knowledge, and open the door to global career opportunities in scuba diving.
Explore Koh Tao’s Best Dive Sites with The Dearly Dive
Koh Tao is a world-renowned diving destination, attracting divers of all levels with its accessible waters, vibrant ecosystems, and spectacular coral reefs. At The Dearly Dive, we take pride in providing guided access to the island’s most iconic and diverse scuba diving sites. Whether you’re training for a certification or simply enjoying fun dives, each underwater journey offers something new to explore.
Over 20 Dive Sites to Discover
Our certified dive guides lead daily trips to more than 20 incredible dive sites around Koh Tao. Each site is carefully chosen based on your level, sea conditions, and points of interest. Some favorites include:
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Chumphon Pinnacle – A deeper site known for schools of barracuda and occasional whale shark sightings.
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White Rock – Perfect for all levels, with sandy patches, coral reefs, and abundant marine life.
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Hin Wong Bay – Known for massive boulder formations and excellent visibility.
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Japanese Gardens – A shallow, protected site ideal for beginners and underwater photography.
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Green Rock & Red Rock – Great for adventure dives with swim-throughs and exciting terrain.
Marine Life and Coral Reefs
Scuba diving in Koh Tao offers up-close encounters with a rich variety of marine species. Depending on the site and season, you may see:
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Sea turtles calmly gliding through reef channels
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Blacktip reef sharks cruising in the shallows
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Colorful nudibranchs, clownfish, triggerfish, and groupers
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Occasional visits from giant trevallies and whale sharks
Our dive professionals follow responsible practices to ensure every interaction respects the reef and marine life.
Ideal Conditions for All Levels – Koh Tao Scuba Diving for Beginners & Pros
With calm waters, good visibility (often 15–30 meters), and mild currents, Koh Tao offers the ideal environment for all types of divers. The wide range of depths and bottom profiles makes it easy to tailor each dive to your skill level—whether you’re on your very first PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience or working toward your Advanced Open Water certification.
Our Approach to Dive Planning- Koh Tao Diving Preparation
Before each dive, our team provides detailed briefings that cover site maps, marine life, and safety protocols. We match groups based on experience level, and we always dive in small groups for comfort and safety. Our dive schedules are flexible and designed to help you explore the best of Koh Tao scuba diving at the right pace.
How to Get Started with
The Dearly Dive
Join a PADI Course in Koh Tao
Step-by-Step Guide
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Choose Your Program - Browse our list of PADI courses Koh Tao offers, from beginner certifications to advanced specialties or exciting fun dives. Pick the one that fits your skill level and goals, and don't forget to ask about our fantastic dive and stay packages with The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel for a seamless and value-packed experience!
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Get in Touch - Contact our team via email, website form, or social media to check availability and ask any questions.
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Secure Your Spot - Once your dates are confirmed, we’ll guide you through the easy booking process.
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Check In at The Dearly Hostel - Arrive on Koh Tao and check in at our on-site hostel for a convenient dive and stay experience.
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Meet Your Instructor and Begin Training - Start your theory session, confined pool training, and open water dives—step by step, with full guidance.
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Get Certified or Dive for Fun - Complete your course and receive your official PADI certification, or enjoy exploring the island’s top dive sites.
Do’s and Don’ts for
Diving in Koh Tao
Do’s
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Listen carefully to your instructor. Safety briefings and dive plans are essential for a smooth and enjoyable dive.
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Use reef-safe sunscreen or wear a rash guard to protect both your skin and the coral reef.
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Stay hydrated and well-rested before your dive. Your body performs better underwater when it's well cared for.
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Respect marine life. Observe but never touch, chase, or feed sea creatures.
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Equalize frequently during descent to avoid discomfort or injury.
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Follow the buddy system. Always dive with a partner and communicate regularly.
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Log your dives. Keep track of your experience and progress, especially for certification purposes.
Don’ts
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Don’t touch coral or marine animals. Even the slightest contact can damage fragile reef systems or provoke defensive behavior.
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Don’t dive if you feel unwell, hungover, or overly tired. Diving requires full focus and physical readiness.
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Don’t use regular sunscreen. Many products contain chemicals that are harmful to coral reefs—opt for reef-safe alternatives.
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Don’t ascend too quickly. Always follow your instructor’s guidance for a safe and controlled ascent.
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Don’t remove anything from the ocean. Take only photos, leave only bubbles.
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Don’t ignore your air gauge. Monitoring your air and depth regularly is key to a safe dive.
What Clients Say – Diving in Koh Tao Reviews from Real Guests
At The Dearly Dive, our greatest reward is the trust and joy shared by our guests. From first-time divers to seasoned adventurers, we’ve had the honor of welcoming ocean lovers from all over the world. Here’s what they have to say about their PADI Koh Tao experience with us :
Sanne Vdl
"Best experience! I’ve always been scared in deep water but Julian (the instructor) was super calm and explained everything well before, during & after the dives which helped a lot. He even brought his GoPro to take some amazing pics and video’s of us!!! Ended up also doing my Advanced Course, really recommend."
Marta Escudeiro
"I just finished my open water certification with the accommodation on the 6 bed... The place is really clean and well maintained. My instructor Aaron was great! Super detailed in what was important, very clear and took it light. Everything seemed easy! The classroom for the theory is super pleasant as well. I did everything in 2 days and a half with plenty of free time. Couldn’t recommend it enough!"
Olivia S.
"I loved this hostel! It’s in a great location... The hostel itself is very clean and well done... I also went scuba diving with The Dearly and had a great experience! Their equipment is high quality, very nice boat, and wonderful staff. Overall I highly recommend!!"
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need experience to try scuba diving?
No prior experience is needed. Our Discover Scuba Diving program and PADI Open Water are designed for first-time divers. You'll receive a full safety briefing and be guided underwater by a certified PADI instructor.
2. How long does the PADI Open Water course take?
The PADI Open Water Diver course usually takes 3 to 4 days. It includes classroom theory, pool training, and four open water dives at local dive sites.
3. Is scuba diving safe for beginners?
Yes. At The Dearly Dive, we follow strict international safety protocols and keep our classes small to provide close, personalized supervision throughout your dive.
4. Can I dive with you even if I’m not staying at the hostel?
Yes. While many of our guests stay at The Dearly Hostel for convenience, our dive programs are open to all certified and non-certified divers. You can stay anywhere and can still take courses with The Dearly Dive.
5. What is the visibility like in Koh Tao?
Koh Tao diving conditions are excellent year-round, with visibility typically ranging between 15 to 30 meters, depending on weather and dive site.
6. Can I dive if I have a medical condition?
A diver medical questionnaire needs to be completed before starting the course or diving.
https://www.thedearlykohtaohostel.com/_files/ugd/7d2674_7e2f14583b1e4415838aac80742e4edf.pdf
7. What should I bring for diving?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and a reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin and the marine environment. We provide all diving equipment and learning materials.
