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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: THB
- Languages: Thai, English, Chinese
- Climate: Tropical
- Timezone: Asia/Bangkok
- Population: Approximately 1,500 residents
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is February to April for dry weather.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from many countries, including the US, EU, and UK, can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days by air or 15 days by land. Visa on arrival is available for certain nationalities, and e-visa options exist for longer stays or specific purposes. Travelers should have a passport valid for at least six months, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds. It is recommended to check the latest Thai embassy guidelines before travel.
About Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and laid-back atmosphere. It stands out as a premier destination for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, offering some of the best underwater experiences in Southeast Asia. Beyond its aquatic appeal, Koh Tao captivates visitors with stunning viewpoints, pristine beaches, and a friendly, relaxed vibe that attracts backpackers and luxury travelers alike. The island’s compact size makes it easy to explore by scooter or on foot, revealing hidden coves, lively beach bars, and charming local villages. Its natural beauty combined with affordable accommodations and a welcoming community make Koh Tao a unique tropical getaway. Visitors come not only for adventure but also to unwind in a serene environment that balances nature and vibrant island life.
Top Attractions
1. Shark Bay – Famous for snorkeling with harmless blacktip reef sharks in shallow waters. 2. Ao Leuk Bay – A beautiful beach with clear water and excellent snorkeling opportunities. 3. John-Suwan Viewpoint – Offers panoramic views of the island’s bays and lush hills. 4. Hin Wong Bay – A popular dive site with diverse marine life and coral formations. 5. Sairee Beach – The longest beach on the island, known for its nightlife, restaurants, and sunset views.
Popular Activities
Koh Tao offers world-class scuba diving courses and snorkeling adventures to explore vibrant coral reefs. Visitors can hike to scenic viewpoints, kayak along the coastline, or enjoy rock climbing. The island also hosts yoga retreats and cooking classes for cultural immersion. Nightlife includes beach parties and live music. Fishing trips and boat tours to nearby islands provide additional recreational options.
Koh Tao Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Gulf of Thailand
- Duration Range: Koh Tao offers world-class scuba diving courses and snorkeling adventures to explore vibrant coral reefs. Visitors can hike to scenic viewpoints, kayak along the coastline, or enjoy rock climbing. The island also hosts yoga retreats and cooking classes for cultural immersion. Nightlife includes beach parties and live music. Fishing trips and boat tours to nearby islands provide additional recreational options.
- Group Size: Private or shared tours
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is February to April for dry weather. Pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, and insect repellent. Respect local customs by dressing modestly when visiting temples. Stay hydrated and be cautious when swimming or diving. Use cash as many places do not accept cards. Always negotiate taxi fares beforehand and avoid single-use plastics to protect the environment.
Average Tour Price: $80
Lowest Price Tour: $55
Highest Price Tour: $220
42 Available Tour Excursions in Koh Tao
Treasure Island Challenge is a unique six-hour fully immersive experience that will take adventurers across the stunning island of Koh Tao on a quest to find its hidden treasure. Teams of no more than twelve, will be led across Koh Tao on a full-day adventure in which they will; * Solve clues that will take them across the island * Meet friendly locals to help in the quest * Visit charming beaches & secret coves * Snorkel for clues amongst stunning marine life * Visit wonderful viewpoints where the whole island can be seen * Sample delicious local food and drinks throughout the day * And find the Treasure! Adventurers will visit four different beaches during the day and will be taken to two different viewpoints. It’s a fun day out and a great way to discover the island.
Price: $62.79
Duration: 6 hours
This globally-recognized certification program is the best way to begin your life-long adventure as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.
Price: $376.72
Duration: 72 hours
At Scubadoo we provided the best experiences and services to all the customers. Basic diver course designed for people who only have short time on Koh Tao and you still be able to have underwater experiences. Also we providing picture and videos.
Price: $141.27
Duration: 24 hours
Dreaming of exploring the underwater world? Our PADI Open Water course is perfect for beginners looking to take their first steps into scuba diving! Located in the breathtaking dive sites of Koh Tao, Thailand, this course offers the ideal mix of classroom learning, in-water training, and hands-on experience. You’ll be guided by our expert instructors who will ensure you feel confident and safe as you learn essential scuba diving skills. With small group sizes and personalized attention, you’ll quickly become comfortable in the water, exploring the vibrant marine life of Koh Tao. Complete your certification and unlock a lifetime of diving opportunities. Ready to dive in? Sign up today and start your exciting underwater adventure!
Price: $423.81
Duration: 72 hours
Experience the beauty of the Ko Nang Yuan on a snorkeling tour from Koh Tao. Discover shoals of fish and sea turtles as you explore the vibrant underwater world, followed by a delicious lunch box set.
Price: $6.28
Duration: 6 hours
Set sail on a vintage wooden boat for an unforgettable adventure around Koh Tao. Snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard at six stunning spots, including Nangyuan Island, Japanese Gardens, and the serene Ao Muong Beach. Discover the vibrant marine life at Hin Wong Bay, where sardines and trevally fish often play. At Aow Leuk Beach, swim among diverse fish and small harmless sharks. Explore Shark Bay, where blacktip reef sharks and sea turtles glide just beneath the surface. Throughout the journey, relax in comfort on board with the convenience of a restroom. Enjoy a buffet lunch with panoramic views and unwind with a sunset BBQ dinner and Virgin Mojito Mocktail. Ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers, this tour offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation in Koh Tao.
Price: $71.71
Duration: 8 hours
Escape the crowds on an exclusive morning snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao. Discover vibrant coral reefs at Tao Thong Bay and Freedom Bay. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Ao Leuk and witness marine life at Shark Bay. Enjoy a delicious Thai lunch onboard as you return. • Snorkel vibrant coral gardens on an exclusive Koh Tao adventure • Escape the crowds with this intimate group experience • Be the first to explore Koh Tao's pristine morning waters • Discover secluded underwater realms at Tao Thong & Freedom Bay • Savor a fresh, authentic Thai lunch onboard the Oxygen
Price: $31.80
Duration: 4 hours
What sets our tour apart is the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Start the fun by jumping into the crystal-clear waters straight from the boat! You’ll also enjoy a thrilling water slide right on board. Swim with colorful fish, explore vibrant coral reefs, and encounter graceful green turtles in stunning spots like Mango Bay, Hin Wong Bay, and Shark Bay. Our friendly crew makes sure you have a blast, with personalized service every step of the way. Book now for an unforgettable day of adventure and fun!
Price: $26.68
Duration: 6-7 hours
PADI Open Water Diver course is the most popular diving course in the world! Open for yourself amazing underwater world and learn how to interact with living coral reefs and aquatic life! PADI Open Water Diver certificate is your ticket to any underwater environment in the world. Get certified just in 3 days.
Price: $335.60
Duration: 72 hours
The SSI Advanced Adventurer course gives you a chance to sample various specialty courses if you haven’t found the ones you want to take. This course has 5 dives including a deep dive, which means that after this course you can dive down to a maximum of 30 meters. The Advanced Adventurer takes 2-3 days depending on the conditions and the dives you want to do. Our recommendation for your SSI Advanced Adventurer Course Dives: Perfect Buoyancy: Improve your buoyancy control is the basis for all diving. Navigation: Learn to plan your dives and finding your way back to the boat under water. Deep: Dive your plan, and you will be certified to dive to a maximum of 30 meters. Wreck: Go explore the HTMS Sattakut wreck and learn the basics of wreck diving! Night: When the sun sleep the nocturnal marine life emerges. Enjoy a different world!
Price: $313.94
Duration: 48 hours
Let the sea set you free !! We offer you a freedom to escape the crowds on your semi private boat which is limited not more than 30 people. Snorkelling mask is included to explore the best spots of a beautiful underwater world : stunning coral , colourful marine life in a crystal clear and warm water at the coasts of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan which are well-known for. Finish the trip with the amazing sunset and mocktail on board.
Price: $53.37
Duration: 7 hours
Our Open Water experience will take your breath away. Literally speaking you'll be breathing from a tank, so you'll be able to breath, just not the way you’re used to. One of our knowledgeable staff will welcome you into our cozy dive school on the paradise island of Koh Tao. You'll get your measurements taken and dressed up with our brand new equipment to ensure you are as comfortable as can possible. The Open Water is a 4-day course and it includes 1 pool session and 4 dives. Your instructor will show you educational videos, take you through an extensive safety briefing and tell you the do's and dont's of diving, as well as explain a little bit about what to expect. The day after you have completed your pool session, you will be whisked off to our state of the art dive boat (showers, sun deck, lots of space, refreshments, all included in the price) where you'll make the trip to one of the many dive sites Koh Tao has to offer.
Price: $408.12
Duration: 72 hours
Your first certification is a license to learn more! Performance-based, after this course you will have the knowledge and skills to plan and execute a dive to a maximum of 18 meters with a certified buddy. Day 1 - Academics + Diving Meet your instructor, fellow students and start the first academic session. Short break for lunch before jumping into your confined skills session for the afternoon. Day 2 - Academics + Diving Skills Start academic session in the morning before heading for the afternoon boat for confined water training skills dives 1 and 2 with a maximum depth of 12m at 2 different dive sites around Koh Tao. Day 3 - Diving + Exam Enjoy 2 dives at a maximum depth of 18 meters, which is the maximum allowed for an open water diver! On some of the best dive sites around Koh Tao, last day is purely fun diving, no training, no exercises, just diving! After completing your last 2 dives we will be doing the final exam at the school!
Price: $345.33
Duration: 72 hours
In only 3 days, learn how to dive while feeling comfortable and in control under water. The Open Water course is the first step for any person who wishes to learn how to dive, including the knowledge and basic skills in order to having a safe and comfortable diving experience. Our instructors will be there for you, they´ll teach you everything you need to know about diving, providing confidence and safety, so when you finish your course, you´ll be an autonomous diver certified to go down to 18 meters anywhere in the world… For the rest of your life!
Price: $354.18
Duration: 60 hours
Explore the coral reefs around Koh Tao aboard the islands' best snorkeling boat. Onboard water slide, climbing wall, diving board, floating sun beds, air-con cabin and experienced multi-lingual tour guides. Visit all the best spots around Koh Tao and hike up to the amazing Nag Yuan viewpoint - one of the most iconic views in Thailand.
Price: $23.55
Duration: 7 hours
Every day a different dive site. Doesn’t matter if you are diving in the morning or afternoon. We planned a schedule that allows our divers to discover various dive sites on Koh Tao It is a great option if you are coming to the island for fun diving.
Price: $69.07
Duration: 24 hours
This course will help you feel more confident underwater, deepen your experience, improve dive planning, expand your depth limits to 30 meters and allow you to explore new underwater activities under the guidance of an experienced PADI instructor such as Ship Wrecks, Night dives, Dreft dives atc.
Price: $321.99
Duration: 48 hours
A one and tailor made experience for those who have never dived and have the intentions of discovering the submarine world, but maybe don´t have the time to finish an open water course (3 days). The Try Scuba program includes 2 immersions, one in shallow waters in which you’ll learn a few basic skills to make you feel more comfortable, and another in open waters at a maximum depth of 12 meters, so you can enjoy this wonderful experience at its best.
Price: $109.88
Duration: 6 hours
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2. Check Details
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3. Book Online
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4. Enjoy Your Experience
Join the tour and create unforgettable memories in Koh Tao.
Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Local cuisine features fresh seafood, traditional Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Som Tum (papaya salad), and Massaman curry. Street food stalls and beachside restaurants serve grilled fish, mango sticky rice, and tropical fruits. Noteworthy dining spots include Barracuda Restaurant for seafood and The Gallery for fusion cuisine. Dining customs emphasize sharing dishes and enjoying meals in a relaxed, communal atmosphere.
Getting Around
Koh Tao is accessible mainly by ferry from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and the mainland. Once on the island, transportation options include motorbike rentals, taxis, and songthaews (shared pickup trucks). Walking is feasible in some areas. Motorbikes are the most popular and economical way to get around. Ferry and taxi prices are generally affordable, but it is advisable to book in advance during peak seasons.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is February to April for dry weather. Pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, and insect repellent. Respect local customs by dressing modestly when visiting temples. Stay hydrated and be cautious when swimming or diving. Use cash as many places do not accept cards. Always negotiate taxi fares beforehand and avoid single-use plastics to protect the environment.
Culture & Customs
Koh Tao’s culture blends traditional Thai customs with a laid-back island lifestyle. Politeness and respect are important; always greet with a wai (a slight bow with hands pressed together). Remove shoes before entering homes or temples. Major festivals include Songkran (Thai New Year) in April, celebrated with water fights and cultural events. Visitors should avoid public displays of anger or disrespect and dress modestly in religious sites.
