Scuba Diving Around Koh Samui: Beginner's Guide

How diving works from Koh Samui

Koh Samui itself has few good dive sites directly off its beaches. Dive trips usually leave by boat, often early in the morning, and visit sites at nearby islands and pinnacles. Some operators start courses in a swimming pool before the open-water dives. A day trip normally includes two dives.

Try-dive or full course?

Introductory try-dive

A short session for people who have never dived. After a briefing and some practice in shallow water, you make a shallow dive with an instructor close by. It is a good way to see whether you enjoy diving.

Entry-level course

A course of several days covering theory, skills practice and open-water dives. When you finish, you can dive with a buddy to a limited depth around the world. Many visitors combine a course with their holiday, or travel to Koh Tao, which is well known for dive training.

Main dive areas

• Sail Rock (Hin Bai): a rock pinnacle between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, known for large schools of fish and a vertical swim-through often called the chimney. It is usually reached by boat and suits divers with some experience, depending on conditions.
• Koh Tao: many sites for beginners and experienced divers, around an hour or more away by boat.
• Ang Thong: dive spots within the marine park, which follows the park’s seasonal closure (usually around 1 November to mid-December).

Whale sharks

Whale sharks are sometimes seen around deep pinnacles such as Sail Rock. Many guides suggest March to May as a good window, but sightings are never guaranteed, and some dive centres point out that there is no fixed season. Treat a sighting as a lucky bonus.

How to prepare

• Check that your travel insurance covers scuba diving.
• Be honest on the medical form and see a doctor if you are unsure.
• Do not fly for at least the period your dive operator recommends after diving.
• Avoid alcohol the night before and stay well hydrated.
• If you get seasick, ask about medication before the boat trip.

Choosing a dive operator

Look for small groups, well-maintained equipment, clear briefings and instructors who speak your language well. Ask how many students each instructor takes, whether oxygen and first aid are on board, and what happens if a trip is cancelled because of the weather. Recent independent reviews help.