Most visitors reach Koh Tao by ferry from mainland Thailand (e.g., Surat Thani, Chumphon) or from nearby islands like Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. Flights typically land in Surat Thani or Chumphon, followed by a bus or taxi to the ferry pier.

Koh Tao is a small island, and getting around is relatively easy. You can rent motorbikes (be cautious!), use songthaews (shared taxis), or walk to many dive shops and accommodations, especially around Sairee Beach.

Many dive schools provide boat transportation to various dive sites around the island as part of their courses and fun dives. For independent exploration, songthaews are a common option.

No, there are no direct ferries from Bangkok to Koh Tao. You'll need to travel to a southern pier like Chumphon or Surat Thani first, usually by overnight train or bus, or by flying to a nearby airport.

The journey from Bangkok to Koh Tao typically takes around 8-12 hours, depending on your mode of transport (flight + ferry, or overnight bus/train + ferry).

Koh Tao is famous for its affordable dive certifications. An Open Water Diver course can range from $300-$400 USD, making it one of the cheapest places globally to get certified.

It's highly recommended to book your dive courses in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and preferred dive school. Many schools offer easy online booking.

You can get certified for Open Water Diver (18m), Advanced Explorer (30m), Rescue Diver, and even Divemaster courses. Many schools offer packages combining multiple certifications.

While there aren't typically 'entrance fees' for most dive sites, some national marine parks or specific conservation areas might have small charges. Your dive operator usually includes these in the course or fun dive price.

Roctopus Dive is frequently praised for its friendly staff, excellent instructors like Katie, Susi, Keli, Georgia, and Trinh, and a strong focus on safety and environmental awareness. +2

Divers often encounter large shoals of fish, including barracudas, as well as spotted rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful corals. Whale sharks are also occasionally spotted.

Key dive sites include Pinnacle, Sail Rock, Tanote Bay, and Hin Pee Wee (shipwreck). Each offers unique underwater landscapes and marine life. +1

Absolutely! Koh Tao is world-renowned for its beginner-friendly dive sites and affordable certification courses, making it ideal for those new to diving.

Visibility can vary, but it's generally good, often ranging from 10-30 meters. However, some sites can experience reduced visibility due to silt kicked up by divers.

Yes, snorkeling is also a great option in Koh Tao. Many bays and near-shore areas offer excellent snorkeling opportunities to see marine life.

Sites like Pinnacle and Sail Rock are excellent for capturing large schools of fish and diverse marine life. Tanote Bay also offers good opportunities for macro and wide-angle shots. +1

Yes, with a waterproof case or housing, you can capture impressive underwater photos and videos with your smartphone, as demonstrated by many creators.

While many divers use professional underwater cameras like the Canon R10, dive schools are accustomed to divers using various equipment, from GoPros to smartphones. +1

Whale sharks are occasionally spotted in Koh Tao waters, offering a rare and incredible opportunity for photographers.

Focus on capturing the vibrant colors of the coral and marine life. Be mindful of your buoyancy to avoid damaging the reef and disturbing the environment.