Koh Tao Dive School Comparison (2026)
Find Your Perfect School
Compare prices, ratings, class sizes, and vibes across 8 of Koh Tao's top dive schools. Sort by what matters most to you.
Choosing the right dive school on Koh Tao can make or break your diving experience. With over 50 schools on this tiny island, the decision is overwhelming. Price is just one factor — class sizes, equipment quality, accommodation packages, location, and the overall vibe matter just as much. A school that's perfect for a solo backpacker chasing the social scene might be wrong for someone who wants quiet, personalized instruction.
We've compared 8 of Koh Tao's most popular and reputable dive schools across 12 key attributes. Use the filters and sorting to find the school that matches your priorities — whether that's the lowest price, the smallest class size, or the best Google reviews from real divers.
Jake has spent 3 years living in Thailand, earned his PADI Divemaster on Koh Tao, and has visited every province in the country. He writes about diving, adventure activities, and island life.
Last verified: February 22, 2026
| School | Open Water | Advanced | Divemaster | Max | Equipment | Accommodation | Rating | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9,000 THB~$254 | 8,000 THB~$225 | 25,000 THB~$704 | 3:1 | 3.5/5 | Not included | 4.9 | Chalok Baan Kao | |
9,500 THB~$268 | 8,500 THB~$239 | 28,000 THB~$789 | 4:1 | 4/5 | Dorm included | 4.8 | Sairee Beach | |
9,900 THB~$279 | 9,000 THB~$254 | 30,000 THB~$845 | 4:1 | 4.5/5 | Available (extra) | 4.7 | Sairee Beach (north) | |
10,000 THB~$282 | 9,000 THB~$254 | 30,000 THB~$845 | 4:1 | 4/5 | Available | 4.7 | Chalok Baan Kao | |
Mango BayRemote, nature-focused | 9,800 THB~$276 | 8,800 THB~$248 | 28,000 THB~$789 | 3:1 | 4/5 | Bungalows included | 4.7 | Mango Bay (remote) |
10,500 THB~$296 | 9,500 THB~$268 | 32,000 THB~$901 | 4:1 | 5/5 | Resort-style available | 4.6 | Sairee + Mae Haad | |
9,500 THB~$268 | 8,500 THB~$239 | 27,000 THB~$761 | 4:1 | 3.5/5 | Dorm included | 4.6 | Mae Haad | |
10,800 THB~$304 | 9,500 THB~$268 | 35,000 THB~$986 | 4:1 | 4.5/5 | Included | 4.5 | Sairee + Chalok |
Scuba Junction
Boutique, personalized
Buddha View
Chill, eco-conscious
Ban's Diving
Professional, international
New Heaven
Eco-focused, conservation
Mango Bay
Remote, nature-focused
Crystal Dive
Large, professional
Davy Jones Locker
Budget-friendly, chill
Big Blue Diving
Party, social, backpacker
Prices are approximate and may vary by season. Last checked February 2026. All schools listed are PADI-certified unless noted. Contact schools directly for current pricing.
Want the full story? Our comprehensive Koh Tao guide covers dive sites, snorkeling spots, accommodation, food, nightlife, and a 5-day itinerary.
Read the Full Koh Tao Guide →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does PADI Open Water cost in Koh Tao?
PADI Open Water certification on Koh Tao costs between 9,000 and 10,800 THB ($250-$305 USD) depending on the school. The cheapest option is Scuba Junction at 9,000 THB, while larger schools like Crystal Dive and Big Blue charge 10,500-10,800 THB for more facilities and bigger operations. Most prices include all equipment, instruction, and the PADI certification fee. Some schools also include accommodation during the course.
Which Koh Tao dive school is best for beginners?
For absolute beginners, Scuba Junction and Mango Bay stand out with a maximum of 3 students per instructor, giving you more personal attention. Scuba Junction also has the highest Google rating (4.9) and a boutique, personalized approach. If you prefer a pool-first introduction before ocean dives, Buddha View, Ban's Diving, Crystal Dive, Big Blue, and New Heaven all start in a confined pool environment. Schools with small class sizes help nervous first-timers build confidence faster.
Do Koh Tao dive schools include accommodation?
It varies by school. Buddha View, Big Blue Diving, Davy Jones Locker, and Mango Bay include accommodation (dorms or bungalows) with course bookings. Ban's Diving and Crystal Dive have accommodation available at extra cost or discounted rates. New Heaven offers accommodation separately. Scuba Junction does not include accommodation. When comparing prices, factor in whether accommodation is included — a school charging 10,800 THB with included dorms may be cheaper overall than a 9,000 THB school where you pay 500 THB/night separately.
SSI vs PADI — which schools offer which?
The vast majority of Koh Tao dive schools (about 80%) are PADI-certified. All 8 schools in our comparison offer PADI certification. New Heaven Dive School also offers SSI courses alongside PADI. SSI courses are typically 10-15% cheaper, but PADI has broader global recognition (accepted at 99%+ of dive centers worldwide vs 95%+ for SSI). Both certifications teach the same skills and are cross-compatible for continuing education courses.
When is the best time to dive in Koh Tao?
The best diving conditions are February through April, with calm seas, 25+ meter visibility, and warm water (27-29 degrees C). This is also peak whale shark season (April-June). November through January offers good conditions but is busier and slightly cooler. Avoid October to early November (monsoon season) when rough seas can close dive sites and reduce visibility. Water temperature stays comfortable year-round at 27-29 degrees C, so you can dive in a 3mm shorty wetsuit or just a rashguard.