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Koh Tao

Turtle Divers - Koh Tao

5.0(621 reviews)

Situated in Mae Haad on Koh Tao, this dive centre has built a strong reputation for delivering PADI certification courses and guided dive experiences across all skill levels. From first-time Discover Scuba Diving sessions to Advanced Open Water certifications, the operation is run by a tight-knit team of owners and instructors who are frequently praised by visitors for their patience, professionalism, and genuine care. The centre also welcomes younger divers, with Junior Open Water certification available for children as young as ten. Guests can expect a welcoming and safety-focused atmosphere where instruction is tailored to individual comfort and ability. Equipment, course organisation, and dive site logistics are all handled in-house, making the process straightforward for travellers with limited diving experience. The centre operates seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, offering flexibility for most itineraries. Good to know: Koh Tao is regarded as one of Southeast Asia's most accessible diving destinations, with sites suitable for beginners and experienced divers alike. Visibility and sea conditions are generally at their best between February and May, and again from September to November. Peak tourist periods fall in December through January and July through August, so booking courses or fun dives in advance is advisable to secure preferred dates. The centre's website is available primarily in German, though the on-site team works with international visitors.

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Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Turtle Divers - Koh Tao, round out your day in Koh Tao with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

TLDR: The team deserves more than 5⭐️. Shout out to Verena & Wayne (owners), Gage & Gizem (incredible instructors) and Pom (always had our back). *** My partner did her OWD with Verena & Wayne back in 2018. She was so impressed back then that she promised me that I won’t find a better diving school on the island, so I didn’t look any further for my OWD. The entire process (including accommodation) was efficiently done via WhatsApp and two weeks later, I started my diving journey with Gage (a brilliant teacher btw). Whilst I was doing my OWD, my partner went out with Gizem. A couple of fun dives later (all w Gizem and it was great diving with her) we decided to do the AOW. Gage helped us through the AOW and equipped us with all the skills we need to go explore some of SE Asia’s most challenging/interesting diving sites. Instructors aside, the entire team made us feel at home during our 10-day stay on Koh Tao and we ended up spending a lot more time at the Tipsy Turtle (they have great burgers btw) than we would initially have expected. We enjoyed the experience so much that we already decided that we will be back. We can wholeheartedly recommend the diving school; even more so if you speak German as more than half of the team/patrons come from German-speaking countries.

I did my PADI Open Water Diver certification and a couple more fun dives with Turtle Divers while staying on Koh Tao. I can honestly say that I would 100% recommend them! It was my first time ever diving and I felt really comfortable and looked after all the time. I went diving with different instructors and they all did a great job explaining and making sure that everybody was able to enjoy their dives. We were a small group of just two people during the Open Water Diver course, which was great as well. The two owners, Verena and Wayne, are very helpful and kind and the staff is amazing, too. I miss diving already and will definitely come back for more in the future. Thank you for an amazing experience!

Really nice experience. I did the Discover Scuba Diving experience with Turtle Divers and can absolutely recommend them. The whole team was very friendly, professional and careful, which made me feel safe from the beginning. My dive was with a Spanish freelance instructor called Uriel. He really helped me overcome my fear and made sure I felt comfortable at all times. Thanks to him, I had a fantastic first scuba diving experience. He also speaks German, which made me feel even more confident and relaxed as an Austrian. Overall, I can totally recommend it. .

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 621 reviews on Google.

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Turtle Divers - Koh Tao: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Turtle Divers - Koh Tao worth visiting?

Turtle Divers - Koh Tao holds a 5.0★ rating from 621 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Koh Tao.

What are the opening hours of Turtle Divers - Koh Tao?

Turtle Divers - Koh Tao is typically open 08:00-18:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

When is the best time to visit Turtle Divers - Koh Tao?

The best months to visit Koh Tao are March – September (calmest water, best visibility), with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & July – August — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: November (monsoon swell peaks).

Where is Turtle Divers - Koh Tao located?

Turtle Divers - Koh Tao is at 25, 20, Mae Haad, Koh Tao, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84360, Thailand, in Koh Tao. Getting around Koh Tao: Walking around Sairee and Mae Haad; Motorbike rental (฿200–300/day; some concrete roads are extremely steep).

Location Info

25, 20, Mae Haad, Koh Tao, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84360, Thailand+66 84 198 8476www.turtledivers-kohtao.com/de
Opening Hours
Monday08:00-18:00
Tuesday08:00-18:00
Wednesday08:00-18:00
Thursday08:00-18:00
Friday08:00-18:00
Saturday08:00-18:00
Sunday08:00-18:00

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

March – September (calmest water, best visibility)

Avoid: November (monsoon swell peaks)

Rainy season

October – December

Avg. temperature

25°C – 32°C(77°F – 90°F)

Crowds

Moderate

Peak: December – January & July – August

Getting there

Lomprayah catamarans connect from Chumphon in about 1.5–2 hours (฿600–700) — the standard route from Bangkok is an overnight bus or train to Chumphon plus the morning boat. Ferries also arrive from Koh Phangan (~1 hr) and Koh Samui (~1.5–2 hrs). No airport.

Getting around

  • Walking around Sairee and Mae Haad
  • Motorbike rental (฿200–300/day; some concrete roads are extremely steep)
  • Longtail and dive-boat taxis to the far bays

Where to stay near Turtle Divers - Koh Tao

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Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours

Vet Elephant Sanctuaries

Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.

Book Popular Activities Online

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Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning

Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.

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