My First Dives in Koh Tao

Sharing my first diving experiences in Koh Tao and what made them so special.

My first dives there were honestly a surprise. I hadn’t been diving for almost two years. The last time I went underwater was in Vancouver at Whytecliff Park — a place that was challenging, but also very valuable for building solid diving fundamentals.

Cold-water diving in Vancouver is a completely different experience. The entry itself can be demanding, since some dive centers prepare equipment in the parking lot, meaning you carry full gear down to the water. It’s physically tough, but it teaches patience, discipline, and respect for the environment.

Because it’s Canada, diving usually means wearing a dry suit almost all year round. Even though it can feel heavy, especially in summer, it makes you appreciate warm-water diving even more later.

So when I arrived in Koh Tao, where the water temperature is usually around 23–25°C at its lowest, it felt like heaven.

I’m one of those people who hates wearing too many layers, so switching from a dry suit to just shorts and a rashguard felt incredibly freeing.

Visibility & Conditions in Koh Tao

Visibility in Koh Tao can be very diverse. On some days and at certain dive sites it can drop to around 2 meters — sometimes even worse — but this usually happens during the off-season and not every day.

The non-diving season is roughly November to December. During this time it’s monsoon season, which brings heavy rainfall, strong northeast winds, and rougher seas.

I experienced dives in those low-visibility conditions, but it’s important to mention that this is not the norm. Visibility can increase to 10 meters or more depending on the weather.

Is It Worth Diving in Bad Conditions?

You might ask — is it still worth diving there even if the visibility isn’t perfect, especially for beginners? My answer is YES — absolutely.

My very first dive was in Latvia in spring, when the water was about 15°C, and I saw only one fish during the entire dive. Compared to that, even “bad” conditions in Koh Tao feel like an adventure.

Life is an unexpected journey — it’s always better to try than to just dream.

When Koh Tao Truly Shines

I arrived in Koh Tao at the beginning of September and went for a fun dive. After cold water and limited visibility in Canada, I felt like a happy kid again.

Visibility was around 15–20 meters or more, the water temperature was about 27°C, and there were fish everywhere. The underwater world felt alive.

I even got lucky enough to see a sea turtle — something that’s actually quite rare for me — and it made the experience unforgettable.

The island is full of dive sites suitable for every level of experience. Dive centers offer a huge variety — whale sharks, large schools of fish, wreck dives, and rich coral life.

Seeing all of this in warm water and good conditions is honestly breathtaking.

Should You Go?

Yes — absolutely go. Koh Tao is truly a place meant to be LokaWondered.

Which season should you choose? Honestly, both. Starting in the off-season gives you perspective and helps you appreciate good conditions even more when the season becomes perfect.

Koh Tao is one of those places that reminds you why we fall in love with diving in the first place.