Koh Tao is small island, a little more than 21 square km, located in the Gulf of Thailand, about 70km east of the coastline between Suratthani and Chumphon.

The island remained uninhabited until recently. Initially, there was only the occasional fisherman from neighbouring islands seeking shelter from a storm. From 1933 until being abandoned in 1947 the island was used as a political prison. Later, the first pioneers began to arrive from neighbouring Koh Phangan, and began a very simple, tough life, harvesting coconuts, fishing and growing vegetables. The first travelers began to arrive in the early eighties and the island quickly became widely known as a paradise. Faster and larger boats began servicing the island and the islands reputation for natural beauty, marine life and coral reefs grew.

In the mid-nineties Koh Tao was just starting off a diving destination. Quickly the island became a popular point for backpackers, offering the best diving in the Gulf of Thailand plus a unique social atmosphere. Today more than half of PADI’s diving certifications in Thailand are completed on Koh Tao. It is the most popular diving destination in Thailand throughout the year, and has a vibrant, well established diving industry. The facilities for dive centres, and dive professional education are amongst the best in the world.

Koh Tao is a great destination to begin your career as a dive professional.  It is your dream of a beautiful tropical setting focused on diving.  Unlike competing dive internship destinations, Koh Tao is a vibrant and successful dive destination with ample opportunity to build the experience that will make you a great dive professional.  This gives you genuine employment opportunities and the chance of a fantastic lifestyle.

Scuba Diving still remains the main activity on the island, but in the last few years more and more non divers have discovered the beauty of this island with its secluded little bays and unspoiled mountain ridges. Due to this, and the increasing amount of small upmarket resorts and villas nestled in the hillsides there are nowadays a lot more activities available, including sailing, rock climbing ( Trad routes, Sport routes, Top rope routes and Bouldering), abseiling, cliff jumping, wake boarding, paint-ball jungle games, mini golf or bowling in Mae Haad, massage and yoga courses, and cooking courses.

Koh Tao is vibrant, but relaxed at the same time. Don’t be surprised if you never want to leave!