Koh Tao or Turtle Island is the northernmost and smallest island in the chain of three inhabited islands in the Samui Archipelago. White sand beaches line the southern and western shores of the island, while the other coasts are dominated by weather-beaten granite formations and boulders.

Over the years, Koh Tao has established itself as Thailand's capital of diving education, offering economic, thorough and enjoyable diving courses for all qualification levels.

Koh Tao's local dive sites can all be reached in under an hour. Sites further afield such as Angthong Marine National Park to the southwest and Sail Rock/ Samran Pinnacles to the south are within two hours' boat ride.

Diving in the area is varied. There are shallow dives along gently sloping reefs, as well as deep dives around towering submerged pinnacles. Deeper sites frequented by experienced divers regularly attract large pelagics, including whale sharks, barracudas and schooling jacks.