Today,
Koh Tao is one of Thailand's major dive destinations. The island is
widely recognized as one of the top dive education centers world-wide
and, while remaining an absolute paradise, has expanded to cater for
all types of tastes and budgets. Although scuba diving remains the primary
focus of most local businesses you will find under What Else that Koh
Tao offers far more than just diving, a whole range of activities to
keep even the most avid non-diver enjoying soaking up the atmosphere
of Koh Tao.
Koh
Tao means turtle island, because, in the past, the waters were rich
with sea turtles. A small island, a little more than 21 square km, located
about 70km east of the coastline between Suratthani and Chumpon in the
Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao remained uninhabited until recently.
Initially, there was only the occasional fisherman from neighbouring
islands seeking shelter from a storm. On June 18, 1899, His Majesty
the King Chulalongkorn visited Koh Tao marking a huge boulder at Jor
Por Ror Bay. This site is revered and respected, and marks the island
as having been claimed under royal patronage. 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.
Koh Tao is one of the must do stops on the South East Asia route. The
clear, tranquil waters offer an ideal location for learning to dive.
Within all of these courses are great accommodation
packages offering discounts on budget accommodation during the course
or discounts on the more luxurious bungalows. You'll also find that,
although Koh Tao and Dive Careers are focused on diving, there are many
other interests from rock climbing to waterskiing to make your Koh Tao
experience unforgettable.
Expect to unwind and soak up an atmosphere that will see you coming
back year after year.
