Take-a-boat: water equipment rentals on Koh Tao Island

April 11, 2025

Koh Tao, a picturesque island in the Gulf of Thailand, is a true paradise for water sports and diving enthusiasts. Known for its crystal clear waters, rich coral reefs and diverse marine fauna, it attracts thousands of tourists eager to discover the beauty of the underwater world. The island offers a wide range of water equipment rentals and diving schools that allow both beginners and advanced divers to explore the fascinating marine ecosystem. In this article, we'll highlight the best places where you can rent equipment for snorkeling, scuba diving or other water activities, as well as schools offering professional diving courses. Whether you're an experienced diver or just starting out in the underwater world, Koh Tao has something to offer for any lover of the deep sea.

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The best dive schools on Koh Tao

Koh Tao is famous for its excellent diving conditions and professional schools that offer courses at various levels. One of the most highly regarded sites is The Diver's Boat, which stands out for its excellent customer reviews (4.9/5 rating) and professional approach to diving instruction. Instructors such as Aurore and Martial are praised for their patience, knowledge and ability to create a friendly atmosphere. The Diver's Boat offers courses ranging from basic Open Water Diver to more advanced courses, and also organizes diving expeditions to some of the most beautiful sites around the island.

Another notable site is Goodtime Adventures, also with a rating of 4.9/5. This dive school stands out not only for its professionalism, but also for its friendly approach to customers. Instructors such as Pascal and Vicky are highly regarded for their teaching skills and passion for the underwater world. Goodtime Adventures offers a wide range of courses, from introductory to advanced, and also organizes snorkeling trips and other water activities.

For those looking for a more intimate experience, Calypso Diving Koh Tao (rated 4.8/5) may be the perfect choice. Located in beautiful Tanote Bay, the center offers small group courses, allowing for individual attention to each participant. Instructors, such as Angelika and Charley, are praised for their professionalism and ability to adapt the pace of learning to the needs of the students. Calypso Diving also offers on-site accommodation, making it a convenient option for those planning an extended stay on the island.

When comparing the three schools, several aspects are worth noting. The Diver's Boat and Goodtime Adventures have slightly higher ratings (4.9/5) compared to Calypso Diving (4.8/5), but all have excellent reputations. The Diver's Boat and Goodtime Adventures are located closer to popular beaches, which can be an advantage for those looking for a more vibrant environment. Calypso Diving, on the other hand, offers a quieter location and on-site accommodations. Course prices are comparable at all three schools, but it's worth checking current offers directly with the organizers, as they can vary depending on the season.

Equipment rentals and additional water activities

In addition to the diving schools, Koh Tao offers a wide range of water equipment rentals and additional activities for lovers of sea activities. One popular spot is Scuba Shack, Koh Tao PADI dive center (rated 5/5), which offers snorkeling and diving equipment rentals in addition to diving courses. This center stands out for its high quality equipment and professional service. Instructors, such as Denis, are highly regarded for their individual approach and ability to adapt to clients' needs, regardless of their level.

For those looking for a wider variety of water activities, Scubadoo (rated 4.9/5) may be the ideal choice. In addition to traditional scuba diving courses and equipment rentals, Scubadoo also offers boat tours, snorkeling in the island's most beautiful bays, and opportunities to see abundant marine life, including turtles and colorful coral reefs. Instructors such as Neo and Harry are praised for their professionalism and ability to create a friendly atmosphere, making even beginners feel safe and comfortable while exploring the underwater world.

When comparing the two options, several aspects are worth noting. Scuba Shack has a slightly higher rating (5/5) compared to Scubadoo (4.9/5), but both have an excellent reputation among customers. Scuba Shack focuses mainly on scuba diving and snorkeling, offering high-quality equipment and professional courses. Scubadoo, on the other hand, has a wider range of water activities, which may appeal to those looking for a variety of experiences while on the island.

In terms of pricing, both rental companies offer competitive rates, but it's worth noting that Scubadoo may have slightly higher prices due to the wider range of services offered. However, it's best to check exact prices directly with the organizers, as they can vary depending on season and availability.

Location can also be a factor in your choice. Scuba Shack is located in a popular part of the island, close to Sairee Beach, which can be an advantage for those looking for easy access to other attractions and restaurants. Scubadoo is also conveniently located, but may be a bit farther from the main beaches, which in turn may provide a quieter environment for those who prefer less crowded places.

Regardless of your choice, both Scuba Shack and Scubadoo offer quality service and equipment, ensuring a safe and memorable water experience on Koh Tao. It's also worth remembering that both rental companies offer courses and activities for different levels of experience, from beginners to experienced divers, making them accessible to a wide range of water sports enthusiasts.

Planning the perfect water vacation on Koh Tao

When planning a Koh Tao vacation with water activities in mind, there are several important aspects to consider that will help you fully enjoy the delights of this beautiful island. First of all, be sure to prepare properly and choose the best time for your visit.

The best season for diving and water sports on Koh Tao is from March to September, when the sea is calm and underwater visibility is at its best. During this period, the water is crystal clear, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of the underwater world. However, even in the other months, the island offers good diving conditions, except in November, when there may be heavier monsoon rains.

When choosing a diving school or equipment rental, it is worth paying attention not only to prices, but especially to the quality of services offered and safety. All of the sites discussed earlier - The Diver's Boat, Goodtime Adventures, Calypso Diving, Scuba Shack and Scubadoo - offer quality equipment and professional service, which is key to a safe and enjoyable experience.

For those who have never dived before, it is recommended to start with an Open Water Diver course, which usually lasts 3-4 days and allows you to learn basic diving skills. Most schools also offer so-called 'discovery dives' or test dives, which are a great way to experience the underwater world for the first time without going through a full course.

It's also worth remembering to have adequate insurance. Most standard travel policies do not cover diving, so it is advisable to purchase additional insurance specifically for this activity. Some diving schools offer the possibility to purchase such insurance on site.

In addition to diving, Koh Tao offers many other water activities. Snorkeling is a great alternative for those who do not feel up to scuba diving with a cylinder. Many of the schools and rental companies discussed earlier offer snorkeling trips to the island's most beautiful bays, where you can enjoy the colorful reefs and exotic fish.

For those seeking a more active vacation, rentals such as Goodtime Adventures also offer other water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding. This is a great way to explore the island's coastline and reach hidden beaches and bays.

When planning your budget for water activities on Koh Tao, it's worth remembering that prices can vary greatly depending on the season and the school or rental company you choose. The average cost of an Open Water Diver course is around 10000-12000 baht (as of 2023), but it's worth checking current prices directly with the organizers. Renting snorkeling equipment is much cheaper and usually costs around 100-200 baht per day.

All in all, Koh Tao is an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts, offering a wide range of options - from professional diving courses to relaxing snorkeling in crystal clear waters. Regardless of skill level and preference, there is something for everyone. By remembering to prepare properly, choosing a proven school or rental company and following safety rules, you can enjoy an unforgettable vacation in one of the most beautiful parts of Thailand.

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