Short boat hops, shallow skills training and a guided 12m dive make Koh Tao’s Try Dive ideal for first-timers. Learn what to expect on a one-day introductory scuba trip and how to prepare for your first breath underwater.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step onto a three-story dive boat as sunlight flats off a calm bay; the engine hums and the sea smells of salt and sunscreen. Around you, instructors tighten masks and lay out brand-new kit while coffee and fresh fruit circulate — a low-key layer of comfort before you slip below the surface.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6–7 hours (typical 10:00–16:30)
Fitness Level
Basic swimming ability and general good health; not strenuous but expect multiple boat transfers and surface intervals
Wildlife
History
Koh Tao shifted from a low-key fishing community to an international dive hub in the late 20th century, driven by affordable training and abundant shallow reefs.
Conservation
Respect no-touch rules, use reef-safe sunscreen, and follow instructor briefings to minimize contact with corals; many local operators support reef monitoring and cleanup programs.
Reserve your spot on the La Bombona Diving Koh Tao Try Dive today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Use mineral-based sunscreen to protect coral reefs and avoid lotions that can harm marine life.
Hydrate before boarding
Drink water before you arrive and between surface intervals to reduce fatigue and the risk of decompression issues.
Know your medical limits
If you have heart, lung, or spinal conditions, consult a physician — the operator excludes some conditions for safety.
Practice mask clearing
Familiarize yourself with basic mask and regulator clearing on shore so the in-water skills feel routine.
Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
Basic comfort on the boat and for the shallow skills session.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin and local coral ecosystems from harmful chemicals.
summer
Light neoprene top or shorty
Adds warmth for cooler mornings or if you chill easily between dives.
winter
Waterproof ID/medical info card
Streamlines medical screening and emergency contact details during check-in.