10 Things to look for in a Dive Shop on Koh Tao

1. Location, Location, Location

One of the first things to consider is the location of the dive shop. Koh Tao has dive schools spread across the island, primarily in three main areas:

• Sairee Beach – The most popular and bustling part of the island. It’s lively, social, and filled with restaurants, bars, and nightlife. If you are looking for a party, look for a dive shop here
• Mae Haad – The main pier area, quieter than Sairee but still convenient. Great for those looking for a dive shop in a place that has a balance of peace and accessibility.
• Chalok Baan Kao – The more tranquil, southern part of the island, perfect for those wanting to escape the crowds. If you like a relaxing time, this is where you should find your dive shop

Crystal Dive is located in Mae Haad, which offers the best of both worlds. You’re within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and nightlife but away from the constant buzz of Sairee. Plus, being just minutes from the ferry pier makes arrival and departure incredibly convenient—no long taxi rides or motorbike rentals needed when you arrive!

2. Do They Have Their Own Training Pool?

Having an on-site training pool is a massive plus for any dive shop. It means students can learn and practice basic skills in a safe, controlled environment before heading into open water.

Many dive shops in Koh Tao share pools with other businesses or don’t have a dedicated space. This can lead to scheduling conflicts, limited training time, or crowded sessions. Although confined water sessions can be conducted in the ocean – conditions are not always ideal in terms of water movement or poor visibility which could cause stress in a training scenario.

We have our own purpose-built swimming pool on site, specifically designed for dive training. The depth varies to cater to all training needs, from basic breathing techniques to buoyancy control. You won’t be sharing the space with other schools or swimmers, which means a more focused, stress-free learning environment.

3. Boat Access & Dive Site Logistics

When it comes to diving in Koh Tao, the boat is your gateway to adventure. Dive boats can vary in size, safety standards, comfort, and schedule.

Some dive schools share boats or rent space on boats from other operators. While this isn’t necessarily bad, it can mean less flexibility and more people on board—not ideal if you’re after a more personal experience. Always see what boat(s) the dive shop operates before signing up!

Here at Crystal Dive, we operate our own dive boats, which are fully equipped for both fun dives and training sessions. As we own and manage the boats, we can tailor the schedule to suit the day’s conditions, student needs, and dive site preferences. The boats are spacious, well-organized, and staffed by experienced boat crews who are there to support you before, during, and after each dive. Another bonus is that the private pier where we board is only a few minutes walk along the beach – no taxis or longtail boats!

4. On-Site Facilities Make a Huge Difference

Having all the facilities you need in one place creates a smooth, enjoyable dive experience. This includes classrooms, equipment storage, rinse tanks, changing rooms, gear rental, and social spaces.

Crystal Dive is an all-in-one dive centre. The classrooms are comfortable, air-conditioned, and fully equipped with modern teaching tools. You can relax and review theory in a calm environment without distractions.

There’s also a dive shop for any gear or souvenirs, secure gear storage, and multiple rinse areas to clean equipment after dives. Plus, a beachfront bar and a restaurant are perfect for a post-dive debrief while watching the sunset.

 5. The Experience & Credentials of the Instructors

The quality of your instructor can make or break your scuba diving experience. A good instructor will help you feel safe, confident, and supported every step of the way.

Look for a dive shop that employs instructors with a lot of experience, a variety of teaching backgrounds, and multilingual abilities if needed. Smaller class sizes are another key factor—large groups make it difficult to get personal attention.

Crystal Dive is proud of its diverse and passionate team of instructors. Many of them have thousands of dives under their belt and years of teaching experience. Almost all have come through Crystal Dives own training programs to keep standards and safety high! Our team is made up of professionals from around the world, ensuring there’s always someone who can explain things in your preferred language.

Importantly, class sizes at Crystal Dive are kept small—usually a 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio—so you always get the attention and guidance you need. Always ask at a potential dive shop what their maximum group sizes are.

6. Dive Organisation Affiliation: Why SSI is a Great Choice

When choosing a dive shop, you’ll also want to consider which training agency they are affiliated with. The most common are SSI (Scuba Schools International), PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), and RAID.

Crystal Dive is proudly affiliated with SSI, one of the largest and most innovative scuba training agencies in the world. SSI’s teaching materials are highly visual, interactive, and available on their digital platform, making it easier to study and learn at your own pace—anytime, anywhere.

Key advantages of SSI and Crystal Dive include:

• Flexible learning: You can start your course online before you arrive, or complete it entirely in-person with digital access via the SSI app.
• High-quality materials: SSI offers interactive learning with videos, animations, and quizzes to enhance understanding.
• Performance-based progression: No pressure to move on until you’re ready. You progress when you’re confident—not when a schedule dictates it.
• Recognition: SSI certifications are globally recognised and accepted at dive centres all over the world.

If you’re someone who values quality teaching, flexibility, and a tech-savvy approach, learning to dive with SSI at Crystal Dive is a fantastic choice.

7. Sustainability & Environmental Practices

Diving in Koh Tao isn’t just about exploring coral reefs and spotting marine life. It’s also about protecting it. Choose a dive shop that’s committed to sustainable practices and marine conservation.

Crystal Dive takes ocean stewardship seriously. Working closely with our partner The Coral Tribe we conduct weekly reef clean-ups, coral nursery projects and data collection to name a few of the projects.

We also offer SSI Ecology Courses such as Marine Ecology, Coral Identification, and Shark Ecology for those who want to dive deeper into ocean conservation.

Choosing a dive school that gives back to the ocean ensures that you’re part of the solution—not the problem.

8. Reviews & Reputation

Before booking, it’s wise to check out online reviews for honest feedback from real students & divers.

Crystal Dive consistently ranks as one of the top dive schools in Koh Tao, with 5-star reviews praising the professionalism of instructors, quality of facilities, and unforgettable underwater experiences. Many divers return year after year—and some even go from beginner to Professional with us and stay on for work!

10. Ready to Go Pro? They’ve Got You Covered

If you’re thinking beyond your Open Water certification and considering a career in diving, choosing a dive centre with a professional training program is crucial.

Crystal Dive is one of the most established pro training centres in Southeast Asia. We offer the full range of SSI professional courses—from Divemaster to Instructor Training Courses (ITC) & beyond. Our professional development program includes mentorship, real-world teaching experience, and career support. Whether you want to work locally or explore dive jobs worldwide, Crystal Dive will help launch your career.