Get your Coral Identification Specialty on Koh Tao
Why learn Coral Identification?
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It’s hard to believe that corals are something more than simple underwater rock formations.
In fact, they’re living animals, and breed, eat, and die, leaving behind skeletal structures that form the foundation of the ocean’s reef ecosystems.
This program is a comprehensive look at these amazing organisms, where we will investigate their biology, interactions, misconceptions and conservation efforts.
With over 500 species, we will investigate their biology, interactions, misconceptions, and conservation.
5,000 THB
This is how you become a Coral ID Specialist:
It only takes a day to complete the Fish ID Specialty course. It can be spread out or combined with other course parts as well. In general, these are the parts of your training:
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Part 1: Theory
The theory component of the Coral Identification Specialty provides the foundational knowledge you need to recognise and appreciate the diversity of coral species.
We begin with an introduction between you and your instructor, along with completing the necessary paperwork. The theoretical learning includes self-study through the app or browser, where you’ll explore essential concepts at your own pace.
Key Topics Covered
1. Coral Biology and Ecology
- Understanding what corals are, their anatomy, and how they grow and reproduce.
- The role of corals in marine ecosystems and their importance as habitat builders for marine life.
2. Types of Corals
- Differentiating between hard corals (stony corals) and soft corals.
- Identifying common coral families and species in your local diving area.
3. Environmental Factors
- Learning about the conditions corals need to thrive, such as light, water temperature, and currents.
- Exploring how environmental changes, such as ocean warming and pollution, impact coral reefs.
4. Coral Conservation
- Understanding the threats facing coral reefs globally, including bleaching, overfishing, and human activity.
- Discussing ways divers can minimize their impact and contribute to coral conservation efforts.
5. Dive Planning for Coral Identification
- Learning how to plan dives to maximise your coral spotting opportunities.
- Discussing the importance of buoyancy control to avoid damaging fragile reef systems.
After completing the self-study, you’ll review the material with your instructor. This ensures you have a thorough understanding of the concepts and fills in any gaps in your knowledge. This solid theoretical foundation prepares you for identifying coral species confidently during your dives.
Part 2: Open Water Dives
After lunch, we board one of our custom-built dive boats and head out to explore the vibrant underwater world of Koh Tao. You’ll enjoy two dives to apply your newly gained knowledge of coral identification in the open water environment.
Koh Tao’s stunning dive sites, such as Japanese Gardens or White Rock, are ideal for coral identification. As you descend, you’ll practice recognising and categorising various coral types, including hard corals like brain or staghorn coral, and soft corals with their flowing, colorful structures.
Your instructor will guide you as you spot and identify coral families, pointing out distinguishing features such as growth patterns, textures, and symbiotic relationships with marine life. You’ll also focus on honing your buoyancy control to ensure you observe the reefs without causing any disturbance.
By the end of your dive, you’ll have gained confidence in identifying corals and a deeper appreciation for the role they play in Koh Tao’s rich marine ecosystem.
The Coral ID Specialty Prerequisites:
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Minimum Age
To enroll in the Coral ID Specialty, you will have to be at least 10 years of age.
Minimum Certification Level
To begin this Coral ID Specialty you will need to be a certified diver.
Medical Statement
You need to be medically fit for diving. You will find the medical statement for scuba diving here to download. If in doubt, please check with your physician or ask us before booking your dive experience with us.
Insurance
CORAL IDENTIFICATION SPECIALTY
Price: 5,000 THB
Duration: 1 day
Minimum age: 10yrs
Prerequisites: Certified Diver
Schedule
Morning: Orientation & Theory
Afternoon: 2 Dives
What’s included?
Our Coral ID Specialty package includes:
- Coral ID Specialty (max. 4 students per Instructor)
- Personal set of scuba equipment throughout your stay
- FREE use of Dive Computer
- Standard E-learning (Diamond Access upgrade available, read more)
- Certification
- Crystal Dive T-Shirt
- Multilingual personal instructor
- Boat trips & refreshments for your dives
- Dive insurance for your dives with us (30 days)
- Discounted accommodation option for the course duration, read more
- 10 % discount on additional diver level courses & dive equipment purchases with us
BIG DISCOUNTS ON PRIVATE ROOMS
With all of our courses you can make use of our private AC rooms with huge discounts.
When you´re learning to dive its important that you get a good night of sleep. During the length of all courses you can check in to our accommodation with big discounts! Have a look at our latest deals and prices here.
Message us to look at upgrades and for more info click here.
Book Now
The Coral ID Specialty course at Crystal Dive will give you valuable knowledge about the underwater world around Koh Tao and anywhere in the world.
In the Coral ID Specialty course you will learn how to identify the characteristics of local Coral families and species, enabling you to use it anywhere in the world.
Enjoy your dives even more as you can recognize and identify Coral species whenever you go diving!
฿5,000
Coral Identification
FILM YOUR DIVES, KEEP THE MEMORIES
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Our underwater videography team, Crystal Images, is available to provide you with personal and lasting memories of your experience and offer unique underwater video and photo services for your course. You can choose from a 10 minute land and underwater based video or 10-15 high resolution photographs.
These options are available for your course and can be booked by clicking the button below and choosing the ‘video & photo’ option, in addition to your course booking.
Please ask us about group bookings and additional options on other courses.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I start my Coral ID Specialty Course every day?
In general, yes. We start our courses any given day. To secure your desired start date, we recommend booking your Coral ID Specialty Course online here. This will guarantee your placement in a small group of maximum 4 students per instructor.
Is it possible to change the schedule for the Coral ID Specialty Course?
Our schedules are flexible and we will do everything to adjust it to your travel plans. Please contact us to arrange for a schedule that suits you within the limits of the Coral ID Specialty Course performance requirements.
What are the rates for accommodation in my Coral ID Specialty Course?
For your Coral ID Specialty Course we offer accommodation in a private AC room (choice of Double or Twin) at a discounted rate for the standard course duration of 1 night. There are also upgrade options available for the adjacent Koh Tao Regal or Beach Club Resort. More information here or just contact us directly.
What are the minimum requirements to start my Coral ID Specialty Course?
The minimum requirements for you to enroll in the Coral ID Specialty Course are listed here. If you still have questions about specific requirements or an equivalent certification, please contact us directly.
How many students will be together with me in my Coral ID Specialty Course?
We pride ourselves to teach our Coral ID Specialty Course personal in groups of max. 4 students per instructor. If you still prefer a smaller group or a private course please contact us directly. On the other hand, if you travel in a bigger group, please let us know and we will arrange for multiple instructors to teach you together.
Will I see different dive sites during my Open Water Dives in the Coral ID Specialty Course?
We have 2 custom built dive boats and choose the dive sites based on your course requirements, comfort level and weather conditions. Generally, we change dive sites on a daily base, so you will dive at the best spots available for your Coral ID Specialty Course. More about our boats here.
Can I take a Go Pro on my dives for the Coral ID Specialty Course?
You can take your own camera on any of the dives. Be aware though, that you may be busy with the tasks at hand. A better option may be to arrange for our in-house video & photo company Crystal Images to either take professional photos or a broadcast quality video of you on your two dives on the Course. Please contact us or check out your options here.
What other courses can I take if I have some more time after my Coral ID Specialty Course?
We have put together some recommendations for you under this link for dive activities that you may find interesting after or together with your course. If you are interested in other activities, have a look at our shop and check out our multi-course packages as well.
