Hello
I will be doing my dive cert. in Thailand and was thinking either Similan Islands or Koh Tao. Where is the best chance I will spot a whale shark/sea turtle/ray and other small (preferably harmless) sharks such as nurse sharks? I will be there mid. feb.
What is the best way to get to Koh Tao from Chiang Mai?
The best dive company as well would be good.
Thanks
Kel
kel06
1
bruinjumbo
i did my padi ow in khao lak/similan islands. from what i hear, koh tao is cheaper but more of a "diving factory." i can't judge for myself since i haven't been to koh tao (i'm sure it's nice there too). anyhow, i had a fabulous time diving in khao lak/similan islands--the world underwater and on land are both amazingly beautiful. i did my padi ow through SeaDragon -- awesome dive instructors, divemasters, brand new facility! during my liveaboard, i saw turtles, white tip reef sharks... during a dive i missed (shucks!), the other ppl on the boat saw a huge manta ray.
2
mpkamm
The diving is much better in the Similans, but the "scene" on Tao is better. I dove both places and had lots of fun in both. The classes on Tao are a bit more "factory" like, but that said, there are top-rate instructors there and lots of fun folks everywhere you go. You'll have fun both in the classroom and at night. I'd say if you're only interested in the diving, do the Similans, but if you're interested in partying and meeting people, head to Tao. You can't go wrong either way! Have a great time!!
3
michaeljon
or you can go to laoliang island in the trang province and have a private instructor at dive sites with NO OTHER DIVE OPERATORS. then, go for a nice kayak or rock climb after diving. in the evening, have a fresh seafood barbecue meal while chilling on a private island resort. they are the only resort on the island. does this sound more like it?
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
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