Scuba Diving Koh Samui Thailand with CSI: SAMUI. This site contains infomation regarding Scuba Diving in Koh Samui Thailand. Dive Sites around Koh Tao . PADI Courses including PADI Discover Scuba Diving. PADI Open Water Diver. PADI Advanced Open Water Diver. PADI Rescue Diver. Dive Links. Koh Samui Hotels & Koh Samui Resorts.

Want to SCUBA DIVE in Koh Samui
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Scuba Diving on the tropical island of Koh Samui starts with finding the right Dive Centre. Whether you're looking for Dive tours, Learning to dive, or Expanding your diving experience and knowledge, then look no further.

We offer scuba diving to the young, old, experienced diver or beginner. With our expertise we can help you take your first breaths underwater with our PADI Discover Scuba Diving course, take your PADI Open Water certification to the next level and beyond, or take you on a GO PRO challenge to PADI Divemaster. The outstanding quality none on Koh Samui can surpass and what CSI: SAMUI assure is EXCELLENCE.

PADI Dive Instructors that work with CSI: SAMUI have acumilated more than 20 years diving experience, share several languages, and are sure to satisfy your diving requirements to the highest level. Our diving groups are kept to a minimum, and we have a 1:1 service available. So whether you want to dive with your own personal guide, enroll in a private PADI course or meet new friends. Diving with CSI: SAMUI the choice is yours. From the second you get picked up at the airport, until the moment we bid you a fond farewell, all your diving needs are catered for.

We run daily Dive tours to all of the premier dive sites in The Gulf of Thailand, including the world famous Sail Rock, along with Chumphon Pinnacle, and South West Pinnacles. With the diverse marine life you'll normally expect with tropical waters you can also find the spectacular Whale Shark, probably the most awesome sight you will see scuba diving.

For those wanting to accompany friends and family members on their dives, we can also arrange snorkeling trips to Koh Nang Yuan. This Idyllic set of 3 islands connected with sand spits, it's a beautiful place to spend your time in the shallows taking in the wonderful corals and marine life. Also for divers and non-divers alike we also run trips to the beautiful Ang Thong Marine Park offering Dives, Snorkeling, and Kayak trips. Ang Thong National Marine Park is made up of 42 islands featuring lime stone formations, tropical rainforests, deserted beaches and the stunning Emerald Lake.

If you require any further information on this or any other services we provide please do not hesitate to contact us.

Dive Now !!
Work Later !!

Koh Tao is also known as Turtle Island and is a haven for Scuba divers all over the world. 27Km North of Koh Phangan, home of the famous Full Moon Party and One and a quarter hours by speed boat from Koh Samui, Koh Tao is home to a vast array of diving opportunities. With its many beautiful coral gardens and submerged pinnacles to explore, there is an abundance of marine life waiting to be discovered.

Dive sites including Mango Bay, Japanese Garden, Twins, and Aow Leuk are perfect for those wishing to introduce themselves to the magnificent underwater world. Whether you're diving for fun, taking your first breaths underwater with our PADI Discover Scuba Diving course, or learning to scuba dive with our PADI Open Water Diver course you will soon discover why The Gulf of Thailand is a favourite dive destination with the worlds scuba diving community.

A short ride North East of Koh Phangan you'll find rising 15meters out of the surface, the Magnificent Sail Rock. A must visit for every dive enthusiast this truly is, and has proved to be over many years, one of the most impressive dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand. With Giant Groupers, Large shoals of Bat Fish and Barracuda the aquatic life on this dive site is stunning. For the lucky scuba divers there is also a chance to see the largest fish in the world, the majestic Whale Shark. A must for divers visiting this spectacular dive site is "The Chimney" a vertical swim through. Starting at around 17meters, and exiting at 6 meters, inside you are likely to find small cleaner shrimp and the Japanese Blue Striped Pipe Fish one of the smallest species known. Off the main dive site is "The Secret Pinnacle" (sshhh!). Along with the striking hard and soft corals, there is a chance to see a massive shoal of Big Eye Trevally. Circling around 12 meters above the pinnacle it is possible to enter the shoal and get totally encompassed giving an experience you are more likely to see on a National Geographic documentary.

Travel North West on the way to Koh Tao and once again the opportunity to dive another premier dive site presents itself, Southwest Pinnacle. This is an impressive dive site, with a series of steep granite pinnacles covered in soft and hard corals the largest rising 30meters from the sandy bottom. There is also, along with the large shoals Snapper, Blue Spotted Sting Rays, and Spanish Mackerel, a chance to see docile Leopard Sharks resting in the sand just off the southern most pinnacles.

Then there's Chumphon Pinnacle. 11km North West of Koh Tao this dive site is always fighting for the top dive spot. There is one major granite pinnacle and several smaller pinnacles to navigate around, the largest of these being Barracuda Rock. On the way to this dive site you can feel the anticipation build as the divers start to kit up. The buzz around the boat quickly focuses on Sharks. This is one of the few dive sites worldwide you can scuba dive safely and freely with Bull Sharks, and for the lucky few even Whale Sharks make an appearance which is why this dive site is always a must when diving The Gulf of Thailand.

Dive Sites @ Koh Tao

Chumphon Pinnacle

Chumphon Pinnacle, Located 11Km North West of Koh Tao, is one of the premiere dive sites in the gulf. This dive site has a main granite pinnacle which starts around 14 meters beneath the surface. Covered in Magnificent Pink Anemones, Sea Whips and Sponge Corals this is an awesome sight as you descend down one of several buoy lines. As you make your way round this spectacular dive site valleys cut through the rock become visible taking the more experienced scuba diver to depths of around 30 meters.

There are several smaller pinnacles off the main dive site to navigate around, the largest of these being Barracuda Rock. Making your way across the sandy bottom scattered with sea urchins the main attraction of this dive site make themselves known. Swimming gracefully from the depths Bull Sharks and Grey Reef Sharks make an appearance. The instant adrenalin rush is quickly followed by a strange calm as these magnificent creatures circle and swim with little regard to the on looking scuba divers. The apprehension that some scuba divers have about swimming with sharks generally gets forgotten when they see just how graceful these powerful animals are, and how calm they swim around this dive site.

For divers not wanting to visit the sharks, there are plenty of other areas of interest on this dive site to explore. White Eyed Moray Eels, Scorpion Fish, and Banded Harlequin Shrimp can be found in the many crevices and cracks around the North East area of Chumphon. The abundance of marine life is incredible with large shoals of Yellow Striped Fusiliers, Spotted Snapper, Chevron Barracuda, and Bat Fish. Then there's "The Big One" the fish every scuba diver wants to see, the majestic Whale Shark. Not a very common site in the gulf, but they do seem to make an appearance when you least expect it, adding a touch of excitement and anticipation to each entry into the water.

The one thing all divers agree about after diving Chumphon Pinnacle, whatever their experience and wherever they have dived in the past, this dive site never fails to impress...

South West pinnacle

As the names suggests this dive site is found about 13Km South West of Koh Tao. One hour by speed boat from Koh Samui and you find yourself seemingly in the middle of nowhere holding onto a buoy line.Then, as you descend, you realise just why the boat stopped here. A set of huge granite Pinnacles rising from the sandy seabed, the tallest falling just 3 or 4 meters shy of the surface. With depths to 34 meters this dive site is popular with the bigger pelagic species such as Giant Grouper, Barracuda, and Big Eye Trevally.

The tranquillity of Southwest is also evident as this is not dived as much as other dive sites in the Gulf. The topography of this dive site is astonishing, and when the visibility is good it is a magnificent sight as the different shaped rock formations blend into the distance waiting to be discovered. A short swim just off the Southern most point of this dive site it is possible to find Leopard Sharks resting in the sand.

Whale sharks do occasionally make an appearance and are a superb addition to an already outstanding dive site. During the months of March and April there is also a chance to see Minke Whales. Seen by only a few scuba divers on this site, there has been many more sighting on the speed boat ride back to Koh Samui breaking the surface between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.

With the many fan corals and sea whips swaying gently in the mild currents there is an abundance of colourful reef fish to be found here, including Weavers Butterfly Fish, and Six Banded Angle Fish to name but a few. Not dived as regularly as some of the sites around Koh Tao, it is very possible for you to be the only boat moored on the buoy line, thus having this wonderful site all to yourself.

Sail rock

Undoubtedly the most famous dive site in the Koh Samui archipelago, this magnificent granite pinnacle rises from the ocean floor to tower 15 meters above sea level. With outer pinnacles adorning the main rock and depths of up to 40 meters, this really is an outstanding dive site.

A must for divers visiting this spectacular dive site is "The Chimney". A vertical swim through with easily enough room for 2 divers ascending inside, the entrance starts at 17 meters. A vertical window presents itself at 12 meters giving you the opportunity to look out into the blue to see the large shoals of Barracuda and Bat Fish in the distance. In a small ledge inside the chimney you are likely to find small cleaner shrimp and the Japanese Blue Striped Pipe Fish one of the smallest species known. The exit can be found at 6 meters, the Skunk Clown Fish, dart about their anemone, protecting their home, watching as you exit and make your way round to the mooring line to begin your safety stop.

Another outstanding feature of this dive site is the "Secret Pinnacle" (not so secret now!!) Which offers a second smaller dive site of its own. With a maximum depth of 34 meters at the back of the pinnacle the most impressive sight you will see at this dive site is found at about 14 meters. A massive shoal of Big Eye Trevally more than 2000 strong circles the top of the rock and if divers are careful enough it is possible to be taken in by the shoal and get completely encompassed giving an experience more likely to be found on a National Geographic documentary.

The marine life found at this spectacular dive site seems endless, and the possibility of sighting a Whale Shark is ever present. To say this dive site is unpredictable is an understatement, having had the honour to dive this site over the last 10 years I can honestly say this is one dive site that never fails to deliver a new experience.

Twin Rock

Located on the west side of Koh Tao next to the private islands of Koh Nang Yuan, Twins, as the name suggests, consists of two main rock formations, with depths ranging from 6 to 18 meters. Running from East to West this is an easy dive site to navigate, and is full of overhanging rocks and crevices to explore.

As you travel from the shallower end of the dive site to the larger pinnacle, Clarks Anemone Fish (Clown Fish) can be found playing up to the divers cameras and fanning their eggs during the spawning season. A swim through can be found on the larger rock, with Cleaner Shrimp and Blue Spotted Sting Rays hiding under a large overhanging ledge just at the entrance. Be wary of where you put your hands here, as Bearded Scorpion Fish are well camouflaged against the many small rocks lying in the sand.

This is an excellent dive site for student divers and experienced divers alike. You can often see students completing their dive skills in the sandy shallows. Twins is one of the more interesting dive sites around Koh Tao, and is suitable for any level of diver. With an assortment of colourful marine life such as Christmas Tree Worms, and Marbled Sea Cucumbers, Porcupine Puffer and Masked Puffer Fish also make an appearance on this site.

Some of the best symbiotic relationships in Koh Tao can be found at Twins. Numerous Pink Anemone Fish can be found constantly cleaning and protecting their anemones and look close enough in the sand and you'll find the Shrimp Gobies. Acting as lookout while their blind companions continue the tireless work of burrowing and building a safe hideaway, it's easy to get hypnotised by this fascinating partnership.

White Rock

This is one of the more popular dive sites situated on the west coast of Koh Tao. White Rock is quite a narrow and extremely long dive site which is perfect for beginner and experienced scuba divers alike. With depths ranging from 2 to 26 meters this is a very diverse dive site, and the marine life found here is no different.

As you descend down one of three buoy lines you'll see large shoals of Yellow Tail Barracuda, and for the lucky diver, small groups of Squid can be seen at around 6 or 7 meters although good luck getting close enough for a picture. Hawksbill Turtles can sometimes be found at the southern most point of this site eating the soft corals which are in plentiful supply. Not paying much attention to the scuba divers, photo opportunities are excellent and a great souvenir.

Butterfly Fish, Parrot Fish, and the Blue Ringed Angel Fish are colourful companions on this site as well as the Red Breasted Splendour Wrasse. One fish to keep a particular eye out for is the Titan Trigger Fish. Very beautiful, but also very territorial, these are notorious for tenaciously defending their nest from any that pass too closely. This dive site has many smaller rocks and overhangs dotted in and around the main site giving natural protection to Blue Spotted Sting Rays, and White Eyed Moray Eels. Sometimes used as a second dive site, White Rock will put a fitting end to a fabulous days diving.

Green Rock

Short tunnels, Swim throughs, and the Trigger Fish pit, makes this dive site sound like it's from an Indiana Jones Movie. The small tunnels vary in size and shape, and some can be a bit of a squeeze at times, but there are many larger swim through easily big enough for the faintest of hearts. Then there is the Trigger Fish pit...

Looking like craters on the moons surface, the nests are clear to see, and act as a very good keep out sign. Although this is only really a problem during April, May, and June which is breeding time for the Trigger Fish. The rest of the year they are normally pretty tolerant of divers, and you may be lucky enough to see the not so common Yellow Margin Trigger Fish. Admittedly a favourite for the more adventurous diver, Green Rock does have its calm and peaceful side too.

With probably the biggest variety of nudibrach, and Flat worms (Spanish Dancers) in Koh Tao, it's ideal for those underwater photographers to get a bit of macro action. With brightly coloured Parrot Fish feeding on the main pinnacle, White Eyed Moray is tucked away in one of the many cracks, and Blue Spotted Rays hiding in the deeper water, time almost disappears on this site.

Mango Bay

Situated at the north end of Koh Tao and only accessible by boat this picturesque coral bay is normally the first dive site student divers are taken to. With the entrance being done from the beach it is no wonder this is the perfect site for PADI Discover Scuba Diving, PADI Scuba Diver & Open Water Course and even some PADI Adventure Dives or PADI Advanced Open Water dives can be completed here. To start your diving experience the gentle sloping nature of this dive site makes for easy equalisation and introductory skills.

Even experienced scuba divers find this an interesting site being one of the few places in Koh Tao where you can find Sea Horses. Hiding among the small pieces of drift wood, and bamboo in the sandy shallows, looking like small leaves swaying on the bottom, these delicate little creatures only seem to come to life when approached. Also on the sandy bottom you can find some very big Hermit Crabs, and the near impossible to see Peacock Sole.

Mango Bay has beautiful coral running down both sides of the bay, and a large patch of coral in the centre. This makes Mango Bay one of the few dive sites which are perfect for non divers wishing to accompany divers on a great day out. Snorkelling is fantastic around here with Sergeant Majors, Parrot Fish and Thick Lipped Mullet just a few inches from the surface, as well as the colourful hard and soft corals to be found. As with most the dive sites around Koh Tao Mango Bay has a vast array of fish species and is a great addition to any log book.

Japanese Garden

In the shelter of Koh Nang Yuan, Japanese Garden has a sloping nature with large coral formations dotted around a sandy bottom. With depths from 3 meters near the smallest beach of Koh Nang Yuan to 23 meters by Nang Yuan Pinnacle this dive site also has a small wreck in the form of an old dive boat that was sunk in a storm.

Descending the line down to Nang Yuan Pinnacle you'll find a large cut out going the whole way round the pinnacle giving a perfect hiding place for Whip Rays and Blue Spotted Sting Rays. With Stag Horn and Table Coral protruding from the side of the rock and Whip Corals spiralling from the seabed, head west to the long swim throughs and caves near the steep rocky shoreline of Koh Nang Yuan. This is the perfect place to find the Banded Sea Crate (Sea Snake). Although very poisonous these stunning creatures move effortless in the water due to their very timid nature are quickly in the safe confines of the submerged rocks far from harms way.

To the south east side of the dive site there are also some small caves, and swim throughs. Around the shallows there are magnificent Pink Anemones, and large table corals. Red Breasted Wrasse and Goat fish are very popular around this site. Along with shoals of Yellow Tail Barracuda, and rarely found in the gulf, a family of Lion Fish, this is a very beautiful dive site for novice and experienced divers alike.

Shark Island

Also known as Red Rock, this shark finned shaped island is located at the southern end of Koh Tao. This is one of the dive sites that give a variety of dive options with some of the best submerged rock formations in the area. With depths ranging from 5 meters to around 30 meters again this is a very diverse dive site. For novice and inexperienced scuba divers, be sure to find out the conditions before you dive this site as the currents can sometimes be physically challenging.

With swim throughs, caves, and over hanging rock formations covered in colourful Fan and Harp Corals, with Hermit Crabs, Nudibranch, and sea urchins aplenty this is an exciting dive site. In and around this island are some of the most colourful reef fish in Koh Tao such as the Blue Ringed Angel Fish, Long Fin Banner Fish, Harlequin Sweetlips, and Weavers Butterfly Fish. Great topography and variety of marine life makes this a very popular and interesting dive site. Whale Sharks have been spotted on several occasions on the north side of this small island so there is always a buzz of excitement before each entry.

PADI Diving Courses

PADI Open Water Diver

The PADI Open Water Diver program is a full scuba diving certification which enables you to dive in more than 124 countries world wide with a buddy independent of a PADI Professional. Under the guidance of one of our PADI Dive Professionals you will be learning a variety scuba diving techniques and the physiological effects that scuba diving has on our bodies. You will experience the thrill of diving in the open water, passively interact with marine life and feel the freedom and relaxation that diving has to offer.

The PADI Open Water Diver course is a normally a four day program but can be personally adapted to three days for those individuals with time constraints on their holiday. During the first of two days completing your open water dives we will take you to one of the shallow coral bays off Koh Tao. Here you will complete some surface skills and get used to diving in an open water environment. During your second dive to a slightly more demanding site, you will be asked to complete a few basic skills that you have learned in your confined water sessions and once again have the opportunity to explore and discover even more aquatic life.

On your second day it is sometimes possible to visit the world famous Sail Rock. Completing your skills on the training ledge this dive site has it all from large shoals of Barracuda and Trevally, to the smallest Cleaner Shrimp and Nudibranch and for the very lucky few you may even have the chance to see a Whale Shark.

Questions we are generally asked:

How old do I have to be?
PADI Open Water Diver participants must be 15 years or older and review, complete and sign the PADI student record file including an affirmation of risk and medical history screen before entering the water. PADI Junior Open Water Diver participants must be between the ages of 10 and 14 years old.

What equipment do I need?
Scuba equipment required for the PADI Scuba Diver program is supplied. This includes Mask, Fins & Snorkel, a B.C.D. (buoyancy control devise), Weight system, Tanks, wetsuit and regulator set.

What learning materials do I need?
You will require a PADI Open Water Diver crew pack. This is included in the price of the course. You could also use PADI e-learning. This is not included in the price of the course but does enable you to complete all the theory section of the PADI Open Water Diver course at you own convenience on-line. Please look at www.padi.com for more details.

What will I learn?
Under the guidance of our PADI Instructor you will be shown the PADI Open Water Diver DVD and be explained in detail the basics of scuba diving and the effects it has on our body. How to take your first breaths under the water and how freely you can move with the scuba equipment. You will learn breathing techniques, buoyancy skills, and mask skills during the confined water sessions, which will transfer over to the open water section on the program. There are five knowledge reviews to complete, four quick quizzes, and a final exam. You will also learn about diving with a buddy, safety procedures, and dive planning using one of the PADI R.D.P’s (Recreational Dive Planners).

How deep do we go?
On dives 1 and 2 of the PADI Open Water Diver program the maximum depth is 12 meters, on dives 3 and 4 the maximum depth is 18 meters.

How long is the PADI Open Water Diver program?
The PADI Open Water Diver is a three or four day program depending on participants learning abilities and time schedule. Day 1 and 2 is conducted in the classroom and swimming pool. We start at 09:00 giving you an induction into your PADI Open Water Diver course, complete the relevant paperwork, and start you on the first of five knowledge reviews. On completion of the knowledge reviews and quick quizzes we stop for lunch. We then restart with an introduction to the pool session and your first breathes underwater. We generally finish around 15:30 on day one and 12:00 on day two but this does vary depending on individuals learning levels. If the PADI Open Water Diver program is being conducted over three days, day one generally finishes around 17:30. At CSI: SAMUI we work at your pace not ours to ensure you get the very best out of the program.

Day 2 or 3 is the first open water section of the program. We start our journey to Koh Tao at 08:00 and arrive back to Koh Samui around 15:00. During this time you will be able to take in the beautiful islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao as we travel to our first dive site. After completing our first dive we have a buffet lunch and refreshments on the beach, then after about an hour we head to our second dive site. Once we have completed our second dive we depart back to Koh Samui.

Day 3 or 4 we start our trip to Koh Tao or Sail Rock at 08:00. With lunch being served after the first dive we finish with dive 4 of the PADI Open Water Diver program. Once completed we head back to Koh Samui arriving back at 13:00 from Sail Rock or 15:00 from Koh Tao.

What can I do next?
After completing your PADI Open Water Diver course you will be asked to complete a PADI P.I.C. card we send to PADI to register your achievement. You will also be given a temporary card while your official card is being processed. This certification enables you to dive with a buddy independently of a PADI Professional. The next step is the PADI Adventure Diver and PADI Advanced Open Water Diver. You may also complete PADI speciality dive courses such as the popular PADI Enriched air Nitrox, PADI Deep Diver, and PADI Digital Photography program

PADI Discover Scuba Diving

PADI Discover Scuba Diving is a one day introductory diving course allowing you to experience excitement and adventure, encompassing the freedom and tranquillity of being beneath the surface. Nothing compares to the weightlessness and exhilaration of breathing underwater. Only a diver knows that feeling!

The PADI Discover Scuba Diving program at CSI: SAMUI lets the non-diver experience the thrill and adventure of scuba diving under the supervision of one of our PADI Professional Instructors. During your adventure in one of the shallow coral bays around Koh Tao, you'll master some basic concepts and scuba diving skills before heading off on an open water dive. You will learn about the basic equipment used in scuba diving, along with very important safety guidelines and procedures. During your diving experience you will have the chance to passively interact with marine life, and observe some of the magnificent corals and reef fish that inhabit The Gulf of Thailand.

We find that many clients participating in a PADI Discover Scuba Diver course are quite nervous to start, not really knowing what to expect and feeling a little apprehensive, a very natural reaction. In our experience, with a little encouragement from our PADI Professional Instructors and the dramatic marine life found in these waters this soon changes, if fact we sometimes have trouble getting "divers" out of the water.

Questions we are generally asked:
How old do I have to be?
PADI Discover Scuba Diving program participants must be 10 years or older and review, complete and sign the PADI Discover Scuba Diving affirmation of risk and medical history screen before entering the water.

What equipment do I need?
Scuba equipment required for the PADI Discover Scuba Diving program is supplied. This includes Mask, Fins & Snorkel, a B.C.D. (buoyancy control devise), Weight system, Tanks, wetsuit and regulator set.

What will I learn?
Under the guidance of our PADI Instructor you will be explained the basics of scuba diving and the effects it has on our body. How to take your first breaths under the water and how freely you can move with the scuba equipment. Basic skills and safety procedures that can carry you forward in your diving experiences. But most important of all, how much Fun scuba diving really is.

How deep do we go?
The Maximum depth of the PADI Discover Scuba Diving program is 12 meters, although we generally conduct the course around 10 meters or shallower depending on personal preferences and comfort levels.

How long is the PADI Discover Scuba Diving program?
This is a one day course. We start our journey to Koh Tao at 08:00 and arrive back to Koh Samui around 15:00. During this time you will be able to take in the beautiful islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao as we travel to our first dive site. After completing our first dive we have a buffet lunch and refreshments on the beach, then after about an hour we head to our second dive site. Once we have completed our second dive we depart back to Koh Samui.

What can I do next?
After completing your PADI Discover Scuba Diving course you will be issued with a certification of achievement. This is not a recognised diving qualification, but as you will have completed your dives in an open water environment you can get credit towards the PADI Scuba Diver and PADI Open Water Diver.

PADI Bubble Maker
Adults must be accompanied by a child

Scuba diving for children is one of the fastest growing areas of the PADI Diving Education program. The PADI Bubble Maker course introduces basic dive concepts that are EASY and FUN. With the expert help of one of our PADI dive professionals we are able to help kids take their first breaths underwater, and discover the wonders that lie beneath the surface. The PADI Bubble Maker course can be conducted in the confines of our swimming pool which can be completed in a few hours, or in a calm and secluded bay off Koh Tao, such as Mango Bay which is a full day.

Having conducted many PADI Bubble Maker programs at CSI: Samui the problem we normally encounter is not getting the kid's under the water, nor getting them to understand the equipment we use, or even the basic dive theory. The problem we have is getting them out of the water. Not only PADI Instructors, but acting as positive role models, you can not imagine the massive feeling of satisfaction we get in seeing the children's eyes once they learn they can breathe under water and see fish face to face for the first time.

PADI Bubble Maker courses are a great way to involve the whole family in a fantastic holiday activity. It is not required, but we do encourage parents and guardians to accompany the child on their experience. This gives everybody peace of mind, and reduces anxiety on behalf of both parent and child.

Questions we are generally asked:

How old do I have to be?
PADI Bubble Maker Participants must 8 - 10 Year old and complete and sign the PADI Bubble Maker Statement before entering the water. The Parent or guardians signature is required for participants younger than legal age.

What equipment do I need?
Scuba equipment required for the PADI Bubble maker program is supplied. This includes Mask, Fins & Snorkel, a B.C.D. (buoyancy control devise), Weight system, Tanks, wetsuit and regulator set.

What will I learn?
Under the guidance of our PADI Instructor you will be explained the basics of scuba diving and the effects it has on our body. How to take your first breaths under the water and make lots of bubbles. Basic skills and safety procedures that can carry you forward in your diving experiences. But most important of all, how much Fun scuba diving really is.

How deep do we go?
Under the guidance of our PADI Instructor you will be explained the basics of scuba diving and the effects it has on our body. How to take your first breaths under the water and make lots of bubbles. Basic skills and safety procedures that can carry you forward in your diving experiences. But most important of all, how much Fun scuba diving really is.

How long is the PADI Bubble Maker program?
This is a one day or 2 hour course depending on where the program takes place. For those wishing to use our confined water facilities we can arrange a convenient time to suit your requirements. For those wanting the open water option, we start our journey to Koh Tao at 08:00 and arrive back to Koh Samui around 15:00. During this time you will be able to experience the thrill of our speedboat as we travel to our first dive site. After completing our first dive and making lots of bubbles we have a buffet lunch and refreshments on the beach, then after about an hour we head to our second dive site. Once we have completed our second dive we depart back to Koh Samui.

What can I do next?
After completing your PADI Bubble maker course you will be issued with a certification of achievement. This is not a recognised diving qualification, but it is great to hang on your wall and show your friends at school. The next step is the PADI Seal Team.

PADI Seal Team

The PADI Seal Team program is an exciting underwater activity-filled introduction to the world of diving. The PADI Seal Team program gives children a chance to swim around underwater and experience the adventures of up to 15 Aqua Missions. Scuba diving for children is one of the fastest growing areas of the PADI Diving Education program.

The PADI Seal Team program introduces basic dive concepts that are EASY and FUN. With the expert help of one of our PADI dive professionals we are able to help kids take their first breaths underwater, and discover the wonders that lie beneath the surface. The PADI Seal Team is conducted in the confines of our swimming pool and each mission can be completed in about an hour. With the PADI Seal Team specialist adventures' including Night Dive Specialist, Environmental Specialist, Creature I.D. Specialist, and Search & Recovery Specialist there really is something to suit any child.

Having conducted many PADI Seal Team programs at CSI: Samui the problem we normally encounter is not getting the kid's under the water, nor getting them to understand the equipment we use, or even the basic dive theory. The problem we have is getting them out of the water. Not only PADI Instructors, but acting as positive role models, you can not imagine the massive feeling of satisfaction we get in seeing the children's eyes once they learn they can breathe under water and complete the PADI Seal Team missions to become PADI Seal Team Members.

Questions we are generally asked:

How old do I have to be?
PADI Seal Team Participants must 8 - 15 Year old and complete and sign the PADI Seal Team Statement of understanding before entering the water. The Parent or guardians signature is required for participants younger than legal age.

What equipment do I need?
Scuba equipment required for the PADI Seal Team program is supplied. This includes Mask, Fins & Snorkel, a B.C.D. (buoyancy control devise), Weight system, Tanks, wetsuit and regulator set.

What will I learn?
Under the guidance of our PADI Instructor you will be explained the basics of scuba diving and the effects it has on our body. How to take your first breaths under the water and make lots of bubbles. Basic skills and safety procedures that can carry you forward in your diving experiences. But most important of all, how much Fun scuba diving really is. With the extra mission available in the PADI Seal Team program you can chose to learn about the under water environment, identify underwater creatures, and feel the weightless environment of space. Please check out www.padi.com for more PADI Seal Team Missions.

How deep do we go?
The Maximum depth of the PADI Seal Team program is 4 meters.

How long is the PADI Seal Team program?
The PADI Seal Team has a basic program containing 5 Aqua Missions and takes around 5-6 hours to complete. If you want to extend your PADI Seal Team training there is an additional 10 missions to choose from each taking approximately one and a half hours each.

What can I do next?
After completing your PADI Seal Team course you will be issued with a certification of achievement. This is not a recognised diving qualification, but it is great to hang on your wall and show your friends at school. The next step is the PADI Junior Scuba Diver, or the PADI Junior Open Water Diver.

PADI Advanced Open Water Diver

PADI Open Water Divers can expand their dive knowledge, skills, and experience with the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver program. This exciting and relatively relaxed program requires participants to complete 5 adventure dives over 2 days. There is very little self study to complete which means more fun in the water. The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver program has two compulsory dives including a Deep Dive, which takes you to around 30 meters and Navigation which expands the knowledge gained on your PADI Open Water Diver course. Travelling to some of the best dive sites in The Gulf of Thailand the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course is a must for any Open Water Diver wanting to do 2 or more days diving whilst on Koh Samui.

Sail Rock, Chumphon Pinnacle, and South West Pinnacle are just some of the spectacular dive sites we visit when taking PADI Advanced Open Water students on their compulsory Deep Dive. All giving the chance to see the magnificent Whale Shark, why would CSI: SAMUI take you anywhere else. With navigation being the second compulsory dive in the PADI Advanced Open Water program you will be able to choose 3 other PADI Adventure dives to complete your course.

The PADI Adventure Dives: Altitude Dive, AWARE Fish Identification, Boat Dive, Deep Dive, Digital Underwater Photography (L2), Diver Propulsion Vehicle, Drift Dive, Dry Suit Dive, Enriched Air Dive, Multilevel & Computer Dive, National Geographic Dive, Night Dive, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Search & Recovery Dive, Underwater Naturalis,t Underwater Navigation, Underwater Videography, Wreck Dive.

Once you complete your PADI Advanced Open Water Diver you will find the world opens many new dive opportunities with places like The Red Sea in Egypt, Cozumel Mexico, and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Questions we are generally asked:

How old do I have to be?
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver participants must be 15 years or older and review, complete and sign the PADI student record file including an affirmation of risk and medical history screen before entering the water. PADI Junior Advanced Open Water Diver participants must be between the ages of 10 and 14 years old.

What equipment do I need?
Scuba equipment required for the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver program is supplied. This includes Mask, Fins & Snorkel, a B.C.D. (buoyancy control devise), Weight system, Tanks, wetsuit and regulator set.

What learning materials do I need?
You will require a PADI Adventures in Diving manual. This is included in the price of the course. You could also use PADI e-learning. This is not included in the price of the course but does enable you to complete all the theory section of the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course at you own convenience on-line. Please look at www.padi.com for more details.

What will I learn?
Under the guidance of our PADI Instructor you will expand your dive knowledge passed the Open Water level. On your compulsory Deep Dive you will observe the effects of nitrogen narcosis and how colours change at depth. On your Navigation Dive you will negotiate different navigation patterns, and learn how to use topography and marine life to find your way around dive sites. There are 3 other dives to choose from the PADI Adventures in Diving manual each giving more insight into the realms of the underwater kingdom.

How deep do we go?
The Maximum depth of the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver program is 30 meters. For Children between 12 and 14 year olds the maximum depth is 21 meters. For Children ages 10 and 11 the maximum depth is 12 meters.

How long is the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver program?
The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver is a two day program. Each knowledge review must be completed and reviewed by one of our PADI Instructors prior to the days diving. Generally we aim to complete 3 dives in Koh Tao and 2 dives at Sail Rock, depending on the activities chosen.

Koh Tao: We start our journey to Koh Tao at 08:00 and arrive back to Koh Samui around 15:00. During this time you will be able to take in the beautiful islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao as we travel to our first dive site. After completing two dives in the morning we have a buffet lunch and refreshments on the beach. After about an hour we head to our second dive site to complete the final dive of the day. Once we have completed our third dive we depart back to Koh Samui.

Sail Rock: We start our journey to Sail Rock at 08:00 and arrive back to Koh Samui around 13:00. We enter the water at around 09:00 and head to the training ledge to complete the skills required for the first dive. After surfacing we have about an hour surface interval giving us time for brunch and refreshments before entering the water for a second dive. Once our second dive is complete we head back to Koh Samui where we are able to complete the necessary paperwork and congratulate you on your latest achievement.

What can I do next?
After completing your PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course you will be asked to complete a P.I.C. card to send to PADI to register your achievement. You will also be given a temporary card while your official card is being processed. The options after the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification take you in two directions. You can extend your dive knowledge with one of the many PADI Specialty Dive Courses or get one step closer to become a PADI Dive Professional by entering the E.F.R. and PADI Rescue Diver program.

Emergency First response

Not just a pre-requisite for the PADI Rescue Diver program. The ability to provide CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)/ first-aid assistance is a skill that has applications in all areas of our lives. Not only for Scuba Divers but for anyone that wants to learn what to do in an emergency situation. WHY? Because you never know when you may find yourself in a situation where you need to provide emergency care for someone. Emergency First Response is a comprehensive program which is composed of two core modules that can be taught in tandem or as stand-alone courses.

Primary Care:
This teaches participants how to respond to life-threatening emergencies. The course focuses on primary care through a combination of knowledge development, skill development and realistic scenario practice to make sure participants have the confidence in their ability to provide care when emergency situations arise. Primary Care (CPR) skills taught in this course: Scene Safety Assessment, Universal Precautions - Communicable Disease Protection, including barrier use, Primary Assessment, Rescue Breathing, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Conscious and Unconscious Obstructed Airway Management, Serious Bleeding Management, Shock Management, and Spinal Injury Management.

Secondary Care:
This teaches participants how to initiate a secondary assessment and administer first aid through knowledge development, skill development and realistic scenario practice. Secondary Skills taught in this course: Injury Assessment, Illness Assessment. Bandaging, and Splinting for Dislocations and Fractures Included are some reference sections on the following topics: Allergic Reactions, Bruises, Burns, Chemical Burns, Cone Shell Stings, Coral, Jellyfish and Hydroid Stings, Cuts, Dislocations and Fractures, Electrical Injuries, Eye Injuries, First Aid Kit Assembly, Fish Spine Injury, Frostbite, Heat Exhaustion, Heatstroke, Heart Attack, Hypothermia, Illness Assessment, Injury Assessment, Insect Stings, Octopus Bites, Poisoning, Rescue Breathing (adult, child, infant) Scrapes, Seizures, Snake Bites, Spider Bites, Sprains and Strains, Stroke, Temperature Related Injuries, Venomous Bites and Stings, and Illness Assessment Record Sheet.

Emergency First Response can also be extended to incorporate AED course and Care for Children. This course is an innovative CPR, AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and First Aid training course that teaches participants how to provide emergency care for injured or ill children (ages one to eight) and infants less than one year old. Participants learn about the types of medical emergencies that children face, and how they differ from adult conditions. The curriculum also includes the importance of attending to basic emergency situations with children, the emotional aspects of caring for children, secondary care for children, and preventing common injuries and illnesses in children. An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a heart monitoring devise that incorporates Heart Rhythm Analysis, Shock Advisory, and Shock Delivery. The AED part of the course is generally taught at the local SSS Hyperbaric Chamber on Koh Samui and also gives a small insight to the workings of the Hyperbaric Chamber.

Questions we are generally asked:

How old do I have to be?
Emergency First Response has no age limit and is available to anyone that is interested in learning basic life support and first aid.

What equipment do I need?
All first aid equipment, including (little Anne) a practice mannequin are available for use with this course.

What learning materials do I need?
You will require an Emergency First Response manual. This is included in the price of the course.

What will I learn?
Under the guidance of our EFR Instructor you will learn basic life support using the A.B.C.D's. Learn how to evaluate and control an accident scene using knowledge reviews and role play. The different conditions of decompression sickness and lung over expansion injuries, and how to react to potentially life threatening situations.

How long is the Emergency First Response program?
The Emergency First Response is a one day program. We start our Emergency First response program at 09:30. After completing the primary and secondary care knowledge reviews we stop for lunch. We then visit the local SSS Hyperbaric Chamber to use an AED and return to finish the final exam. The course normally finishes around 15:30

What can I do next?
After completing your Emergency First Response course you will be asked to complete a P.I.C. card to register your achievement. You will also be given a temporary card while your official card is being processed. You are now able to start your PADI Rescue Diver Course.

PADI Rescue Diver

Scuba divers that complete the PADI Rescue Course generally find this the most satisfying and rewarding program they learn. After completing the PADI Open Water Diver and PADI Advanced Open Water Diver courses which are all about learning and developing dive skills, the PADI Rescue Diver program concentrates on helping and caring for others. Learning both in water and out of water rescue techniques, this gives participants a new sense of achievement and confidence in their diving abilities.

With role play and real life scenarios, the PADI Rescue Diver program is a very physical course and requires a positive mental attitude. Learning how to self rescue, search for missing divers, calm panicked divers, and provide in water rescue breaths, the PADI Rescue Diver is a very enjoyable and gratifying course.

Scuba divers must have a current certificate in first-aid and CPR as a pre-requisite for the PADI Rescue Diver course. For divers requiring a certification we run the Emergency First Response course in conjunction with the PADI Rescue Diver program. PADI Rescue Divers also find this course doesn’t only influence their scuba diving but with the help of the Emergency First Response course find a transition from scuba diving to everyday life.

Questions we are generally asked:
How old do I have to be?
PADI Rescue Diver participants must be 12 years or older and review, complete and sign the PADI student record file including an affirmation of risk and medical history screen before entering the water

What equipment do I need?
Scuba equipment required for the PADI Rescue Diver program is supplied. This includes Mask, Fins & Snorkel, a B.C.D. (buoyancy control devise), Weight system, Tanks, wetsuit and regulator set. Emergency oxygen, Free flow mask and Demand resuscitation masks, First Aid Kits and safety barriers are also supplied during this course.

What learning materials do I need?
You will require a PADI Rescue Diver manual. This is included in the price of the course. Your own Pocket Mask is required for in water rescue scenarios which can be ordered when booking the course.

What will I learn?
Under the guidance of our PADI Instructor you will learn many different skills during the PADI Rescue Diver program including: Procedures for self rescue situations. Assess and evaluate a diver in distress. Assisting a tired or panicked diver both on the surface and under water. Responding to an incident from land or sea with both in and out of water rescue techniques, and so much more.

How deep do we go?
We keep the dives shallow whilst teaching the PADI Rescue Diver program. 6 -9 meters provides a controlled and safe environment to conduct the rescue exercises and scenarios.

How long is the PADI Open Water Diver program?
The PADI Rescue Diver is a three day program.

Day 1: We start at 09:00 in the classroom and watch the PADI Rescue DVD and complete all knowledge reviews and exams. We then have lunch before turning our attention to the pool to learn self rescue and techniques that we will be going through on day 2 and 3.

Day 2: We start our journey to Koh Tao at 08:00 and arrive back to Koh Samui around 15:00. We enter the water at around 09:00 and start various rescue and search techniques. After approximately 2 hours we have about an hour for lunch and refreshments before entering the water for a second session. Once our second session is complete we head back to Koh Samui.

Day 3: We again start our journey to Koh Tao at 08:00. On the way to Koh Tao we discuss the areas you may need to work on or feel you personally want to improve. Once at the dive site we go through the areas discussed before starting the rescue scenarios. Depending on individuals performance we can sometimes complete these during the first session of the day. We then break for lunch and refreshments before entering the water for a second session. When we return to Koh Samui we complete all the necessary paperwork before congratulating you on your achievement.

What can I do next?
After completing your PADI Rescue Diver course you will be asked to complete a P.I.C. card to send to PADI to register your achievement. You will also be given a temporary card while your official card is being processed. The options after the PADI Rescue Diver certification take you in two directions. You can extend your dive knowledge with one of the many PADI Specialty Dive Courses and complete your PADI Master Scuba Diver, the highest PADI non-professional certification or you can GO PRO with the PADI Dive Master the first PADI professional certification.

PADI Divemaster

PADI Divemaster is the first step in the PADI professional scuba diving program, expanding your existing scuba diving skills and knowledge. Working closely with our Padi instructors you will face new and exciting challenges and practical skills that you can use beyond the boundaries of diving. The PADI Divemaster program also broadens horizons giving the opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful places in the world, like here in Koh Samui Thailand.

The PADI Divemaster program has three modules to enhance diver development. Stamina & Water Skills, Knowledge development, and Leadership Abilities. Along with the program requiring a fair amount of self study this course give to the candidate exaclty what they put in, and CSI: SAMUI are there to give as much guidence and encouragement as possible. With the option of an internship the PADi Divemaster certification can be achieved in anything from 4 to 12 weeks depending on the learning abilities of each individule. Some schools on Koh Samui offer shorter periods of completion but at CSI: SAMUI we pride ourself on the best possible instruction for all our candidates and do not "cut corners" when it comes to Acting, Thinking, and Demanding professionalism. If you are serious about becoming a PADI Dive Professional the choice is completely YOURS.

So broaden Your Horizons and Your Future, complete The PADI Divemaster with CSI: SAMUI.

Questions we are generally asked:

How old do I have to be?
PADI Divemaster Candidates must be a minimum of 18 years old. You also require a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or qualifying certification from another training organization), a PADI Rescue Diver (or qualifying certification from another training organization), an Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care (or qualifying first aid and CPR training from another organization) course completion within the past 24 months. Have at least 20 dives to begin the course and 60 for certification. A Medical Statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months as also required.

What equipment do I need?
It is highly recommended that you own all of your own scuba equipment, as familiarity with personal gear improves general scuba diving skills. We can however provide Scuba equipment required for the PADI Divemaster program.

What learning materials do I need?
The PADI Divemaster crewpak includes everything you'll need to start the PADI Divemaster program. The complete set of materials includes: The Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving. A comprehensive overview of diving physics, physiology, and equipment. Diving Knowledge Workbook - a self-study guide used in preparation for the Divemaster and Instructor exams. PADI Divemaster Manual.

What will I learn?
PADI Divemaster Tranees (DMT's) will complete 3 modules contained in the Divemaster program.

Knowledge Development: You will explore the role and characteristics of a PADI Divemaster along with supervising diving activities for certified divers. You will assist our PADi Instructors with student diviers and assess risk management. You will develop your dive theory in several areas including Decompression Theory and Dive Tables, Physiology & the Physics of diving.

Stamina Assessment: There are four exercises that evaluate your level of fitness and stamina. Each water skill is given a point scale from 5 to 1 and requires a combined total of 12 points. Candidates must complete all exercises prior to certification.

The Diver Rescue Assessment and Development Firstly evaluate effectiveness. To assure that candidates can perform a rescue if necessary in an emergency situation. Secondly, it improves the quality of rescue skills to assist with the PADI Rescue Diver course. Finally it forms the foundation of demonstration quality rescues required during the IDC/IE (Instructor Development Course and Instructor Exam).

Confined Water-skill Demonstration Development The Confined Water-skill Assessment and Development has two purposes - to verify that the candidate can perform the 20 basic dive skills from the PADI Skill Evaluation, and to train the candidate to perform these skills to demonstration quality.

How long is the PADI Divemaster program?
The PADI Divemaster can be successfully completed in 4 - 12 weeks. Please contact us for more details and discuss a personal itinerary.

What can I do next?
Now you are able to work in the Diving Industry opening new and exciting possibilities. Work at local dive centres, on live-aboard dive boats, yachts and at exotic resort locations. Assist PADI Instructors with students, Lead PADI Scuba Divers on guided dive tours, Teach and certify PADI Skin Divers, Teach PADI Discover Snorkelling programs, Conduct PADI Scuba Review programs for certified divers, Lead certified divers on Discover Local Diving experiences.

After completing your PADI Divemaster you can take a step closer to becoming an Open Water Scuba Instructor by becoming a PADI Assistant Instructor or after logging 100 dives you can start your Instructor Development Course. The Possibilities are endless.

Scuba Diving Insurance
With CSI: SAMUI and Indepths

With the opportunity to dive some of the best sites in Thailand we conduct all of our dive tours and courses on speedboats to ensure no time is wasted on your holiday. We have full safety equipment on board, first aid, and emergency oxygen. Your safety is our priority which is why CSI: SAMUI sponsor the SSS Hyperbaric Chamber and is a member of DAN (Divers Alert Network) and has a 100% safety record. All of our equipment is new and extremely well maintained. With manufacturers such as Mares, Aqualung, and Scubapro we demand the best, as do our divers. The tanks we use are fully maintained before the due date and are filled at Koh Samui's leading air supplier to ensure perfect air every time.

We supply full dive insurance as standard to all our clients for the duration of the PADI diving course or dive tours. Now we can offer scuba diving insurance to everybody. Whether for only one day or a full yearly cover feel secure in the knowledge that with our Dive Master Insurance plans covered by Lloyds of London you are fully covered in the unlikely event of something going wrong.

International Diving Emergency Card:
Known as the IDEC, this is sport injury insurance with worldwide coverage. It provides funds for the insured person for accidents and injuries resulting from sport diving. IDEC can also provide cover for the insured person on their return home, and provides cover for UK diving as well. The insurance includes 24 hour multi-lingual assistance provided by MEDEX Assistance Corporation, which staffs its phone lines with assistance co-coordinators who liaise with specialist diving doctors to ensure the patient receives the correct treatment for their diving injury. Cover also includes emergency evacuation from remote areas, repatriation using the best means possible and many more benefits besides. All divers should carry IDEC cover if they dive in the UK and/or dive abroad. It is available for short trips and annual cover. It is not a standard travel insurance policy, but it is taken out as a bolt on package.

IDEC International Diving Emergency Cover A Personal Accident Plan for Divers Covers you diving anywhere

Immediate Emergency Medical Expenses ?100,000

Hyperbaric Chamber Treatment Costs ?100,000

Air Evac, Medical Repatriation ?75,000

Search and Rescue ?50,000

Additional Transport and Accommodation

After the Event Medical Expenses ?50,000 which covers:

Depth limits
* Medical costs after return home * Approved alternative therapies * PFO Test costs * PFO Closures if Medically Necessary * Access to Diving Doctors * Post Accident Dive Fitness Examinations * Depth limit for diving on Air 50metres * Unsupported Technical Dives 80metres * SupportedTechnical Dives 130metres

Sport diver liability
Sport Diver Liability Insurance provides ?2 million Public Liability cover for recreational divers of any certifying association, on an annual worldwide basis. This policy covers: * Recreational Snorkelling * Free Diving * Sports Diving * Underwater Scientific projects * Underwater Film & Media projects as an unpaid volunteer.

About CSI : Samui

Demand the Best
Receive Excellence

CSI: SAMUI is a relatively small company that is BIG on Scuba Diving. Giving our clients the very best, we demand the highest standards from ourselves. Scuba Diving is one of the most extreme adventures you are likely to encounter and we have your back. CSI: SAMUI is English owned with a commitment for excellence. It took more than 3 years to develop and having worked with many of the dive schools on Koh Samui, and meeting a variety of different people and nationalities, we believe we have found the ideal package for those looking to find Quality at an affordable price.

Our Sala style classroom is located in the tropical surroundings of Temple Gardens. Using nature as a back drop to our teaching facility rather than the walls of a confined classroom, we find that our clients feel more relaxed, which is an essential part of any learning environment, not to mention the effects that air-conditioning has to diving related problems. With a sloping 15 meter Pool we feel we have a near perfect place to teach Scuba Diving no matter where in the world you wish to learn.

When People think of diving The Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao is almost certainly the 1st place that people talk about. It has the 2nd highest PADI Certification rate, beaten only by Australia's Great Barrier Reef. BUT, With Koh Tao measuring only 21sqkm the questions must be asked about the number of students to a course? Can the schools offer the quality of service that the customer demands? At CSI: SAMUI we do things a little different.

Scuba Diving is meant to be FUN, and we have found that a lot of young couples and people holidaying alone WANT to interact and meet new people, and at CSI: SAMUI we can't think of a better way to do this. We do however run a small group policy 4:1 and are able to tailor dive tours and dive courses to individuals requirements. For those wanting that more personal touch we can also accommodate a 1:1 service. This ensures the very best dive education available on Koh Samui. There is the opportunity to mingle with other divers on the speedboat, but all dives will be strictly 1:1, so why not get the best of both worlds.

Gallery

Marine life found in The Gulf Of Thailand. All pictures taken are from Sail Rock and other dive sites around Koh Tao.

Latin Name: Parupeneus Barberinoides

The most obvious features of the goat fish are the pair of “goats whiskers” otherwise called barbels, on its chin and the distinctively forked caudal (tail) fin. Other clues in the identification of this family include the two separated dorsal fins and elongated but solid body. Colouration ranges from the bright Yellow Fin Goat Fish (Mulloidichthys Vanicolensis) to the iridescent pink and blue multi-bar species (Parupeneus Multifasciatus). They are a medium sized fish, from 20cm up to 50cm fro the larger members of the family. Consisting of around sixty species there are size differences between the sexes, the male or female being noticeably larger dependent of the species.

Latin Name: Pseudobiceros Bedfordi

Flatworms (Phylum Platyhelminthes) often called Spanish Dancers comprise of a very diverse group of worms, with over 10,000 species described. Unlike many other kinds of worms, such as earthworms, flatworms do not have a body cavity containing organs – instead the body is a solid mass of tissue. There is no circulatory system either, and flatworms rely on diffusion to convey nutrients and waste products between cells. That is why flatworms are so flat and thin: no part of the interior of the body is far from the surface.

Latin Name: Scorpaenopsis Cirrhosa

Scorpion Fish get their name from their venomous spines. In some species they are more conspicuous than others, like the highly maneuverable spines of the lion fish (Dendrochirus). They have relatively large heads and large pectoral fins which are more like wings or fans.

Colour patterns vary from the bright reds, oranges, strips and ornate plumage of the Lion Fish, to the well camouflaged drab mottled hues of browns and greens of the stonefish (Syanceia sp.). Some species like this Bearded Scorpion fish have additional leafy tassels, warts and bumps on their body coverings, and would certainly win no beauty contest. They are artist of disguise. By growing additional appendages or producing mucous to stick on bits of algae to their body and lying semi-buried in silt they are camouflaged from their predators and prey. The scorpion fish family comprises of approximately 350 species and 70 genera and are found mostly in indo-pacific waters.

Latin Name: Rhynchocinetes Durbanensis

The Camel Shrimp (Rhynchocinetes Durbanensis) also known by many other names which include the Dancing Shrimp, the Hump Back Shrimp, the Candy Shrimp and the Hinge Back Shrimp. The females of this species tend to have smaller claws than the males and dispite their very colourfull red and white bodies produce green eggs that they carry under their abdominal cavity when spawning. They feature a complex pattern of spots and bands along the back of its body that are fluorescent in colour and they also have prominent bands on their legs.They are more active at night and divers will often encounter them in their torch beam whilst looking in cracks and crevices of the reef. They grow to a maximum length of 6cm.

Latin Name: Platax Teira

A graceful fish, Batfish or Spadefish are easy to recognize with their flattened appearance, circular body and elongated symmetrical dorsal and anal fins. Already of distinctive appearance, some species even have elongated pelvic fins. The Batfish family consists of about 17 species in 5 genera and reaches a maximum size of around 65cm

The transformation from juveniles to adult is dramatic. Adults are shades of brown, black and silver with thick yellow stripes or vertical bands across the eye, body, and posterior part of the body. Juveniles however are darker in colour and often have a thin orange or red colour bordering their fins. Juveniles also have exaggerated long dorsal and anal fins that decrease in length as they approach adulthood.

Latin Name: Plectorhinchus Chaetodonoides

Perhaps it is the gentle and sweet appearance of the Haemulidae that earn it the common name of Sweetlips instead of its other more appropriate name of the Gruntfish. Sweetlips emit a rude grunting noise made by the grinding of their pharyngeal teeth, and when their bladder further amplifies this sound, they are one of the noisiest inhabitants of the tropical coral reef. Sweetlips resemble the laterally compressed body shape of a snapper (Lutjanidae) but they look much friendlier with a smaller mouth with no canine teeth and smacking thick lips. The Juveniles vary dramatically from the adult, being either black and white in colour (Plectorhinchus Lineatus juv) or sporting white spots with dark brown segments. One prime example is the juvenile Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides, commonly known as the clown sweetlips due to it’s resemblance to anemone fish in shape and it’s clownish antics of swimming in a head down position on the bottom of the reef.

Latin Name: Siderea Thyrsoidea

Since being sensationalized in the movie “The Deep”, moray eels have an ill reputation. Their status as ferocious killers that stalk and attack divers is total fiction. Nothing could be further from the truth. The facts are moray eels are shy and retiring animals that lead a secret life beneath the chambers of the sea. Moray eels are distinctive and easily identifiable by their disposition, colour, patterns and body sizes. Among fish however they are “odd balls”. Looking like a snake with its elongated muscularly compressed body, the eel is actually a fish with one long ribbon dorsal fin, which often melts into the anal fins and tail, and has no pectoral fin. The vertical slit gills of other fish are replaced with a couple of holes on each side of their body situated several inches behind their small head. With two protruding tubular nostrils moray eels have an advance sensory sense of smell. They are also equipped with two fang-like canine teeth and their scale less body is covered with mucus.

Latin Name: Phyllorhiza Punctata

The White Spotted Jellyfish or Phyllorhiza Punctata, is a native to Australia and is also known as the Australian spotted jellyfish. It grows to the size of about 45-50 centimeters in diameter, and is ocassionally known to grow to a maximum length of just a little over 60 centimeters in size. They look extremely beautiful with the design of white spots over their translucent gelatinous body and their frilly oral arms add another aspect of charm to their appearance. Additionally, they are fairly harmless and their sting contains only mild venom which does not cause any serious effect or reaction in humans. Application of vinegar can cure the little burning sensation that may be caused by the sting. In most cases, just washing the location of the sting with salt water is sufficient measure to rid oneself of the minor effects of the white spotted jellyfish sting.

Latin Name: Chaetodon Lineolatus

Reaching a maximum length of around 30cm this conspicuous group of reef fish has distinctive colour patterns. Many species have false eyespots near the tail or below the dorsal fin with a stripped or solid black bar across their real eye, presumably confuse predators. Along with stripes across the body, bright yellow is the colour that features more frequently in this family. Colour patterns aside, they are easy to recognize by their physical appearance; a compressed flat disc shape, a continuous often heavily scaled dorsal fin, and in some cases a prominent elongated snout, like that of the Longnose Butterfly fish (Forciper Longirostris). There are 120 species and 10 genera to this family, also called Coral Fish and Banner Fish and are mostly found in depths of less than 20 meters.

CSI : Scuba Diving Samui

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