Welcome to IHASIA @ Koh Tao
IHASIA is a dive center established in the island paradise of Koh Tao since 2008. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao is the most northerly island of the archipelago that make up, along with Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samui.

The project began with the idea of covering the increasing demand for Spanish diving in Thailand . We are a diverse group of dive professionals, we decided to change our previous lives in Spain for a quieter life, doing what we like best: diving. And so we can guarantee a relaxed way, and in the best environment you can find, because we do exactly what we like.

If you want to introduce you to the world of diving, whether recreationally or to join the increasingly large group of people who want to live underwater.

We are located on the beach Chalok Baan Kao , the quietest part of the island, just 5 minutes by bike most lively area . A beautiful white sand beach, with a variety of beach bars with sunbeds ready for a nap between dives.

Service Custom
In Koh Tao we have many Spanish instructors, so we can guarantee our customers the opportunity to learn to dive in small groups (no more than three people), what we are capable of maintaining high standards in our courses. We offer courses SSI (Scuba Schools International) and PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) , the two most popular diving associations worldwide.

Forget about taking a course with 10 other people and that the instructor can not pay attention. We have no timetable, no hurry, we just want to be here . If you traveling a larger group there is no problem, you can take the course together, but when you go into the water, you count with one instructor for every three people.

In addition to diving, from the moment you arrive to the island to advise and assist any way we can. We seek the most economical and comfortable accommodation (if what you want). I picked up at the port to the ship's arrival. Go with you to help you rent a cheap bike at a trusted site, I recommend the best restaurants (which we will also us) and give you all the information you need on the island to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Try before you decide
In IHASIA know that this is not for everyone. There are times when a student decides not to complete the course. Sometimes it gets a little scary, a little overwhelmed, and so we offer you the opportunity to try scuba diving before you introduce in the course .

The commonly known as "baptisms" of diving, consist of a simple test to see how this is going, and to decide whether they want to continue with the course.

If you decide to take the course Open Water Diver , the christening will count as the first dive of the course, so you will not have been in vain, and its price will be deducted from the final price of the course.

Still offer advantages
Our years of working in Spain, we have made many friends on the road. And so we offer free dives at various dive sites in our network of collaborators.

Once completed the course, you count on free and discounted dive sites in our network , across Spain, Argentina and Portugal.

We also offer life aboard trips in Thailand, particularly in the Andaman Sea in the Similan Islands and the Ang Thong Marine Park.

You Tube : http://www.youtube.com/user/cursosbuceokohtao

How to find us on the island
IHASIA is located in the southernmost population of the island of Koh Tao, called Chalok Baan Kao . Is a small town but has all basic services, such as various lodging, full grocery, food markets, restaurants, rental bikes and quads, pharmacy, Internet caf? to connect, and of course, diving centers.

Chalok Baan Kao and its beach is the most quiet of the island, except for the deserted beaches on the east side. We have a beautiful white sand beach just over a mile long, with bars on the beach so you get wet when you dance in them, or when you're having a beer at the time that the tide.

Many of the bars on the beach offering fire juggling shows every night free and volleyball courts to entertain a while.

•Tel: (0) 857 909 811 - (0) 892 300 082

Remember this fact: if you call from a phone NOT Thai, you should replace the first 0 of the phone number the country code (+66) , so if you are calling from your own phone, our number would be as follows. Personally, I recommend you to buy a SIM card in a 7-11 on your arrival to Thailand. You will be able to be transmitted to a very low call rate, and the SIM card cost amounts to just a few Euros.

•Tel: (+66) 857 909 811 - (+66) 892 300 082

In case you can not reach us, please get in touch with us through the Resort Tropican a, on the beach at Baan Kao Chalok . At the reception will be responsible for giving us, and put a room at your disposal if ye are interested in our offer of accommodation or counting on a reservation.

If you know the ferry that will leave the island, no problem about getting into the port. Ourselves we will pick you there and you take a taxi to the dive center and resort.

Remember our email address info@ihasia.net for any query that can rob you before your arrival.

If you prefer, you can use this form to send a message quickly. Do not forget to leave your contact information so we can answer your questions.

Do not hesitate to ask any questions.

Tropicana Resort, Koh Tao

Located on the waterfront, and its tropical garden, Tropicana Resort is the ideal place to relax and enjoy your stay in Koh Tao.

Our resort also includes these other facilities:
• Celebrated restaurant beach front
• Travel Agency
• Safe
• WiFi Internet
• Laundry
• Bicycle Rental
• Videos in Spanish
• Spanish Library

We have comfortable bungalows and apartments for those seeking a longer stay.

All our courses are accompanied by accommodation including standard rooms with fan and private bathroom.

Do you want to enjoy your course in a relaxed atmosphere?

Tropicana Resort - Koh Tao : http://www.kohtaotoday.com/rooms_tropicana_resort_kohtao_E.php

Koh Tao
Koh Tao, an island of only 21 km2, is located 70 km from the coast of Chumphon and Surat Thani in the Gulf of Thailand. The name of Koh Tao means "Turtle Island", name given because of the significant number of them which could be a few years ago, but today is only possible to contemplate during the dive.

Not long ago, when the island was still uninhabited, their only visitors were the local fishermen who used it as a shelter during the monsoon season, and as a resting place at the time of slaughter.

On June 18, 1899, His Majesty the King Chualonkorn (Rama V 1868-1910) visited Koh Tao leaving evidence of their journey on a monolith that still can be visited on the beach Sairee Beach. Since 1933, the island was used as a political prison until, in 1947, Khun A-Paiwong, prime minister of the time, issued a Royal Pardon for all political prisoners on the island, which it was once again uninhabited but this time not for long.

That same year, Khun Ueam and his twin brother Khun Oh reached Koh Tao from the nearby Koh Phangan with its traditional sailing boat, traveling at that time could be considered a dangerous day trip, and anchored in the famous beach of Sairee Beach , west of the island. Later bringing their families, began to cultivate their rich lands, creating the first community of islanders. In the 80's, the first travelers discovered the idyllic beaches of Koh Tao, and quickly became a favorite destination for backpackers traveling through Southeast Asia, which accelerated the development of the island, creating shipping lines Quick, a wide variety of hotels, and of course, a huge infrastructure designed for divers.

During the 90's, the reputation of Koh Tao is known worldwide, bringing the number of visitors has increased considerably, to become one of Koh Tao's main tourist destinations of travelers from around the world, especially of those interested in entering the diving, the island combines best dive sites for learning, and the low prices that characterize Thailand.

Koh Tao currently retains that paradisiacal beauty that characterizes it, including large areas of the island that still remain untouched and uninhabited.

With only 21 Km2 and oriented north to south, Koh Tao is the smallest among the quiet island of the archipelago. It is easily accessible by air via the nearby island of Koh Samui famous, then by connecting one of the frequent ferries that make the journey daily. The island is also accessible directly by ferry from the coast of Chumphon and Surat Thani, from where you can board daily.

With less than 10 km from north to south, and just 3 km from east to west, is easily traveled as much on a bike or bike or even walk. Another option of visiting the beaches of the island is by renting a kayak and surrounding it, even if it means we have to be a bit more prepared, as the sun continues to beat.

Where to sleep?
In Koh Tao there are a variety of offers to stay, suitable for all audiences and budgets. Most of the sites focus on the main beaches of the island (Mae Haad, and Chalok Sairee Baan Kao Beach.)

The offer ranges from small wooden bungalows with a king bed, bathroom and fan to luxury apartments with A / C, satellite TV and all kinds of details. Prices vary with season, but it is possible to get an idea depending on our budget.

The price for a basic bungalow is around 350-600THB/noche, and on the other side the most luxurious accommodations may be around 2000THB/noche.

The monthly rent varies from a few to about 10000THB 4000THB a simple apartment without much luxury, but is perfect for anyone who wants to spend some time on the island.

The different seasons are:

•High season (December to March / JULY-AUGUST)

•Mid season (April-June / September)

•Low Season (OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER)

Mae Haad
The port area. It is the commercial hub of the island, where you can find most services call such as banks, post office, supermarkets, etc. It's certainly the least attractive area of ??the island being situated on the harbor. There is a higher concentration of dirt and noise.

Sairee beach
The ultimate nightlife district of the island, where you can find all types of accommodations. It is the tourist area of ??Koh Tao, so dive centers, bars and supermarkets, and most restaurants have a presence here.

Who does not look to be in the midst of din want to avoid the area, but if you ever feel like a ride at night, is no more than 5 minutes the rest of the island. (A taxi to the other end would be 10 minutes and a few 150THB per passenger).

Chalok Baan Kao
Without doubt the most peaceful population of the island and the closest to the best beaches and coves, such as Freedom Beach. Dela located in the South Island, you can find accommodation of all kinds, and essential services (shops, supermarkets, etc.).

The beaches of Koh Tao
Koh Tao is notable for the beauty and tranquility of its beaches, coves and bays. To be oriented north to south, the beaches are great both on the East and the West face, reserving the North and South for small coves surrounded by huge granite formations.

In the West are the longest beaches in the island, as Sairee Beach, and in the eastern beaches are small and Aow Leuk.

- Costa West

Koh Nangyuan
One of the most visited of the island, consisting of three small islands connected by a sand spit. Accessible only by boat or taxi boat, on the west side offers a perfect place for snorkeling, and may even see sea turtles swimming in their fields of coral and giant sponges.

In high season the concentration of tourists can be quite high, so if you intend to spend a relaxing day, it would be advisable to visit a small cove on the other side of the island.

Nuai Sai beach
Surrounded by granite rocks Degrand, this small cove offers unparalleled sunset. It is ideal to relax and unwind from it all for your time relaxing alone.

June beach
In the southern part of the east side of Koh Tao, this is a small cove accessible only by boat or foot. There is no easy road for motorcycles or cars, so that the influx of people will be much lower even in high season.

- Costa Sur

Freedom beach
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful bays of the island. Just 10 minutes walk from Chalok Baan Kao is one of the few to be easily reached by bike.

Thiang Og Bay (Shark beach)
Probably the most beautiful beach of Koh Tao, and one of the most famous, since it is of the most interesting for snorkeling. No more sticking your head in the water, you will find small black-tipped sharks. Accessible by taxi, bike or walk. The best way is to go on a bike to OK II Bungalows and from there take a taxi boat. If you're out of high season is only likely to be quite high.

Sai Daeng Beach:
Located just east of Thian Og, this small cove is the closest to Shark Island. Accessible only on foot or by taxi boat.

- Costa East

Aow Leuk:
Beautiful turquoise bay. Located to the south, only arrive by land, by taxi or on foot. Ideal for snorkeling.

Tanoto Bay:
The largest of the bays on the west side, with items perfect for snorkeling. One of the tours required of the island.

Cape Laem Thiang:
One of these pirate coves of the island. Accessible by foot or taxi, you will find large rock formations with spectacular jumps into the sea.

Hin Wong Bay
Another of the pirates. Of the best trekking on the island, easily accessible from Sairee Beach.

- Costa Norte

Mango Bay
Of the best parts of the island for snorkeling. Another recommended treks.

Where to sleep in Koh Tao
In Koh Tao you will find all sorts of offers to eat. From local eateries to authentic Western restaurants, but fortunately, have yet to McDonalds or Starbucks.

You can enjoy great grilled fish on the beach, Thai restaurants on top of a mountain, or restaurants on the highway, where you will discover the authentic Thai food.

If you go for local food, check that you can still eat for less than 1 € and still be completely satisfied.

What to eat?
Surely we must seize on an island to enjoy your fish, especially dishes like barracuda, king mackerel, tuna and the spectacular King Prawn (giant prawns).

Grao Pat Pao: One of the delights of Thai cuisine. It may be of seafood, chicken or pork, always accompanied by the ubiquitous fried egg and rice.

Massaman Curry: Curry typical Muslim south of Thailand. Red curry soup with potatoes and peanuts. It is also a good idea to pair it with rice.

Pad Thai: One of the most famous dishes in Thailand. Some fine noodles with scrambled egg and accompanied by any meat or vegetable. Absolutely delicious.

Flat noodles: Rice noodles with a flat well with vegetables, meat and tofu.

Nightlife in Koh Tao
In Koh Tao any day is good for nightlife. The atmosphere is guaranteed. There are big clubs, but we have a wide variety of local beach where you can dance in the sea water and enjoy the fire juggling shows held every night in many of these clubs.

Most premises are located in the area Sairee Beach, where there is greater concentration of tourism.

Chalok area Baan Kao is the most relaxed, chilled out atmosphere with a great for those who prefer to talk with friends. Beach bar with good music and good people.

Organizing weekly parties he attends the entire population of the island, as the "Castle Party" halfway between Mae Haad and Chalok, and once a month organizes the world famous Full Moon Party on Koh Pha Ngan, a rave party that concentrates thousands of people on the beach in the neighboring island. You can see that during this event you can enjoy Koh Tao privately, and that virtually 100% of tourists to the island leaves us.

The perfect time to go to the beach ...

Our diving school
As a diving school, our main objective is to train and educate our divers.

We offer diving courses approved by divers several prestigious associations, such as SSI (Scuba Schools International) and PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) where you will learn the techniques, protocols and theory of scuba diving and develop your skills in a safe As the course progresses.

In keeping with our philosophy of making a bridge between your education and your here as divers continued the practice of this sport, all our courses are accompanied by totally free refresher dives across our network of collaborating centers.

Baptisms (introduction to diving)

Would you like to try for the first time the sensation of breathing underwater? With this session check, accompanied by an instructor, the magic of diving. In morning and afternoon sessions, and after a short theory session, you'll go to sea and experience the sensation of feeling like a real diver.

Learn some basic facts about the use of diving equipment and basic rules of the game before going into the water. This way you'll enjoy a completely safe experience while moving.

With this experience not received any kind of certification, and do not form as a diver, but in most cases lets you decide whether the course of diving is what you're looking for, or just so you can enjoy the underwater scenery Magnino otherwise you could not contemplate.

Scuba Review or refresher dive

Designed for those with some degree of diving have long without practicing. It is always advisable after a period of inactivity of more than 6 months.

Accompanied by your instructor, refresher and techniques to return again diving in a safe and fun.

The program consists of a number of hours of theory which will review the most important knowledge of dive theory, followed by immersion will take place where the circuit of exercises learned during the Open Water Diver course.

Course Open Water Diver SSI / PADI

Course Open Water Diver (OWD) is the gateway into the world of diving. It is the first course will receive a diploma as an independent diver. After obtaining a diploma, you identify yourself as a diver in any of the thousands of dive sites scattered around the world, and enjoy the seabed.

With this degree, you will not need a guide or dive instructor. You'll be able to rent scuba gear and dives make your own.

Divided into theoretical and practical sessions you will learn the knowledge and skills to be certified as a diver in a safe manner.

The course consists of a theoretical sesionies, which after watching a video introduction, your instructor will explain the whole theory of diving, learning as much

Course Advanced Open Water Diver SSI / PADI

The next step in the adventure of diving. With this degree you will be able to dive up to 30m deep.

The course consists of 5 dives with its corresponding theory.

Two of these dives are required: deep diving, where you learn the risks and special considerations necessary before diving below 18m depth and underwater navigation, where you will learn to guide you under water by reference to the characteristics of the immersion environment and the proper use of a compass underwater.

The other three dives of the course are eligible from the wide variety of specialties that we offer. Choose from night diving, wreck diving, underwater photography specialist, drift diving, dry suit diving, diving with enriched air (Nitrox) and many others.

Obviously, you must choose among those skills available depending on the environment in which you are (in Thailand we can not offer ice diving).

After obtaining certification as an advanced diver, you will have the chance to dive in protected marine parks have banned diving for novice divers due to the fragility of the environment and the passage of a large number of inexperienced divers means for them.

The course is in two days. One of them with two immersion and another with 3, including, probably, a night dive, which is usually the favorite of students.

These dives are an introduction to the specialties they choose, and credit for the course of specialization. That is, if you want to get deep diver specialty (up to 40m) only have to perform two dives remaining for the field after the Advanced Open Water Diver course.

Course Emergency First Response (EFR)

The EFR course is a general first aid course, which is not geared to diving. Is a prerequisite for the completion of the course of rescue, but may be validated with other similar qualifications that the student possesses, which have performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), it can be shown to obtain such certification within 24 months prior to rescue course.

As a general first aid course, anyone, diver or not, may be interested in it. Anyone can attend the course, no age requirement or condition of the diver.

The course consists of two sections: First, Primary Care, provides for emergency procedures to assist a person whose life is in danger: Cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, shock, and critical bleeding.

The second section, Secondary Care (first aid) includes treatment of all injuries secondary character, such as fractures, wounds and cuts, bruises, burns, poisoning, etc..

This course is very interesting and useful, especially in personal and family life of the people, who know how to effectively assist in an emergency.

The course takes one to two days.

Course Rescue Diver SSI / PADI

The Rescue Diver course is a water rescue course aimed mostly of diving. It is a required course for divers who want to progress in diving to the professional level, but not only aimed at them.

Any diver is a diver more complete if you can manage or assist effectively in a diving emergency.

Learn how to avoid accidents, how to be prepared before the onset of an emergency, and especially, how to carry out the rescue of a person in distress.

The course is divided into theoretical sessions on stress management on the proper maintenance of equipment, which will help us avoid problems and learn the procedures to follow in an emergency, to coordinate a rescue maritime rescue teams, and assessments and reports on the accident.

In practice sessions, learn the most effective way to rescue an unconscious diver underwater, how to ascend to the surface, how to perform rescue breathing in water, etc.

The Rescue Diver course is a comprehensive and fun course, which also includes practical sessions in the water, four drills, where you will be responsible for carrying out both coordination and implementation of complete rescue.

That day, when they get on the boat, ... anything can happen.

NOTE: We recommend you bring medical certificates DECLARE THE STUDENT IS SUITABLE FOR PERFORMING UNDERWATER ACTIVITIES.

ALL OUR COURSES ARE WITH ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED .

WRITE AND I WILL PROVIDE ALL THE INFORMATION ON EACH COURSE in more detail.

Course Divemaster

Over the course of SSI or PADI Divemaster (DM) will access the first professional level diving . Once you have mastered the techniques of first aid and water rescue, you can begin to contribute your knowledge to the world of diving.

The basic functions of a Divemaster are:

Along with the instructor:

• Attend courses both in and out of water, confined water sessions (swimming) and open water sessions (open water dives).

• Cover to the course instructor in supervising students on hold, and the leadership of some of the basic exercises of the course.

• Logistical support during the course instructor and dips, such as taking care of equipment, installation supervision, etc.

Own

• Leadership dives, including some introductory courses (dives 3 and 4 Open Water Diver course)

• An active Divemaster may lead some programs such as Scuba Review, Discover Scuba Diving (baptisms), Discover Snorkeling, etc.

During the training, the lectures will learn everything about diving: Anatomy and Physiology of the human body, diving equipment, underwater environment, physics of diving and gas pressure, etc. These theoretical concepts will prepare you for teaching diving in the future, will also give a logical explanation to all the system tables and dive computers.

During the Divemaster course, develop your skills as a diver, as you will have the opportunity to lead dives and catch up on underwater orientation, skill in preparing the equipment and control groups, and be subjected to various tests under water stress, proving the fact of being under water added is not a problem for you, and you'll be able to react to different situations you may experience some day.

You will also learn the proper performance and demonstration of the entire circuit of exercises conducted during the introductory courses, so you can lend a hand to the instructor when you need it.

Once these two phases will be prepared for your actual workout. During a period varies from two to three weeks to several months, you can attend in real courses of all types, including rescue course will lead dives under the supervision of your instructor, and you can see how it works in a dive (logistics, planning, safety, etc.).

Upon completion of this course, you're ready to take your office on the beach, and your pitch under water. The next step after this course is to learn to teach your knowledge with the preparation of scuba instructors.

But not everything is perfect. In IHASIA have a philosophy. We continue to teach people diving. And teach diving is not the same as giving a title. We sincerely believe that the learning process can be very fast, especially in certain cases, but NOT admit candidates to DIVEMASTER NOT COMPLY WITH A NUMBER OF REQUIREMENTS , in addition to those established by various organizations.

The first is experience. Since we know that is worth an Open Water with 300 dives a Divemaster with 70, we will not admit people who do not have a number of dips slightly above provisions (which are 60 at the time of titrated as DM). The minimum number of dives depends a bit on the skills of each, because of course not everyone is equally prepared with the same number of dives. So basically to start will demonstrate at least minimal immersions and underwater skills. Your instructor will decide if you're ready to go.

Our second requirement is dependability. All we know are dedicated to diving is fun, and that the working environment is superb. But that does not mean that we should be serious. Once we enter this stage, diving becomes our job. And above all, the most important thing is that in our hands is the safety of coming with us. Therefore, we can not accept candidates who do not have a minimum of formal interest in the course. We have to trust that the people who supported us is trained and responsible.

The course will last variable, depending on the achievements of each. Course will consider a timetable for the course, but we're pretty flexible. If one takes more or less to complete all activities will be based on the work.

Departures daily

For their impressive and beautiful backgrounds, Koh Tao is considered the best diving area of the Gulf of Thailand. With a variety of dives suitable for all levels, enjoy impressive low underwater, huge rock formations, or wealth and variety of aquatic life.

Would you like to dive with turtles , reef sharks , amazing coral formations , a variety of tropical species and even the famous whale shark ? We always try to fully customize your dive, dive, planning it according to your level and water conditions, and trying to always go to the best sites and less crowded, so your enjoyment is complete.

Understanding the requirements of certified and experienced diver, we offer various options from dives at local dive sites over to private and daily departures to the best spots in the area, including Sail Rock , Samran , Southwest and Chumphon Pinnacle .

We like to feel the adventure of diving , offering our outputs differently and always giving importance to the training work. So our trips, and thanks to the expertise of our guides, accompanied by full breafings and advice on diving in the area. Also arrange diving safaris in the National Marine Park Ang Thong , which will have the oppurtunity to dive in and see one of the jewels of nature in the country.

Daily departures are from the Bay of Chalok Baan Kao. This gives us several advantages:

On the island of Koh Tao operate with relatively large vessels (and comfortable) in some cases up to 50 or 60 passengers. Due to the shallow coastal waters of the island, these boats are not able to anchor near the beach, except in the case of Mae Haad port, and therefore it is necessary to navigate to them in a small boat style Thai (Long Tail). These boats have a very small depth (below are almost flat as not to contact with the reef) so not too suitable for sailing a rough sea.

Diving centers located west of the island, beach Sairee beach, are often with unpredictable, which makes the transfer from the boat to the dive boat is sometimes a little compromised.

In our case, being located in the Bay of Chalok Baan Kao, do not worry about the winds that cause the waves, and the navigation is much quieter (with some exceptions in which the wind blows from the south or south-southwest

For this reason, many centers in the West Coast are decided by ship at the port of Mae Haad. In this way, we lost a lot of charm, as we have to transport us there in a van. Once we arrived, we found that the port is not too clean, we have to cross through the covers of a few vessels of other sites carrying the material and sometimes with our own bottles. We also have an added risk: people often walk barefoot through the port and the mooring, so that cuts frequently occur on the feet with various crap lying around and with their own boats which crossed.

Again, thanks to our location Chalok quiet, save us from having to ship in the port, always making navigation from our own beach.

Dive Sites

Points of diving in and around Koh Tao
Here we present a list of all the dive sites of Koh Tao. Most of them are very close to the coast, just minutes by boat from the island. Others, however, some distance away, between 30 and 45 minutes with good Tues

Specifically, Chumphon Pinnacle and South West Pinnacle are the two quintessential dive sites of the island, two stunning amazing low funds when we have good visibility, and where we see a large variety of tropical fish, sharks and black tip reef whale sharks during the winter (European).

Here are the most interesting dive sites of Koh Tao ...