SUNSHINE DIVERS KOH TAO
Sunshine Divers Resort , Chaloke Baankao bay , Koh Tao ,
Surat Thani , 84280. Thailand. Tel : +66 7745 6597
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Welcome to Sunshine Divers
Come stay with us and let us show you the delights Koh Tao has to offer both above and beneath the waves.

We run 4 or 5 fundives every day of the year, aside from that we start PADI Open Water and all other PADI courses daily, our courses come with flexibility in mind from beginner through to professional (please see our 'career' section for more details). Our 2 dedicated dive boats allow us to keep the inexperienced and experienced divers separate. Every diver who dives with us will be given top-quality equipment and an experienced guide. Or try your hand at underwater photography and hire Sony underwater digital cameras. Apart from diving our resort offers some of the best accommodation and service you will find on the island. Our prices don't reflect that high quality.

The island may be small geographically but it offers a large range of facilities and recreations. Whether you want to sample international cuisine, learn to wakeboard or club the night through on the beach-side night clubs and laze the day away on our golden beaches, you simply have to choose.

For more information or to book-in with us simply contact us by clicking on the contact/booking icon. Alternatively you can call us on the number listed here.

SUNSHINE DIVERS RESORT
Sunshine Dive Resort Sunshine Divers is situated on the northern tip of beautiful Chalok Baan Kao beach, one off Ko Tao's most stunning beaches. A must for sun-worshippers and beach goers.

Ideally situated, the resort is close to supermarkets, viewpoints, bars and restaurants. Sometimes things can seem too easy!

From our beachside restaurant you will be able to enjoy the stunning view across the bay taking in the famous 'Grandfather Rock' on the headland and Ang Thong Marine Park on the horizon, the inspiration behind 'The Beach'.

The beach is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Try snorkelling with Black-tip Reef sharks if you want that extra shot of adrenaline in your system. Alternatively, laze your evenings away at our beach bar, 'Easy Bar' where you are guaranteed some ecclectic tunes to accompany your cocktails. The perfect venue for meeting new friends.

Come to Sunshine Divers and experience big school facilities with small schoolatmosphere.

Accommodations
Our accommodation has always been rated as one of the finest on the island. The choice ranges from long-term fan apartments to separate luxury air-conditioned beach-side bungalows.

The resort comprises our dive school, all accommodation, restaurants, 5 separate beach pagodas (where you can escape the tropical heat and gain some well earned siesta time) and our friendly English-speaking reception desk can handle all your travel needs both around the island and for the rest of your adventures through Thailand.

With over 50 rooms on site there is a type and price to suit all-comers.

BEACH VIEW BUNGALOWS

SCENIC BUNGALOWS

JUNGLE BUNGALOWS

TRANQUIL BUNGALOWS

GARDEN BUNGALOWS

TROPICAL GRAND BUNGALOW

APARTMENTS

Getting to Paradise.
Koh Tao is located in the Gulf of Thailand just a short boat ride away from the bigger island of Koh Samui. There are a number of options for getting to Koh Tao depending on where you are coming from and your budget.

From Bangkok

Bus and Boat: We have 2 offices located on Koh San Rd in Bangkok (see attached map). Tickets can be arranged for you at our offices or made directly with the company, please make reservations at least a day in advance. To see a schedule of the prices, routes and times to and from Koh Tao visit the website http://www.lomprayah.com/

Train and Boat: The State Railway of Thailand has daily departures to Chumphon and combined train and bus options can be purchased. The best train to take is the 2nd or 1st class sleeper trains which travel through the night. The express (EXP SP 85) train leaves at 19:15 from Bangkok and arrives in Chumphon around 5:00 am. Once is the Chumphon the boat leaves around 7:30 in the morning arriving at 10:30 on Koh Tao. Prices depend on classes, train reservations can also be booked at our office on Koh San Rd.

Airplane and Boat: If long hauls are not for you then I recommend flying to the island of Koh Samui and then taking a boat from there. Tickets can be purchased on-line from Bangkok Airways www.bangkokair.com. There are daily departures from 6:00 to 19:40. If you would like to arrive on Koh Tao the same day that you leave Bangkok then make sure you take the flight that leaves at 10:10 or any earlier flights. There are 2 baots to Koh Tao daily one at 8:00 am and then the last ferry at 12 noon. Once at the Samui airport tickets can be purchased for the Lomprayah Catamaran or the Seatran Company, both boats are roughly a 2 hour journey. Tickets for both companies are 550 baht and they provide pick-up from the airport to the pier.

For planning your holiday and itinerary boat schedules can be found at http://www.lomprayah.com/ and airline tickets schedules at http://www.bangkokair.com/. Both websites offer online booking.

From Krabi, Phuket, Phi Phi

If coming from the south directly to Koh Tao then make your way to Surat Thani. From there a night boat leaves daily at 23:00 and arrives at 5:00 the following morning. Tickets are 500 baht. This ride is not particularly comfortable for all and another option would be to fly from Phuket to Koh Samui and then take the boat here.

Imagine being in a tropical location diving.
Diving: relaxing, action-packed, tranquil, adrenaline pumping, adventurous - diving is all this and more - the choice is yours.


Can you imagine being in a tropical location diving in crystal clear water, surrounded by brightly colored coral and fish. You and your buddy put on your dive equipment to enter the water and explore the abundance of marine life -- all the while hovering weightlessly underwater. You're ready for anything because you've invested in the right training and have gained valuable hands-on experience. Is being prepared for worth it? You bet!

What is PADI ?
PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the world’s largest recreational diving membership organization. The membership includes dive businesses, resort facilities, academic institutions, instructor trainers, dive educators, divers, snorkelers and other watersports enthusiasts.

Students learn the basics through independent study and then are guided through additional development by their instructors. The goal is to get students in the water as soon as possible and provide them with the instruction necessary to gain confidence in their diving abilities.

All PADI programs, entry-level through instructor training, fall under strict educational standards to maintain worldwide consistency and quality. PADI takes a proactive approach to, with a full-time department that randomly surveys PADI Divers to monitor PADI programs and to confirm that PADI courses meet PADI’s high standards. This commitment to a strong quality assurance process helps maintain credibility and continually improve customer satisfaction.

Fundiving
Right on the heart of Chalok Baan Kao Beach, Sunshine Divers Resort is operating with two large boats and two smaller speedboats offering a range of up to five different dive sites visited on a single day. We guarantee frequent access to all the top dive sites around Koh Tao.

Our so called "fundivers" get guidance by our well trained dive leaders with broad knowledge of local marine life and environment, providing very Safe and Fun underwater tours for groups ranging from one to four people.

Our divemaster team has a wealth of experience... They will look after all your dive needs from equipment advice to dive guidance and logistics. Both of our Divemaster's have an intricate working knowledge of all our dive-sites and they will also use their experience and expertise to increase and hone your dive skills and understanding. Safety is always top priority with both our dive boats fitted with working oxygen tanks and the school has its own speed boat in the event of any emergency medical evacuation. As long as you stick to PADI's Safe Diving Standards you will also be diving with insurance cover. We can accommodate all major languages, especially if you contact us beforehand to let us know of your language requirements. You will find it difficult to find a more experienced and capable Divemaster team.

PADI Discover Scuba Diving
When you discover scuba diving, you discover excitement and adventure – freedom and serenity. Nothing compares to the "weightless" exhilaration of breathing underwater. Only a diver knows the feeling!

The PADI Discover Scuba Diving program lets you experience the thrill of diving under the supervision of a PADI Instructor in ideal conditions, such as those found at a resort. During your adventure, you’ll master some basic concepts and scuba skills before heading off on an open water dive. To participate in the Discover Scuba Diving experience, you must be at least 10 years old. Dive Today!

PADI Scuba Diver Course
Thinking of getting certified, but don’t have the time to put into a regular diver course? Now there’s a quick and easy program designed especially for you! This is your chance to slap on some fins, strap on a mask and experience an intense adventure in a short amount of time.

The PADI Scuba Diver program is a pre-entry level certification that is perfect for vacationers or people who only plan to dive a couple times a year. As a subprogram of the PADI Open Water Diver Program, the PADI Scuba Diver rating allows you to get certified quickly and easily by minimizing time constraints. With the PADI Scuba Diver certification you can dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Divemaster or higher professional on your next vacation or dive trip.

This program is a wonderful opportunity to explore the underwater world with the comfort and safety of having an experienced guide with you at all times. The knowledge and skills you learn in this program are just the beginning of an exciting array of courses and programs that await.

With a PADI Scuba Diver certification card, you will be able to obtain air fills, scuba equipment and other services for diving under supervision. After completing the program, you’ll want to continue your dive education and the PADI Open Water Diver to explore more dive opportunities.

Credit earned in this program can be used toward the PADI Open Water Diver. The Open Water Diver course uses the same materials as the Scuba Diver course, so already you are on your way to continuing further dive adventures.

PADI Open Water Diver Course
Now is the time to dive into the PADI Open Water Diver course, the most popular dive program in the world! This is your ticket to a lifetime of intense adventure with PADI, a dive company that sets the standards in the global diving community.

Throughout the course, you’ll learn fundamentals of scuba diving, including dive equipment and techniques. You will also earn a PADI Open Water Diver certification that is recognized worldwide. You earn this rating by completing five pool dives and knowledge development sessions and by making four open water (ocean or lake) dives.

Virtually anyone who is in good health, reasonably fit, and comfortable in the water can earn a PADI Open Water Diver certification. At some point in the course, your PADI Instructor will ask you to demonstrate the ability to swim 200 metres/yards without swim aids or 300 metres/yards with mask, fins and snorkel and complete a bit of paperwork, to get you on your way. If you are between 10 and 14 or have a child between these ages, there is a PADI Junior Open Water Diver program available.

Cost: Baht 9,800

DAY 1 Orientation and Open Water Diver Videos. Day 2 Confined Open Water Training in a pool or confined environment and Knowledge Development for Modules 1, 2 and 3. Day 3 Open Water Dives 1 & 2 to a maximum depth of 12 metres and further Knowledge Development reference to Modules 4 and 5, plus quizzes and final exam. Day 4 Open Water Divers 3 & 4 to a maximum depth of 18 metres.

Adventure Diver
Want to take you diving to the next level? Well look no further! Become a PADI Adventure Diver today and start experiencing the exciting adventures the world of diving has to offer.


The Adventure Diver program is the perfect opportunity to gain additional experience and skills under the guidance of a PADI professional. To become a PADI Adventure Diver you need your PADI Open Water Certification (or equivalent) and the desire to experience thrilling adventures. This in-water performance based program includes a total of three dives from the list below (must include deep and navigation dive) :

If you're 15 or older, and a PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent, then you're ready for the Adventure Diver program. Or, if you're a PADI Junior Open Water Diver or equivalent and between the ages of 12-14, there's the PADI Junior Adventure Diver program.

After successfully completing the program, you'll receive the PADI Adventure Diver certification. Now, take the next step! Complete two more adventure dives (must include deep and navigation) and become a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver.

PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course
Looking for the ultimate adventure? You found it! PADI's Advanced Open Water Diver program fine tunes your dive skills and allows you to explore some of diving's top adventures. It's your dive - go for it!

The Advanced Open Water Diver program has something for everyone. This exciting program includes a total of five adventure dives from the following list (must include deep and navigation dive) :

If you're 15 or older, and a PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent, then you're ready for the Advanced Open Water Diver program. Or, if you're a PADI Junior Open Water Diver or equivalent and between the ages of 12-14, there's the PADI Junior Advanced Open Water Diver program.

After successfully completing the course, you'll receive the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification. This allows you to participate in more advanced diving activities with a maximum recommended depth limit of 30 metres/100 feet, in addition to the qualifications listed for PADI Open Water Divers.

What does this program offer you? New experiences, new skills, lots of diving and thrilling adventures! So take your diving to new limits!

PADI Emergency First Response
Want to be ready in an emergency? Then this program is for you! The PADI Emergency First Response program covers basic training for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency care.

In addition, it’s a medically based program covering primary care, secondary care and treatments following national consensus guidelines. So if you’re seeking CPR/first aid training to meet a diving program requirement or for personal enhancement, this program is for you.

PADI Rescue Diver
You will learn how to recognize and correct problems before they even occur.

It is essential for all of us to improve our diving skills and in doing so we will have increased our own enjoyment and safety and then we will feel more competent and comfortable in the water. The Rescue Diver Course is conducted over a 3 day period including, Knowledge Development, Step by Step Confined and Open Water Dive Training, followed by a series of Dive Scenarios.

Each Section of the PADI Rescue Diver Course is Aligned under four main headings:

• The Psychology of Rescue
• Being prepared for a Diver Emergency
• Accident Management
• Responding to Diver Emergencies

Rescue Training Sessions:

1. Tired Diver Tow
2. Panicked Diver
3. Response from Shore, Boat or Dock
4. Distressed Diver Underwater
5. Missing Diver
6. Surfacing the Unresponsive Diver
7. Unresponsive Diver at the Surface
8. Exiting the Unresponsive Diver
9. First Aid for Pressure-related Injuries and Oxygen Administration
10. Response from Shore/Boat Unresponsive Diver

Open Water Scenario One – Four:

• Distressed Diver Underwater with Extremity Injury
  
• Distressed Divers on the Surface
  
• Unresponsive Diver Underwater
  
• Unresponsive Diver on the Surface, Exiting the Unresponsive Diver and First Aid.

Cost: Baht 9,500

PADI Divemaster Course
The PADI Divemaster program is your first step leadership level in the PADI System of diver education.

1. Has a high level of personal diving skill.
2. Has instructor level knowledge of diving theory.
3. Has had significant training in how to assist an instructor during training activities.
4. Is able to assume appropriate responsibilities that benefit the welfare of other divers.

As you may know, many PADI Divemasters go on to become PADI Instructors. So, the training and experience you gain through the PADI Divemaster program helps shape your abilities and attitude toward becoming a professional level diving educator.

As a PADI Divemaster, you'll be qualified to:

1. Organize, conduct recreational diving activities, both land and boat based.
2. Assist PADI Instructors in conducting PADI Diver programs.

To qualify for PADI Divemaster training, you'll need to:

1. Be certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent).
2. Be certified as a PADI Rescue Diver (or equivalent).
3. Have logged a minimum of 20 open water dives prior to entry into PADI Divemaster training, and completed and logged a minimum of 60 open water dives with experience in night, deep and navigation prior to certification as a PADI Divemaster.
4. Be at least 18 years old.
5. Be in good physical condition for diving and submit a medical exam form signed by a physician.

You’ll complete three phases in the PADI Divemaster program:

1. Watermanship and skills assessment Watermanship and stamina General diving skills.

2. Knowledge Development

• Diving physics
• Diving physiology
• Diving skills and environment
• Supervising students in training
• Dive management and control
• Dive planning
• Emergency assistance plan for Diving emergencies in the local area
• Mapping a local open water site.

3. Practical Application This involves training activities using various structured training sessions, simulated scenarios and internship sessions with actual PADI programs. These training sessions enable you to gain practical experience as an instructional assistant and a supervisor of open water diving activities, both as a coordinator and as an underwater guide.

As a PADI Divemaster you'll be able to:

1. Act as certified instructional assistant to PADI Instructors.
2. Supervise participants in PADI experience programs for uncertified divers.
3. Generally supervise both training and no training related diving activities by planning, organizing and directing dives.
4. Teach and certify PADI Skin Divers.
5. Conduct the PADI Scuba Review program for certified divers.
6. Enroll in PADI Instructor level training

Upon successfully completing the PADI Divemaster program, you’ll receive a certification card and wall certificate denoting this rating. You’ll also become a member of PADI and receive benefits, including the ability to purchase professional liability insurance (which may be required to conduct some activities).

Master Scuba Diver Rating
The PADI Master Scuba Diver rating is the highest recreational diver rating in the PADI Program, and denotes superior achievement and proficiency.

To participate you will need to be a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and a PADI Rescue Diver (or have a qualifying certificate from another organization), with certification in any five PADI Specialty Ratings. You will also need to show proof of 50 logged dives.

Cost : Varies depending on the Specialties chosen.

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