Koh Tao

Having finished work in Bangkok it was time to head south to the island of Koh Tao for a spot of scuba diving.  I had originally scheduled five days for this activity in the hope that Alison would be able to join me for a mini holiday.  Unfortunately that was not possible so I oped for a cut down three-day   reconnaissance trip.

Travelled there on the cheap via overnight coach and high speed ferry, rather than the slightly quicker but more pricey route flying via Koh Samui.  Definitely a back packer destination. I was the oldest person on the ferry by a good thirty years!

Good off season rates to be had in many of the islands resorts.  The one I opted for turned out to be a good choice.  Comfy rooms set into the steep rock of the island, sloping down to a charming private beach, which was ideal for snorkeling and diving.  Dining was in a wonderful restaurant situated on a platform over the rocks, with some great sunset views to be enjoyed over cocktails.

Day two included some scuba refresher training as I had not dived for over four years.  Also plenty of time for lounging on the beach.  The following day I met up with my diving buddy, Gary, who was staying at the adjacent resort to mine, and we headed out on my resort's dive boat to our dive sites for the day.  Since there was a total of three customers in our party, apparently that was enough to justify a longer journey of about a hour to the first dive site, Southwest Pinnacle.  Lots to see there, with the sea teeming with shoals of fish of all sizes.  The swirling baracuda shoal was probably the most impressive.  (Videos to follow later, watch this space).  Then on to the second site, Shark Island.  This was not so interesting due to poor visibility and some erratic currents, but a variety of soft coral to be seen.  But no sharks!  All in all, a good day's diving after such a long break.

I did a bit of exploring of the main town in Koh Tao, and concluded that whilst that was fine for the backpacker set, I was better off in my slightly more secluded resort.  Apparently when the high season kicks off, there is partying all night on the main beaches, so best avoided for us oldies who like to get to bed early.

On my final day I did some more snorkelling off my local beach, but the water was very murky due to a massive storm the previous night that marked the start of the rainy season in Thailand.  Then it was time to head off on the long ferry/coach/taxi/skytrain/plane journey back home.  Final assessment:  Koh Tao is justifiably rated as one of Thailand's top dive sites, and well worth a longer follow up visit.