Koh Tao Diving: 2 Dives from Koh Samui with Pickup & Lunch

Summary

Explore Koh Tao’s underwater world on a guided dive trip from Samui

You’ll start early on Koh Samui with hotel pickup before heading out by speedboat for two guided dives around Koh Tao’s reefs and pinnacles. Certified divers get all equipment provided plus lunch onboard between dives. Expect friendly local guides who know every site by heart — and moments of real quiet beneath the waves that stick with you long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first salty breeze at the pier in Koh Samui — it was barely sunrise and I was half-awake, clutching coffee and trying not to look too nervous. The Discovery Divers team was already there, sorting gear and laughing about something in Thai. Our guide, Bee, checked my certification card with a quick nod and asked when my last dive was. I admitted it’d been a while. She just grinned and said, “No problem, we go slow first.” That helped.

The speedboat ride to Koh Tao took about 80 minutes — not as bumpy as I’d feared. There were maybe ten of us, swapping stories or just staring at the water. Someone handed out bottled water and fruit. The sun came up fast; by the time we reached the island, everything felt sharper: sea air mixed with engine oil, wetsuits sticking to skin. Bee ran through the dive plan (she switched between English and Thai without missing a beat), then we suited up for our first site — Twin Rocks, I think? Hard to keep track with so many names tossed around.

Diving itself… well, you know that moment when you drop below the surface and everything goes quiet except your own breath? That hit me again here. Schools of fish darted past like little flashes of silver; soft corals waved in the current. At one point Bee pointed out a blue-spotted ray half-buried in sand — I almost missed it. After surfacing, we swapped stories over lunch on deck (rice, curry, something spicy I couldn’t name). Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin — probably butchered it.

The second dive felt easier somehow — maybe because Bee kept checking in or maybe because everyone relaxed after eating. We didn’t see any sharks this time but there were these huge pinnacles covered in coral fans. Heading back to Samui later, sunburnt and tired but weirdly peaceful, I realized how much I’d needed that underwater silence. Still think about that view coming back into the harbor — boats bobbing, someone playing music somewhere onshore…

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Koh Tao 2-Dive Day Trip

• Hotel pickup at 7:00 am
• Travel to pier
• Enjoy light breakfast and coffee
• Meet Discovery Divers Team
• Boat departs pier at 8:00 am
• Speedboat to Koh Tao (80 minutes)
• Complete two dives at selected sites
• Return boat trip to Koh Samui
• Arrive back at resort around 3:30 pm

Top questions

Do I need to be certified to join this Koh Tao diving trip?

Yes, this day trip is only for certified divers. Non-certified guests must book Discover Scuba Diving instead.

How long does the day trip from Koh Samui to Koh Tao take?

The speedboat ride takes about 80 minutes each way; total tour time is roughly 7-8 hours including transfers.

Is hotel pickup included for this diving tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels on Koh Samui.

Are meals or drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, lunch is served onboard along with bottled water and beverages like coffee or tea.

What dive sites might we visit near Koh Tao?

Dive sites vary by weather but may include Chumphon Pinnacle, Mango Bay, Shark Island, Twin Rocks, or Japanese Gardens.

Can snorkelers join this day trip too?

Yes, snorkelers are welcome on this tour alongside certified divers.

Is equipment rental included in the price?

Yes, all necessary diving equipment is provided as part of your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels in Koh Samui, transport by air-conditioned minivan to the pier where you’ll have light breakfast and coffee or tea before boarding a Discovery Divers speedboat for two dives near Koh Tao. All diving equipment is provided along with bottled water, beverages throughout the day, lunch onboard between dives, plus guidance from professional local instructors before returning mid-afternoon.