Local Divers

Located in the Bang Bao area of Koh Chang, Local Divers is the first PADI dive centre on the island to be owned and operated by Thai locals. Founded by Tea, a resident with over 18 years of experience and more than 10,000 logged dives, the centre is built on deep local knowledge and a commitment to the Koh Chang marine environment.

The centre serves as a hub for divers looking to explore the diverse underwater topography of the region, from deep pinnacles and artificial reefs to intricate coral gardens. Their operations are closely tied to the local community, including involvement with the Trash Hero programme and local school environmental education.

The instruction team is international and multilingual, capable of conducting courses in English, French, German, Dutch, and Thai. This allows for a seamless training experience for a wide variety of visiting divers.

Many of the instructors have been diving the waters around Koh Chang for over a decade, ensuring that the guidance provided is specific to the local currents, sites, and marine life. The team manages everything from entry-level Discover Scuba Diving programmes to professional-level Divemaster training.

The training programme is extensive, following the PADI curriculum from the very beginning of a diver's journey. They offer Discover Scuba Diving and Bubblemaker programmes for beginners, leading into the full Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications.

For those looking to specialise, the centre provides courses in Wreck Diver, Peak Performance Buoyancy, and Enriched Air (Nitrox). Professional training is also available through the PADI Divemaster programme. Beyond traditional SCUBA, they offer a complete range of freediving certifications, from PADI Basic Freediver through to Master Freediver and Freediver Instructor.

The centre operates a spacious two-storey boat designed for comfort during full-day excursions. The vessel is equipped to handle daily trips for diving, snorkeling, and freediving, providing ample space for divers to relax between descents.

On board, you will find refreshments including coffee, tea, water, and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as fresh fruit and snacks. A Thai buffet lunch is served on the boat, and the service includes round-trip hotel transfers to make the logistics of your day as simple as possible.

Full diving kit is available for hire, covering all the essentials needed for a day on the water. Whether you are a local diver or a traveller arriving with minimal equipment, the centre can provide the necessary BCD, regulators, and other components.

Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom time. The centre is well-equipped to support divers across all levels, from those taking their first bubbles in a shallow reef to those training for advanced certifications.

The reefs are home to a diverse array of tropical fish, including many species of angelfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and fusiliers. You will frequently encounter groupers, snappers, and large schools of barracuda patrolling the area.

Macro life enthusiasts can find plenty to observe, from colourful nudibranchs and various species of shrimp to anemonefish and various types of gobies. The rock formations and crevices also host moray eels, stonefish, and various species of crabs and shrimps.

For those looking for larger pelagics, the area offers sightings of turtles and rays. Depending on the time of year, there is also the possibility of encountering whale sharks or larger species of rays.

The best time to dive in this region is during the dry season, from November to April. During this period, the sea is generally calmer, though swell can still occur.

Conditions can change quickly; while many sites are sheltered, others like Hin Ga Daeng are known for having strong and unpredictable currents. During the wet season, from May to October, the swell can also increase, which may affect boat transit and surface conditions.