Ban's Diving Resort

Ban's Diving Resort has been a fixture of the Koh Tao diving scene since 1993. Situated in the heart of Sairee Beach, the centre is set within a lush landscape of orchards and mountains, stretching down to the white sands of the coastline.

As a PADI 5 Star Career & Instructor Development Centre, the resort is designed to support divers at every stage of their journey. Whether you are looking to complete your first certification or are working towards becoming a professional instructor, the facilities and expertise are scaled to meet those requirements.

The centre holds a high level of PADI accreditation, functioning as a dedicated hub for professional development. It has a significant history of training, having certified more than 250,000 divers globally.

Instruction is available in English and French, making it a practical choice for international students. The resort also maintains a dedicated conservation centre, reflecting an active involvement in marine and terrestrial environmental protection.

The course catalogue is extensive, covering the full PADI progression. You can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the Scuba Diver course and work through to Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water.

For those looking to advance their technical or professional skills, the centre offers Rescue Diver, PADI Divemaster, and the PADI IDC (Instructor Development Course). They also provide specialty training, including freediving programmes ranging from Basic Freediver to PADI Freediver, alongside EFR (Emergency First Response) training.

The resort provides a range of shore-based facilities to support your diving. Nitrox is available for use, allowing for extended bottom times on deeper sites.

On-site accommodation is integrated with the diving operations, offering everything from budget-friendly dormitories to luxury villas with private pools. Most rooms include air conditioning, hot water, and a refrigerator for your convenience.

The waters around Koh Tao are home to a diverse array of reef fish, including various species of Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), Angelfish (Pomacanthidae), and large schools of fusiliers. You will frequently encounter groupers (Epinephelus), snapper (Lutjanus), and various species of triggerfish (Balistidae) patrolling the reefs.

Pelagic life is a major draw, with the chance to see great barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda), trevallies (Carangidae), and even whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) depending on the season. Look out for reef sharks (Carcharhinus), including the Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus), and various species of rays, such as the blue-spotted stingray (Batoidea).

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to explore among the corals and crevices. The area is known for its nudibranchs, octopus (Octopus vulgaris), shrimp (Caridea), and various species of scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae). You may also spot unusual critters like ghost pipefishes, seahorses (Hippocampus kuda), and various species of anemone fish.

The reef structure itself is vibrant, featuring hard corals (Scleractinia), soft corals (Alcyonacea), and various sea fans (Gorgoniidae). These provide a home for a multitude of crustaceans, sea anemones (Actiniaria), and sponges (Porifera).

Diving in this area is generally characterised by low currents, making it accessible for a wide range of skill levels. The water temperature typically remains around 28°C.