Chalok Reef Divers

Chalok Reef Divers is situated in the peaceful southern part of Koh Tao, specifically in the Chalok Baan Kao area. The centre is integrated with the Woodlawn Villas Resort and the Chalok Reef Hostel, providing a range of stay options from social environments to more private villas.

Operating year-round, the centre provides a reliable base for both recreational divers and those looking to progress through their SSI certifications. Their boat operations are based at Mae Haad, allowing easy access to the island's most significant dive sites.

The team is composed of experienced and passionate instructors and divemasters who prioritise professional standards and safety. To ensure quality instruction and close supervision, the centre maintains a strict ratio of a maximum of four divers per guide.

Communication is straightforward for international divers, as the team speaks English, French, German, and Spanish. For younger divers, the centre offers Junior Open Water courses for those aged 10 and over.

Environmental responsibility is a core part of their identity, with the team organising regular beach and land clean-ups and working to minimise the use of single-use materials. This commitment to the local ecosystem extends to their daily diving operations.

As an SSI affiliated centre, they offer a comprehensive curriculum ranging from Try Scuba Diving and Open Water Diver to professional levels such as Divemaster. For those looking to specialise, they provide Nitrox, Deep Diving, Wreck Diving, and Night Diving courses.

Skill-specific training is also available, including Navigation, Perfect Buoyancy, and the Stress & Rescue course. They also offer the React Right programme, which includes O2 provider training.

The centre provides full equipment hire for those not travelling with their own kit. For training purposes, they have an on-site swimming pool available for confined water sessions, along with a dedicated outdoor pergola for learning.

Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom times, and the centre is equipped with O2 safety protocols. For those staying on-site at the Woodlawn Villas or the hostel, free shuttle services are provided for all diving activities.

The reefs are home to a diverse array of colourful fish including Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), Parrotfish (Calotomus), and various species of Angelfish (Pomacanthidae). You will frequently see schools of Fusilier (Caesio), Jack (Carangidae), and Snapper (Lutjanus) moving across the reef top, alongside various species of Wrasse (Labridae) and Damselfish (Pomacentridae).

Large pelagics and predators are also present, such as Reef shark (Carcharhinus), Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus), and Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda). Divers may also encounter turtles, including the Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), as well as various stingrays like the blue-spotted stingray.

For those interested in macro life, the seabed and corals host a variety of smaller creatures. You can find Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), Octopus (Octopus vulgaris), and various crustaceans, including Shrimp (Caridea) and Hermit crabs. Look closely for Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda), Pipefish, and various species of Goby (Gobiidae) amongst the reef structure.

The hard and soft coral architecture provides the essential habitat for this life, with staghorn corals, giant sea fans, and various Gorgonians creating a complex underwater landscape.

The dive sites around Koh Tao benefit from the sheltered location of the island within the Gulf of Thailand, which generally results in calm diving conditions. While currents can vary depending on the specific site and tide, the area is known for being relatively manageable for a wide range of divers.