
Ecotao Lodge
★★★★
★ 9.4/10 (902 reviews)
2 km away as the crow flies
Dive centre · Koh Tao · Thailand
4.9834 Google reviewsExplore the Gulf of Thailand with a Diamond SSI Dive Centre, departing directly from the beach for easy access to Sail Rock.
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French Kiss Divers has been a fixture of the Koh Tao diving community since 2012, having trained more than 10,000 divers worldwide. As an SSI Diamond Dive Centre, they maintain high standards of instruction and safety across their two locations in Mae Haad and Chalok Baan Kao.
Unlike many centres that require navigating busy, crowded harbours, this team operates with a direct beach departure. This allows for a more seamless transition from the shore to the water, making the logistics of your dive day much simpler.
The teaching team is entirely French-speaking, providing a pedagogical approach that eliminates the risk of misunderstanding during technical training. They cater to a wide range of divers, from those taking their very first breaths underwater to professionals pursuing their Instructor Development Course (IDC).
Safety is integrated into every aspect of their operation, with dive computers provided to all students. For those looking to progress, the centre maintains a strict ratio of a maximum of four divers per guide, ensuring personalised attention during both training and exploration dives.
They are particularly experienced in family diving, maintaining a stock of equipment specifically adapted for children. The centre also offers Marine Conservation courses for those looking to deepen their understanding of the local ecosystem.
A comprehensive range of SSI, CMAS, and FFESSM courses is available, covering every level of diver. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or Open Water Diver, while those looking to advance can progress through Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver.
Professional training is a core part of their curriculum, including Divemaster and the Instructor Development Course (IDC). They also offer a variety of specialty courses such as Nitrox, Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Sidemount, and Perfect Buoyancy, as well as specific training like Stress & Rescue and React Right.
The centre provides full rental kit using high-quality brands, including Aqualung and Mares. For those diving in cooler waters or preferring more coverage, they stock 5mm long wetsuits and neoprene stoles.
Nitrox is available on-site for divers looking to extend their bottom time. For those staying longer, the centre can assist with local accommodation advice, connecting students with guesthouses and long-term rental owners on the island.
Sail Rock is the most iconic site in the Gulf, featuring a vertical chimney and large schools of barracuda. It is best visited between March and September.
Chumphon Pinnacle is a granite pinnacle known for being a transit point for whale sharks, with depths ranging from 15 to 40 metres.
Wreck Sattakut offers an advanced dive experience for those looking to explore a wreck at depths of around 30 metres.
Twins provides shallow, sheltered waters between 5 and 20 metres, making it an ideal location for training or your first bubbles.

down to 40 m

down to 28 m

down to 32 m

down to 25 m

down to 30 m

down to 42 m
And some of the dive sites the centre runs.
The local reefs are home to a variety of resident species, including great barracuda, clownfish, and various sea anemones. You will also find many colourful reef fish amongst the rocks at sites like Southwest Pinnacle.
Between March and September, the area becomes a significant destination for those hoping to encounter whale sharks.
Macro life and smaller inhabitants are present throughout the area, including various species of anemones that host resident clownfish.
The best conditions in the area generally occur from March to September, which offers the most frequent sightings of whale sharks and better visibility at Sail Rock.
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Ratings and reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor.