Roctopus Dive

Roctopus Dive has been a fixture of the Koh Tao diving community since 2011. Situated directly on the sands of Sairee Beach, the centre provides a hub for divers looking to explore the Gulf of Thailand through an environmentally responsible lens.

Their approach is defined by the ecoTrust programme, which focuses on reef monitoring and coral restoration. This commitment to the local marine environment is reflected in their facilities, which include a dedicated training pool and an eco-office stocked with marine biology literature.

The team operates with an international mindset, providing instruction and guidance entirely in English. They maintain a high standard of safety and personal attention, ensuring that no more than four divers are assigned to a single guide during outings.

Beyond standard recreational diving, the centre is deeply involved in the local ecosystem. Their staff integrates conservation efforts into the diving experience, making it an ideal choice for those who want to understand the biology of the reefs they visit.

As an affiliated RAID centre, Roctopus Dive provides a complete progression of certifications. You can begin with Discover Scuba Diving and work through to Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver.

For those looking to refine their skills, they offer a wide array of specialties including Wreck, Deep, Sidemount, and Nitrox. They also run Rescue Diver courses and Refresher programmes for returning divers. A combined Deep & Nitrox course is available for those looking to streamline their training.

The centre operates two distinct vessels to suit different diving needs. The R1 serves as the flagship for larger outings, while the R2 is a more intimate boat specifically used for conservation projects and Divemaster training.

For full-day trips to sites like Sail Rock, Thai lunches are provided on board alongside refreshments. Nitrox is available for use on the boats, allowing for extended bottom times on deeper profiles.

The shore-based facilities are comprehensive, featuring a dedicated training pool and a beachside pool with a bar for post-dive relaxation. The equipment room is well-stocked with over 60 sets of high-quality kit available for hire.

For gas blending, the centre utilises advanced Bauer Pure Air compressors. They provide Nitrox for divers looking to optimise their profiles, and the facility includes air-conditioned classrooms for theory work.

The reefs around Koh Tao are vibrant, populated by colourful reef fish, including various species of Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), Angelfish (Pomacanthidae), and Parrotfish (Calotomus). You will frequently encounter schools of Fusilier (Caesio), Snapper (Lutjanus), and various Jack (Carangidae) moving through the water column.

Large pelagics and predators are a regular highlight, with sightings of Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus), Reef shark (Carcharhinus), and various species of Barracuda, such as Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) and yellowtail barracuda. Divers also frequently see turtles, including the Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), cruising the reef.

For those with an interest in macro life, the area offers incredible biodiversity. You can find Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), various crustaceans, and Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda). Look closely among the corals for Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae), Stonefish (Synanceia), and various species of Octopus (Octopus vulgaris).

The seabed and reef structures are built from a complex architecture of hard corals (Scleractinia), soft corals (Alcyonacea), and giant sea fans. These habitats support a vast array of smaller inhabitants, from colourful anemones to various species of shrimp and crabs.

The dive sites in this region are subject to varying conditions depending on the location and the specific pinnacle being visited. While many sites are accessible to beginners, deeper sites like Chumphon Pinnacle require advanced certification due to depth and potential current profiles.