Sairee Cottage Diving

Sairee Cottage Diving is a Thai and Irish-owned PADI IDC Centre situated right on the sands of Sairee Beach, Koh Tao. The centre is built around a philosophy of quality over quantity, ensuring that every diver receives focused attention regardless of their experience level.

Beyond the training, the centre is deeply integrated into the local marine environment. They actively participate in Coral Watch studies and organise regular reef clean-ups, donating to ProjectAWARE for every certification completed. This dedication to the ocean is matched by their operational standards, specifically regarding the air you breathe.

As an official PADI IDC Centre, the facility is equipped to train the next generation of professionals. The programme is led by Marcel van den Berg, a Platinum Course Director, providing a high-level pathway for those pursuing Divemaster or Instructor certifications.

The team maintains a family atmosphere while adhering to professional standards. For those undertaking professional training, the centre offers the advantage of Nitrox use during the course to assist with dive planning and recovery.

The training catalogue is comprehensive, covering the full spectrum of PADI certifications. You can begin with Discover Scuba Diving or the PADI Open Water Diver course and progress through Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, and specialty courses such as Deep Diver.

For professional divers, the centre provides a robust pathway through the Divemaster and Instructor Development Courses (IDC). Nitrox training is also available to help you extend your bottom time on multi-dive days.

The centre places a heavy emphasis on life support and air quality. They are the only school on Koh Tao to hold the Bauer Compressors 'Pure Air' certificate, guaranteeing that the air in your cylinder meets the highest possible standards.

For those who prefer not to carry their own heavy kit, various items are available for hire, including cameras for underwater photography. The centre is also set up to support divers looking to document their experiences with GoPro rentals.

The waters around Koh Tao are rich with diverse reef life. You will regularly encounter schools of fish including jacks (Carangidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), and various species of butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae). The reef structures are adorned with soft corals (Alcyonacea), hard corals (Scleractinia), and sponges (Porifera).

Large pelagics are a significant draw for the area. Depending on the time of year, you may see whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) between April and June, or sailfish in April. Blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus), reef sharks (Carcharhinus), and various stingrays are common sights on the sandy bottoms and around the pinnacles.

For those with an eye for detail, the macro life is extensive. You can find a variety of nudibranchs, seahorses (Hippocampus kuda), and various crustaceans, including hermit crabs and shrimp (Caridea). Other interesting residents include porcupinefish (Diodon), lionfish (Pterois volitans), and various species of moray eel (Muraenidae).

The best diving conditions are typically found in April and during the months of May and June, when the water is exceptionally clear and the days are long and sunny. During these periods, you can expect excellent visibility and stable conditions.

It is best to avoid the November period due to the monsoon season affecting the east coast. When diving in bays like Lham Tian, you will find almost no current, making for very relaxed exploration.