The Coral Tribe

Located in the Surat Thani region with access to Koh Tao, The Coral Tribe operates at the intersection of recreational diving and active marine conservation. For over ten years, the organisation has focused on the health and restoration of coral reefs, moving beyond standard tourism to involve divers in genuine scientific work.

Whether you are looking to complete your initial certifications or wish to participate in long-term research, the centre provides a structured environment for learning. Their mission is built around the preservation of local ecosystems for future generations through hands-on training and active reef monitoring.

The team is comprised of individuals dedicated to ocean protection, offering a holistic approach to marine life. They facilitate small group training, maintaining a ratio of no more than four divers per guide to ensure quality instruction and safety.

Their expertise extends from basic diver training to advanced scientific methodologies. For those looking to professionalise their passion, they offer specialised internships ranging from one week to three months, covering everything from water quality testing to the management of artificial reefs.

The Coral Tribe is an SSI dive centre that also provides PADI certifications. Their curriculum covers the standard progression, starting with the Open Water Diver course through to Advanced Open Water.

They offer a deep catalogue of specialty courses designed for divers who want to understand the environment better. This includes the Perfect Buoyancy Specialty, as well as various ecology-focused certifications such as Fish Identification, Coral Identification, Manta and Ray Ecology, Marine Invertebrate Ecology, Nudibranch Ecology, Sea Turtle Ecology, and Shark Ecology.

For those pursuing a career in conservation, they provide the Reef Check Eco Diver and Reef Check Eco Diver Trainer courses, alongside Citizen Science Overview and Shark Conservation Diver programmes. More intensive study is available through Marine Resource Management and Introduction to Coral Restoration.

The centre provides a full range of rental kit for divers who do not wish to carry their own equipment. This includes regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, fins, and masks.

For those interested in the scientific side of their programmes, the centre is equipped to handle data collection and reef monitoring tasks. All necessary equipment for their conservation courses is included within the training programmes.

The local waters are home to significant pelagic species, with whale sharks being a notable presence in the area. Divers can also find various species of rays and mantas depending on the season and local conditions.

For those interested in the smaller details of the reef, the centre offers specialised training in identifying nudibranchs and other marine invertebrates. These macro-focused sessions allow you to observe the delicate life forms that inhabit the reef structure.

In the seagrass and reef areas, you will encounter a variety of sea turtles and shark species. The centre's focus on ecology means you will learn to identify these animals not just by sight, but by their role within the wider marine ecosystem.