Is Diving in Koh Tao Really Cheaper? A Price Comparison
When people dream of learning to scuba dive in Thailand, one name comes up again and again: Koh Tao. Known as the “Mecca of Diving,” this small island in the Gulf of Thailand has built its reputation as one of the most affordable and popular places in the world to get scuba certified. But how true is the claim that diving in Koh Tao is cheaper compared to other destinations like Phuket, Bali, or the Philippines? Let’s dive into the numbers, costs, and hidden factors to find out.
Why Koh Tao Became the World’s Diving Classroom
Koh Tao has earned its spot as one of the most visited dive training hubs globally. With over 70 dive schools, thousands of new divers get certified here every year. The competition keeps prices lower, while the sheer volume of courses offered creates efficiency without sacrificing quality. Unlike larger tourist destinations where diving is a side activity, diving is the heartbeat of Koh Tao’s economy—which means packages are often bundled with accommodation, equipment, and even extras like free dive videos.
Average Open Water Course Prices (2025)
Here’s a comparison of the average Open Water Diver course costs in popular scuba destinations:
DestinationAverage Price (Open Water Course) What’s Included
Koh Tao 9,000–12,000 THB (~$300–330) 4 dives only at Scubadoo we offer up to 6 dives !, full equipment rental, certification, course materials, accommodation deals
Phuket, Thailand 14,000–15,000 THB (~$380–420) 4 dives, equipment rental, certification, no accommodation
Bali, Indonesia 13,000–14,500 THB (~$350–400) 4 dives, equipment rental, certification, no accommodation
Cebu, Philippines 12,000–13,500 THB (~$320–370) 4 dives, equipment rental, certification, sometimes free pickup
Cairns, Australia 18,000–22,000 THB (~$500–600) 4–5 dives, equipment, certification, sometimes liveaboard style
Why Koh Tao Stays More Affordable
High Competition: With so many dive schools, prices are competitive and standardized.
Low Living Costs: Accommodation, food, and transport are cheaper than in Bali or Phuket, so packages can include extras without big price hikes.
Diving Infrastructure: Koh Tao is set up to handle thousands of divers, which reduces costs for training and logistics.
Shorter Travel Distance: Once in Thailand, ferries from Koh Samui or Surat Thani are inexpensive, compared to flying between islands in Indonesia or the Philippines.
Accommodation & Package Deals
In Koh Tao, many dive schools offer free or discounted accommodation when booking a course. For example:
Dorm-style rooms: often included free with an Open Water course.
Private bungalows: discounted to 1000-1500 THB/night for divers.
Compare that to Phuket or Bali, where diving schools rarely include rooms, and you’re easily spending another 2,000–3,500 THB per night on accommodation. Over a 3–4 day course, that adds up to an extra 3,000–5,000 THB.
Daily Living Costs for Divers
Koh Tao: Street food from 80 THB, restaurants from 120 THB, motorbike rental around 250 THB/day.
Phuket: Meals from 200–300 THB, rentals 300–400 THB/day.
Bali: Meals from 150–250 THB, scooter 200–250 THB/day.
Philippines: Meals 120–200 THB, scooter 250–350 THB/day.
Not only are the diving courses cheaper on Koh Tao, but the overall stay is budget-friendly, especially for backpackers or long-term travelers.
Advanced Courses & Fun Dives
If you plan to continue diving, here’s how prices stack up:
Advanced Open Water Course
Koh Tao: 8,900–11,000 THB (~$270–300)
Phuket: 13,000–14,000 THB (~$350–380)
Bali: 12,000–13,500 THB (~$320–360)
Fun Dives (per dive with equipment)
Koh Tao: 1,000–1,200 THB
Phuket: 1,500–1,800 THB
Bali: 1,400–1,600 THB
Philippines: 1,200–1,400 THB
Again, Koh Tao consistently comes out as one of the most affordable diving destinations worldwide.
The Value Beyond Price
While cost is a huge factor, diving in Koh Tao also offers:
High Training Standards: Schools are SSI or PADI affiliated, ensuring international certification.
Year-Round Diving: Calm, warm waters almost every month.
Diving Community: A vibrant scene with eco-projects, conservation dives, and social events.
Is Cheaper Always Better?
Cheaper doesn’t mean low quality in Koh Tao’s case. But with so many schools, it’s smart to choose wisely:
Look for schools with small group sizes (max 4 students per instructor).
Check reviews for safety and professionalism.
Ask about extra costs (certification fees, boat trips, dive computer rentals).
Final Verdict
Yes— diving in Koh Tao really is cheaper than in most of Asia and beyond. When you factor in not just the course fees, but also accommodation, food, and overall living expenses, Koh Tao often comes out 20–40% more affordable than Phuket, Bali, or the Philippines. And with the island’s unique diving culture, it’s not just about saving money—it’s about joining one of the world’s most famous scuba diving communities.
