[Darina]

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 2:10 pm

We hear that the "off season" around Koh Tao is Nov. Dec. What does that mean? Just less people or are the dive conditions not good that time of year? Are there better places (In Thailand) that time of year for diving? We'd greatly appreciate any thoughts on this. Thank you.

[ADSadmin]

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 4:38 pm

Hi Darina and welcome to the forum,
Yes Koh Tao suffers the monsoon during that period and many of the dive sites are not visited due to bad weather.

You would be better off visiting the Andaman side, somewhere like Koh Lanta where you can take a trip to Hin Deang or Hin Muang and have a high chance of seeing mantas, read this article from more info, these dives were done in December:

http://www.asiadivesite.com/news/thailand-180406.php

[dreams4divers]

Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 10:20 am

a good base for diving in thailand at that time of year is Phuket.
the conditions are good and you can take day trips or liveaboard trips to most of the good destinations in the Andaman sea.
As suggested in last post hin deang and hin muang are great sites also very close to Phuket is koh dok mai, king cruiser, Phi Phi and the similans, you can also book trips to the burma banks a great and not so used diving destination.
Asia dive site has really good info on diving all over Thailand and if you need some extra help feel free to drop me a mail at dreams4divers@gmail.com

[Darina]

Posted: Sat May 27, 2006 12:13 am

Thank you for the speedy replies!! I really really appreciate it! Another question: Can anyone recommend a good dive outfitter on the Andaman side? I want to learn to dive and receive certification, I am not looking for a tourist trap or slick sales people. The more low key and adventurous, the better. Maybe someone has some friends they trust, or the like? Also, I am going the budget route, as I will be in Thailand for two months studying massage in Chiang Mai, and won't have alot of money to spend on fancy dive trips. Thanks again!

[dreams4divers]

Posted: Sat May 27, 2006 8:17 am

Hi Darina

For your dive cert over here most outfits are good. It comes down to the instructor you choose to do the course with, where ever you go make sure you ask to meet who ever will be your instructor. Make sure you can get along with them and that they make you feel comfortable. If you get any bad feelings about them then choose another. your instructor is a much more important choice than which company you use.
I,m a padi instructor myself, if you want to drop me a mail nearer the time I,ll do my best to point you in the right direction. would love to be able to offer to teach you myself but would be unlikly to find time once back in high season.