Ko Tao Travel Forum

My family and I want to get our open water dive certification. I have two children ages 11 and 14. I want to make sure we all have a good experience. I don't want to be where there is a lot of partying. I also want a clean place to stay with instructors that are kind and understanding. We will be traveling to Ko Tao Feb.8-12th.2009. Any advice would be so helpful. Thanks

Hiya. There are many reputable resorts on Koh Tao suitable for a family. All of them will be able to offer you PADI Open Water diving courses either through their own in-house dive shop or via the big chain of dive shops.

The price you pay will be the same at every resort as dives and courses are a regulated fixed price all across the island.

I have stayed at Nang Yuan Island and dived there. Its beautiful but not ideal for kids as there is no pool and options for doing anything apart from diving or lying on the beach are limited. Its not really got the facilities for learning but I know they do offer that option.

If you want specific recommendations have a look on the following diving forum www.divernet.com and post a message in one of the overseas sections. There will be bound to be people who can advise you as its 4 years since I was last there. Incidentally I will be there in early December though.

Good luck!