Get ready to dive into paradise on the stunning island of Koh Tao in Thailand! Picture this: sun-kissed sandy beaches, mouthwatering local cuisine, and crystal-clear waters just waiting for you to explore. Known for its world-class diving, beautiful beaches, and delicious food, Koh Tao is the ultimate destination for your New Year’s celebration! 🌴🇹🇭

This incredible trip includes everything you need for an unforgettable adventure: 8 nights of double accommodation at a gorgeous resort, daily breakfast, and 14 boat dives to explore the vibrant underwater world. You’ll have tanks and weights provided, and a full scuba set (excluding torch and dive computer) to ensure you’re fully geared up. We’ve got you covered with round-trip transfers from the Koh Tao ferry harbor to the resort, plus some fun extras like Seaira Dives Trip Swag and a Sea Turtle Awareness certification with Ciara. And don’t miss out on the Thailand Fishinar, where you’ll learn all about the fascinating marine life of Thailand.

Immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty as you enjoy top-notch service, breathtaking views, serene swimming pools, and vibrant dining experiences. After an exhilarating dive, unwind in your deluxe air-conditioned room, or indulge in a soothing Thai massage at the spa. If you’re in the mood for socializing, Ban’s Dive Resort is the place to be. With new divers arriving daily, it’s the perfect spot to share a cold beer and swap scuba stories. This is more than a trip; it’s a dive into the heart of island bliss!

• Location: Stunning Koh Tao, Thailand – a diver's paradise known for crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.
• Dates: 8 Nights from December 26, 2025 - January 3, 2026 – the perfect way to ring in the New Year!
• Spaces Available: Only 16 Divers and 4 Beach Lovers (non-divers) – don’t wait, spots are filling fast!
• Certification: Open Water Diver and up – or just come to relax as a Beach Lover, this trip is for everyone!
• Accommodations: Stay in a beautiful resort with all the amenities you need to relax and recharge.
• Dive Details: 14 epic boat dives exploring the rich marine world around Koh Tao – expect vibrant coral reefs, abundant fish, and maybe even some surprises!
• Transfers Included: Round-trip transfers from Koh Tao ferry harbor to the resort for a hassle-free journey.
• Extras: Receive Seaira Dives Trip Swag, a Sea Turtle Awareness certification, and an unforgettable Fishinar about Thailand’s marine life.
• Perfect for All Levels: Whether you’re an experienced diver or just want to chill by the beach, this trip has something for everyone.

• Expect quality service, beautiful views, serene swimming pools and fresh, colorful dining
• Post dive, head out to explore Koh Tao (the resort is really well located), relax in your deluxe air-conditioned room or head to the spa for a relaxing Thai massage
• Those looking to be sociable will be happy at Ban's. With new divers coming in every day, there's always someone to share a beer with and chat all things scuba diving

Welcome to My World of Adventure and Exploration! 🌊

As a PADI Master Instructor, I bring a wealth of experience and a deep passion for diving, travel, and crafting unforgettable adventures. 🤿

With over 40 countries explored, I’ve had the privilege of diving in some of the world’s most breathtaking underwater ecosystems while immersing myself in vibrant, diverse cultures. As your dedicated travel coordinator, I’m here to ensure that every dive trip is meticulously planned, offering you an experience filled with lasting memories. 🌍

I’m also deeply committed to ocean conservation. From reducing plastic waste to organizing shoreline clean-ups, I actively work towards sustainability in our dive community. Whether it’s making environmentally conscious decisions or diving with respect for marine life, I am passionate about protecting the oceans we love to explore. ♻️

As a veteran of the United States Army 🇺🇸, I bring a strong sense of commitment, discipline, and teamwork to everything I do, particularly in my training and dive trips. Whether you’re just starting your diving journey or are a seasoned explorer, I’m here to elevate your skills, boost your confidence, and foster a sense of camaraderie within our dive community.

So, if you're ready to dive deep and explore the world beneath the waves (and beyond), let’s make it happen. Adventure awaits! 🗺️

HIGHLIGHTS

• The most certifying dive centre in the world, this quality dive center is affectionately known as Thailand's 'Home of Diving'
• Dive in crystal clear blue ocean, filled with reef fish, and come face-to-face turtle and whale sharks
• Centrally located on Sairee Beach, Ban's offers easy access to the ocean as well as all of Koh Tao's land-based fun
• Besides scuba diving, Ban's is a great spot to learn freediving, meet like-minded travelers or while away the hours with watersports
• The Dive Center is an adaptive services facility!

DESCRIPTION

Ban's Diving Resort is a PADI 5 star Career & Instructor Development Centre in Koh Tao, affectionately known as Thailand's 'Home of Diving'. 

Now recognised as the most certifying dive centre in the world, you can rest assured you'll be in safe hands. Whether you're trying diving for the first time or making the move from recreational to professional diver, expect quality training in a beautiful environment. 

Centrally located in Sairee Beach, Ban’s offers unmatched facilities, accommodation choices, scuba diving, freediving, beach watersports, snorkeling and so much more! Whether you're after budget lodging or a luxurious retreat for two, Ban's has you covered.

Ban's Diving Resort certifies more Open Water Divers than any other dive shop in the world!

Whether you want to try diving for the first time, get certified or go pro with a divemaster or instructor course, you can't go wrong at Ban's. Centrally located in Koh Tao, this respected dive resort offers multiple luxurious pools and quality dining options, complete with lush greenery and sea views. 

Besides diving, this resort boasts a small spa with Thai massage services, a large gym and a variety of beach and watersports available to all guests. 

The resort offers 4 swimming pools, Ban’s Gym, Ban’s Conservation Centre, Ban’s Beach Restaurant, Fishbowl Beach Bar, Barracuda at Darawan Restaurant, Darawan Deli, Ban’s Coffee House and Pool Bar, Ban’s Tatar’s Salon, Ban’s Scuba Store, 2 convenience stores, and multiple onsite ATMs. 

Arrival 

• The best airport to fly into is Koh Samui (USM), which is a 2.5 hour ferry journey from the resort.
• Upon landing in Koh Samui, take a taxi to the ferry terminal and board a ferry for Koh Tao. 
• Once you arrive on Koh Tao, look for the Ban's Transfer Booth at the ferry terminal. Here, you can join a complimentary transfer to the resort. 
• Please note that complimentary transfers run throughout the day. If you do not arrive at scheduled ferry times, the transfer booth may be closed. In this case, please contact us after booking to arrange alternative transfers (additional cost possible). 
• Check-in time is 2 pm. 

Departure

• Check-out time is 10 am. 
• Upon check-out, you can arrange a complimentary transfer back to the ferry terminal with the reception staff. From there, you can board the ferry for Koh Samui to connect with your international flight home. 

The easiest way to fly to Koh Samui (USM) from the East Coast of the US typically involves two main steps:

1. Fly to Bangkok (BKK) or Singapore (SIN):
   
   • The quickest international flight would likely be from major East Coast hubs like New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), or Washington D.C. (IAD) to either Bangkok (BKK) or Singapore (SIN). Both airports have numerous direct flights from the East Coast, especially New York, which has multiple direct flights to these hubs.
   • From the East Coast, you’ll find multiple airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways flying directly to these cities, with flight times ranging from 16-20 hours, depending on your departure airport.
2. Fly from Bangkok (BKK) or Singapore (SIN) to Koh Samui (USM):
   
   • From Bangkok (BKK): There are frequent direct flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui operated by Bangkok Airways, and the flight time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
   • From Singapore (SIN): There are direct flights from Singapore to Koh Samui operated by SilkAir (a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines) with a flight time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Summary Route (Most common):

• East Coast (JFK/BOS/IAD) → Bangkok (BKK) (Direct Flight, 16-18 hrs)
• Bangkok (BKK) → Koh Samui (USM) (Direct Flight, 1 hr 15 min)

You could also choose to connect through Singapore if that is more convenient for you.

Alternatively, if you're looking for fewer stops or direct connections, booking a package through airlines like Singapore Airlines might be a great option as they can connect both the international and domestic legs seamlessly.

For flying to Koh Samui (USM) from the West Coast of the US, the general approach is similar, but with some slight differences due to the longer distance. Here's the best way to go about it:

1. Fly from the West Coast to Bangkok (BKK) or Singapore (SIN):

• Direct flight from the West Coast: There are direct flights from Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) to Bangkok (BKK) or Singapore (SIN). These are long-haul flights, typically taking around 17-19 hours.
• Airlines like Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, and Emirates offer these direct connections, though options to Bangkok tend to be more frequent from LAX.
• Another option would be flying via Hong Kong (HKG) or Seoul (ICN), with a layover in one of those cities before continuing to Bangkok or Singapore.

2. Fly from Bangkok (BKK) or Singapore (SIN) to Koh Samui (USM):

• Bangkok (BKK) to Koh Samui (USM): This is the most popular route and is operated by Bangkok Airways, with multiple flights daily. The flight takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
• Singapore (SIN) to Koh Samui (USM): There are direct flights by SilkAir (subsidiary of Singapore Airlines), and the flight takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Summary Route (Typical West Coast Itinerary):

• West Coast (LAX/SFO) → Bangkok (BKK) (Direct Flight, 17-19 hrs)
• Bangkok (BKK) → Koh Samui (USM) (Direct Flight, 1 hr 15 min)

Alternatively, you could fly West Coast → Singapore (SIN), and then take a short flight to Koh Samui.

Other Considerations:

• If you don't want to deal with multiple stops, booking with airlines like Singapore Airlines or Thai Airways can help streamline both the long-haul and domestic legs of your journey.
• A layover in Hong Kong or Seoul might add some flexibility and often cheaper options compared to a direct flight. However, the extra time may add a few hours to your journey.

Depending on your exact departure city, either Bangkok or Singapore would be your best connecting city for the final leg to Koh Samui.

Chumphon Pinnacle – This is one of Koh Tao’s most famous dive sites and is located within reach of Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. This well-known dive site features a series of stunning granite and coral encrusted pinnacles which are home to batfish, giant grouper, travelly and giant schools of barracuda and snapper. The occasional whale shark and manta ray also visit. Look for plateaus rich in anemones of all different colours, branching corals, sea whips and barrel sponges. 

HTMS Sattakut Wreck – One of Thailand’s premier wrecks, the 48 metre/158 foot HTMS Sattakut, which started out as the USS LCI -739, was sunk on 18 June 2011 in about 30 metres/100 feet of water near Koh Tao. The Landing Craft, Infantry (or LCI) was one of several amphibious assault ships deployed during WWII. The artificial reef is home to dense schools of fusiliers and yellowtail barracuda as well as groupers, trevally, moray eels and blennies. This is one dive site which continues to thrive year after year. 

South-West Pinnacle – Explore a series of rock formations ranging from 4 metres / 13 feet to 30 metres / 100 feet and discover breathtaking carpet anemones in brilliant greens, pinks and blues, with their cavalcade of pink anemone fish. The crevices and ledges among the pinnacles are hot spots for snappers, emperor and harlequin sweetlips. Leopard sharks and whale sharks are occasional visitors to the site, which is home to large schools of snapper, yellowtail barracuda and fusiliers. If you are interested in critters then scorpionfish, stonefish and other bottom dwellers can be found here too. 

White Rock – This site features two rock pinnacles separated by a narrow sandy channel fringed with a series of ledges and steps. On the current exposed sides of the pinnacles, the fan corals are a definite highlight. Look closely in the recesses and holes in the pinnacles which are often home to moray eels, cleaner shrimps and other reef fish seeking shelter. Other reef life which divers can expect to see here include sea snakes, porcupinefish, passing turtles, Moorish idols and a range of butterfly fish and angelfish species. Shark Island – This dive site is best known for its incredible variety of marine life. It features a wall, pinnacles and a coral garden abundant in colourful soft corals. On the deeper edges of the site it is possible to see passing pelagics such as whale sharks, reef sharks and leopard sharks. The coral garden guarantees a range of marine life including moray eels, angelfish, scorpionfish, pipefish, nudibranch, crustaceans and great macro critters.

Explore diving in Koh Tao

This compact 21 km² island forms part of the Chumphon Archipelago on the western shore of the gulf of Thailand.

Whilst this island is small in size, the underwater scenery is grand with coral-encrusted rock pinnacles, vibrant reefs and great shipwrecks. Stingrays and grouper are always lurking with lucky divers catching a glimpse of a whale shark or eagle ray. When you’re not looking out to the blue, you’ll be mesmerized by the plethora of colorful reef fish all around you whilst diving in Koh Tao.

Cruise along the pinnacle with huge schools of chevron barracuda, yellow snapper and big eyed trevally, penetrate the wreck of a military vessel or hang out with the giants groupers - diving in Koh Tao brings delight to all divers.

Earn this PADI certification on the trip!

There’s been a steady decline in worldwide sea turtle populations, but there are ways to fight this. Learn basic sea turtle identification, how to record sightings and conservation steps you can take. Two scuba dives are required for the certification!

**for scuba divers only**

In addition to what you would normally pack for a beach vacation, we also recommend:

- Bug Spray

- Swim Suits 

- Rash Guards or some kind of exposure protection

- Post-dive cozy clothing 

- Scuba Gear: Don’t forget your personal diving equipment (mask, fins, regulator, etc.). Dive computer is required, so make sure to bring one.

- Scuba Fins and Booties

- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated and reduce waste by bringing your own water bottle (check out this one here).

- Beach Towel: A lightweight, quick-drying towel for use when on the boat or shore (check out the Seaira Dives beach towel).

- Reusable Water Bottle (check out this one here)

- Hat: A Seaira Dives bucket hat will keep your face shaded when you’re not in the water.

- Light, breathable clothing: Pack lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes to stay cool in the hot, humid daytime temperatures. Cotton and linen are great options.

- Power Adapter: Thailand uses types A, B, C, and O plugs, with a standard voltage of 220V. Bring a universal adapter.

- Binoculars: Perfect for birdwatching and spotting marine life from the boat or during excursions.

- Camera/GoPro: Don’t forget your underwater camera to capture the beauty of Thailand's marine life.

We recommend Divers Alert Network (DAN) Trip Insurance: CLICK HERE

You can also become a DAN member and sign up for specific dive coverage CLICK HERE

Please read and review CLICK HERE

All rooms are double occupancy. We will do our best to find you a roommate, but in the event we cannot you will need to book the single supplement fee.

Deposits are non-refundable

Frequently Asked Questions for Your Thailand Trip

1. Do I need a passport?
   Yes, you will need a valid passport. Ensure it is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end date of your trip to meet entry requirements. Double-check that your passport is in good condition and ready for travel.
2. Can I rent scuba gear?
   Absolutely! Scuba gear is included in your trip package, with the exception of a dive computer and torch (flashlight). These items can be rented separately if you don’t have your own.
3. Do I need to be scuba certified?
   Not at all! If you’re not certified, you can still join the trip and get certified on-site. Just book as a "Beach Lover" or non-diver, and Ciara will help you coordinate your training. It’s an excellent opportunity to get your certification in a breathtaking location!
4. Will I get to pick my roommate if I am traveling alone?
   Maybe! If there are other solo travelers without roommates, Ciara will introduce you to see if you're a good fit. If either of you is not comfortable sharing a room, we’ll do our best to find another roommate, or you may need to pay a single supplement for a private room.
5. I get seasick - what can I do to help with this?
   Seasickness can be common, but there are ways to manage it! We recommend checking with your doctor for options that may work for you. In the meantime, you can read these two helpful blogs for tips:
   PADI Blog on Seasickness
   Ciara’s Blog on Seasickness
6. What language is spoken in Thailand?
   The official language of Thailand is Thai, spoken by about 53% of the population. Other widely spoken languages include Lao (27%), Chinese (12%), Malay (4%), and Khmer (3%). While Thai is the primary language, English is commonly understood in tourist areas and by most locals in the hospitality industry.
7. I’m not diving, what can I do during the times the divers will be gone?
   There’s plenty to do, even if you’re not diving! You can relax on the beach or swim in the crystal-clear waters. Unwind with a luxurious spa treatment to pamper yourself. You can also take part in a variety of excursions, such as hiking, snorkeling, or exploring the local culture. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, the world is your oyster!
8. Is Thailand safe?
   Thailand is generally considered very safe for travelers. The U.S. State Department rates it as Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, meaning it’s a safe destination for tourists. As with any destination, it's important to stay vigilant about common travel risks, such as petty theft. For more detailed safety tips, click here for information from the U.S. State Department.
9. What currency is used in Thailand?
   The official currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). The symbol is ฿, and 1 Baht is divided into 100 satang. You’ll find that many places in tourist areas accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) and U.S. dollars, but it’s always a good idea to carry local currency for small purchases. You can find the current exchange rate here.
10. What is the weather like at the end of December/beginning of January?
    The weather in Thailand during late December and early January is generally dry and pleasant. This is the cool season, so expect lower humidity and more comfortable temperatures. Koh Tao typically experiences temperatures between 24°C (75°F) and 30°C (86°F). There’s plenty of sunshine, and rainfall is minimal during this time of year, making it perfect for outdoor activities, including diving, beach lounging, and exploring the island!
11. What is there to do in Koh Tao?
    Koh Tao is a paradise for divers and non-divers alike. You can explore the stunning underwater life, from vibrant coral reefs to friendly sea creatures like turtles and sharks. Relax on the island’s beautiful beaches, including Ao Leuk, Sai Nuan Beach, and Tanote Bay. You can hike to stunning viewpoints like John-Suwan Viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the island and the surrounding turquoise waters. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the coastline, or simply enjoy the laid-back atmosphere while sipping cocktails at one of the beachfront bars. For an authentic Thai experience, consider taking a cooking class or attending a traditional Muay Thai class.

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to return home from your trip.
• It is your responsibility to review and meet the vaccination requirements and visa/immigration requirements for Thailand.
• Dive accident insurance (to include medical evacuation) is mandatory for everyone who dives: it's your responsibility to have adequate cover in place and to bring your certificate as proof.
• Your proof of certification and logbook will be checked during check-in at the dive center to clarify level and experience: it is your responsibility to ensure you bring these with you, and your diving could be at risk if you do not bring them.
• Please remember it is your responsibility to ensure you are fit to dive and meet the medical standards outlined by PADI.
• Dive times can change due to local weather conditions, and it is your responsibility to check in with your dive center after you arrive to confirm the timing of your dives: late check-in could lead to missed dives.
• Your package price does not include surcharges for national parks, boat dives, night dives, special trip supplements, or dive gear beyond tanks, weights, and weight belts unless indicated otherwise.
• Taxes, levies, or surcharges, if applicable, are indicated in the Online Booking System during the checkout process for informational purposes. Supplements, government taxes, marine park fees, fuel surcharges, harbor fees, rental equipment, and other upgrades or surcharges are subject to change at any time pre-booking or post-booking. These changes can be driven by local conditions, extreme weather, changes to government policy, operator decisions, oil prices, or other factors. Changes are outside Seaira Dives' control, and travelers are responsible for paying any increases. A change in these fees or surcharges does not grant travelers the right to cancel a reservation or dispute the surcharges.
• We recommend you buy travel and trip cancellation insurance (to include storm coverage where appropriate).
• Ensure you bring suitable electrical adaptors for Thailand.
• In case of a rescheduled booking or a rebooking to a new dive operator, any payments made for the original booking are non-refundable. Beyond that, the cancellation terms apply.
• Travelers are responsible for being aware of COVID travel guidelines, local rules, and procedures for Thailand and for maintaining up-to-date knowledge of any changes regarding entry requirements or local guidelines.
• Changes with regard to entry requirements to Thailand are outside the control of Seaira Dives. As such, customers do not have the right to cancel or seek reimbursement if unable to travel due to any updates to Thailand's entry requirements, airline flights, or other similar situations.
• Seaira Dives packages do not include travel insurance. Seaira Dives strongly recommends that travelers purchase travel insurance.
• The service provider has the right to operate outside of the standard terms and conditions set out in the booking for rescheduled trips. Standard cancellation policies will not apply to rescheduled trips.
• The service provider reserves the right to make any amendments to booked packages prior to trip dates or during trip dates due to, but not limited to, COVID-related issues or changing restrictions.

Arrive at the Koh Tao Ferry Harbor. Look for the Ban's Transfer Booth at the ferry terminal. Here, you can join a complimentary transfer to the resort. 

We will be diving, laughing, and having a blast!

Until next time my scuba travel buddies! You will be taken to the ferry harbor to begin your journey!