All certified divers know the golden rule: wait at least 18-24 hours after multiple dives before flying. For beginners or those planning to take a scuba diving course, this is an important factor to keep in mind. But have you ever considered the effects of flying before diving?
There’s a common myth that, just like after diving, you need to wait before diving if you've just flown. The thing is, after a flight, you don’t have to worry about nitrogen build-up like you do after a dive. So technically, you could jump straight into the water after getting off the plane - though we’d suggest saving that stunt for the professionals!
If you're flying in from the U.S. or Europe after a long 10+ hour flight, you’ll probably want to catch up on some rest. Thailand is in the GMT+7 time zone, which means a 12-hour difference from NYC (11 hours in summer) and a 6-hour difference from Berlin (5 hours in summer). Once you land at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, your journey to the best dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand isn’t over yet. You’ll need to take another flight to Koh Samui or Chumphon, or catch a bus to Surat Thani or Chumphon before hopping on a ferry to Koh Tao.
Honestly, Take it easy for the first day or a couple of days to recover from the jet lag. If you're taking the VIP bus, use that time to rest! Trust us, it’ll make your trip way more enjoyable, especially when you’re diving in Koh Tao and exploring the island.
Once you’ve arrived and settled in, it’s time to dive into the adventure Koh Tao has to offer! This island is a true gem for divers, with its crystal-clear waters, stunning coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life.
For those new to scuba diving, the PADI Open Water course is the perfect place to begin your journey. If you’ve already got your certification, you can level up with the Advanced Open Water course or try out some awesome PADI Specialty courses, like night diver, wreck diver, Enriched Air Nitrox diver or even underwater photography courses !
Aside from diving, Koh Tao offers beautiful beaches, delicious local food, and a chill, welcoming vibe, making it the perfect place to kick back after a day in the water. Whether you’re looking to relax on a secluded beach or hike to one of the island's breathtaking viewpoints, there’s something for everyone here.
So, take a few days to shake off the jet lag, and get ready to experience one of the best diving spots in Thailand. Koh Tao will make every bit of your journey worthwhile!
Catch you soon at Coral Grand Divers for a fishtastic adventure!
