We all know scuba diving is a blast, it’s exciting, relaxing, and sometimes totally life-changing. But as much fun as it is, it also comes with a few rules to keep things safe. Most of us are taught the dos and don’ts before diving, but what about after? Turns out, that’s just as important. Even experienced divers forget some of these!
Here’s a breakdown of what NOT to do once you're back on dry land (or the boat). Some of these might surprise you, and could save your Koh Tao dive trips.
1. Don’t Hop on a Plane Right After Diving
This one’s a classic. Flying too soon after a dive is risky because airplane cabins are pressurized like you’re at 6,000–8,000 ft (1,800–2,400 m). That’s basically like doing a rapid ascent, which your body is not ready for.
Why? Your tissues absorb nitrogen during the dive. That nitrogen needs time to off-gas naturally. Going to altitude too soon can cause nitrogen bubbles to form in your blood or tissues - aka Decompression Sickness (DCS), and it’s no joke.
General rule (PADI & DAN guidelines):
-
Wait 12 hours after a single no-decompression dive
-
Wait 18 hours after multiple dives or multiple days of diving
-
Wait 24 hours if you did decompression dives
When in doubt, wait 24 hours. Chill out, explore Koh Tao’s beaches, grab a smoothie bowl, catch a sunset, or hit up a beach bar.
2. Freediving After Scuba? Big Nope
Even though freediving seems chill (no tanks, just you and the water), doing it too soon after scuba diving can be dangerous.
It can be super risky because the physical effort and quick pressure changes can make the nitrogen your body absorbed while scuba diving start moving around quicker. This can seriously ramp up your chances of getting Decompression Illness (DCI). So, don’t mix freediving with scuba too soon! Just like in your PADI Open Water Diver course, we stress the importance of respecting surface intervals. It’s recommended to wait at least 18 hours before diving back into freediving. And if you’re using a dive computer, it’ll usually lock you out of the freediving mode until your "no-fly" time is over, that’s your safety buffer to keep things cool.
Wait time recommendations:
3. Skip the Workout
Yep, we’re telling you to take it easy. Heavy exercise post-dive (like running, weightlifting, Muay Thai, or even wild dancing) can stir up nitrogen bubbles.
The idea is that increased circulation and physical stress may push nitrogen out too fast or unevenly. That’s not what your body needs when off-gassing.
Guideline:
You’re not being lazy, you’re being smart.
4. Skip the Deep Tissue Massage (For Now)
A light massage = okay. Deep tissue or Thai traditional massage? Best to delay.
Why? Deep massage boosts blood flow, which could disrupt the nitrogen elimination process. It also might mask DCS symptoms like joint or muscle pain.
Recommendation:
5. Hot Showers & Hot Tubs - Wait It Out
After chilly dives, hot water sounds amazing. But diving followed by rapid warming? Not ideal.
Research suggests that warming the body too fast may promote bubble formation. This includes hot tubs, saunas, and super hot showers.
Rule:
-
Wait at least 30 minutes before taking a steamy shower or soaking in a hot tub
-
Keep it warm, not scorching, if you must hop in sooner
6. No Boozy Celebrations Just Yet
You’re on holiday, diving’s done (...) that mojito is calling. But hang on.
Alcohol = dehydration, and dehydration makes it harder for your body to flush out nitrogen. It also masks early symptoms of DCS (like dizziness or fatigue).
Pro tips:
-
Rehydrate with water or electrolytes first
-
Delay alcohol for a few hours
-
Avoid getting tipsy if you’re diving again tomorrow
7. No Mountain Missions
Thinking of taking in epic views post-dive? Hold up.
Elevation changes = pressure changes, and your body still needs time to normalize. Just like flying, heading into the hills too soon raises the risk of DCS.
Guideline:
-
Wait 24 hours before going to altitude (above 300m/1,000 ft)
-
This includes hilltop cafes, viewpoints, or mountain roads
Altitude diving is its own specialty and needs extra training, so keep it sea-level chill post-dive.
8. Don’t Rush Back In Without a Surface Interval
Tempted to gear up for back-to-back dives? Cool your fins. Your surface interval isn’t just a break, it’s essential for safe nitrogen release.
Minimum surface interval:
-
At least 1 hour, ideally more if you’re doing multiple deep dives
-
Always follow your dive computer and dive tables
Use the time to:
• Hydrate
• Log your dives
• Grab a snack
• Share “Did you see that nudibranch?!” moments with your buddies
9. Listen to Your Body
This one’s probably the most important. Pay attention to how you feel after diving.
Watch out for:
If something feels off, speak to a dive pro immediately and seek medical attention.
10. No need to Rush
Diving isn’t just about what happens underwater, it’s about what you do after too. A few smart choices post-dive can keep your body safe and ready for more adventures. Koh Tao’s got so much to explore above the water anyway, no need to rush.
Take your time. Hydrate. Soak in the sunset. Let the nitrogen do its thing!
And remember, we’re here on Koh Tao, waiting for you to kick off your diving adventures. Let’s make them safe, fun, and fishtastic. See you soon underwater!
