Koh Tao · Dive shop

Big Blue Diving

Sairee Beach, Koh Tao — one of the island's original dive resorts

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By Kirby Scofield
Founder of BAANLYY · International real estate broker, investor & relocation specialist
Last updated 10 July 2026 · Last reviewed 10 July 2026
01

Key facts

Address14, Sairee Beach, Koh Tao, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84360 (within Silver Sand Resort)
HoursDaily 8am-7pm
Phone / WhatsApp077 456 415 / +66 80 626 8286
Training agenciesSSI Instructor Training Centre, TDI/SDI Instructor Development Facility (tech); some instructors also hold PADI credentials
Boats2 large dive boats, 1 dedicated tech boat, 2 beach-shuttle boats
HistoryOne of Koh Tao's original dive centers -- the island's second dive shop, over 30 years in business
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Overview

Big Blue Diving is one of Koh Tao's original dive operators, trading for over three decades from its home on Sairee Beach, now inside the Silver Sand Resort. The center runs three distinct departments under one roof: standard beginner-to-professional recreational courses through its SSI Instructor Training Centre, technical diving (sidemount, rebreather, trimix, wreck) through Big Blue Tech as a TDI/SDI Instructor Development Facility, and reef restoration and eco-education through Big Blue Conservation, led by an in-house marine biologist. Facilities include a dedicated divers' training pool, a retail dive shop, a customer kit room, air-conditioned and open-air classrooms, and on-site accommodation, bar and cafe within Silver Sand Resort. Its fleet runs day trips to Koh Tao's best-known sites -- Chumphon Pinnacle, Southwest Pinnacle and Sail Rock -- plus regular night dives. See the Koh Tao things-to-do guide for the island's wider diving scene and dive-site overview.

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Courses & facilities

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FAQ

Where is Big Blue Diving located?

In the heart of Sairee Beach, Koh Tao, within the Silver Sand Resort -- 14, Sairee Beach, Koh Tao, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84360.

What certifications does Big Blue Diving offer?

Big Blue is primarily an SSI Instructor Training Centre and a TDI/SDI Instructor Development Facility for technical diving. Several instructors on staff also hold PADI credentials individually -- confirm the specific agency you need directly with the shop before booking a course.

Does Big Blue Diving offer technical diving?

Yes, through its dedicated Big Blue Tech department -- sidemount, rebreather, solo, trimix, twinset and wreck diving, plus tech liveaboard trips around Southeast Asia, run from a smaller dedicated tech dive boat.

How long is the Open Water course at Big Blue Diving?

A standard 2.5 days: Day 1 runs roughly 9am-4pm, Day 2 roughly 9am-5:30pm, and Day 3 (open-water dives) roughly 7:30am-12:30pm.

Does Big Blue Diving have a marine conservation program?

Yes -- Big Blue Conservation is led by an in-house marine biologist and runs artificial-reef building, coral restoration, reef and beach clean-ups, and conservation courses and internships alongside the standard dive curriculum.

Sources & References

Sources & References

Facts, address, hours and contact details are drawn directly from the operator's own official site. BAANLYY is a data-and-tools platform, not a dive operator, and takes no paid placement in this content -- pricing, schedules and certifying-agency availability change, confirm directly with the shop before booking.

Read the full Koh Tao things-to-do guide for dive sites, snorkeling spots, freediving schools and the rest of the island's activities.