Days 53 - 57 Scuba Diving in Ko Tao

Ko Tao, mecca for scuba divers from all over the world was our next stop. It was here I wanted to complete my Open Water PADI course. After alot of research & talking to people about diving, I decided this was the place for me! Arriving in Ko Tao was easy, it's a short boat journey from neighbouring Ko Pga Ngan. When the island was within our view, we both realised why so many people love it here........it is certainly the closest I have come to a paradise.

Some research about beach huts had limited our search to around Sairee beach. First stop Seashell Resort. The bungalow was very picturesque with a balcony looking out to the sea. However it was here on day 53 we broke our number 1 rule! NO BED BUGS! Yes that is right, we had our first experience in 8 weeks of travelling of the dreaded bed bugs........Needless to say we swiftly moved to a very nice bungalow in AC resort the next morning! This includes hot water (wow!) & TV.

I also decided to complete my PADI with seashell divers (affiliated to the resort). My instructor, Gavin was outstanding, very calming & an excellent teacher. There were only two in my class - Brandon, from Canada & me - so lots of attention for us! Brandon had been a competitive swimmer & was quite a water baby! I on the other hand was less glamorous when I was trying to clamber up onto the sands complete with my scuba tank, weight belts (I needed plenty of these to keep me down!) & BCD jacket! It was quite a picture on the first day! By day four I had mastered it and was even in the mode of (semi-real) bond girl!!!!!

Diving here was incredible. Everyone had told me I would never forget my first dive & I have to say I think they are right. The coral & fish are amazing. I saw moray eels, banner fish, angel fish, blue spotted sting ray, scribed file fish, barracudas, crab......I could go on and on! (To see what they look like you would need to send me some for my aquarium on facebook!!) I wish I could share what I saw in pictures.....maybe that will come from my next dive!

Michael was not able to dive with me but enjoyed the snorkelling in White Rocks & chilling out on the beach. He also made a fab paparazzi photographer when he came on the boat for my first dive!

Not sure where we are going next but plan to chase the sun & sand for a while longer.

Love Sarah & Mike
xx

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Top Tips from Ko Tao

1. Seashell divers, in my opinion were excellent. Big emphasis on safety & enjoying diving. No corners were cut & by the end I was definitely more confident under water. There are around 40 dive companies on Ko Tao, ensure you check your group size which ideally should be no more than 4 people.

2. On the other hand, avoid Seashell beds........enough said!

3. Choppers for food is great - real Aussie steaks went down a treat!



Monday 5th November - After typing this blog entry a couple of days ago, Michael has been ill with Dengue fever (a mosquito borne disease, NOT malarial but flu like symptoms). He is in hospital in Ko Tao & on the mend, getting much better by the hour. We will be staying on Ko Tao for a bit longer.....however some luxury is needed now, so once out of hospital I will be making sure he is pampered & rested in a very nice beachside spa! Therefore next update will be from..................xx

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