Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

New Heaven is the dive center that has made Koh Tao a popular destination for conservation and dive certification. From its location in Chalok Baan Kao on the quieter south coast of the island, it runs an internationally renowned marine conservation program – reef restoration, artificial reef construction, ecological monitoring, and marine resource courses. These attract dive students who want to actively work on the reef rather than just observe it. Alongside this, the regular dive center offers PADI courses at all levels, recreational diving, and instruction that reflects its passion for buoyancy control and environmentally responsible diving techniques.

For travelers, this combination is unique. You complete an open water course, then incorporate a nature conservation week, and return with the knowledge of which plants you've seen and which ones you've planted yourself. Chalok's tranquil bay, overlooking the bay, is ideal for this target group – the south coast is more relaxed in every respect than Sairee.