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

If you've landed on Koh Tao without a plan, this tour operator is just what you need: They organize excursions around the water and are available seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. This evening window is more important than you might think. Most travelers don't decide what to do until around 9:00 p.m. So, if you can book your snorkeling trip for the next day before the office closes, you'll save yourself a wasted morning.

The excursions focus on Koh Tao's strengths: warm, clear water, coral reefs, and dive sites easily accessible by boat. There are options for beginners and advanced divers who know exactly which dive site they're looking for. My tip: Be honest at the counter about your swimming abilities and comfort in open water. The difference between a successful and a disappointing day of diving on Koh Tao often lies simply in choosing the right boat.