Overview

Who We Are

Our marine conservation program at Black Turtle Dive evolved out of Eco Koh Tao, one of the longest running environmental organisations on the island, operating on many projects since 2006 to monitor and restore coral reefs around our island paradise.

Eco Koh Tao

Eco Koh Tao was founded by Nathan Cook, a master of Marine Science from Southern Cross University, Australia and Matt Bolton, a PADI Course Director who first brought Reef Check to Koh Tao in 2007 and founded Black Turtle Dive.

Coral Restoration: The Key to Saving Our Oceans

Black Turtle Conservation

Black Turtle Conservation symbolises the unification of Koh Tao’s two original ocean researchers, Nathan Cook and Chad Scott.

Chad founded Conservation Diver on Koh Tao in 2014, following 6 years of extensive conservation development work. Conservation Diver is now a world leader in marine conservation education that has certified thousands of ocean enthusiasts over the past decade.

Our global conservation vision combines to form what we believe is the best in class Reef Ecology And Conservation Training center in Thailand offering our REACT Program.

Conservation Diver

The Conservation Diver global network extends across 11 locations, with 50+ instructors, teaching over 35 different marine science courses, bound together in the mission to train the next generation of marine conservationists.

Black Turtle Conservation is proud to be part of this shared vision.

By working together in this way we are able to benefit from data collaboration and the vast knowledge shared between a large groups of experts in varying environmental and scientific fields.

No other network in the world exists that connects conservation programs in such a way, which gives our students the benefit of being part of a movement of research and conservation much bigger than one single program of work. 

Project Summary

Our scientific based Marine Conservation Internships or Reef Ecology And Conservation Training program (REACT), offers aspiring scuba divers and marine conservationists, the best combined internship experience in the Asia Pacific region.

The REACT Marine Conservation Program is led by our Program Manager and PADI Master Instructor and Conservation Diver Master Trainer Sue Baumeyer and our in-house Marine Scientist team.

Our marine conservation internships are well structured, educational, flexible and practical, offering students a great way to learn more about how a coral reef functions and the many threats the living reef and marine environment face.

REACT Program

Our REACT Program, gives recreational scuba divers a choice of internships, and the opportunity to acquire the foundational knowledge necessary to understand our fragile marine ecosystem.

We believe the best way to learn about marine conservation is through education and real world hands-on practical experience, helping to conduct scientific research and collecting data that we need to monitor the changing marine environment.

Global Conservation Partners

We are part of a global network of marine conservationists, researchers and marine ecosystem managers, who are able to share resources and knowledge in order to drive scientific research forward in a bid to help save our seas. Some of our partners are listed below.

Project Details & Conservation Internships

We currently offer students three levels of Marine Conservation Internships at our beachside location on Koh Tao in Thailand.

Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP)

Internship Option 1

Core Conservationist Internship Program

If you are short on time, but would like to complete a Foundational Marine Conservation and Reef Ecology Internship, then our Core Conservationist Internship may be the right choice for you.

Our Core Conservationist Internship is scheduled over 7 full days and is perfect for driven and focused candidates, who have a passion for the ocean and wish to maximize the time they spend on Koh Tao, and participate in a great value educational experience.

Our 7-day Core Conservationist Internship is a fantastic introduction to coral reefs for individuals who want a high-quality scientific based, academic, diving and research experience, and have limited time on Koh Tao.

Introduction to fundamentals of coral reef ecology

The Core Conservationist introduces you to the fundamentals of coral reef ecology, the marine organisms that live on and around the reef and the important roles these organisms perform that contribute to a healthy reef.

You will learn how to view the reef from a scientific perspective using key biotic and abiotic reef components.

You will be able to identify key fish and invertebrate indicator species, substrate types and coral growth forms and assess coral health and identify coral diseases.

Threats to Coral Reefs

You also will learn about the threats the natural reef and marine environment faces due to a number of factors including climate change and pollution.

We will look at how climate change is affecting the coral reef. You will learn how corals exposed to prolonged periods of high-water temperatures become stressed and expel the symbiotic algae living within their tissues called zooxanthellae.

It is the algae that provides coral with the essential nutrients through photosynthesis that gives them their vibrant colors. However, under stressful conditions corals lose their algae resulting in a pale or bleached appearance.

You will learn how to use the Coral Health Chart as a monitoring tool, enabling you to identify coral health and record the data. You will also be shown how to submit that data to a citizen science database.

What is Coral Restoration?

The Core Conservationist will also introduce you to coral restoration techniques.

We are a DMCR – Department of Marine Coastal Resources – authorized coral restoration training facility and we work alongside the DMCR (Department of Thai Government) on two legally binding coral restoration projects here on Koh Tao.

You will learn the theory and practical application of established coral restoration techniques, including using coral nurseries and will also learn how to conduct a Monitoring dive to collect data on the health, growth and diversity of a coral nursery.

The Plight of the Sea Turtles

During the Core Conservationist we will also study the plight of the sea turtle and look at the variety of threats, both natural and human-caused that are putting their populations at risk. How to recognize these threats and how we can alleviate some local threats to their health and survival.

You will also learn about sea turtle ecology and their incredible evolutionary history.

We will also teach you techniques to identify and track sea turtles using photo documentation and show you how turtle sightings are coded and recorded on our local database.

Upon successful completion of the Core Conservationist Internship individuals will have a good overall understanding of the coral reef ecology and the ecosystem, and the threats the reef is facing.

Core Conservationist Internship Modules

The educational, workshop and practical modules you will cover in the Black Turtle Dive Core Conservationist are:

The mandatory modules are as follows:

• Marine Ecology & Coral Reefs
• Scientific Diving
• Fish Identification
• Substrate composition
• Invertebrate Identification
• Ecological Monitoring Program
• Coral Health monitoring
• Coral Restoration Theory & Techniques
• Coral Gardening Dives
• Sea Turtles Ecology and monitoring

Each module has classroom components that include quizzes and exams. There is also at least 1 open water training session attached to each module.

What’s Included in the Core Conservationist 7 Day Internship Program?

• 10 training dives on scuba
• 1 training session snorkeling
• 3 Conservation Diver certifications including the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP)
• 1 CoralWatch Coral Health monitoring certification
• Black Turtle Core Conservationist certificate of completion
• Rental of full set of Aqualung scuba equipment
• FREE use of a Suunto dive computer
• Log Book
• Maximum 4 students per Conservation Diver Instructor
• Black Turtle Dive customer and environmental promise

Core Conservation Internship Schedule

• Fluid Mechanics Buoyancy Workshop
• Introduction to Reef Ecology
• Introduction to Marine Conservation on Koh Tao
• Fish Identification Dive
• Coral Safari Dive
• Conservation Diver Ecological Monitoring Program
• Coral Watch Coral Health Monitoring course
• Conservation Diver Coral Restoration Theory & Techniques course
• Coral Gardening Dives
• Conservation Diver Sea Turtle Ecology and Monitoring course

Coral Taxonomy & Identification

Learn more about our Marine Conservation Internships:

https://www.blackturtledive.com/marine-conservation-internships/

Internship Option 2

Master Conservationist Marine Conservation Internship

Our Master Conservationist Internship program gives recreational scuba divers the opportunity to acquire the foundational knowledge necessary to understand our fragile marine ecosystem and become an informed marine conservationist.

This excellent Internship offers a structured, flexible, educational, and practical program designed to offer students a great way to learn more about how a coral reef functions and the threats the living reef and marine environment face.

Learn how a Coral Reef functions

The training you receive will help you understand the ecosystem we are working in and the ways in which we can actively restore it.

Our Master Conservationist Internship is scheduled over 14 days and is the most popular Foundational Marine Conservation and Reef Ecology Internship on Koh Tao.

The Master Conservationist Internship is a complete introduction to coral reef ecology, the coral reef ecosystem, the marine organisms that populate the living reef and the roles these organisms have that contributes to maintaining a health coral reef.

Coral Reefs are amongst the most diverse ecosystem on the planet, supporting a wide range of marine life. They provide habitat and shelter for numerous species, including fish, invertebrates, and algae.

Master Conservationist Internship Program in Thailand

View Coral Reefs from a Scientific perspective using Ecological Monitoring.

During the Internship you will be taught how to view the reef from a scientific perspective using key biotic and abiotic reef features.

You will also learn to how to identify key fish and invertebrate indicator species and substrate types from a scientific perspective.

Healthy Marine Ecosystems

Ecological Monitoring allows us to understand the health and status of ecosystems and species, and it helps identify threats, track population trends, and assess the impacts of human activities on biodiversity.

This type of information is crucial for making informed decisions about conservation and management strategies to protect, conserve and preserve ecosystems and the marine life that reside there.

Learn to Identify 18 Coral Genera found in Koh Tao

An important part of any advanced coral reef monitoring program is having the ability to Identify corals according to their taxonomic descriptions.

Corals are incredibly diverse, with thousands of species inhabiting the different marine ecosystems around the world. Taxonomic identification allows scientists to accurately document and assess coral biodiversity.

This information is crucial for monitoring changes in coral communities over time, understanding species distributions, and identifying areas of high conservation value.

Coral Taxonomy on Koh Tao

Identifying corals according to taxonomic description is crucial for understanding coral biodiversity, studying ecological interactions, developing effective conservation strategies, monitoring coral reef health and facilitating scientific collaboration.

Each species has its own unique ecological niche, and changes in the abundance or distribution of one species can have a cascading effect throughout the system.

Learn Coral Restoration Theory & Techniques

Coral Reefs are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts that can lead to coral bleaching and cause mass loss of coral coverage.

By restoring damaged or degraded coral reefs, we enhance its ability to withstand and recover from these impacts which can increase their overall resilience.

Coral restoration is necessary to conserve the biodiversity, enhance ecosystem resilience, protect coastlines, support local economies and advance scientific knowledge related to coral reefs, whilst mitigating the impacts of human activities and climate change on these vital marine ecosystems.

Coral Restoration in Koh Tao, Thailand

We will teach you the latest coral restoration techniques, and the local regulations that govern coral restoration in Thailand.

You will learn the theory behind the use of coral nurseries and participate in the practical steps of building and maintaining a coral nursery, and conduct monitoring dives to take data on the health, growth, and diversity of a coral nursery.

By practicing coral restoration, we can help maintain the biodiversity and support overall health of these marine ecosystems.

Mooring Buoy Lines in Koh Tao

Learn how to construct, install and maintain mooring lines with our mooring buoy line presenation and workshop.

Any tourist area that promotes activities involving boats, should have mooring buoy lines available for use and Koh Tao is no different.

Mooring lines with buoys attached are an easy and practical way to reduce anchor damage and human impacts on the coral reef areas.

During the Master Conservationist Internship, you learn the theory behind constructing, installing and maintain a mooring line system, and the theory session includes how to select and construct mooring line bases and anchor points.

Marine Plastics Threat to the Ocean

Our Master Conservationist Marine Conservation Internship goes into depth about the worldwide marine plastic problem, and will help you to understand the main reasons that plastics are entering the oceans.

Addressing marine plastic pollution is one of the biggest challenges the world faces today.

Solutions to this require collective action, including reducing plastic consumption, improving waste management systems, promoting recycling and reuse and changing consumer behavior.

Developing sustainable alternatives to plastic that will protect the marine environment and the many species that depend on it. We will cover this and more in the Master Conservationist Internship.

Threats to Marine Species from Plastic Pollution

The Master Conservationist Internship looks at the threats facing some of the most important species in the oceans today, including Sea turtles.

You will learn about Sea Turtle Ecology, their evolutionary history and the threats facing sea turtle populations around the world.

You will learn techniques we use to identify sea turtles and how we use photo documentation to track sea turtle populations and how sea turtle sightings are coded and recorded into local databases.

Master Conservationist Internship – Coral Reef Ecology

Upon successful completion of the Master Conservationist Internship, you will have a solid understanding of coral reef ecology and the ecosystem, and the threats coral reefs face.

Successful completion of the Master Conservationist Internship gives you the necessary skills and knowledge to enroll on the Scientific Diver Internship, our 2 week ‘Intermediate’ Internship, which is perfect for anyone that is serious about starting a career in this field.

Master Conservationist Marine Conservation Internship Modules

The educational, workshop and practical modules you cover in the Black Turtle Dive – Master Conservationist 14-day program are:

• Fluid Mechanics Buoyancy Workshop
• Marine Ecology & Coral Reefs
• Scientific Diving – Marine Ecosystems and the biodiversity balance
• Threats our coral reefs are facing
• Fish Identification
• Coral Identification & Coral Taxonomy
• Invertebrate Identification
• Ecological Monitoring Program
• How to monitor Coral Reef health
• Coral Theory & Restoration Techniques
• Coral Gardening & Maintenance
• Artificial Dive Sites
• Mooring Line Installation & Management
• The Plastic & Marine debris problem
• The Plight of the Sea Turtle

Each module has classroom components that include quizzes and exams, and there is at least 1 Open Water training session attached to each module.

What is included on Master Conservationist Marine Conservation Internship?

• 16 training dives on scuba
• 1 training session snorkeling
• 6 Conservation Diver certifications including the EMP
• 1 CoralWatch Coral Health monitoring certification
• Black Turtle Master Conservationist certificate of completion
• Rental of full set of premium Aqualung scuba equipment
• FREE use of a Suunto dive computer
• Log Book
• Maximum 4 students per Conservation Diver Instructor
• Black Turtle Dive customer and environmental promise

 Sea Turtles & Black Tip Reef Sharks

Learn more about our Marine Conservation Internships:

https://www.blackturtledive.com/marine-conservation-internships/

Internship Option 3

Scientific Diver Marine Conservation Internship Thailand

Our Scientific Diver Internship program is our Intermediate level marine conservation internship and builds on the skills and knowledge candidates gained from completing the foundational Master Conservationist Internship.

This excellent Internship offers a structured, flexible, educational, and practical program designed to offer students that already possess a foundational knowledge of Reef Ecology and Conservation, a more in-depth academic, practical and educational experience.

Reef Ecology and Marine Conservation in Thailand

Students who join our Scientific Diver Internship program will enhance and develop their understanding on a variety of subjects at a more detailed and advanced level.

Our Scientific Diver Marine Conservation Internship teaches you to apply a more scientific approach to learning, which involves observation, questions, research, data collection, analysis, conclusions and interpretation.

Natural Threats to Coral Reefs

We study the threats that coral reefs face such as climate change, strong waves, high winds and heavy rainfall associated with intense and irregular weather patterns and coral predation, coral diseases and sedimentation.

We will study the importance of marine algae to the coral reef ecosystem and further your knowledge in areas such as coral transplantation, which is one way we can actively restore coral reefs as marine scientists.

Our Scientific Diver Internship follows on from the Master Conservationist Internship and is scheduled over 14 days, and the most popular Intermediate level Marine Conservation and Reef Ecology Internship on Koh Tao.

Become a Coral Taxonomist

Building on from the 18 coral genera you learned to identify during the Master Conservationist, there are two more levels of Coral Taxonomy to learn about during the Scientific Diver program, which will teach you to identify another 32 coral genera.

We also look at the diversity of coral growth forms in more detail.

Advanced Ecological Monitoring Program

As you learn more about coral diseases, you will become more proficient in identifying the various diseases corals suffer in and around Koh Tao.

Along with your more in-depth knowledge of coral taxonomy, you can start performing advanced ecological monitoring surveys to record substrate type, fish identification and inverts identification, and also record hard coral genus and any signs of coral disease.

Ecological Significance of Giant Clams

Our Scientific Diver Marine Conservation Diver Internship looks at how Giant Clams contribute to the overall health and functioning of coral reef ecosystems and how important these sessile creatures are, and the threats they face.

Mature Giant Clams play several essential roles within coral reef ecosystems including water-filtering, which involves removing nutrients from the water, and helping to maintain an oligotrophic balance on coral reefs. Oligotrophy is essential on coral reef ecosystems.

Giant clams also contain many of the same Zooxanthellae clades as corals, and are often more resistant to bleaching than corals, and Giant Clams can potentially act as a feedstock for coral recovery from bleaching events.

Learn about Shark Ecology & Populations

Our Scientific Diver Conservation Internship looks at threats facing some of the most important species in the oceans worldwide, including sharks.

You will learn about Shark ecology, their incredible sensory system, including Electroreception, their evolutionary history, their importance to the marine ecosystem and the threats facing shark populations around the world.

Endangered Ocean & Plight of Sharks

We also learn the techniques used to monitor black tip sharks, the most abundant species of shark in the ocean around Koh Tao.

You learn how we use a snorkeling survey along with photo documentation to identify the sex and estimate the size of the black tip reef shark.

We record data for the Conservation Diver Koh Tao shark database and sharktrust.org.

Learn about Sea Slugs & Nudibranch

Sea slugs and Nudibranch are one of the most diverse groups of marine invertebrates, with thousands of species found in various marine habitats worlds wide.

While they may appear small and inconspicuous, their presence contributes to the overall biodiversity of marine ecosystems, playing a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance.

Scientific Diver Internship – Sea Slugs

They participate in trophic interactions, nutrient cycling, and algal control, and due to their sensitivity to any changes in their environment, they also serve as indicators of ecosystem health. Sea Slugs also help illustrate evolutionary processes, such as shell and organ development and defense mechanisms.

Protecting and conserving sea slug populations are crucial for maintaining the overall balance, functioning and health of marine ecosystems.

Scientific Diver Marine Conservation Internship in Thailand

Likewise, Seahorses are a unique and diverse group of fish found in coastal and shallow waters worldwide. Their presence contributes to the overall biodiversity of marine ecosystems adding to the richness and complexity of marine life.

Seahorses occupy a specific ecological niche within the food web and they are primarily carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates like shrimp and planktonic organisms.

Save our Seahorses, Save our Seas

By consuming these prey items, sea horses help regulate their populations, maintaining a balance in the ecosystem and preventing the dominance of certain species.

During the Scientific Diver Marine Conservation Internship program, you will learn more about both Sea slugs and sea horses and how they help us to accurately record the health of the marine ecosystem.

Scientific Diver Marine Conservation Internship Modules

The academic, educational, workshop and practical modules you cover in the Scientific Diver Marine Conservation Internship program:

• Nudibranch & Sea Slug Ecology and Identification
• Seahorse Ecology
• Coral Taxonomy Levels 2 & 3
• Coral Disease Identification
• Macro Algae Identification
• Coral Predation
• Ecological Monitoring Program
• Giant Clam Nurseries
• Coral Transplantation Techniques
• Coral Gardening & Maintenance
• Mangroves Reforestation
• Artificial Structure & deployment
• The Plight of Sharks
• Introduction to Mangroves

Each module has classroom components that include quizzes and exams and there is at least 1 Open Water training session attached to each module.

What is included in Scientific Diver Marine Conservation Internship?

• 17 training dives on Scuba equipment
• 1 Snorkelling training session
• 7 Conservation Diver certifications including the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP)
• Black Turtle Scientific Diver certificate of completion
• Rental of full set of premium Aqualung scuba equipment
• FREE use of a Suunto dive computer
• Log Book
• Maximum 4 students per Conservation Diver Instructor
• Black Turtle Dive customer and environmental promise

Learn more about our Marine Conservation Internships:

https://www.blackturtledive.com/marine-conservation-internships/

How our Projects Make a Difference

Our data collection and monitoring activities provide invaluable environmental insights to marine scientists, and our restoration program allows us to restore damaged or degraded areas of the living reef, in addition to our project areas.

When people see the value of conservation, they are more likely to support policies and practices that will help to protect the environment.

By involving local communities, our conservation projects are helping to mitigate climate change and protect the planet for future generations.

Accommodation on Koh Tao

Whilst we don’t include accommodation in our internships, we have years of local experience in sourcing the right type of local accommodation for our interns and within their budget.

We recommend our interns book 1 or 2 nights of local accommodation whilst viewing suitable longer term rooms or if budget is not the main concern, there are many hotels and bungalows available.

Prices vary across seasons, however, a typical double bed AC room with good wifi, costs between 8 to 12,000 THB a month, which can include electricity and water plus wifi.

There are many hotels, resorts, hostels, beach huts and economy priced accommodations near the two beaches that feature either side of the main pier, along with lots of places to rent scooters for exploring the rest of the island.

There are 3 main ‘village areas’ where you can stay on Koh Tao; Mae Haad, Chalok, Sairee and at various other more secluded bays around the island.

Of course, upon arrival, we will guide you on the best places to stay and where to visit.

Free Time & Activities on Koh Tao

Koh Tao is host to lots of activities, both above and below the water. In addition to scuba diving, if you enjoy being in the water, you can try snorkeling, swimming, paddleboarding or kayaking.

On land there are numerous Thai cooking lessons and Muay Thai training camps you can attend and lots of options for hiking, rock climbing, abseiling and mountain biking.

Koh Tao Restaurants

If you visit Koh Tao and enjoy eating great food then you will not be disappointed. The island provides a blend of multi cultural cuisine from your favourite international dishes to a variety of regional and local Thai food.

In all three of the main villages on Koh Tao, you will find a wide selection of restaurants that offer diverse menu’s to cater to everyone’s needs.

Koh Tao Nightlife

At the end of a relaxing day at the beach or a busy day scuba diving or snorkeling, you may want to enjoy the Koh Tao nightlife.

Sairee beach is a great location to find a beachside fireshow or join Asia’s most popular pub crawl – the Koh Tao Pub Crawl.

In Chalok, Sairee and Mae Haad villages, you will find lots of bars that offer international beers, craft beer and your favourite cocktails.

To ensure you don’t miss out on your favourite sporting fixtures, there are sports bars showing your favourite international sports fixtures.

Viewpoints on Koh Tao

Whilst Koh Tao is well known for its beautiful underwater marine life and stunning beaches, the scenery above ground is just as spectacular.

With lush, green, tropical jungle that runs down into many of the wonderful bays and beaches, the views from the peaks on the island are nothing less than breathtaking.

To take advantage of these views, there are lots of viewpoints around the island which are definitely worth the time to visit.

Koh Tao Sunsets

On top of everything else Koh Tao has to offer, night after night it will give you some of the most picturesque sunsets you will ever see.

Find your way over to Mae Haad or Sairee beach, on the west side of the island, at the end of your day and find a comfy spot to chill out and enjoy the view.

How to get to Koh Tao

Accessible by boat from Chumphon, Surat Thani, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, Koh Tao is well known as the premier scuba diving training location in the world.

More scuba divers are certified on this small island than anywhere else worldwide and for good reason.

This tiny tropical island is a gem and is surrounded by crystal-clear blue waters, over 8kms of vibrant coral reefs and an amazing variety and abundance of marine life.

Internship Start Dates

We start the Black Turtle Dive Marine Conservation internships on the 1st and 15th of every month. If these dates are not compatible with your travel itinerary, please email us with details of the dates you plan to visit Koh Tao.

We may be able to customize a schedule that specifically suits your travel schedule, please contact us for more information.

Internship Costs (Prices are Valid for 2023)

Core Conservation 7 Day Internship program

30,000 THB

Master Conservationist – 14 Day Internship Program

39,000 THB

Scientific Diver – 14 Day Internship Program

39,000 THB

Master Conservationist & Scientific Diver Internship Booked Together: 75,000 THB

PADI Open Water course (3 Days with eLearning)

11,000 THB

PADI Advanced Open Water course (2 Days with eLearning)

10,000 THB

PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty 1 Day course

5,000 THB (2 Dives)

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Marine Conservation Internship Prerequisites

• Minimum certified Advanced Open Water diver
• Demonstrate diving ability and be proficient with buoyancy and self-awareness during a buoyancy assessment prior to any course specific component that requires you to dive in close proximity to coral reefs
• Have recent diving experience – we recommend completing a scuba review if you have not dived for 12 months
• 12 years of age or older
• Medically fit to dive
• Have an interest in Conservation, Marine Conservation and scuba diving

Black Turtle Dive is a PADI 100% AWARE, Greenfins Partner, and 5 Star Career Development Center that provides a full range of diver certifications including for our conservation candidates, who require certification to start our Marine Conservation Internships.

What’s Included

• All necessary conservation internship equipment and materials
• Access to eLearning portal to complete Theory where applicable
• Free use of all scuba diving equipment and dive computer
• Onboard refreshments when diving
• Diver Insurance
• All necessary project training by experienced conservation and diving staff
• Certifications costs and summary of training and experience received
• Comprehensive training program that encompasses theory presentations and study
• Real world practical field experience
• Confidential professional reference
• Final evaluation from your instructor
• Location orientation
• Discounts on recreational fun dives for our conservation interns
• Long term experienced instructional staff
• Teamwork and leadership experience
• Transportation (as required for project work)

What’s Not Included

• Recreational diving courses and certification costs for conservation internship prerequisites
• Extra local excursions, outside the internship curriculum
• Flights
• Boat tickets, ferries and transfers (our location is a few minutes from the main arrival pier along the beach)
• Food costs
• Accommodation costs (many local options available, assistance provided)
• Internal transport (outside of the curriculum – taxi’s, scooter rental)
• International and domestic airport taxes
• Personal Medical and travel insurance
• Personal equipment and belongings (laptops)
• Visa costs

Where We Are

When you arrive on Koh Tao, we are just a 3 minute walk away from the main ferry pier on the north side of Mae Haad beach.

From the main pier, walk to the 7-Eleven and turn left. Walk past Ocean Store and across the main road. Walk another 50 metres and you will arrive at Black Turtle Dive & Ananda Villa on the left side, located right on the beach. You can’t miss us!

IMPORTANT! – PADI Medical Form

Below is a link to the PADI Medical Form which ALL divers have to complete when they arrive at the dive center.

https://www.blackturtledive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/blackturtledive.com-feb-22-updated-diver-medical-form-english.pdf

Please read through the ‘Divers Medical Questionnaire’ on page 1 to check there are no issues. If you answer ‘No’ to all the questions then you are OK to start your diving course (or diving experience) and there is no need for you to have a medical check.

However, if you answer ‘Yes’ to any questions, please let us know so we can advise if you need a full medical check-up or not.

** Please make sure you have read through our Medical Form to confirm there are no health issues before arrival **

IMPORTANT! – Flying after diving

When planning your onward travel from Koh Tao, please note that PADI recommend a minimum interval of 12 hours after a single scuba dive before flying. If you are making multiple dives (more than 1), it is recommended to have a minimum pre-flight surface interval of 18 hours.

Useful Links & Resources

Marine Conservation Internships

https://www.blackturtledive.com/marine-conservation-internships/

PADI Diving Courses

https://www.blackturtledive.com/padi-diving-courses/

How to get to Koh Tao

https://www.blackturtledive.com/koh-tao/how-to-get-to-koh-tao/

Environmental Guidelines

https://www.blackturtledive.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/blackturtledive.com-our-Environmental-Diving-Pledge.pdf

Our Customer Promise

https://www.blackturtledive.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/blackturtledive.com-our-customer-promise.pdf

Download a copy of the Black Turtle Dive Brochure.