Are there whale sharks in Koh Tao in March?

March marks the beginning of whale shark season in the Gulf of Thailand. Sightings are possible from March onwards, with April and May being the most reliable months. Sail Rock and Chumphon Pinnacle are the most likely sites.

How long does a PADI Open Water course take in Koh Tao?

The standard PADI Open Water certification takes 3–4 days: online theory, confined water sessions in the pool or shallow bay, and four open water dives. In March, conditions are ideal for all training phases.

Is Koh Tao good for non-divers?

Yes — snorkelling is excellent around the island's rocks and bays. Koh Nang Yuan, Shark Island, and Japanese Garden are all excellent for snorkelling with basic gear. The island's beaches and viewpoints are enjoyable even without diving.

Koh Tao in March: Diving, Whale Sharks & Beach Guide

Weather in Koh Tao in March

Hot, dry, and sunny. Temperatures 30–35°C. Very little rain. The Gulf sea is calm with water temperatures around 28–30°C and visibility of 15–25 m. Ideal diving and snorkelling conditions throughout the month.

Crowds & Prices

Moderate. March is peak diving season but not overwhelmingly crowded. The island fills during Thai school holidays (end of March/early April) — visit in early-to-mid March for the best balance of good conditions and manageable crowds.

Best Things to Do in March

1PADI Open Water course — March conditions are ideal for training dives
2Sail Rock dive trip — whale shark season begins, sightings possible
3Koh Nang Yuan snorkelling and hiking
4Free diving courses — calm conditions make this excellent
5Sunset kayaking around the west coast
6Rock climbing at Koh Tao's northern cliffs
7Thai cooking class in Sairee village

Travel Tips for March

March to June is whale shark season — tell your dive operator you are specifically hoping to see one.
Book your dive course with a reputable PADI 5-star school — Crystal Dive and Big Blue are well regarded.
Sairee Beach (the main beach) has sunbeds and beach bars from around 8 am.
Koh Nang Yuan day trip is excellent — take the 9 am longtail from the main pier.
Accommodation is available but book 1 week ahead during school holiday weeks.

Disclaimer

Weather conditions can vary from year to year. Always check forecasts closer to your departure date.

Frequently Asked Questions

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James Chen

Senior Travel Writer · Bangkok · 12+ years in Thailand

James has lived in Bangkok since 2014 and has visited all 77 Thai provinces. He specialises in destination guides, itinerary planning, and transport logistics. Before moving to Thailand, he worked as a travel journalist in Hong Kong and Singapore. He speaks conversational Thai and is a certified PADI divemaster.

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Full Koh Tao Guide

Best Things to Do in March

1PADI Open Water course — March conditions are ideal for training dives

2Sail Rock dive trip — whale shark season begins, sightings possible

3Koh Nang Yuan snorkelling and hiking

4Free diving courses — calm conditions make this excellent

5Sunset kayaking around the west coast

6Rock climbing at Koh Tao's northern cliffs

7Thai cooking class in Sairee village

Travel Tips for March

March to June is whale shark season — tell your dive operator you are specifically hoping to see one.

Book your dive course with a reputable PADI 5-star school — Crystal Dive and Big Blue are well regarded.

Sairee Beach (the main beach) has sunbeds and beach bars from around 8 am.

Koh Nang Yuan day trip is excellent — take the 9 am longtail from the main pier.

Accommodation is available but book 1 week ahead during school holiday weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions