Sairee Cottage Diving — Hotel in Ko Tao

Professionalism. High standards. Courtesy. Exceeding expectations. Almost flawless. These are the words that come to mind to describe my time at Sairee Cottage Diving and Resort.

First, the diving. I came with very little experience and an out of date OW cert. On my first day Perry and his assistant gave me a thorough refresher in the nice pool and then we went for two dives. Perry was gentle and kind and helped ease me back into things. Then I did Advanced Open Water with Airies and assistant Beckie. The class was fantastic, I learned so much and they helped me materially improve my skills over the 5 dives. They worked with each of us individually to help us achieve our goals. Then I did a Nitrox class and two dives. This was also good however there was a snafu when the instructor cut a corner on logging our tanks on shore and assumed they were filled to 200 bar, which it turned out they were not. This did NOT result in a safety-related issue, since we discovered this upon hooking into our tanks on the boat. A minor sidenote to an otherwise flawless performance. The dive boats were well put together and in good shape, providing creature comforts in addition to functionality. The boat crew was professional and always ready to help, even helping me don my scuba gear since doing so on my own exacerbated my back pain. I felt safe and in good hands in all situations in my diving experience at Sairee Cottage.

Second, the resort. I stayed in one of the green bungalows, a triple. The bungalow was so nice. The bed was soft, it has at least one if not two pillow tops, making it as comfy as my mattress at home. Soft pillows that were not old. There are blackout curtains in the room, allowing for great sleep. The refrigerator, hot water kettle, and safe deposit box both functioned as desired. The air conditioner is new and functions perfectly. The bathroom was fully remodeled and has an on-demand water heater, allowing for hot or lukewarm showers as you prefer. There was also a thigh-level spigot to allow freshwater rinses of gear and clothes used in salt water. The room cleaning staff left the place immaculate, which was so nice to come back to after a long day in the water. The front desk staff were very courteous and helpful. The bungalow porch was lovely to hang out on. The only minor feedback is that the window screens don’t fit perfectly so if you want the windows open you will get some bugs. A minor sidenote to an otherwise flawless performance.

The location. Sairee Cottage is right in the thick of it in the bustling heart of Koh Tao tourism. Restaurants, bars, mini-marts, pharmacies, gift shops, laundry, you name it, all within a few minutes' stroll. My bungalow was set away from the Walking Street and the main road, so it was probably the quietest location on my property. Nonetheless, you could hear thumping techno music at night from nearby bars, which goes until midnight. Also because motorbikes are the primary form of transportation here, you could frequently hear them. Sairee Cottage allows motorbike access on the road through the middle of the resort, during the day but not at night, so it could be a bit loud at times. Overall despite the rustic charm, this is very much an urban experience. This may be fine if you came to Koh Tao to party or go out. For an introvert who doesn’t drink like myself, it got to be a bit much after a week or so. On the other hand, the location is also an asset – beautiful Sairee Beach is just a few meters away and you can be snorkeling or hopping on the dive boat just minutes from your room. Since most people won’t be making long stays here’s and realistically most people do come to party, I think the location is probably a plus for most people.

This is a very long review but here’s the upshot: you’d be hard pressed to do better on Koh Tao than Sairee Cottage. The staff are outstanding, the facilities top notch, and the location is ideal for most. They exceeded my expectations by leaps and bounds and I’m grateful for the time I had there. It has my highest...

I recently completed my PADI Divemaster program under the guidance of Martin Walsh at Sairee Cottage Diving, followed by the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) led by Jilliàn Picco and Marcel Van Den Berg, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with my experience. If you’re considering taking your diving education to the next level, I wholeheartedly recommend SCD—it’s a place where dreams truly come alive.

PADI Divemaster Program: A Transformational Journey

The Divemaster program at SCD is nothing short of exceptional. Martin Walsh, with his incredible expertise and approachable teaching style, made every step of the journey both enjoyable and deeply educational. His passion for diving and mentorship turned what could have been a daunting process into an inspiring adventure. From mastering dive theory to perfecting underwater skills like buoyancy control and rescue scenarios, Martin ensured I felt confident and prepared for every challenge. His emphasis on safety, professionalism, and environmental stewardship left a lasting impression on me as a diver.

The hands-on training was unparalleled. Whether assisting with courses or leading dives, I gained invaluable practical experience that prepared me for real-world scenarios. Martin's ability to foster a supportive learning environment made it easy to grow as a diver and as a professional. By the end of the program, I felt fully equipped to take on the responsibilities of a Divemaster—and ready to tackle the IDC.

Instructor Development Course (IDC): Excellence Beyond Standards

The IDC at SCD, led by Jilliàn Picco and Marcel Van Den Berg, was nothing short of extraordinary. Marcel’s reputation as a Platinum PADI Course Director is well-earned—his dedication to exceeding industry standards was evident in every aspect of the course. Jilliàn’s supportive and detail-oriented approach complemented Marcel’s leadership perfectly, creating an environment where learning thrived.

The course was rigorous but incredibly rewarding. From honing teaching techniques to mastering dive theory, Jilliàn and Marcel provided personalized feedback that helped me grow not only as an instructor but also as a person. The mock teaching sessions were particularly valuable, giving me the confidence to lead my own classes with professionalism and enthusiasm.

What sets SCD apart is their commitment to going above and beyond. The facilities are top-notch—comfortable classrooms, an onsite training pool, and well-maintained equipment made learning seamless. The team’s eco-conscious approach also resonated deeply with me; their dedication to marine conservation is inspiring.

Why Choose Sairee Cottage Diving? World-Class Mentors: Martin Walsh, Jilliàn Picco, and Marcel Van Den Berg are among the best in the industry.

Comprehensive Training: The programs are thoughtfully designed to ensure you’re more than ready for your next steps in diving.

Unmatched Facilities: From their Pure Air-certified tanks to their beachfront location on Sairee Beach, everything is designed for comfort and safety.

Community Spirit: The welcoming atmosphere at SCD makes you feel like part of a family from day one.

Commitment to Conservation: Their eco-friendly practices make you proud to be part of their mission.

A Life-Changing Experience Completing my Divemaster program and IDC at Sairee Cottage Diving has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Not only did I gain professional certifications that prepare me for a career in diving, but I also built lifelong friendships and memories that I’ll cherish forever.

If you’re considering pursuing your diving education on Koh Tao—or anywhere in the world—look no further than Sairee Cottage Diving. Their commitment to excellence will leave you inspired, prepared, and ready to dive into your future as a professional diver.

Thank you, Martin, Jilliàn, Marcel, and the entire team at SCD—you’ve truly changed my life! This review highlights your personal experience while encouraging others to choose SCD for their...

I have recently completed my Instructor Development Course (IDC) at Sairee Cottage Diving on Koh Tao and can honestly say it was an absolute highlight of my life!

I have been made to feel at home and welcome right from day one by the staff at Sairee Cottage. This was my first visit ever to Koh Tao and Thailand and I didn't know much about the culture and traditions. The staff at Sairee Cottage Diving made every effort to make me feel at home and gave me tips on where to eat, on Thai culture as well as . Their warmth and hospitality made a huge difference and I quickly started feeling at home.

Marcel, Julian and the entire instructor training team are very experienced, patient, and dedicated to ensuring that every candidate is extremely well prepared for the Instructor Examination (IE) and beyond. The course was so well structured, from theory and instructional techniques through to practical skills that will serve me well in my future professional diving career.

Marcel is not just a great teacher—he's got a genuine care for each and every student who comes through Sairee Cottage Diving. He's not just interested in having us merely pass the Instructor Exam; he's interested in seeing us on to being competent, capable, and passionate 'superstar' instructors. Whether it's providing a pep talk when someone is having a tough time, or helping with something--from dive theory to personal matters--he's always willing to help. Marcel has the ability to make everyone feel welcome, no matter where you're coming from and how much experience you bring. He doesn't just teach instructors; he crafts a family, so that any person who comes through Sairee Cottage's doors feel at home. His patience, generosity, and ability to help anyone in need make him not just a great mentor, but an exceptional wonderful person.

Sairee Cottage Diving stands out in that it’s not a just a dive center — rather, it’s a family of people who share similar values and love to dive and share that love of diving with others and making their dives an unforgettable experience. Instructors and instructor candidates, Divemaster candidates and fun divers all meet in an environment that’s motivating, supportive and most of all energetic and positive in nature. You’re far from being a number in this place — you’re part of the dive family. The training itself wasn't easy but it was very rewarding. We worked hard late into the night and pushed ourselves to be the best instructors we could be.

It wasn't all work, though—there was still plenty of fun to be had once the day had finished up! Whether we were relaxing on the beach with an ice-cold beer or a glass of Mont Clair, enjoying incredible Koh Tao sunsets, or partying the evening away at Soul Bar and at The Local, we celebrated every milestone in style. The friends you meet along the journey of completing the IDC are lifelong ones, and no matter where in the world I end up as a diver, I know I'll always have a place at Sairee Cottage Diving.

Other than the fantastic teaching and community, the dive center itself is fantastic. They have excellent facilities, spacious and equipped dive boats, and an all-around positive and motivating atmosphere. And naturally, because it's in Koh Tao, you have the opportunity to train in some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.

I would really suggest Sairee Cottage Diving if you are considering a Instructor Development Course. Not only did this course make me a better diver, but it taught me the skills and confidence and presented me with an incredible dive family in order to start my professional career as an instructor.

Thanks to Sairee Cottage Diving for a great experience! See you...