Koh Tao does not have its own airport, so divers often combine a ferry with a flight from Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Chumphon or another onward connection. That makes one piece of trip planning especially important: do not schedule your flight without considering when your final scuba dive ends. Why flying after diving needs planning During scuba diving, increased pressure causes the body to absorb more inert gas. After the dive, that gas is gradually released. Flying involves reduced cabin pressure compared with sea level, which can increase decompression stress if the interval after diving is too short. What do current guidelines say? Divers Alert Network publishes consensus guidance for flying after recreational diving. Its current Flying After Diving guidance gives minimum preflight surface intervals based on the type and pattern of diving. Guidelines can be updated, and individual dive profiles differ. Follow current DAN guidance together with your training, your dive computer and advice from the dive professionals managing your trip. Plan from the end of the final dive The relevant interval begins after you finish diving, not when the boat leaves the pier. Work backwards from departure using the end of your final dive and the recommended surface interval, then add realistic time for the ferry, transfers and airport check-in. Multi-day diving deserves attention Many Koh Tao visitors dive on several consecutive days, especially when completing a course and then adding fun dives. This pattern affects flying-after-diving planning. What about ferries, buses and trains? Surface travel at or near sea level is different from flying, but some overland routes may reach altitude. If your onward journey includes significant elevation, ask your dive professionals for appropriate guidance. Build the interval into the holiday A no-fly interval can become a relaxed final day. Explore beaches, log your dives, dry equipment or travel by ferry without immediately connecting to a flight. Phoenix Divers’ guide on how to get to Koh Tao explains the main transport routes. Courses need onward-travel planning too Do not book an important flight immediately after the advertised finish of a course. When booking an SSI Open Water course in Koh Tao, tell the dive centre about fixed onward travel so they can explain the expected schedule. If in doubt, choose the more conservative plan Plan early, check current guidance and leave enough flexibility to finish your diving holiday without rushing. If you add fun dives in Koh Tao, adjust your departure plan accordingly.