Have you ever dreamed of trading your desk job for sun, sea, and scuba? On the small tropical island of Koh Tao, that dream becomes a reality for many dive professionals. At Phoenix Divers Koh Tao, we’re lucky to call this paradise both our office and our playground. But what is it actually like to live and work as a dive pro on Koh Tao? Here’s an inside look at a typical day in the life of one of our instructors—part inspiration, part reality, and all saltwater. 06:00 – Sunrise, Sand, and a Coffee with a View There’s nothing quite like waking up to the sound of waves and birdsong. Most dive pros start the day early, often with a quiet walk on the beach, a quick ocean swim, or a peaceful coffee at a beachfront café. The air is still cool, the sea is calm, and the energy of the day is full of promise. 06:30 – Gear Up and Get to the Dive Shop By 7:30am, the dive shop at Phoenix Divers is coming to life. Instructors and divemasters start preparing gear, checking tanks, and setting up the boat for the morning dives. There’s a buzz of excitement—today we’re heading to White Rock and the HTMS Sattakut wreck! This is also when we meet our students. Some are nervous, others buzzing with excitement. As an instructor, your job starts with reassurance, patience, and a bit of humour to break the ice. 08:30 – Dive Briefing & Boat Time With gear loaded and students briefed, we head out on the boat. The journey to the dive site is a moment of calm—a chance to take in the beauty of the island, chat with students, and mentally run through the dive plan. By the time we gear up and roll backward off the boat, the real magic begins. Underwater, time slows down. You’re guiding students through coral gardens, pointing out blue-spotted rays, moray eels, and—if you’re lucky—an inquisitive turtle. The joy on someone’s face when they breathe underwater for the first time? That never gets old. 12:30 – Lunch & Chill Back on land, the morning crew heads to one of Koh Tao’s many chilled beach cafés. Lunch might be a Thai stir-fry, a smoothie bowl, or something quick before the next session. It’s a moment to decompress, share laughs, and compare marine sightings. 14:00 – Nap Time They do say the best way to off-gas is to rest and nothing hits the spot quite like an afternoon nap after diving. See out the hottest hottest hours of the day in the nice cool AC of your beach cabin. 17:00 – Rinse, Log, Relax After a full day, it’s time to rinse gear, log dives, and chat with students about their experience. This is when you really connect—sharing stories, reviewing photos, and seeing students grow in confidence. Many students come in strangers and leave as lifelong friends (and divers). 19:00 – Sunset & Socials As the sun sets over Sairee Beach, the dive community gathers. AC2 Beach Bar becomes the go-to spot for post-dive beers, music, and meeting new faces. Koh Tao’s dive scene is tight-knit and welcoming—if you’re a diver, you’re family. If you’re more of an explorer, early evening is a great time to check out one of the many viewpoints on Koh Tao. The Real Perks of Being a Dive Pro in Koh Tao Living life outdoors in one of the most beautiful places on Earth Doing work that brings joy, confidence, and adventure to others Being part of a passionate, global community Getting to call the ocean your office It’s not always glamorous—early mornings, salty hair, and long days are part of the package. But the reward is a life of freedom, purpose, and connection to the sea. Thinking About Becoming a Dive Pro?If this lifestyle speaks to you, maybe it’s time to take the next step. At Phoenix Divers Koh Tao, we offer professional diving courses that can take you from beginner to Divemaster or Instructor. We’re not just training divers—we’re shaping future professionals who care about safety, fun, and the ocean.Get in touch Final Thoughts Living and diving in Koh Tao isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life. Every day is different, every dive is unique, and every student is a reminder of why we fell in love with this world in the first place. If you’re looking for diving in Koh Tao with heart, passion, and a whole lot of fun, come dive with us. We’d love to show you what this life is all about.