Frequently Asked  Questions

Can I tailor the Koh Tao Divemaster qualification to my time scales?

Yes, the Koh Tao Divemaster course is adaptable. Eg. we can shorten your trip if you have existing qualifications when you start your Koh Tao Divemaster course. However remember you need to have at least 6 months gap between gaining your first diving qualification (Open Water) and becoming a Dive Instructor.

Do you have to be fit and healthy to be a Koh Tao Divemaster?

To train on the Koh Tao Divemaster course you will need to fill in a medical statement and pass a medical exam. You will definitely notice that your fitness levels improve significantly as you advance through the Koh Tao Divemaster course. Bear in mind you will be swimming for up to 4 hours, this has a great impact on your fitness and health. However before beginning the course you need to be reasonably fit and healthy. You will also need to pass a PADI Divemaster swim test.

What amount of money do I need per month?

20 to 25 pounds a day should be enough for a great gap year. If you are not the drinking type and you like more quiet nights you could do it for 15 pounds. During the day you will only spend some money on food and water, and trust me, that is cheap!

Costs not included in the programme

There are some extra costs not included in the price you pay us, these are fees that are payable direct to PADI to sit your exams. At the time of writing they are (in Australian Dollars):

• Instructor Examination Fee A$710, Instructor Application fee $188, EFRInstructor rating…about 114 A$

What are the rooms like in the Xtreme Gap resort on Koh Tao?

The rooms are spacious and clean and have a nice balcony. Every room has 2 single beds, a TV and an en suite bathroom. If you want your own room during your gap year diving, there is an option for your own room for 75 euro extra a month.

During your divemaster gap year, what facilities does the dive resort have?

The resort is part of the dive school. There is a reception, bar, restaurant with Thai and Western food, a big pool with sun beds pool, friendly reception, spacious rooms, and internet. The resort is a 2 minute walk from the beach, the bars and the restaurants.

If I want to do the Divemaster programme for my gap year, do I need experience in Diving?

You do not need experience. But you do need to be able to swim, not excellent, but you need to be able to swim around the dive boat. The Divemaster programme of Xtreme Gap gives you plenty of time, more than most programmes. But please do realize it is a big commitment so make sure you really want to do it. 80 % of people that book their Divemaster have no prior experience. It is importatnt to visit your docter to do a medical before you come out here.

How do I get from Bangkok to Koh Tao with the divemaster gap year programme?

We have arranged that your transfer tickets are ready at the desk of the hotel in Bangkok. The night after arriving you will get on a overnight bus and then in the morning a few hours on the boat. Also the pick up from the pier on Koh Tao on your day of arrival is included. The island is 21 square KM, and the resort is a 2 minute walk from the beach and all restaurants. So once you are on Koh Tao everything can be done by foot.

What kind of weather is it on Koh Tao?

Thailand is great for a gap year because the weather is always nice. Maybe except October and November, than it is rainy season. The rest of the year it is hot and sunny! And even in the rainy season you will have lots of sunshine and hot weather.

Will there be other xtreme gap gap year travellers on Koh Tao?

Yes. We do never know exactly how many, but there is always an average of 5 to 12 travellers from Xtreme Gap.
Not all gap year travellers will be doing the Thailand Divemaster programme. There are also options to do Martial arts on Koh Tao, Yoga, Free diving and rock climbing. For more gap year Thailand ideas please check our site. Everyone will stay in the same resort.

Is there a support network on Koh Tao?

Yes. Xtreme Gap has a rep on the island that will be there for all gap year travellers. The rep will pick you up from the pier, show you around, take you out for dinner, introduce you to other gap year takers and will be there for you 24/7. Then you will also be working with your dive instructor daily. We also have an emergency number.

What do I need to bring on my Thailand Divemaster gap year? Are there shops nearby the resort?

You can buy anything you need on Koh Tao, and it is much cheaper than back home, so pack light! The shops are all close to the resort. You can buy souvenirs, sun lotion, mosquito repellent, swim shorts, flip flops and everything else you might need.

What kind of insurance do I need for my divemaster gap year in Thailand?

If you are from the UK you can book gap year travel insurance online on the Xtreme Gap website. You would need the backpacker option and then the upgrade since you will be diving up to 30 meters deep during your gap year. We have chosen to work with this company since they are good value and cover the necessary diving and sports options xtreme gap has for gap years.

How do I get from Bangkok to Koh Tao with the Divemaster gap year programme?

We have arranged that your transfer tickets are ready at the desk of the hotel in Bangkok. The night after arriving you will get on a overnight bus and then in the morning a few hours on the boat. Also the pick up from the pier on Koh Tao on your day of arrival is included. The island is 21 square KM, and the resort is a 2 minute walk from the beach and all restaurants. So once you are on Koh Tao everything can be done .