La Bombona Diving Koh Tao Try Dive

Discover the Koh Tao Try Dive Experience with La Bombona Diving

Koh Tao, Thailand, is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear waters—making it an ideal spot for those curious about exploring underwater. The La Bombona Diving Koh Tao Try Dive offers a simple, one-day introduction to scuba that costs around $94, and typically begins at 9:30 am with a comprehensive safety briefing and equipment fitting. This experience is perfect for first-timers who want a taste of what it’s like to breathe underwater with professional guides leading the way.

What we love about this tour is the well-organized approach—from the initial safety talk to a spacious, comfortable boat equipped with showers, sun decks, and refreshments. Plus, the chance to see colorful tropical fish and coral at a maximum depth of 12 meters makes it a memorable adventure.

One thing to consider is that the Basic Dive includes only one underwater session, but there’s the opportunity to extend your experience with additional dives if you wish. This flexibility is great for those unsure whether they want a full certification or just a single taste of the ocean.

This tour suits anyone eager to try scuba for the first time, especially those who enjoy a friendly, professional environment. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, you’ll find the experience rewarding and accessible.

Key Points

• Affordable Intro Experience: For $94, you get a safe, well-guided introduction to scuba diving, ideal for beginners.
• Expert Guides & Friendly Staff: Several reviews highlight the professionalism, patience, and friendliness of guides like Noelia, Ernest, and Rocío.
• Comfortable Facilities & Boat: The three-story boat offers plenty of space, refreshments, and amenities like showers.
• Flexible Options: One dive included, with options for additional dives or repeat experiences, making it adaptable.
• Stunning Marine Life: Expect to see tropical fish, corals, and vibrant underwater scenery at calm, beginner-friendly sites.
• Mixed Reviews on Instruction Quality: While most reviews praise the guides, some note variability, emphasizing the importance of clear safety instructions.

A Closer Look at the Koh Tao Try Dive Tour

The Meeting & Start Time

The adventure begins at LBD – La Bombona Diving, located conveniently near the main Sairee Beach area. The tour kicks off promptly at 9:30 am, giving you the chance to start your day at a relaxed pace. We appreciate the small group size—a maximum of four travelers—which means personalized attention, crucial for first-time divers.

The Safety & Instruction Phase

Your morning begins with an extensive safety briefing—a vital part of any beginner experience. The instructors are careful to balance information without overwhelming nervous newcomers. As one reviewer said, “We started trying on the suits suitable for our size, and went through a theory class to learn the basics of diving,” which helps set expectations.

Be prepared to learn about the do’s and don’ts, equipment handling, and safety protocols, all explained patiently. The focus on safety is consistent across reviews, with many noting guides like Rocío and George as particularly helpful and clear.

Equipment & Comfort

The dive school provides brand-new gear fitted to your size, which makes a significant difference in comfort and confidence underwater. The equipment includes snorkeling gear—an essential aspect, especially for those new to the ocean.

The boat trip is a highlight in itself. With shower facilities, sun decks, snacks, and refreshments included, you’ll be comfortable on the journey to the dive sites. Several reviews mention how much they appreciated the friendly atmosphere and the well-stocked boat with water, coffee, tea, and fruit.

The Dive Spot & Underwater Experience

The boat takes you to a calm bay suitable for beginners, with shallow waters to practice initial skills. The instructor will help you perform easy exercises—like breathing and equalizing—before going below the surface.

Once underwater, you’ll explore coral reefs and tropical fish at depths up to 12 meters. Many reviewers described it as “an experience of a lifetime” with “amazing seabeds” and “beautiful coral.” The underwater scenery is often praised for its vibrant colors and abundance of marine life.

The Dive Itself & Post-Dive Options

The basic dive lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes underwater, with the option to do additional dives at an extra cost. Many reviewers recommended trying the optional second dive, citing more relaxed experiences and better scenery.

After surfacing, the guides are quick to ask if you’d like to repeat the experience or explore further, showing their flexibility. The day wraps up around 4:30 pm, with paperwork and briefings finalized at the dive shop.

Authentic Experiences & Common Praise

Reviewers consistently mention the professionalism and friendliness of the guides. One said, “Noelia was caring, fun, knowledgeable, and very professional,” and others appreciated how guides like George, Rocío, and Txus made them feel safe and confident.

Many travelers highlight the stunning marine scenery they encountered. One wrote, “It was worth the effort because of the seabed we saw,” emphasizing the importance of good locations for beginners.

The value for money is another common theme. Considering the included safety gear, boat amenities, snacks, and professional guidance, most feel the experience offers great bang for your buck, particularly for first-timers not ready for a full certification course.

The Downgrade & Variability

While the majority of reviews are glowing, a few mention inconsistent instruction quality. One review described a negative experience, citing unsupportive guidance and a lack of safety focus. This highlights the importance of choosing reputable operators and guides, which La Bombona Diving appears to prioritize overall.

Notable Highlights from Reviews

• “Great time doing fun dives…super friendly staff” (La Bombona Diving users)
• “The instructors explained instructions really well”—perfect for nervous first-timers
• “Instructors like Katie & Camilla were patient and informative,” making the experience special
• “The seabed and coral were breathtaking,” adding visual delight to the day

Practical Details & Tips

Transportation & Meeting Point: The dive shop is located at Beach 17/18 Sairee Rd, a central spot accessible by public transport and easy to find.

Timing & Duration: The tour starts at 9:30 am and ends around 4:30 pm, making it a full-day activity but not overly long. You’ll spend most of the day on the boat and underwater, with ample breaks.

Group Size & Personal Attention: Limited to four travelers, ensuring plenty of one-on-one guidance.

Pricing & Value: At $94, this experience includes all taxes, fees, equipment use, snacks, and drinks. Additional dives cost extra, but the initial investment covers a comprehensive introduction.

What to Bring: Pack a towel, sunscreen, waterproof camera, and a sense of adventure. Note that you’ll be in the water for about 30-45 minutes, so wear something comfortable and bring a waterproof bag for your belongings.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time divers or anyone curious about the underwater world but hesitant about taking a full certification course. It’s especially suitable for travelers who prioritize safety, professional guides, and scenic underwater views. Solo travelers, couples, or small groups will all appreciate the intimate group size and tailored guidance.

If you’re unsure whether you want to pursue more diving, this tour offers a low-pressure, fun introduction—and many reviewers said it was a “lifetime experience.” However, those looking for a certification or a multi-day course should look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

The La Bombona Diving Koh Tao Try Dive strikes a pleasing balance between safety, fun, and value. The friendly guides, well-maintained equipment, and beautiful dive sites make it a worthwhile experience for beginners eager to see their first coral reefs and tropical fish underwater.

While the small chance of inconsistent instruction exists, the overwhelming majority of feedback underscores how well-organized and friendly this operation is. It offers an excellent introduction to scuba diving, especially if you’re short on time but want a meaningful, safe, and exciting ocean adventure.

This tour suits travelers who want a guided, worry-free experience with plenty of opportunities for photos, fun, and maybe a new hobby. If you’re on Koh Tao and eager to dip your toes (or rather, fins) into the underwater world, this could be the highlight of your trip.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. The tour is designed specifically for first-timers, with thorough safety briefings, easy skills practice, and beginner-friendly dive sites.

What’s included in the price?
All taxes, fees, equipment use, snacks, coffee, tea, and refreshments are included. You only pay extra if you want additional dives or optional extras.

How long does the entire experience last?
The day runs from around 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, with about 30-45 minutes underwater during the dive. It’s a full but manageable day.

Can I do more than one dive?
The basic package includes one dive. You can opt for additional dives at an extra cost, often at different sites for variety.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a towel, waterproof camera, and a sense of adventure. Wear comfortable clothes for the boat ride and leave valuables in a safe place.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Less notice means no refund, so plan accordingly.

In essence, if you’re looking to step into the underwater world with guidance from friendly, professional instructors in a scenic environment, La Bombona Diving’s Try Dive program on Koh Tao offers a genuine, well-organized, value-packed introduction to scuba that you’ll remember for a lifetime.