Koh Samui

Thailand Reef Rules You Will Feel on Real Trips

• Operators must provide a certified supervisor or assistant on every trip.
• Life vests are required while snorkeling near coral reefs unless the tourist holds a recognized freediving certificate.
• One supervisor may oversee up to four tourists for deep dives, and up to 20 tourists for snorkeling and freediving.
• Photography restrictions apply: photos during training are prohibited unless taken by a qualified diver, and recreational divers may be asked to prove Advanced Open Water (or equivalent) or 40 logged dives.
• Divers must remain at least 2 m above coral heads.
• Touching marine organisms, feeding fish, littering, and seabed-based walking activities in coral zones are prohibited.

What You Should Do

• Perfect your buoyancy before you approach coral.
• Use a frog kick or short fin strokes in tight areas.
• Keep gear clipped and streamlined so nothing drags.
• Choose operators that use moorings and avoid anchoring on reefs.