about us

Your local diving experts

Local Divers was built on a dream — the dream of the first PADI-certified local Thai diver on Koh Chang to one day own his own dive school. Our founder, Tea, started as a boat boy over 20 years ago, worked his way up to divemaster, then dive instructor, and eventually became a dive shop owner.

Tea, took over a year to hand build the dive shop by himself, next to his childhood home in Bang Bao, a quaint fishing village on Koh Chang’s southern tip.

With over 18 years and 10,000+ dives on his logbook, it’s safe to say Tea knows these waters better than most. He is recognized for having a keen eye and able to spot the marine life that others might miss. Tea has high regards for safe PADI standards, while mixing in some fun and laughs.

Come to support the business of his dreams, and see the love and passion for the sea that is shared among the locals!

Karim is a French PADI Instructor who began his diving journey in Koh Chang, training from Zero to Hero — from Open Water to Instructor. Tea was one of his instructors during his dive master in 2016, so their friendship goes back a long way!

Since becoming an instructor in 2018, Karim has taught and dived around the world, including French Polynesia, Mexico, and Madagascar, before returning to Koh Chang, which he is proud to call home year-round. With over 5,000 dives, he teaches in French and English and keeps a watchful eye on everything from marine life, to your comfort, and most importantly your safety.

Some examples of courses he can teach include Open Water, Advanced Open Water, EFR, Rescue Diver, Wreck, and Deep Specialty, and is also an Adaptive Techniques Instructor who believes the underwater world should be accessible to everyone.

Our vision goes beyond diving.

Local Divers is actively involved in the development of the Bang Bao community, especially through education and environmental awareness. We have worked with the local school on Trash Hero programs, teaching children about plastic pollution and the importance of reduce, reuse, and recycle.

We’ve also partnered with the school on a scuba diving education project, introducing students to dive theory and pool training. Older students progressed to ocean dives and are on track to become PADI-certified divers, opening doors to future opportunities.