Diving and snorkeling trips are popular and a multitude of tour operators offer everything from day trips to longer excursions to diving certification courses. October through April brings the best visibility for underwater exploration, but check current conditions once you arrive.
There are two wreck sites in the area: a Thai warship sunk by the French Navy in 1941 and the Pak One oil tanker, which sank in 1996 and was dragged to the waters between Ko Chang and Ko Samet.
Most tour operators pick up guests from their hotels and offer similar prices. (Half-day snorkeling from 300฿, scuba-review “fun” dive starting at 500฿, open-water PADI certification starting at 12,500฿.) The Dive Adventure (☎017 626 482; www.thedivekochang.com) at Bang Bao and Ploy Scuba Diving (014 511 387; www.ployscuba.com), with offices on every beach, are reputable. Most guesthouses can also arrange snorkeling tours to the outlying islands. Ko Rang and Ko Wai have some of the best coral to explore.
Speedboats, canoes, and kayaks are available for rent on all beaches, and as is an islandhopper in the high season (☎08 1865 0610; see The Outer Islands) takes passengers from Bang Bao to the islands south of Ko Chang. Fishermen take groups fishing or touring for a negotiated rate (about 500฿).
The west coast of Ko Chang also provides some opportunities to see the island’s interior. Khlong Phra Falls are massively popular and easily accessible. The 150m cascade has pools that are great for swimming. There is a 1km driveway leading up to the falls; the turn-off is on the main road behind Khlung Prao Beach. The falls are just 500m from the national park entrance. (Open daily 8am-4:30pm. 200฿, students with ID 100฿.) Ban Chang Thai is another tour operator that conducts tours with adopted elephants who were mistreated by their former owners. (High season 1hr. 500฿, 2hr. 900฿; low season 400/750฿). Real elephant lovers should try the “elephant homestay program” and spend three days and two nights learning how to care for elephants (6000฿ includes full board). Signs promoting these and other tourist activities crowd the island.
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