The La Bombona Diving blog

Stories from three islands

Travel guides, dive-site intel and the occasional fish identification argument — from our crews in Thailand and Indonesia.

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Every post lives under the island it is about. Start where you are heading.

Latest stories

A whale shark passing divers at 8 Mile Rock, Koh LipeDiving Tips

7 Advanced Dive Sites in Koh Lipe You Should Know

8 Mile Rock, the Yong Hua Wreck, Koh Sarang, Koh Pung, Seven Rocks, Sail Rock and deep Stonehenge — depths, currents, marine life and the best time to dive each one.

25 August 2026 · La Bombona Diving Koh Lipe
A snorkeller floating at the surface above a scuba diver exploring the reef below in clear tropical waterDiving Tips

What is the Difference Between Scuba Diving and Snorkelling?

Depth, breathing, training, safety, equipment and cost compared side by side, so you can decide whether a snorkel afternoon, a Try Dive or a full Open Water course is the right fit for your Koh Tao trip.

21 August 2026 · Bryan Roseman
A solo traveller looking out over the turquoise water and green hills of Koh Tao from a viewpointTravel

Is Koh Tao Good for Solo Travellers: Complete Safety, Budget, and Diving Guide

Everything a solo traveller needs to know before Koh Tao — safety (including for solo women), where to stay, a realistic budget, how to get here, things to do alone and how scuba diving works when you arrive without a buddy.

21 August 2026 · Bryan Roseman
Divers on the boat roof at golden hour off Koh LipeDiving Tips

What Is the Best Time to Dive in Koh Lipe? A Month-by-Month Guide

High season, green season and everything in between — visibility, sea conditions, marine life and prices for every month of the year in Koh Lipe.

20 August 2026 · La Bombona Diving Koh Lipe
Two divers at the surface in Koh Lipe giving the OK signDiving Tips

Open Water Course in Koh Lipe: Complete Beginner Guide

What the Open Water course includes, what it costs, the day-by-day schedule, RAID vs PADI vs SSI, and how to prepare for your certification in Koh Lipe.

20 August 2026 · La Bombona Diving Koh Lipe
An Open Water student and instructor practising scuba skills in the shallow, clear water off Koh TaoDiving Tips

How Long Does an Open Water Course Take in Koh Tao?

An Open Water course in Koh Tao usually takes three to four days — but the advertised number of days tells only part of the story. Here is what actually fills those days, why schedules differ between dive schools, and how to plan your stay around the course.

4 August 2026 · Bryan Roseman