From underwater canyons to sunset dinners in Bang Rak, The Luxe Nomad Thailand’s General Manager shares how a holiday curiosity in Koh Samui turned into a lifelong passion — plus where to dive, dine, and decompress on the island.
Say Koh Samui and most people think about palm-fringed beaches, cocktails by the pool, and cinematic sunsets. Yet, there’s a lot more to discover just a boat ride away. Go offshore and beneath its turquoise waters lies another world entirely — cavernous limestone pinnacles, swirling schools of fish, and thriving reefs bursting with marine life.
For Milos Kosanovic, General Manager of The Luxe Nomad in Thailand, his story in Samui began with a spontaneous diving lesson during his first trip to the island in 2000. What followed was an incredible coincidence, an unforgettable descent into crystal-clear waters and the beginning of a passion that would keep drawing him back to Samui’s waters. He moved to Thailand the following year and has been exploring its waters over the last two decades.
Here, Milos shares how he fell in love with scuba diving in Samui, his go-to dive sites, and how to end the perfect day at sea.
Tell us, when and how did you start scuba diving?
I started scuba diving on my very first holiday to Koh Samui in 2000. I signed up for a beginner dive mostly out of curiosity… I just wanted to try something new while on vacation. At the time, I was living in Wimbledon in London, so Thailand already felt like the other side of the world.
Then came the bizarre part. When I met my instructor, he turned out to be from Wimbledon as well — just a few streets away from where I lived. Out of all the places on Earth, we met in Thailand. It felt like the universe was playing a little joke on me.
What really stayed with me, though, was that first dive itself. The water was incredibly clear, far clearer than anything I had ever seen before. As we descended, I remember feeling this amazing sense of space between the rocks, almost like swimming through underwater canyons. Schools of colourful fish moved around us in every direction, and it felt like being inside a living, breathing painting.
Between that surreal setting, the unexpected connection from home, and the beauty of the dive, I was completely hooked. From that moment on, scuba diving stopped being just a holiday activity and became a real passion.
Read also: Koh Samui’s Shoreline Secrets: The Beaches To Bookmark Before Your Visit
How would you describe scuba diving in Samui for those who haven’t been? What do you love most about it?
Scuba diving in Koh Samui is not just about what happens underwater — it’s the whole experience. Most of the main dive sites are some distance away from the island, so every dive starts with a fun boat trip out into the open sea.
For me, that’s part of the enjoyment. You’re cruising over clear blue water, feeling the sea breeze, and slowly switching off from everything else. It gives you time to prepare for the dive, check your equipment, and talk through the plan with your instructor or guide.
Once you’re underwater, what really stands out is how alive everything feels. Almost every rock and surface is covered in something — algae, coral, anemones, sponges, and all kinds of marine life. It’s incredibly dense and colourful. Schools of tropical fish move through these reefs constantly, so wherever you look, there’s something happening.
What I love most is that feeling of being surrounded by life. It’s not just empty water and a few fish — you’re swimming through a thriving ecosystem that feels vibrant and full of energy.
Which are you go-to dive spots in Samui?
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Sail Rock
This is probably the most famous dive site in the area, and for good reason. It’s a massive limestone pinnacle rising from the seabed. There’s always something happening here — huge schools of fish, barracudas, groupers, and sometimes even whale sharks. It feels like a real “big dive” experience.
Chumphon Pinnacle
This is another favourite, especially for more experienced divers. It has beautiful rock formations covered in anemones and coral, and you often see large pelagic fish. It’s dramatic and very photogenic underwater.
Southwest Pinnacle
I love this site because it’s slightly less crowded and very peaceful. The reef structure is stunning, and it’s great for slow, relaxed dives where you can really observe marine life.
Each of these places feels different, but they all have that sense of discovery that keeps me coming back.
What does your post-dive routine look like?
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After a dive, I’m usually tired in the best possible way — and very hungry — so food and relaxation come first.
Most dive boats return to the pier in Bang Rak, so it’s natural to stay in that area afterward. I like keeping things easy and local, and two of my favourite spots there are Foxtrot and Secret Garden.
Secret Garden is perfect for good coffee, casual food, and unwinding after a long day on the water. It’s relaxed and comfortable — ideal for sitting back, stretching out, and slowly switching off, often while catching the sunset over the sea.
Foxtrot is great in the evening. It’s cosy, laid-back, and a lovely place for dinner and a drink. After spending hours at sea, I really enjoy somewhere calm where you can chat, laugh about the dive, swap stories about what everyone saw underwater, and watch the sky change colours as the sun goes down.
For me, that routine — boat back to Bang Rak, sunset views, good food, good company, and no rush — is the perfect way to end a diving day.
Read next: Where to Eat in Koh Samui: The Luxe Nomad Guide to the Island’s Best Restaurants and Bars
Finally, what insider tips can you share for those looking to travel to Samui for diving or serious snorkelling?
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Come at the right time of year
For the best conditions, I’d recommend visiting between January and April, when the sea is usually calm and visibility is excellent. August and September can also be very good. These periods tend to offer the clearest water and the most enjoyable diving experiences.
Choose a quality dive centre you can trust
A good dive centre makes a huge difference. In Samui, I’ve had great experiences with Discovery and 100 Degrees East. They’re professional, well-organised, and focus on safety and small groups. When you’re comfortable with your instructor and equipment, you enjoy the dive so much more.
Treat it as more than just a dive trip
Don’t rush in and out just to tick off dives. Take time to enjoy the island, talk to local instructors, learn about marine life, and really connect with the ocean. Some of the best moments aren’t just underwater — they’re on the boat, watching the sea, sharing stories, and feeling completely present.
If you approach it with curiosity and patience, Samui can give you some truly unforgettable diving experiences.
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