Discover the Hidden Complexity of Coral Reefs

Marine conservation student identifying coral genera during field training for the Coral Taxonomy course at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.
Diver studying coral morphology during a Coral Taxonomy and Identification dive at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.
Advanced coral taxonomy divers analyzing reef diversity as part of a marine research dive with Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

A 2-day intensive course designed for certified Conservation Divers who want to master advanced coral identification and recognize every coral genus found around Koh Tao.

Learn to distinguish rare and challenging coral species, refine your diagnostic skills, and take your reef monitoring expertise to the next level.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to look closer — much closer.

The Advanced Coral Taxonomy & Identification Course focuses on rare and difficult-to-identify coral genera, helping you recognize subtle patterns, growth forms, and diagnostic features that distinguish closely related species.

What you’ll learn:

  • Identify all coral genera commonly found around Koh Tao.
  • Distinguish rare, cryptic, and morphologically similar coral species.
  • Understand advanced coral anatomy, growth variation, and adaptive traits.
  • Apply professional survey techniques and record high-quality data underwater.

This program is ideal if you want to:

  • Refine your coral ID skills to a professional or research level.
  • Contribute advanced data to ecological monitoring and restoration projects.
  • Prepare for research or Advanced Conservation Diver certifications.
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WHY THIS COURSE MATTERS

Understanding coral diversity at a deeper level allows conservation divers to collect more precise data and support reef restoration efforts with accuracy.

During this course, you’ll go beyond general coral families to explore advanced coral morphology and taxonomy — essential for anyone involved in reef monitoring, restoration, or academic research.

Through detailed presentations and guided dives, you’ll learn to:

  • Identify the full range of coral genera in Koh Tao.
  • Recognize the differences between closely related growth forms.
  • Use diagnostic traits to detect coral health variations and species composition changes.

The Advanced Coral Taxonomy course builds directly upon your Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) and Coral Taxonomy Level I certifications, and is included in our 4 weeks Conservation Specialist + Reef Specialist Conservation Program.

price

10,000 THB

DURATION

2 days

classes

2 classes

DIVES

4 training dives

CERTIFICATION

Conservation Diver

LEVEL REQUIRED

Advanced Open Water* Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) Coral Taxonomy
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* Not a diver yet? No problem! You can start your journey by learning to dive with us.
Our PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water courses are the perfect first step before joining our marine conservation programs.

START WITH A DIVING COURSE

COURSE STRUCTURE

The Advanced Coral Taxonomy & Identification Course is designed to help you take your coral ID skills to a professional level — through two intensive days of focused learning and in-water training. Each day combines morning theory sessions with afternoon dives, ensuring a balanced mix of knowledge, practice, and discovery.

Day 1 Day 2
Morning 09:00 Coral Taxonomy II Lecture Coral Taxonomy III Lecture
Lunch
Afternoon 12:00 Coral Taxonomy II Dive Coral Taxonomy III Dive
15:00 Coral Taxonomy II Dive Coral Taxonomy III Dive
Evening 17:00 Debrief Debrief

* Please note that the following schedule is indicative and may vary.
* Exact times for each session and dive will be confirmed before the course begins.

Day 1 – Mushroom Corals & Intermediate Genera

Morning: Advanced Coral Taxonomy II Lecture

You’ll begin with a deep dive into mushroom corals (Fungiidae) and other genera that serve as a bridge between basic and complex coral identification.

Your instructor will guide you through their unique growth forms, skeletal structures, and diagnostic characteristics, helping you understand how environmental conditions can influence morphology.

Through interactive exercises, macro photography, and coral ID slates, you’ll practice distinguishing similar genera and learn how to identify subtle variations that are key to accurate taxonomy.

Afternoon: 2 Training Dives

Dive 1: Intermediate Coral Identification

Practice identifying mushroom corals and other intermediate genera in the field, sharpening your eye for subtle structural details and shape variations that distinguish similar species.

Dive 2: Guided Coral Exploration

Continue refining your coral ID skills as you compare colonies across reef zones. If your progress allows, you’ll begin integrating Advanced Coral Taxonomy techniques, taking the lead in locating and identifying genera yourself while mastering underwater documentation methods.

By the end of Day 1, you’ll have sharpened your observational precision and strengthened your understanding of coral growth diversity — essential before tackling the more complex genera.

Day 2 – Challenging Genera & Full Coral ID Assessment Morning: Advanced Coral Taxonomy III Lecture

The second day focuses on rare and complex coral genera found around Koh Tao.

You’ll learn to identify corals that are often misclassified due to overlapping characteristics, including those with intricate polyp structures and subtle skeletal differences.

Through side-by-side image analysis and advanced ID exercises, you’ll gain the confidence to distinguish between genera that even experienced divers find difficult to separate.

Afternoon: 2 Training Dives

Dive 3: Advanced Coral Identification Dive

Apply your knowledge to spot and identify rare coral genera across different reef types and lighting conditions.

Dive 4: Coral Taxonomist Assessment Dive

Conduct a complete coral diversity survey, identifying every coral genus observed and recording your data following the Conservation Diver methodology.

After surfacing, you’ll debrief with your instructor, review your data and underwater photos, and discuss how these findings contribute to Koh Tao’s long-term coral monitoring and restoration efforts.

By the end of the course, you’ll confidently recognize every coral genus found around Koh Tao, understand their ecological roles, and be able to contribute high-quality data to scientific research.

You’ll also earn the Conservation Diver Coral Taxonomist certification, an advanced qualification that validates your expertise in coral identification and monitoring.

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Price:
10,000 ฿
BOOK NOW
Includes:
  • Conservation Diver E-Learning
  • 2 classes
  • 4 guided conservation dives
  • Conservation Diver Certification
  • Diving equipment & dive computer
  • Dive insurance
  • Refreshments & fruit on the boat
Prerequisites:
  • Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
  • Completion of the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP)
  • Completion of Coral Taxonomy & Identification

Testimonials

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Chee yen Wong profile picture
Chee yen Wong
1 days ago
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+1
This dive shop is highly recommended! The diving guide Isbella is very professional, enthusiastic and patient in explaining everything.
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matthias p
1 days ago
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Ich war jetzt bereits zum wiederholten Male tauchen bei Black Turtle Dive und bin begeistert. Der Service, die Hilfsbereitschaft & Professionalität sind überragend! Vor allem meine Fun Dives mit den Dive Master Nils und Hailey waren perfekt. Danke für diese tolle Erfahrung!!
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Amy Burnett
2 days ago
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+0
If you’re looking to complete your PADI open water course, I could not recommend Black Turtle Dive more. We completed the 3 day course. Learnt so much about the ocean and the safety behind diving, that we can take forward to any future dives. Our instructors Jaa and Arisa were so encouraging and patient when it came to learning new skills. As well as the incredible dive locations they take you too.
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Zoe Clark
2 days ago
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If I could give more than 5 stars I would. The staff were so friendly and welcoming as soon as we stepped through the door. Our instructors were more than perfect Jaa and arisa. Could not recommend them more. Hope to dive with them again sometime. Highly recommend
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Alya F
3 days ago
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Ich durfte meinen Open Water Diver hier absolvieren und war wirklich sehr zufrieden. Meine Tauchlehrerin war Nadine, sie ist wirklich mega super! Ich habe mich in der Ausbildung immer sehr wohl und verstanden gefühlt. Sie hat mich immer mit viel Geduld und Passion in meinem Lernprozess begleitet, VIELEN DANK Nadine! Ich schätze generell bei Black Turtle die Professionalität und Hilfsbereitschaft sehr! Man merkt das sie viel Leidenschaft im Tauchen leben (das ganze Team) und ihnen Sicherheit beim Tauchen sehr wichtig ist. Ich habe mich vom Empfang bis zur letzen Ausbildungseinheit gut betreut und beraten gefühlt. Komme gerne wieder 🤟🏼
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Federico Bertorello
4 days ago
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Hice el curso de open water, la atención de las chicas 10! Mi instructora Rhi excelente!
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Toby
4 days ago
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If your looking for low cost, high quality dive school to do your scuba open waters and/or more through, black turtle is the place to go. Ask around for an instructor named Naim and a soon-to-be instructor named Annie. They were great company and even better instructors. Strongly recommend.
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Miriam schlenker
4 days ago
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Michael Clarke
4 days ago
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Chae was awesome. Super patient and helpful with the refresher course we did together. I had some serious trouble equalising and he kept me calm, was really understanding, and managed to get me down for two great experiences. Totally recommend him and the whole staff.
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Mats Lory
5 days ago
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Amazing dive center, super professional and chill people!
Coral Taxonomy student observing reef structures during an underwater coral identification dive at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

Keep Learning

Once you’ve completed the Advanced Coral Taxonomy Course, you can continue your professional development with other specialized Conservation Diver programs:

Coral Restoration Theory & Techniques – Learn hands-on restoration and propagation methods.
Coral Disease & Compromised Health – Understand coral pathology and disease diagnosis.
Advanced Ecological Monitoring Program (Advanced EMP) – Deepen your scientific diving and data analysis skills with extended reef monitoring dives and advanced survey methods.

Each program builds on your coral identification expertise, preparing you for research, teaching, or leadership roles in marine conservation.

ECOLOGICAL MONITORING PROGRAM

Prerequisites: AOW

The Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) introduces reef survey methods and scientific diving techniques. You’ll learn to assess fish, invertebrates, substrate, and coral health, and report your findings to an international database.

Coral Taxonomy & Identification

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Learn to identify coral species based on skeletal and anatomical characteristics, both on land and underwater.

This course builds essential skills for research, restoration, and monitoring projects.

NUDIBRANCH & SEA SLUG ECOLOGY

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Dive into the world of nudibranchs and sea slugs, key indicators of reef biodiversity and water quality. You’ll explore their taxonomy and ecology while participating in an ongoing research project at Black Turtle Conservation.

CORAL RESTORATION THEORY & TECHNIQUES

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Explore the science behind coral restoration.

You'll learn about restoration strategies, site selection, coral health assessment, and attachment methods.

ARTIFICIAL REEF THEORY & TECHNIQUES

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Restoration

Artificial reefs help restore damaged habitats and provide alternative dive sites. You’ll explore the science behind their design and even create your own reef project as a classroom exercise.

CORAL PREDATORS: POPULATION MANAGEMENT & MONITORING

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Identify and monitor coral predators such as crown-of-thorns starfish and Drupella snails, and understand their impact on reef health.

This course teaches practical techniques for population control and long-term reef protection.

ADVANCED CORAL TAXONOMY

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Taxonomy

Expand your coral identification skills by learning to recognize more challenging and rare genera.

This course deepens your knowledge of skeletal and anatomical traits, strengthening your abilities for advanced research and monitoring.

CORAL DISEASES & COMPROMISED HEALTH

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Taxonomy

Discover how to identify and record common coral diseases and signs of stress in reef ecosystems.

This course equips you with the skills to assess reef health and contribute valuable data to monitoring efforts.

ADVANCED EMP

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Taxonomy + Coral Disease + 3 Monitoring Courses

Gain experience using additional monitoring techniques, including quadrants, transects, and advanced survey methods. This course enhances your ability to collect accurate data and analyze long-term changes in reef ecosystems.

SEA TURTLE ECOLOGY & MONITORING

Learn about the ecology, behavior and threats facing sea turtles, all of which are endangered. Develop skills in turtle ID and data collection, allowing you to contribute to real conservation initiatives by recording sightings to support ongoing monitoring efforts in Koh Tao and internationally.

SHARK ECOLOGY & POPULATION STUDIES

Sharks play a crucial role as apex predators, yet many species are now critically endangered. Explore their evolution, anatomy, and ecological role. Learn population monitoring techniques and how to contribute to local and global shark databases to aid conservation efforts.

CORAL WATCH SPECIALITY

Learn how to assess coral health and contribute to a global monitoring effort using a powerful method developed by CoralWatch and supported by PADI AWARE. Gain insight into coral biology, bleaching, and climate change, while participating in real reef surveys.

PLASTIC POLLUTION: MONITORING & ASSESSMENT

Learn about the scale and impact of plastic pollution in the ocean. Gain hands-on experience monitoring microplastics and help protect reef ecosystems by removing macroplastics.

3 DAY PADI OPEN WATER DIVER

PADI ADVANCED OPEN WATER DIVER

PADI RESCUE DIVER + EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONSE (EFR)

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Grow Your Skills with Our Conservation Programs

All our marine conservation programs begin with the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP), providing a solid foundation in scientific diving and hands-on conservation.

From there, you can continue learning through our carefully designed programs, which follow a progression we’ve developed to maximize learning and practical experience. Each course builds on the last, helping you
develop your skills step by step while contributing to meaningful conservation projects.

Whether your goal is to specialize in coral restoration, turtle research, or broader reef monitoring, our programs guide you along a clear path, so you can grow as a marine conservationist while enjoying every step of the journey.

CONSERVATION SPECIALIST

  • EMP
  • Coral Taxonomy
  • Sea turtles
  • BTD Sea slugs

REEF SPECIALIST

  • Coral Restoration
  • Artificial Reefs
  • Coral Taxonomy III
  • BTC Marine Pollution

MASTER CONSERVATIONIST

  • Giant Clams
  • BTD Cleaning Stations
  • BTD Coral Predators
  • Sharks

SCIENTIFIC DIVER

  • Image J
  • Coral Disease
  • Advanced EMP

Learning Pathway

← Scroll horizontally to see full pathway →

courses

ANY LEVEL

Open to Divers & Non-Divers
  • Sea Turtle Ecology & Monitoring
  • Coral Watch Speciality
  • Shark Ecology & Population Studies
  • Plastic Pollution: Monitoring & Assessment

ADVANCED DIVERS

AOW Required
Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP)
  • Coral Taxonomy & Identification
    • Advanced Coral Taxonomy
    • Coral Disease Monitoring
  • Nudibranch & Sea Slug Ecology
  • Coral Restoration Theory & Techniques
    • Artificial Reefs Theory
  • Coral Predators Monitoring & Mgmt
Advanced
EMP

programs

ANY LEVEL

Open to Divers & Non-Divers
3 days

CITIZEN SCIENCE

  • Coral Watch Speciality
  • Citizen Science Initiatives
  • Marine Ecology

This infographic shows the progression of the different marine conservation courses and programs we offer at Black Turtle Conservation.

Developed in collaboration with Conservation Diver, PADI AWARE, and our own in-house certifications, these courses and programs provide hands-on opportunities to learn, dive, and actively contribute to real conservation and research efforts.

ADVANCED DIVERS

AOW Required
1 week

CORE CONSERVATIONIST

  • EMP
  • Coral Taxonomy I
2 weeks

CONSERVATION SPECIALIST

  • EMP
  • Coral Taxonomy I & II
  • Sea Turtles
  • BTD Sea Slugs
+ 2 weeks

REEF SPECIALIST

  • Coral Restoration
  • Artificial Reefs
  • Coral Taxonomy III
  • BTD Marine Pollution
+ 2 weeks

MASTER CONSERVATIONIST

  • Giant Clams
  • BTD Cleaning Stations
  • BTD Coral Predators
  • Sharks
+ 2 weeks

SCIENTIFIC DIVER

  • Image J
  • Coral Disease
  • Advanced EMP

pro

PROFESSIONAL LEVEL

Dive Master Required

RESEARCH
ASSISTANT

INSTRUCTOR
DEVELOPMENT
COURSE (IDC)

EMP
INSTRUCTOR

EMP

SPECIALITY
INSTRUCTOR

EMP + ≥5 courses

MASTER
INSTRUCTOR

EMP + ≥10 courses

INSTRUCTOR
TRAINER

← Scroll horizontally to see full pathway →
Contact us

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Advanced Coral Taxonomy & Identification Course in Koh Tao?

The Advanced Coral Taxonomy & Identification Course is a 2-day marine conservation course in Koh Tao designed for certified divers who want to master coral identification at the genus level.

Through classroom sessions and guided dives, you’ll learn to identify every coral genus found around Koh Tao — including rare, cryptic, and morphologically complex species — and earn your Conservation Diver Coral Taxonomist certification.

Who can take the Advanced Coral Taxonomy Course in Thailand?

This advanced course is open to certified divers who have already completed:

  • PADI Advanced Open Water (or equivalent)
  • Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP)
  • Coral Taxonomy & Identification (Level I)

It’s perfect for divers who want to deepen their scientific knowledge, contribute to reef research, and gain professional-level coral identification skills.

What will I learn in the Advanced Coral Taxonomy Course?

During the course, you’ll learn to:

  • Identify all coral genera found around Koh Tao.
  • Recognize rare and challenging species using advanced diagnostic features.
  • Understand coral anatomy, morphology, and adaptation.
  • Conduct professional-level coral diversity surveys and data collection.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to identify even the most complex corals with confidence.

How is the Advanced Coral Taxonomy Course structured?

The program runs over two full days and includes:

  • 2 morning theory sessions on coral morphology and ID.
  • 4 afternoon dives focusing on in-water coral identification and assessment.

Day 1 covers mushroom corals and intermediate genera, while Day 2 focuses on the most challenging and rare coral species found around Koh Tao.

Do I need to take the Coral Taxonomy Level I course before the advanced level?

Yes — the Coral Taxonomy & Identification Level I course is a prerequisite.

It provides the foundational coral ID knowledge you’ll need to succeed in the advanced level, where you’ll identify complex genera and subtle morphological differences.

What certification will I receive after completing the course?

Upon successful completion, you’ll be awarded the Conservation Diver Coral Taxonomist certification.

This advanced qualification recognizes your ability to identify coral genera across the Indo-Pacific and contribute to ongoing coral reef research projects.

Can I include the Advanced Coral Taxonomy course in a longer conservation program?

Absolutely! The Advanced Coral Taxonomy Course is included in our 4 weeks Conservation Specialist + Reef Specialist program.

Many students combine it with other advanced marine conservation courses such as Coral Restoration, Coral Disease, or the Advanced EMP to continue building their expertise.

How much does the Advanced Coral Taxonomy course cost?

The course price is 10,000 THB, including all training materials, guided dives, equipment, dive insurance, and certification fees.

We keep class sizes small to ensure quality training and personalized instruction.

Why take your Advanced Coral Taxonomy training with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao?

At Black Turtle Conservation, you’ll learn from experienced marine biologists and Conservation Diver Instructor Trainers who specialize in coral identification and research.

We provide hands-on, research-based training focused on safety, quality education, and eco-conscious diving, ensuring that every dive contributes to protecting Koh Tao’s coral reef ecosystems.

Still have questions?

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