Shark Bay Koh Tao, as the name suggests, is a unique snorkelling spot for finding sharks on the tropical island. Here’s all you need to know for visiting.
How To Get To Shark Bay Koh Tao
Shark Bay Koh Tao, also known as Ao Thian Og Bay, is located on the South coast of the island.
If you’re looking for transport to and from Koh Tao, you can pre-book all of your Lomprayah transfers.
We stayed at the Northern end of Sairee Beach, the tourist hub of Koh Tao. It takes around 15 minutes to drive down the the famous Shark Bay Koh Tao.
We rented scooters for 150 Baht per day. We found this was the easiest way possible to explore the whole island.
When we set the GPS to Shark Bay Koh Tao, we arrived at the Haad Thian Resort and were pretty confused.
We eventually figured that you can walk through the resort to get to the beach. It seemed a bit invasive but there are signs to the beach and it’s definitely ok for outsiders to walk through.
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
For instance, the Koh Tao: Islands Snorkeling Highlights Day Tour & Lunch is a great tour that includes a stop at Shark Bay.
Shark Bay Koh Tao Entrance Fee
Free to visit
Shark Bay Koh Tao Opening Times
Open all day, every day.
Best Time To Visit Shark Bay Koh Tao + Tips
The best time to visit Koh Tao is between the months of December and April, when the weather is most settled and perfect for visiting the beach.
The hottest month of the year is June, with temperatures reaching 33°c.
Avoid the months of December /January if you don’t like jellyfish, as this is when they arrive in the bay.
The best time to see the black tip reef sharks is usually before about 10am.
If you love snorkelling, this is a perfect spot.
What To Pack
What To Expect At Shark Bay Koh Tao
Shark Bay Koh Tao is a stunning private bay with a beach of fine white sand and turquoise waters. It makes for the ideal place to get a snorkel on and explore.
There are black tip reef sharks that visit the bay each day and if you’re lucky you may also spot some green turtles.
Black tip reef sharks can reach almost 2m in length. However, it’s mostly the young smaller sharks that swim close to the beach, using the shallow bays as their nursery.
We didn’t pay for a private snorkel tour, however we did chill at the beautiful beach for the afternoon and spent the day dipping in and out of the ocean.
If you have your own snorkelling gear, you can go ahead and use your own. Otherwise, there are snorkels to rent along the beach or from the resorts that back onto it.
There are a few restaurants along the beachfront too, so if you get hungry, you don’t have to go too far for a bite to eat.
Also, we didn’t need any shade when we visited as it was overcast, but the beach is backed by palm trees and shrubbery that provide cool shades areas on those days that are hot.
Be Careful!
At certain periods, particularly in December and January, small jellyfish invade the bay.
Although the jellyfish there are harmless, being repeatedly stung by them may well force you out of the water sooner than you planned.
Where To Stay In Koh Tao
Luxury – The Place Luxury Boutique Villas
The Place Luxury Boutique Villas offers one-bedroom villas in Ko Tao, 2.6 miles from Mango Bay.
Guests have access to free WiFi in all areas. Private parking is available for those who drive and is free of charge.
Featuring a dining area at its spacious terrace, the villa boasts a fully-equipped kitchen where guests can find a wide-range of cooking equipment.
The air-conditioned bedroom offers a direct access to the outdoor infinity pool where guests can indulge in while enjoying the mountain and beach views.
Premium shower amenities are provided for guests’ comfort. The living room includes a flat screen TV and a DVD player for entertainment. Free use of bicycles is available for guests to explore the city.
Mid-Budget – Simple Life Cliff View Resort
Located in Ko Tao, less than 0.6 miles from Mae Haad Pier, Simple Life Cliff View Resort provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a bar.
With free WiFi, this 3-star resort offers a private beach area and room service. The resort has a garden and offers a terrace.
A continental breakfast is available daily at the resort.
Budget – Tommy Resort Koh Tao
Tommy Resort Koh Tao is located between Mae Had Bay and Sai Ree Bay, 100 yards away from a beach.
Offering clean and comfortable bungalow, the resort has a tour desk and motorbike rental services.
Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby area and on-site parking is provided.
The property is a 5-minute walk to a local market, restaurants and a spa centre. It is 10 minutes from Nangyuan Island by a speedboat and 1.5 hr from Ko Phangan by a ferry.
For more places to stay in Koh Tao, you can click here for the latest on Booking.com.
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