Shark Bay Koh Tao (also known by the local name Thian Og Bay) is rated one of the best Koh Tao snorkeling spots on the island.
This stunning beach aptly gets its name from the blacktip reef sharks that frequent the bay and it’s not to be missed during your trip to Koh Tao.
I have put together this complete guide to Shark Bay Koh Tao including how to get there and what to expect when you arrive.
WHERE IS SHARK BAY?
Shark Bay Koh Tao is a 15-minute drive from Sairee Beach, the main tourist hub on the island.
Click here to see the location on Google maps.
HOW TO GET HERE
The best way to get around Koh Tao is to rent a scooter for 150 Baht per day to explore all four corners of the island. There are dozens of scooter rental stores in and around town and most accommodations offer scooter rentals too.
Sharks Bay Koh Tao can be accessed through the Haad Tien Beach Resort. Park out the front of the resort and then follow the signs pointing the way to Shark Beach Koh Tao.
Find All → Hostels & Resorts in Koh Tao
Capture All Your Adventures!
I’m sure y’all know by now that GoPro’s are arguably the best action cameras on the planet!
The new GoPro HERO 11 boasts 5.3K video, 27MP photo, HyperSmooth stabilization, and waterproof up to 10m!
BEST TOURS IN KOH TAO
WHAT TO EXPECT AT SHARK BEACH KOH TAO
When I visited Koh Tao Shark Bay I actually paddled into the bay on my kayak that I rented from my accommodation, Sai Daeng Resort, which is located just right around the corner in the opposite bay.
I beached my kayak on the shore and I was blown away by the bright turquoise waters and the silky white sand on Shark Beach Koh Tao!
There is lots of exploring to do and you MUST go snorkeling to try your luck at spotting a blacktip reef shark.
The sharks are harmless so you don’t have to worry about being bitten, just be sure to give them their space to move around. Also, keep a sharp eye for some green sea turtles that frequent the bay.
Must Read → 15 Things To Do In Koh Tao
Unfortunately, I didn’t encounter any blacktip reef sharks but I was lucky to swim with a turtle that I spotted cruising around in the shallows.
If you don’t have your own snorkel gear, you can rent a set from the resort or the restaurant down on the beach.
Also, I highly recommend renting a kayak or taking a local boat out to Shark Island to explore the outer reefs!
I kayaked over to Shark Island Koh Tao, tied my kayak off to a floating buoy, and dived straight in to see what I could find. There was an abundance of colorful corals and schools of friendly fish circling around me as I explored the underwater world.
Have you got travel insurance for your trip?!
We all know accidents can happen and having Heymondo Insurance will save you thousands of dollars if something goes wrong.
Heymondo offers low-cost Travel Insurance to keep you covered on all your adventures.
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
After snorkeling at Shark Bay Koh Tao, be sure to check out the nearby beaches and viewpoints such as Freedom Beach, Taa Toh Bay, and John Suwan Viewpoint.
WHERE TO STAY IN KOH TAO
Koh Tao has dozens of accommodations to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Sai Daeng Resort Koh Tao
I personally stayed at Sai Daeng Resort and can’t recommend this place enough! This 4-star accommodation is located right on the beachfront and features an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and restaurant on the beach, water sports activities, a shared lounge, free wifi, and shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious, fitted with air conditioning, flat-screen tv, a fridge and kettle, work desk, private bathroom, and balcony with ocean views. Buffet breakfast is also included for all guests. Perfect place to stay for couples, families, and friends.
Mid Range: Wind Beach Resort
Wind Beach Resort is the best value-pick accommodation located in the main tourist hub, Sairee Beach. Featuring a beachfront bar and restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, Thai massage services, and free wifi. The rooms are fitted with beautiful wooden furniture and decor, air conditioning, flat-screen tv, minibar, ensuite bathroom, and ocean views. Great place to stay in Koh Tao for couples, friends, and families.
Budget: Indie Hostel – Koh Tao
Koh Tao Central Hostel is rated one of the best budget accommodations for solo travelers, friends, and couples. Centrally located in Mae Hadd and within walking distance to the beach. There are dormitory-style rooms with air conditioning, free wifi, power sockets, lockers, and privacy curtains on all beds. Also at this hostel is a shared outdoor deck with cushions and a common area for guests to enjoy during their stay.
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN KOH TAO, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
WHAT TO PACK FOR KOH TAO
When visiting Koh Tao, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:
Must-Have Travel Essentials
Hidden Money Wallet
Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!
Reusable Water Bottle
The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!
Travel Backpack
The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!
Quick-Dry Travel Towel
The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!
Portable PowerBank
Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!
More Thailand Travel Guides
Click the button below to view all articles related to Thailand!
FINAL THOUGHTS – SHARK BEACH KOH TAO
If you have any questions at all about Sharks Bay Koh Tao, please drop me a line below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can! For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!
Search and book accommodation worldwide.
Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.
Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.
Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.
Search all rental cars in your next destination.
Need travel insurance for your next trip?
THANKS FOR READING
Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!
Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.
Click here to find out how you can support the site organically.
Many thanks!
PIN IT FOR LATER
