Koh Tao is a paradise island known for its diving and marine life, and is also a great island for snorkeling, with several snorkel spots located around the island. Koh Tao is located above Koh Samui and Koh Phan Yan in the South West of Thailand and in the Gulf of Thailand. It is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and breathtaking underwater landscapes.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best 7 snorkel spots at Koh Tao on the island that will make your snorkel adventure unforgettable!
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Snorkel Snaps
Where is the Koh Tao?
1.
Tonote Bay
Tanote Bay is a hidden gem offering vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear waters. It’s perfect for snorkelers looking to explore an array of colorful fish, sea turtles, and occasional rays, all set against a picturesque bay surrounded by lush hills. We even saw a Blacktip Reef Shark!
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2.
Aow Leuk
Aow Lek Bay is a peaceful, less-visited spot with a rich marine ecosystem. The water here is calm and shallow, making it ideal for beginner snorkelers, with plenty of colorful corals, tropical fish, and occasional sightings of larger sea creatures.
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3.
Mango Bay
Mango Bay is a secluded paradise perfect for snorkelers. The calm, shallow waters are teeming with a variety of marine life, including clownfish, blue tangs, and vibrant corals, making it an ideal spot for both beginners and more experienced snorkelers.
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4.
Japanese Gardens
Japanese Gardens is a snorkeling haven and known for its stunning underwater rock formations and rich coral life. The clear waters allow you to easily spot schools of fish, vibrant corals, and starfish, offering an immersive experience into Koh Tao’s marine life.
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5.
Shark Bay
Shark Bay is famous for its resident Blacktip Reef Sharks, and offers an unforgettable snorkeling experience. The shallow waters are home to a variety of marine life, including friendly Sea Turtles, while the bay itself is a tranquil and scenic spot to float and relax.
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6.
Lighthouse Bay
Lighthouse Bay is situated near the island’s iconic lighthouse, this spot is known for its clear, calm waters and vibrant coral gardens. Snorkelers can enjoy seeing diverse marine species, including parrotfish, butterflyfish, and sometimes even a curious turtle or two.
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7.
Hin Wong Bay
Hin Wong Bay offers great snorkeling with clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life like Parrotfish and Butterflyfish near the coral reef and rocks, and schools of Damselfish and Fusilier in the deeper waters.
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Koh Tao Snorkel Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
The local currency is Thailand Baht THB. 100 THB equals approximately 2.81 USD. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in more remote spots.
To get to Koh Tao, you’ll first need to travel to one of the nearby mainland hubs, such as Chumphon or Surat Thani, or fly into Koh Samui. From there, you can catch a ferry or speedboat that will take you directly to the island. Ferries run frequently, with travel times ranging from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the departure point. Many visitors opt to combine flights to Koh Samui with a ferry transfer, making for a scenic and seamless journey to this tropical paradise.
If you are visiting, Thailand’s dry season will give you the best weather for snorkeling which runs October-May.
In my opinion the best snorkel spot is Tanote Bay, which is located on the South West of Koh Tao. It’s not the most known snorkel spot and isn’t often included on snorkel trips. The easiest access is via car or moped to the beach.
Yes, there is the potential to see Turtles at Koh Tao. Shark Bay is the snorkels spot where I think Turtles are most commonly spotted, which is a common stop off on snorkel trips around the island.
Popular Marine Life
Parrotfish
Damsels & Chromis
Christmas Tree Worm
Sergeant Major Damselfish
Feather Duster Worm
Schooling Bannerfish
Butterflyfish
Anemonefish
Sea Urchin
Giant Clam
Rare Marine Life
Giant Moray Eel
Green Turtle
Blacktip Reef Shark
Whale Shark
Trigger Titan Fish
Barracuda
Coral Reef
Boulder Coral
Branch Coral
Table coral
Mushroom Coral
Brain Coral
Boulder Star Coral
Thailand Snorkel Reviews
Luke
FOUNDER
Luke is a passionate snorkeler who started Snorkelverse to live his dream of combining his passions for snorkeling, marine life, protecting marine ecosystems, and helping others.
