Shark Bay, Koh Tao

Discover Shark Bay: the best spot on Koh Tao for sharks and turtles

Koh TaoThe name of the beach says it all; Shark Bay is the place on Koh Tao where, with a bit of luck and effort, you can see sharks! If that sounds too exciting, it’s good to know that you won’t necessarily encounter a shark right at your first step into the sea. If you want to see the blacktip reef sharks, you often have to swim quite a distance first. The best chance is where the sea is about 3 to 4 meters deep. However, you will still need a bit of luck. In other words, if you are (absolutely) not looking for sharks and you see them anyway, then you just have a lot of (un)luck!

Shark Bay could just as well have been called Turtle Bay, as sea turtles also swim around here.

Experience the relaxed atmosphere of Shark Bay, Koh Tao

The beautiful beach of Shark Bay has a relaxed atmosphere and is quite long. Officially, Shark Bay is actually called Thian Og Bay because there are quite a few Thian trees on the beach. These trees provide some nice shaded spots on the beach. In the middle of the bay is the luxurious Haadtien Beach Resort. The resort has a well-maintained pool that is visible from the beach. There is a bar at this pool where guests are also welcome for a snack and drink. Do check the prices first as they are… quite luxurious. It’s probably thanks to this beautiful resort that the beach is so tidy and clean. On the left side of the bay is the Rocky Resort restaurant where food and drinks are cheaper.

How to get to Shark Bay

Shark Bay is a popular diving and snorkeling spot; almost every tour stops by this bay. The advantage is that the boat stops at the place where you are most likely to see sharks and turtles.

Taxi indication: From Sairee Beach to Shark Bay 150 Baht per person, one way, minimum 4 people.
Scooter: Almost the entire road consists of concrete slabs; the last part consists of steep sections.

Entrance fee for Shark Bay: What you need to know before visiting

If you enter the beach via Haadtien Beach Resort, you must pay 100 Baht to access it. You can also take the stairs from the Rocky Resort restaurant; no entrance fee is charged here (so far). The Rocky Resort is located all the way to the left of Shark Bay. The stairs end in the sea at high tide, so keep in mind that you may have to walk through water to reach the beach.

Accommodations at Shark Bay: Luxury and budget options for every traveler

Shark Bay is one of Koh Tao’s top beaches; who wouldn’t want to sleep here? There are 2 luxury resorts and 1 budget option at this beach. Once the day visitors have left, it’s super chill at this beach. The evening entertainment consists of listening to the waves, having a snack and a drink, and maybe taking a stroll along the beach. Don’t stay out too late because in the early morning you have a better chance of seeing baby sharks! Keep in mind that this beach doesn’t have a supermarket or anything like that, so buy your favorite products in advance.

Getting to Koh Tao

Sairee Beach

Koh Tao, Sairee Beach

Mango Bay

Koh Tao, Mango Bay

Hin Wong Bay

Hing Wong Beach, Koh Tao

Tanote Bay

Koh Tao, Tanote Bay

Where to stay on Koh Tao – See our tips!

Aow Leuk

Blue Heaven Resort

Wake up to amazing sea views at Blue Heaven Resort, Koh Tao. Enjoy peaceful bungalows, friendly staff, and a free shuttle to the pier.

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Agoda

Koh Tao

Mountain Reef Beach Resort

Spacious bungalows and family rooms right on Tanote Bay beach. Enjoy stunning sea views, great snorkeling, and a relaxed vibe at Mountain Reef.

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Agoda

Koh Tao

Mango Bay Boutique Resort

Mango Bay Boutique Resort on Koh Tao offers sea-view cottages, a platform with sunbeds, and direct access for swimming and snorkeling in stunning Mango Bay.

Agoda

Koh Tao

Haadtien Beach Resort

Relax in luxury at Haadtien Beach Resort, featuring stylish villas, private pools, and a beachfront pool bar on beautiful Koh Tao.

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Agoda

Koh Tao

Beach Club by Haadtien

Wake up to stunning bay views at Beach Club by Haadtien, Koh Tao. Relax in your bungalow with balcony, loungers, and hammock.

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Agoda

Aow Leuk

Aow Leuk Grand Hill

Wake up to breathtaking bay views at Aow Leuk Grand Hill. Relax on your private balcony with loungers and a hammock, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

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Agoda

Koh Tao

Ao Muong Beach Resort

Ao Muong Beach Resort is the only hotel at Mango Bay, Koh Tao. Enjoy tranquility, sea views, and simple comfort on a secluded, peaceful beach.

Agoda

Freedom Beach & Taa Toh Yai Beach

Koh Tao Relax Freedom Beach Resort

Relax at Koh Tao Relax Freedom Beach Resort, with Thai-style bungalows, modern comfort and stunning sea views on peaceful Freedom Beach, Koh Tao.

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Agoda

Koh Tao

Tao Thong Villa 1

Tao Thong Villa 1 offers sea-view rooms between Sai Nuan Beach 1 & 2. Enjoy sunsets, snorkeling, and total relaxation on Koh Tao’s tranquil coast.

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Agoda

Koh Tao

Lub d Koh Tao Tanote Bay

Lub d Koh Tao Tanote Bay offers spacious rooms and Thai-style bungalows near the beach, with pool, diving school, restaurant, and private balconies.

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Agoda