15 Best Snorkeling Spots on Koh Tao

When people think of Koh Tao, it’s usually diving—after all, it’s one of the most famous places in the world to get your PADI certification. But let me let you in on a little secret: Koh Tao is also one of the best islands in Thailand for snorkeling.

Whether you’re joining a boat trip, exploring on a day tour, or venturing out on your own to some secluded coves there are some truly amazing underwater spots to explore once you leave Sairee.

After spending months exploring all the fun things to do on Koh Tao, I’ve snorkeled at both the popular spots and some hidden gems. From vibrant coral gardens to secluded bays teeming with marine life, here are my personal recommendations for where to go snorkeling on Koh Tao.

2. Mango Bay

• Best for: Remote snorkeling with vibrant marine life and a mix of shallow and deep-water reefs.
• How to get there: Access Mango Bay via a steep ride or hike from Sairee Beach, crossing over Koh Tao’s highest mountain. Be prepared for a bumpy descent and an entrance fee of 100 THB. Alternatively, join a boat tour that includes Mango Bay as a snorkeling stop.

Mango Bay is one of the most remote beaches on Koh Tao, offering a sense of adventure just to reach it. The journey itself is part of the fun— whether you’re riding or hiking, you’ll pass incredible Koh Tao viewpoints and once you descend the steep road to Mango Bay, you’ll be rewarded with turquoise waters and an uncrowded beach, especially in the mornings.

For snorkeling, there are two main areas to explore. The east side of the bay is the most popular and safest, with a roped-off section along the boulder-strewn coastline. Here, the depth gradually increases, with patches of healthy coral and marine life at various depths, making it perfect for snorkelers of all levels. Look out for colorful parrotfish, bannerfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish darting around the reefs, as well as occasional groupers and turtles.

Alternatively, swim toward the deeper eastern side, where large rock formations create swim-throughs and the seabed drops to 20 meters.

3. Lighthouse Bay (Gluay Teun)

• Best for: Secluded snorkeling after a long, adventurous hike.
• How to get there: Hike to the northeastern tip of Koh Tao, following a long, steep trail down to the bay. Alternatively, join a snorkeling boat tour, as this spot is often included after Mango Bay.

Lighthouse Bay, also known as Gluay Teun, is one of Koh Tao’s most peaceful and remote snorkeling spots. Tucked away in the island’s northeast corner, this cove offers crystal-clear, shallow waters and an incredible array of marine life. Plus, it's one of my favorite hiking trails on Koh Tao!

While most visitors arrive as part of a snorkeling boat trip, I recommend taking the fun hike to the bay. It’s a long and sweaty descent, but the journey takes you through stunning jungle terrain and leads to the old lighthouse—a great bonus for hikers.

Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by calm, sheltered waters and a pristine reef, perfect for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. The reef is home to vibrant coral gardens and abundant marine life, including butterflyfish, wrasses, and small groupers. The shallow depths make it easy to explore, and you’ll often spot schools of smaller fish weaving through the coral.

4. Tanote Bay

• Best for: Easy-access snorkeling with vibrant coral reefs and a unique cliff-jumping spot.
• How to get there: Ride along Koh Tao’s scenic mountain road to the east coast. Tanote Bay is one of the most accessible snorkeling spots, with no steep hikes or boat trips required.

Tanote Bay is a favorite among locals and travelers alike, offering some of the healthiest coral reefs and marine life on Koh Tao. Located on the east coast, it’s a picturesque beach framed by jungle-covered hills and a large, iconic boulder sitting in the middle of the bay. Whether you’re here for snorkeling, swimming, or cliff jumping, Tanote Bay is perfect for those looking for adventure without the effort of long hikes or boat rides.

The coral reef begins close to shore, making it an easy snorkeling spot for all levels. Healthy coral formations surround the boulder, attracting a variety of fish, including parrotfish, angelfish, and wrasses.

For confident swimmers, head slightly further out to find a massive school of Bigeye Yellow Snapper—a breathtaking sight as they swirl in synchrony around the reef.

5. Hin Wong Bay

• Best for: Exploring underwater boulder formations, coral reefs, and swim-throughs.
• How to get there: Hin Wong Bay is located on Koh Tao’s northeastern coast. Ride or hike along a scenic but steep road to the bay. Access the water from the pier or the small beach to the north.

Hin Wong Bay is one of my favorite snorkeling spots on Koh Tao for epic swim throughs. It's known for its crystal-clear waters and rocky underwater terrain. The southern end is the best area for snorkeling—enter the water from the pier and swim toward the massive boulders.

You’ll find coral patches and swim-throughs at depths of 5-8 meters but the further you go along the coast, the more marine life you’ll encounter, including schools of fish and occasional groupers.

The northern side, accessible via a path near the reggae bar, leads to Hin Wong Beach. While less dramatic than the south, this area features large boulders and plenty of fish activity, with turtles and sharks occasionally making an appearance.

6. Freedom Beach

• Best for: Swimming and snorkeling near Buddha Point with deeper waters and vibrant marine life.
• How to get there: Located near Chalok Baan Kao, Freedom Beach is a private beach with a 100 THB entrance fee.

Freedom Beach is a serene white-sand beach that’s perfect for swimming and relaxing, but it also offers some incredible snorkeling just around the corner at Buddha Point. While the beach itself is ideal for soaking up the sun, the snorkeling gets exciting as you swim slightly further out into the bay.

Buddha Point, located near the headland, is known for its deeper waters, which attract large schools of fish and vibrant coral formations. The nutrient-rich currents here make it a thriving underwater ecosystem, with plenty of marine life to spot. However, the depth and occasional currents mean it’s best to snorkel only in calm conditions and if you’re confident in the water.

Since Freedom Beach is close to John Suwan Viewpoint, I recommend checking it out since you'll only need to pay the entrance fee once.

7. Sai Nuan Beach

• Best for: Beautiful remote snorkeling beach the chance to spot turtles and reef sharks.
• How to get there: Head south from Sairee toward Chalok and take the mountain road just after Chalok House Restaurant.

Sai Nuan Beach is a quiet, laid-back spot with plenty to offer snorkelers looking for a mix of marine life and healthy corals. While the reef close to shore shows some bleaching, swimming a little further out rewards you with vibrant corals and diverse fish species. The bay’s large boulders make for scenic underwater snorkeling, but the real highlights lie just beyond.

For the best snorkeling, swim north toward Sai Thong Beach just further up. This area is known for its healthier coral reefs and frequent turtle sightings. Keep an eye out for small reef sharks cruising along the shallows, often making their way up from Shark Bay.

Alternatively, swim south toward Cape Ja Te Kang, where deeper waters host some of the healthiest coral formations around Sai Nuan.

8. In Front of Moondance Magic

• Best for: Freediving and deep-water snorkeling.
• How to get there: Located north of Aow Leuk Beach on Koh Tao’s eastern coast. Head toward Tanote Bay, but take the right turn after Aow Leuk’s junction. Walk through the Moondance Magic resort to access the water.

The front of Moondance Magic is a hidden gem for freedivers and experienced snorkelers. Nestled in an off-the-beaten-path location just north of Aow Leuk, this spot offers a deep snorkeling area for experienced swimmers/snorkelers.

Accessible through the resort, the rocky shoreline leads to crystal-clear, deep water but closer to the rocks, you’ll find healthy coral formations teeming with marine life. Schools of colorful fish dart between the corals and I've spotted many large game fish hunting in the depths– making it my favorite freediving spot on Koh Tao.

9. In Front of Dusit Buncha Resort

• Best for: Deep-water snorkeling with coral walls and stunning views of Koh Nang Yuan.
• How to get there: Drive north from Sairee past the 7-Eleven and follow the road to its end, where you’ll find Dusit Buncha Resort. Public access is allowed, but buying a drink at the resort is appreciated.

This spot, located just in front of Dusit Buncha Resort, is a hidden gem for experienced snorkelers and freedivers. With its close proximity to Koh Nang Yuan, the views are breathtaking, especially at sunset, making it a fantastic dual-purpose destination for snorkeling and relaxing after a long day of exploring.

To snorkel here, walk down to the rocks and jump into the deep water. The reef wall that runs along the rocks is home to healthy coral formations and abundant marine life. Expect to see angelfish, parrotfish, bannerfish, and even schools of fusiliers darting around the coral. The deeper waters also attract larger species like trevallies and groupers sometimes.

Due to the depth and occasional strong currents, particularly in the narrow channel between Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao, this spot is best suited for confident snorkelers.

10. Aow Leuk Beach

• Best for: Easy access by motorbike/scooter and snorkeling with a chance to spot baby sharks and turtles.
• How to get there: Head south from Sairee toward Chalok and follow the signs for Aow Leuk Beach. The road is well-paved, and the 100 THB entrance fee grants full access to this stunning beach.

Aow Leuk Beach used to be a hidden gem but is now quite a popular beach among day trippers and snorkelers for its clear waters and white sands. While the coral near the shore isn't that exciting, the reef further out bursts with life. The calm waters and shallow depth close to the beach make it ideal for beginners, but the real magic lies just north of the bay.

Follow the rocky boulder coast toward Moondance Magic for the best snorkeling. This area features a mix of shallow and deeper waters, where you can find healthy coral patches along the boulders. Keep an eye out for baby sharks cruising along the reef and the occasional turtle passing through.

11. Shark Bay

• Best for: Spotting baby blacktip reef sharks and turtles.
• How to get there: Drive south from Sairee to Chalok and continue toward Freedom Beach. For free access, head to "On The Rock Beach" on Google Maps, which offers a relaxed and welcoming vibe.

Shark Bay is one of Koh Tao’s most unique snorkeling spots, offering the chance to see blacktip reef sharks up close in the shallows. The beach itself is small but peaceful, with a friendly reggae bar where you can relax. What's best is the entrance is free (unlike the other bars) and they never ask you to buy a drink– which is why I always do.

The snorkeling here starts in a large, flat bay with plenty of bleached coral closer to shore. However, the real highlight is swimming in the extremely shallow waters (less than a meter deep), where you can almost always spot baby blacktip reef sharks darting around.

Also, if you want to spot turtles when snorkeling on Koh Tao, Shark Bay is the spot. Head out toward the moored boats in deeper water and you'll likely always spot one. Just remember to give them space and no touching.

12. Tao Tong Beach

• Best for: Snorkeling at a secluded spot with a nice shaded deck area nearby.
• How to get there: Follow the road toward Sai Nuan Beach but turn left at the sign for Tao Tong Beach. The road narrows toward the end, so you may prefer walking the last 5 minutes.

Tao Tong Beach, owned by Tao Tong Villa, is a hidden snorkeling gem on Koh Tao, offering a tranquil setting and incredible snorkeling opportunities. The small beach, shaded by a deck with friendly owners serving refreshing smoothies, is a great place to unwind before heading into the water.

Just a short swim from the shore, you’ll find healthy coral reefs at a depth of about 4 meters, perfect for both beginner and experienced snorkelers (as long as the weather is calm). The underwater landscape is teeming with marine life, and if you’re lucky, you might spot larger reef sharks cruising along the shoreline.

13. Jansom Bay

• Best for: Quiet snorkeling away from crowds, with healthy corals further from shore.
• How to get there: Access from Freedom Beach (100 THB) or hike from Sai Nuan for free.

Jansom Bay is a small, secluded beach that offers a more chill snorkeling experience compared to nearby Freedom Beach. While the beach itself is surrounded by a run-down resort and has crushed coral close to shore, the snorkeling improves significantly as you swim further out. Away from the busy areas near Freedom Beach, you’ll find nice patches of corals– I've even spotted a moray eel here!

For confident swimmers, you can continue toward Buddha Point, known for its deeper waters and nutrient-rich waters. Just be mindful of the currents in this area.

14. South Mae Haad Beach (Sensi Paradise)

• Best for: Spotting reef sharks.
• How to get there: Drive south from Mae Haad Pier along the main road until it ends. Park near Good Life Bar or closer to Sensi Paradise Resort.

South Mae Haad Beach on might not be the first place you think of for snorkeling—most avoid it because it’s near the boat pier, and the water can be choppy. But ironically, those windy and choppy conditions are what make it one of the best spots on Koh Tao for spotting reef sharks in the shallows.

When my family visited Koh Tao, they stayed at Sensi Paradise Resort. One morning at breakfast, they spotted reef sharks swimming near the shore. So I met them early the next morning with my snorkel and swam out—and I was surrounded by them! These were some of the biggest reef sharks I’ve ever seen while snorkeling on Koh Tao, and they were everywhere. Unfortunately, I didn’t have my camera with me, but it was a surreal experience to be right in the middle of them.

Interestingly, when the weather calmed and the wind died down, the sharks disappeared. It’s still a mystery to me where they go, but the magic of that encounter makes this spot unforgettable. If the weather conditions are right, South Mae Haad Beach is a must-visit for snorkelers hoping to see reef sharks up close.

15. Laem Thian Beach

• Best for: Remote snorkeling with untouched coral gardens and a quiet atmosphere.
• How to get there: Reachable via a long hike to Koh Tao’s abandoned resort, Laem Thian Beach is one of the island’s most secluded spots.

Laem Thian Beach is as off-the-beaten-path as it gets on Koh Tao. Known for its abandoned resort, this remote beach offers an adventure just to reach it. The long hike ensures that few people visit, making it one of the quietest snorkeling spots on the island. While the area does have some rubbish washed ashore due to the lack of maintenance, those who venture here are rewarded with pristine coral gardens and vibrant marine life just a short swim from the beach.

The shallow bay is home to a variety of corals, including staghorn and brain coral, which attract an array of fish. Expect to see parrotfish grazing on the reefs, butterflyfish darting around in pairs, and wrasses weaving in and out of coral crevices. The lack of infrastructure and human activity makes this spot quite healthy, and a bit of a haven for marine life on the island.