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. The stunning beach aptly gets its name from the blacktip reef sharks that frequent the bay.
I have put together this complete guide to Shark Bay Koh Tao including how to get there and what to expect when you arrive.
Want cheap flights in Thailand? Check out CheapOair to book now and travel for less!
Have you got travel insurance for Thailand? We all know accidents can happen and having World Nomads Insurance will save you thousands of dollars if something goes wrong.
Table of Contents
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
Shark Bay Koh Tao
Shark Beach Koh Tao
BEST TOURS IN KOH TAO
SHARKS 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
Turquoise waters at Shark Bay Koh Tao
Green sea turtle at Shark Bay
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.
Drone shot of Shark Island Koh Tao
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
After snorkeling at Shark Bay Koh Tao, be sure to check out the nearby Freedom Beach, Taa Toh Bay, and John Suwan Viewpoint which are a few more of the best Koh Tao beaches and viewpoints.
Freedom Beach
WHERE TO STAY IN KOH TAO
Koh Tao has hundreds 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: Koh Tao Central Hostel
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 AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
AIRBNB KOH TAO
Another option for accommodation is to stay at an Airbnb, which generally has some great deals on the island.
Use the search box below to find all available Airbnb’s in Koh Tao.
WANT TO SAVE $$$ ON AIRBNB? GET MY AIRBNB MONEY SAVING GUIDE
MORE THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDES
Thailand Travel Guide: 3 Week Thailand Itinerary
Bangkok Travel Guide: 5 Things To Do In Bangkok
Koh Tao Travel Guide: 15 Things To Do In Koh Tao
Chiang Mai Travel Guide: 10 Things To Do In Chiang Mai
Pai Travel Guide: 10 Things To Do In Pai
Krabi Travel Guide: 5 Best Beaches in Krabi
LONELY PLANET THAILAND
One of the best books to take on your trip is the Lonely Planet Thailand Guide!
BUY NOW ON AMAZON → LONELY PLANET THAILAND
JOIN MY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY
Do you have any questions about this epic beach in Koh Tao?
Join my Facebook Community and send me a message at any time for a quick response!
ONLINE ENGLISH TEACHING
Do you want to travel full-time and get paid along the way?
Teaching English online is one of the easiest and most flexible jobs out there! Become a Digital Nomad, choose your own hours, and work remotely from anywhere in the world by teaching English online. All you need is a laptop, good WiFi connection, a TEFL certificate and you’re good to go!
Click here to get your TEFL certificate with MyTefl
MY SHOP
Before you go, don’t forget to check out My Online Shop!
I’ve got a wide range of digital products for sale and I’m sure you’ll find something that will come in handy during your travels!
SEE MORE → MY SHOP
FINAL THOUGHTS
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!
PIN IT FOR LATER
Hey, I’m Jonny – surfer, skater, photographer, and coffee-lover from Australia!
With a burning passion for travel and the outdoors, I launched this Adventure Travel Blog in 2017, and I’ve been exploring the world ever since!
My little corner of the interwebs is a space where I love to share all of my epic adventures, cultural experiences, and captivating photos from around the globe with the ultimate goal to inspire and motivate other like-minded travelers to explore this wonderful earth too!
