Shark Bay Koh Tao, also known as Thian Og (in Thai), has incredible turquoise water and it’s one of the most popular snorkeling spots on Koh Tao island in Thailand.
The name comes from the friendly black tip reef sharks that like to hang out here. This is a big bay that encompasses several beaches, resorts, and restaurants.
It’s definitely worth a look! This travel guide will explain how to get there, and everything you need to know before you go!
Shark Bay Koh Tao
Shark Bay is a great place for snorkeling, kayaking, drone flying, or just chilling by the beach. This was one of my favorite places for flying the drone and taking aerial pics of Koh Tao island.
The color of the turquoise water splashing on the rocks is absolutely incredible, and it only gets more amazing when you look at it from above!
You can watch the Koh Tao drone footage on my YouTube channel.
Shark Beach vs. Haad Tien Beach
There are actually two beaches at Shark Bay, and both are pretty nice:
- Haad Tien Beach is a long strip of white sand lined with palm trees. This one is managed by (and accessed through) Haad Tien Resort.
- Shark Beach is a second (smaller) beach across the rocks, near OK2 Bungalows. This one is very small, but the sand is nice and it’s mostly a secret beach!
The beaches are separated by rocks, but they’re still close enough to walk back and forth between them.
Beach #1 — Haad Tien Beach
Beach #2 — Shark Beach
Snorkeling At Shark Bay
A lot of the coral at Shark Bay is dead, but it’s still a good spot for snorkeling with black tip sharks and sea turtles.
You’re almost guaranteed to see wildlife here, especially if you go further out! The reef sharks are generally harmless and not interested in people as long as you don’t bother them.
The water here is so clear it almost looks unreal.
Kayaking To Shark Island
After you’re done exploring the main parts of the bay, paddle a kayak out to Shark Island to continue the adventure!
This island looks like just a big clump of rocks, but there’s more snorkeling to be done here, and it’s also a great spot to get some drone shots.
The distance to the island is only about 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) if you start from Shark Bay, or less than a kilometer if you start from Sai Daeng Beach.
Read More: Shark Island
How To Get To Shark Bay
Shark Bay is located on the south end of Koh Tao island.
It’s just a 15 minute drive from the main pier and tourist areas at Sairee Beach, and many places will rent you a scooter for 150 Baht ($5 USD) to explore the island all day.
Even better, our hotel in south Koh Tao was close enough to walk to Shark Bay in just 10-15 minutes!
Entrance Fees
- FREE if you access Shark Bay through the OK2 Bungalows restaurant.
- 100 Baht (~$3 USD) if you go through the Haad Tien Beach Resort, since that’s a privately managed beach.
More Koh Tao Tips
Looking for more information on the best things to do in Koh Tao, Thailand?
Check out my Koh Tao Island guide for a complete list with photos, maps, and more!
Where We Stayed
We stayed at a hotel called Aukotan Place in south Koh Tao. The price was $23 USD for a big double room with cold A/C, hot shower, and good WiFi.
This hotel includes free buffet breakfast even though it’s not mentioned on Booking.com. They also give a free daily transfer to and from the pier, and Sairee Beach, which was super handy, and they have scooter rentals for a good price.
The location of the hotel was perfect. It’s a 15 minute walk from Freedom Beach, Shark Bay, and John Suwan Viewpoint.
Prices may fluctuate from time to time, so just keep an eye out for a good deal.
Our hotel bedroom in Koh Tao
Our hotel dining area in Koh Tao
See Also
- Koh Tao Travel Guide - Best Things To Do In Koh Tao Island
- Koh Tao Beach Guide - Best Beaches On Koh Tao Island
- Thailand Travel Guide – Tips, Info & Photos