A quick guide to finding one of my favorite freediving spots on Koh Tao Island.
Sick of Sairee and looking for a freediving location on Koh Tao? There are many spots to choose from. However, if you are a beginner freediver, talk to one of the many schools that operate out of Sairee Beach. They will rent you gear and teach you the basics of freediving.
For those of you who have done a bit of freediving before and looking to practice your apnea skills, you might want to check out this secret local spot. It’s a little off the beaten path, but you will be rewarded with a secluded cove with rope buoys and some of the clearest waters on Koh Tao.
Although I don’t consider myself a freediver by any standards, I do enjoy the thrill and challenge that the sport provides. I also always practice with a buddy. This secret freediving location on Koh Tao was shown to me by a friend.
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Where to find the Secret Freediving Location on Koh Tao
To get to this epic freediving location, you’ll need to take a moped to a resort named “Moonlight Magic View Bungalow”. You can reach this resort towards Cha Lok, and taking the left turn towards Tanote Bay. Follow the directions below until you reach the resort.
Walking down to the freediving spot
Once you reach the resort you will be greeted with some epic views of the east coast of Koh Tao Island. Make your way into the premises until you see a makeshift bamboo path heading down towards the water. Follow this path down until you reach the rocks.
The last part is seemingly impossible to get down. However, once you get to the large rock, turn around and you will see a bamboo staircase that leads into the cracks in the rock. Squeeze through and walk down to the water. Congratulations, you’ve reached the best freediving location on Koh Tao.
I told you this was secret.
The best freediving location on Koh Tao
Although there are plenty of snorkeling and freediving locations on Koh Tao, this is one of the best for intermediate to advanced freedivers. A 20 M swim from the rocks leads out to water that is 30 M deep. There are several boat bouys with ropes that attach to the seafloor. The first one is at 15M, the second is at 20M and the third is at 30M.
The bay is also quite protected from Westerly winds. This makes it a calm spot with generally good visibility. You can also swim North along the coast where you will reach some submerged rocks with large groupers, schooling fish and barracuda.
Some Precautions
Freediving is a sport that requires precautions and vigilance. If you are a beginner, I would highly recommend contacting one of the many schools in Koh Tao. It is one of the cheapest places on earth to learn how to
Although not required to practice, I completed my PADI Advanced Open Water Freediving Course in Koh Tao. I was able to do this for free with one of my instructor friends on the island. This taught me the basics of safety, including the risk of shallow water blackout and how to spot your buddy.
Always freedive with a buddy
This secret freediving location on Koh Tao is pretty secluded. During the many times I went here to practice, I never saw any other people besides some Thai longtail boats. Make sure to only freedive with a buddy. There have been several people that have died on Koh Tao from shallow water blackouts.
Watch out for Longtail Boats
These waters around this freediving location are frequented by fishermen and dive boats. Make sure to keep an eye out for any boats coming through. Most of these Thai boat captains will drive right over you. It’s your responsibility to move out of the way.
Underwater life at the Secret Freediving Spot
The great thing about freediving on Koh Tao is that there is plenty of things to see. You will see giant barracuda, schooling fish, groupers and a
Check out: Best-rated Koh Tao snorkeling tour
Clean up Koh Tao
Whenever you go on an adventure or step into the ocean, make sure to never leave any trash. If you’re interested in joining a cleanup movement and making a difference, why not Take 3 for the Sea? Just pick up any plastic, net or waste you see in or around the water and dispose of it.
Not only does this keep Koh Tao looking clean, but it also saves local marine populations and reef.
Say Thanks – Grab a Beer at Moonlight
After a long afternoon of freediving, make sure to thank the guys at Moonlight Resort for letting you use their staircase down to the beach. They are nice guys and won’t ask for money to access this epic freediving location on Koh Tao. However, they do appreciate you buying a beer or water from them to say thank you.
Where to Stay on Koh Tao – Accommodation Guide
There are several options for travelers looking to stay on Koh Tao island. To save you time, I’ve listed some of the best options below.
HOSTEL RIGHT NEXT TO MAE HEAD PIER FOR $6 / NIGHT – BLACK WOOD HOSTEL
The Black Wood Hostel is one of the highest-rated hostels on Koh Tao and is located just a 5-minute walk to from Mae Head Pier. This is the perfect place to stay if you’re coming in on a later boat or looking for a central hostel close to the pier.
BEST BACKPACKER HOSTEL IN SAIREE FOR UNDER $10 / NIGHT – BP HOSTEL
BP Hostel has shared accommodation options which all include Air Con for the hotter Koh Tao nights. It’s also located in the heart of Sairee and close to the beach, smile mart and the Koh Tao pub-crawl.
TOP GUEST HOUSE ON KOH TAO – NIRVANA GUEST HOUSE
This guest house has the best ratings on Koh Tao. It’s also very close to Mae Head pier and several quality dive schools. It’s also another budget-friendly option for couples or solo backpackers.
FIND ALL BEST ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS IN KOH TAO
MORE KOH TAO BLOGS
I hope that you enjoyed this epic Koh Tao freediving spot! If you made the trip to check it out, let me know by leaving a comment below!
For more Koh Tao travel guides and blogs, take a pick from the list below.
Or, check out this list of the best things to do on Koh Tao, or the list of 8 best beaches on Koh Tao!
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BEST Secret Sunset Spot on Koh Tao
Best Viewpoint: John Suwan Viewpoint on Koh Tao
Great article! Thanks for this! I’m a freedive instructor and will be teaching my girlfriend freediving on Koh Tao but before she gets on the boat she’d like to do something a little less intimidating. This is perfect. Thank you!
No problem, glad you enjoyed the guide. Let me know if you like the spot, and enjoy your trip on Koh Tao.