Tanote Bay on Koh Tao Island is famous for epic snorkeling and cliff jumping. If you’re looking for a spot a little out of the Sairee or Mae Head beat, don’t miss this epic beach.
Koh Tao is my second home, I’ve spent months of my life living on this beautiful island in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand. Out of all of Koh Tao’s amazing beaches, Tanote Bay Beach is up there with one of the best, especially if you like a secluded vibe with fun cliff jumps!
Below I’ll reveal what you need to know about visiting this bay, including how to get there and what to expect once you arrive, with photos and tips for what to do.
Overview & Things to Know
Tanote Bay is famous for its unique rock formation in the middle of the bay, which is surrounded by deep, clear waters and healthy corals. This rock is the main spot for cliff jumping and the height is approximately 5 meters or so, accessible via a rope ladder.
- Location: Located on the eastern coast of Koh Tao, approximately 5 km (3.1 mi) from Mae Haad Pier. You can get here by taxi or motorbike.
- Entrance Fee: None
- Snorkeling: Tanote Bay is one of Koh Tao's best snorkeling spots, especially around the large boulder in the middle of the bay.
- Practical Note: Due to its location, the road can be steep and challenging, so I recommend a motorbike with decent suspension if you ride yourself.
How to Get to Tanote Bay
Getting to Tanote Bay requires a moped or Taxi via my favorite and most scenic road on the island. The beach is located on the eastern side of Koh Tao, just north of Ao Leuk Beach.
For the independent traveler, here are directions:
- From Sairee or Mae Head, ride south towards the quieter village of Cha Lok.
- Keep going and make a left turn before Cha Lok on the road leading to Koh Tao Animal Clinic. There's a sign on the left saying "Tanote Bay".
- This is the only road to the beach and is the main route for those heading to the Eastern sites of the island.
- At the first fork, continue towards the left.
- Soon, you'll pass the mountain road leading to Love Koh Tao and West Coast & Tanote Peak and continue past it.
- Follow signs and continue riding for approximately 5 minutes while you take in the breathtaking views of Koh Tao from the steep island hills.
- Soon you'll see a steep road leading down to the right. Take this road and you can park at the bottom for free.
If you reach a dead-end, don't worry. This is Tanote Bay Resort. You can also park your bike here and walk straight down to the beach. Parking your bike here is free.
Visite Tanote Bay by Boat: Best-rated Koh Tao snorkeling tour
My Experience at Tanote Bay Beach & What to Expect
There's a reason why this bay is a
Expect crystal clear water, white sand,
Snorkeling at Tanote Bay
Make sure to bring your mask and snorkel. Tanote Bay is a great place to check out the famous Koh Tao reef and marine life. While there is decent snorkeling reefs in the entire bay, the best spot for snorkeling is around the main jump rock in the middle of the bay. Trust me, you won't miss it.
Simply swim out and explore the underwater world. You will find schooling fish, triggerfish, anemone fish and the occasional turtle chilling in the bay.
Tip: You can rent snorkeling equipment for about 200 THB for a set from the nearby resort on the beach.
Cliff Jumping from the Granite Boulder
Probably the main reason adventure travelers make the trip to Tanote Bay is for the easily accessed cliff jumping rock. The rock is right in the middle of the bay.
You will need to swim approximately 20 meters in relatively shallow water and climb up onto the rock base. From there, you will notice a rope leading up to the top of the rock. This is secured firmly with a chain so it is safe to climb but feels a little bit sketchy to me.
This rock is not difficult to climb but it's still important to be careful. I've climbed this many times over the years and the ropes have recently been changed by the looks of it (based on my last visit).
The jump itself is roughly 5 meters. Not a massive jump, but perfect for practicing your flips. The crystal clear water is also 10 meters deep so you don't have to stress about hitting anything. Just make sure that you jump on the south side of the rock (left side looking from the beach) and always do a depth check first!
Snorkeling & Freediving at Tanote Bay
Since the water is so clear during the high season, Tanote Bay also makes a great spot to practice freediving. Just past the jump rock, you will notice some boat buoys. These have lines leading to the bottom.
There is one line at 10m and one at 15m.
If you're using these lines to practice freediving, make sure to keep an eye out for longtail and dive boats that frequent the bay. It's also super important to always freedive with a buddy.
Giant Schooling Fish at Koh Tao
In recent years, a giant school of Bigeye Yellow Snapper have made Tanote Bay their home. If you're a confident swimmer and snorkeler, you can usually find them just a little further out from the large boulder.
This school is absolutely huge! If you're a confident freediver, you can swim down beneath the school to block out the sun!
Where to Stay on Koh Tao
If you're wondering where to stay on Koh Tao Island and you want to be close to the main activities and beaches, pick a stay near Sairee Beach.
However, other great options include Mae Haad, or for a more secluded vibe, check out the southern beaches or even the east coast around Tanote Bay. Below are my top picks.
1. Jamahkiri Resort & Spa Luxury
A great bang-for-buck luxury dive resort at the beachfront of Shark Bay in a quiet and secluded location away from the hustle and bustle.
2. Phandara Pool Villas Mid-Range
A luxury villa option for those who want their own kitchen & pool. Located on the hill up to Wooden Rock Viewpoint.
3. Summer Guesthouse Budget
Located within walking distance of the dive shops and pub crawls on Sairee Beach, this is the top-budget hostel option with a great vibe.
FAQs & Things to Know About Tanote Bay
What activities can I do at Tanote Bay Beach?
You can snorkel, dive, cliff jump, relax on the beach, kayak, paddleboard, and hike to nearby viewpoints.
Is Tanote Bay Beach suitable for beginners in snorkeling and diving?
Yes, Tanote Bay is suitable for both beginners and experienced snorkelers and divers. The calm, clear waters and abundant marine life make it an excellent spot for underwater activities. It's also relatively sheltered (very much so when the westerlies are blowing), which makes it great for snorkeling when Sairee is busy.
Are there any facilities or restaurants here?
Yes, there are a few beachfront restaurants and bars where you can enjoy meals and drinks. Basic facilities such as restrooms are also available, usually they expect you to buy a drink or something to use them though.
Is the road to Tanote Bay Beach difficult to navigate?
The road can be steep and challenging. If you are not confident in riding a motorbike, it is recommended to take a taxi.
Is Tanote Bay Beach crowded?
Not really, it's relatively less crowded compared to other popular beaches on Koh Tao, offering a more tranquil and relaxed environment. Most of the times I've visited the beach there are only about 10-15 people maximum on the beach.
Is cliff jumping at Tanote Bay Beach safe?
Cliff jumping ais fun, but it's important to check the depth and safety conditions of the water before jumping. No matter what you see, do a depth check first, and only jump if you are confident. Oh, and take responsibility for your own actions!
Are there any hiking trails near the beach?
Yes, there are several hiking trails around Tanote Bay. One popular trail leads to the Tanote Peak viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the bay and the surrounding areas. Another trail takes you to the neighboring Aow Leuk Bay, which is a beautiful hike through lush vegetation and rocky paths. Both hikes offer a great way to explore but it can get very hot!
Check out my guide to the best things to do on Koh Tao for unique adventures and hidden gems you won’t want to miss! Oh and if you haven't made it to the island yet, here are some tips on getting to Koh Tao easily and affordably.
