Shark Bay is one of the most scenic spots on Koh Tao, known for its crystal-clear waters and unique marine life. While the main beach is privately owned and accessible through a resort, there’s a way to visit for free—and it’s worth it.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to access Shark Bay without paying, plus where to snorkel if you’re hoping to spot the island’s famous blacktip reef sharks– one of the most unique things to do on Koh Tao if you love snorkeling!
Shark Bay: Overview & Things to Know
- How to Get There: Access Shark Bay via "On the Rock Beach," located on the road to Freedom Beach. Look for the sign and park your motorbike nearby. Entry is free of charge.
- Best for: Snorkeling with baby blacktip reef sharks in the shallows and spotting turtles further out near the moored boats.
- What to Expect: The shallow, clear waters of Shark Bay make it one of Koh Tao's best snorkeling spots. The baby sharks are harmless and often seen swimming close to shore. For more confident swimmers, venture out further for a chance to see turtles eating the algae on the bleached corals.
- Why Visit: Shark Bay offers a unique mix of accessible marine life and calm, scenic waters. It’s one of my favorite spots on Koh Tao for its tranquil atmosphere and excellent underwater adventures.
Where are the Black Tip Reef Sharks on Koh Tao?
Black Tip Reef Sharks usually frequent shallow sandy flats, anywhere from under 1m to 10m in Shark Bay, also known as Haad Tien Beach. Shark Bay is located in the South end of Koh Tao island, just past Chalok.
The easiest way to get there is to leave your bike at Taatoh Seaview Resort and walk down the windy cliff walkways until you get to the water.
Once you have reached the bottom, simply swim out to the shallows and keep an eye out for that black fin! Some of the juvenile sharks in Koh Tao are very small, only around 60cm long! However, keep watch because we frequently saw some up to 1.5 m long, sometimes up to four at a time circling us.
Although these sharks can be found everywhere in the bay, we found that we were more likely to spot them in the area pictured below.
Go Early
Many people that I spoke to were positive that there were no sharks in Koh Tao, this is definitely not true. You can see sharks in Koh Tao daily, but it is important to go early in the morning between 6.30 am and 9.30 am.
It seems that the sharks only ever visit the bay around this time of the morning, which means an early wake up if you really want to catch them!
Keep an Eye Out for Turtles
Turtle Island isn't the sanctuary for turtles like it used to be. Many have migrated to other smaller nearby islands to escape the scuba crowds. However, it is still very common to find large sleeping or cruising turtles in the quite sanctuary of Shark Bay.
Once the sharks have headed off for the day, swim out a little deeper and keep an eye out for the chilled dudes. Remember to give them some space and let them enjoy the relative quietness of this hidden gem.
Plan Your 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.
Remember, always respect wildlife and only enter the water with sharks if you are comfortable and have experience. If not, I'd recommend avoiding them altogether.
