Close coral
Metres from the sand.
Luca Nebuloni — CC BY 2.0 · Luca Nebuloni — CC BY 2.0 · Luca Nebuloni — CC BY 2.0 · Luca Nebuloni — CC BY 2.0 · Luca Nebuloni — CC BY 2.0
A small sheltered bay on Koh Tao's east coast, ringed by forested hills and huge granite boulders, with a big rock rising from the water in its middle that young people jump from. Its beach is a short strip of sand, the water clear and calm, and the coral very close in, making it one of the island's best spots for snorkelling straight from the shore. Off the beach plenty of colourful fish swim around the rocks and coral in shallow water, sometimes small, harmless blacktip reef sharks too. The beach has a few small timber resorts and simple restaurants, and the mood is far calmer than the west coast. The bay is free and snorkel gear can be hired on the beach. The road down from the centre of the island is very steep and narrow, so do not ride it by scooter unless you are experienced; a shared taxi is safer. The Gulf of Thailand runs on a different calendar from the west coast: the sea is calmest from February to September, with heavy rain from October to December. Come in the morning, when the water is clearest and the sun is behind you. The big rock is the known jumping spot, but check the depth first.
Metres from the sand.
In the middle of the bay.
Away from the west coast's crowds.
East coast of Koh Tao
Yes, it is very steep and narrow, so a shared taxi is safer than a scooter.