Koh Tao beaches / Shark Bay
Shark Bay Beach (Ao Thian Ok) on Koh Tao
A quiet bay on the south coast known for baby blacktip reef sharks and green turtles.
Koh Tao beaches / Shark Bay
A quiet bay on the south coast known for baby blacktip reef sharks and green turtles.
Shark Bay Koh Tao, known locally as Ao Thian Ok or Thian Og, is the best-known place on the island to snorkel with young blacktip reef sharks and green turtles. It is a small bay on the south coast, a short ride past Chalok, with reef a few kicks from the shore.
Access and fees are the confusing part. Several routes lead to the water and the fee depends on which one you use, so this guide explains your options and what to expect.
Blacktip reef sharks use the bay as a nursery. The young ones are usually under about a metre, and some guides mention larger juveniles. They are shy and not dangerous to people: you will see fins and dark shapes gliding over the sand and seagrass, mostly in the shallows.
Green turtles are the more reliable sighting. They graze here through the day, and you can often spot them feeding over the reef in a few metres of water. Eagle rays and reef fish also show up. Do not chase or touch anything. Hold back, keep your hands to yourself and let the animals decide how close to come.
The central reef has suffered from past bleaching, and some guides note the north side has more coral. If you want more variety, read our wider guide to snorkelling on Koh Tao.
Go early. Morning gives calmer water, better visibility and the best chance of sharks, with local advice pointing to roughly 7 to 10 am. Afternoons are busier and choppier. Sightings are never guaranteed.
The baby sharks are most numerous in the warmer, calmer months, often quoted as March to May, though turtles stay all year. November to April generally has pleasant conditions overall. Check the best time to visit Koh Tao for the wider weather pattern.
Shark Bay is at the south end of the island, close to Haad Tien (Thian Og) and a short ride beyond Chalok. By scooter it takes about 15 minutes from Sairee or Mae Haad. Taxis can drop you at the resort entrances. See getting around Koh Tao for rental and taxi basics.
The roads near the bay are steep and sometimes loose, so ride slowly. Park only where it is signposted.
The shoreline is public in principle, but the practical routes in run through resorts, and what they charge has shifted from year to year. Expect something like this, and confirm on arrival:
Because arrangements vary, ask what is included before paying and keep small notes handy.
It depends on your entry point. The beach club side offers sunbeds, showers, toilets and a restaurant. Smaller access points may have just a bar or nothing. Bring your own mask, snorkel and water, and shoes you can wade in.
Shark Bay is close to Freedom Beach, so the two combine well in one morning. In an emergency, see Koh Tao emergency numbers.
Yes, with young blacktip reef sharks, though sightings are never guaranteed. They are small, shy and harmless to people. Turtles are the more reliable sighting.
Early morning, roughly 7 to 10 am, in calm weather. Baby sharks are often most numerous from about March to May.
It depends on the route. Options range from free to a beach club day pass that includes a meal and a drink. Ask before you pay, as arrangements change.
Ride or taxi to the south end of the island past Chalok. It takes about 15 minutes by scooter. Follow signs to the resort entrances.
No. Blacktip reef sharks are timid and not a threat to swimmers. Stay calm, keep your distance and do not touch them.
It suits confident swimmers best. The entry is rocky and gets deep quickly, so beginners may prefer a bay with a gentle sandy entry such as Tanote or Aow Leuk.
Checked in November 2026. Opening hours and timetables change: confirm locally before you go.