Shark Bay (Haad Tian)
Snorkel with harmless blacktip reef sharks in shallow water — Koh Tao's Shark Bay is one of Thailand's most reliable spots for close marine wildlife encounters.
About this Place
Shark Bay (Haad Tian) on Koh Tao's southeastern coast is one of the most reliable spots in Thailand to snorkel with blacktip reef sharks in shallow water. The baby reef sharks — typically 50–80cm — patrol the shallow sandy bay where a seagrass meadow borders the coral reef. They are completely harmless and become accustomed to snorkellers. On a good morning, 5–10 sharks can be spotted from the surface. The bay is also home to sea turtles (green and hawksbill) that graze on the seagrass. Longtail boats from Mae Haad Pier visit Shark Bay on snorkelling tours (typically 3–5 stops). The beach itself is small with a single resort (Haad Tian Resort) and minimal development. Accessible by longtail (~15 min from Mae Haad) or by a challenging trail from the east coast road. Best in the morning for wildlife; afternoons attract more boat traffic.
Location
10.0816, 99.8486
More Nearby Locations
Koh Tao's main pier village — the island's commercial and transport hub with the best restaurants, dive shops, and infrastructure for island living.
Three islets linked by a white sandbar you can walk between — Koh Tao's most iconic sight, with superb snorkelling and a breathtaking aerial viewpoint.
Koh Tao's main beach and dive hub — learn to dive here for the world's best prices, snorkel off the shore, and end the day at a laid-back beach bar sunset.
Koh Tao's best summit view — a granite boulder hike to panoramic Gulf of Thailand vistas with Nang Yuan, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui all visible on clear days.