Are There Really Sharks Here?
Koh Tao’s Shark Bay (also know as Thian Og Bay, Haad Tien and Rocky Bay) is a snorkeller’s dream. Palm-fringed white sands, shallow turquoise waters and yes, perhaps the odd juvenile blacktip reef shark to see.
The shallows here, protected by steep, jungle-clad headlands to their east and west near Koh Tao’s southern tip, are known as a nursing ground for these baby sharks. If you’re really lucky, you might even see a green sea turtle floating by too. Go early in the morning for the best chance.
Things to Do at Shark Bay
- Take advantage of the brilliant snorkelling on offer here
- The southern part of Koh Tao is stunning, and Shark Bay is an ideal place to spend a few days admiring the surroundings
- Visit the many nearby beaches. This can be done on foot or by longtail boat for more options
- Head to Sairee Beach (3.5 km away) for a fun night out on Kah Tao’s famous stretch of party sand
- Walk to Sun Suwan 360° View & Sky Bar, grab a drink and enjoy the sun setting on this amazing coastline
Key Points
- Orientation: South facing
- Length: 250m (approx)
- Access: Longtail boat / hike / taxi
- Sand: Soft and white
- Water: Calm and clear
- Must do: Drink in the views at Sun Suwan Sky Bar
- Popular hotel: Haad Tien Beach Resort
- Nearby beach: Chalok Baan Kao
- Distance to Mae Haad Pier: 2.5 km
- Distance to Sairee Beach: 3.5 km
Where to Stay on Shark Bay?
Accommodation here can be found right on the beach and up on the eastern rocky headland.
Haadtien Beach Resort
- Range – luxury
- Location – beachfront
- Accommodation – villas
- Facilities – restaurants, bar, spa, wellness centre, swimming pool, private beach area
Jamahkiri Dive Resort & Spa
- Range – luxury
- Location – on the eastern headland
- Accommodation – rooms, pavilions
- Facilities – restaurant, bar, spa, fitness centre, wellness centre, swimming pool, longtail boat shuttles to Shark Bay
Who Should Stay at Shark Bay?
This beach will suit those who –
- Prioritise beautiful beaches, scenic locations and luxury accommodation
- Prefer having a quieter base that’s within easy reach of main hubs and busier areas
- Enjoy relaxing, snorkelling and diving
How to Get to Shark Bay
Boats arrive at Mae Haad Pier, just south of Sairee Beach. From here, you can travel the 2.5 km south to Shark Bay by taxi or scooter.
Access to the beach is not straightforward, unless you are staying at Haadtien Beach Resort. This is because access is controlled by the resort.
It is sometimes possible to access the beach through nearby OK View restaurant for a small fee. Otherwise, the most reliable way to enjoy snorkelling here is to arrive by longtail taxi boat. Others kayak around the headland to get there.
More Photos of the Beach
