“Iconic rock jumping in the middle of the sea combined with a vibrant snorkeling spot off the beach, a tranquil and private atmosphere, and one of the most beautiful sunrise viewing points on Koh Tao.”
Tanote Bay is an east coast bay of Koh Tao, renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty. It is considered one of the most attractive bays, allowing visitors to truly relax and disconnect from the hustle and bustle. With a topography surrounded by steep mountains, the atmosphere is highly private and has a charm that differs from the popular beaches on the other side of the island.
The beachfront area of Tanote Bay is considered one of the widest on the east side. The sand is a mixture of sand and gravel, not as fine as Sairee Beach, but it stands out with its clear emerald water and beautiful gradient colors. Also, the water level deepens relatively quickly, allowing you to start snorkeling right from the beach.
Tanote Bay is also one of the spots with abundant underwater coral reefs, including brain coral, staghorn coral, and many kinds of fish such as batfish and butterflyfish, which can be easily seen without taking a boat. Especially in the right side of the coast during low tide, the coral reefs will be more visible, including the boulders in the middle of the bay and the left side of the bay, which are home to a variety of aquatic life, perfect for those who want to explore the underwater world up close.
An important highlight that makes Tanote Bay different is the “Rock Jumping”, or large rocks in the middle of the sea. Tourists like to swim or kayak out to climb and jump into the water. It is both a challenging and fun activity, as well as a popular photo spot on Koh Tao.
In addition, Tanote Bay is also suitable for kayaking to explore the rocky coastline around the bay and is home to several diving schools, suitable for both beginners and divers who want to develop additional skills.
In the morning, it is also one of the most beautiful sunrise viewing points on Koh Tao. The first sunlight will reflect the water surface into a sparkling gold, creating a peaceful and impressive atmosphere.
Another highlight is the sea conditions that are often calm and peaceful in August, making it suitable for diving and marine activities. Overall, Tanote Bay is a destination that combines beauty, tranquility, and excitement perfectly.
How to Get There
- Car / Motorcycle: From Mae Haad Pier, it takes about 15 minutes. The road is concrete throughout the route, but there are many steep slopes and hairpin curves. Use extra caution.
Travel Tips
- Recommended to come early in the morning to watch the sunrise and snorkel during calm water.
- Check the water level and landing spot before jumping from the rocks.
- Wear water shoes as there is gravel and coral debris.
- During the northeast monsoon season (Nov - Jan), the waves may be strong and not suitable for swimming.
- Calm water in August: Suitable for diving and marine activities.
Admission Fee:
- Free admission (no area entrance fee)
Opening Hours:
- Open 24 hours (recommended to return before 5:30 PM for safe driving across the mountain)