Tanote Bay Koh Tao: Ultimate Beach & Snorkelling Guide

Tanote Bay, also known as Ao Tanote Beach, draws adventurers from all around the island of Koh Tao. The beach has an iconic rock protruding in the centre of the bay which is often used for cliff jumping, some of the best snorkelling on the island and is a great beach for swimming. 

The crescent shaped white sand of Tanote Bay has a lush-green jungle fringe, crystal waters and prominent rocky landscape that wasn’t busy at all when we visited. 

If the excitement of rock jumping, uninterrupted snorkelling and sunbathing all day has caught your attention, read on! We’ve created a complete guide to one of Koh Tao’s best beaches, Tanote Bay. 

Contents

Where Is Tanote Bay Koh Tao, Thailand

Tanote Bay & Beach is located on the east side of Koh Tao island which is famous for its snorkelling spots. Only 6km away from Sairee Beach, Tanote Bay is the perfect morning or afternoon destination.

How To Get To Tanote Bay

The easiest way to get around Koh Tao is to rent a scooter, not only will this take you to Tanote Bay but it will allow you to explore all the other nooks and crannies the small island has to offer. 

You can hire a scooter for 200 THB per day, we hired ours from Island Travel Scooters, however there are lots of other places, plus most accommodations can sort rentals as well. 

From Sairee Beach the drive to Tanote Bay takes 15 minutes along well kept roads. We found a free parking area at Buddha View where we left the bike and walked 1-minute down to the sea front (Tanote Beach is free to access). 

If you don’t want to hire a scooter you could hire a taxi for 550 THB. 

The most budget friendly option to get to Tanote Bay is to walk, although this would only take one hour in the heat of the day we don’t recommend this option!

What To Expect From Ao Tanote Beach

As we walked down onto Tanote bay we were surprised by the long strip of white sand, there’s plenty of space on the beach and we even managed to find some shade by one of the large boulders. 

In comparison to some other beaches on Koh Tao, Tanote Beach is a little built up with accommodation, restaurants and bars, but this didn’t take away from the beauty, in fact we think it would be a great place to stay if you’re looking for somewhere quiet on the island. 

What To Do At Tanote Bay

Swimming & Snorkelling At Tanote Bay

Tanote Bay might be the best place to go snorkelling in Koh Tao, just 5m offshore you can find the coral reefs - plus the visibility is incredible. Take precautions not to step on the reef and enjoy the diverse marine life around you. 

One of the best places to head is the northern side of the beach around the large rocky boulders where you can see parrot fish, yellow-tailed barracuda and the occasional turtle. 

Looking for a good snorkelling tour in Koh Tao? We recommend: Koh Tao: Islands Snorkelling Highlights Day Tour & Lunch

Sunbathing 

With ample space Tanote Bay is a great place to relax and soak up the sunrays. The beach is lined with trees providing some shade and we managed to get a spot next to one of the large boulders to give us some respite from the heat. 

Cliff Jumping At Tanote Bay

The main reason we wanted to visit Ao Tanote Beach was for the famous protruding boulder about 30 metres out to sea.  

This is a popular cliff jumping spot and even has a metal chain to help you climb to the top. From there launch yourself into the tropical water below, the jump is around 7 metres high and popular with adrenaline seekers. The water is deep below the rock so just make sure there’s no people underneath you before you jump… oh and one more thing - jumping is the only way down! 

Hike To Tanote Peak or West Coast Viewpoint

Tanote Bay is surrounded by some of Koh Tao’s highest peaks and viewpoints. If you arrive before the heat then you could trek to Tanote Peak or West Coast Viewpoint before returning to the beach to cool off in the water. 

Or you could drive 5 minutes back up the hill to Love Koh Tao Viewpoint! 

Scuba Diving At Tanote Bay 

If you’re looking for a scuba diving tour then head to Calypso Diving. They can organise day trips out to explore the underwater world near Tanote bay. We’ve even heard there are two sunken motorbikes hidden somewhere out there.

Tantoe bay is also a popular destination with all dive schools on the island, we stayed at Sairee Cottages and would recommend their diving program. 

Kayaks and SUPs

Along the beachfront you can rent snorkel gear, kayaks and Stand up Paddleboards which will allow you to go and explore the bay further. 

Restaurants At Tanote Beach

There’s not a shortage of places to eat at Tanote Bay; you can find both Western and Thai dishes. We recommend Lai Beach Bar and for local Thai food.

Best Time To Visit Ao Tanote Beach

The best time to visit Tanote Bay is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is sunny and ideal for outdoor activities like snorkelling and swimming. The monsoon season (May to November) can bring heavy rains, which may affect visibility in the water.

As the beach faces east we recommend coming here in the morning then returning to Sairee Beach to watch the sunset. 

Best Tanote Bay Accommodation 

Poseidon Resort 

Located just a short walk from Tanote Bay, Poseidon Resort offers bungalows with panoramic ocean views. Ideal for those looking for a peaceful and budget-friendly stay.

Mountain Reef Beach Resort 

Nestled on a hill overlooking the bay, Mountain Reef Beach Resort is perfect for guests seeking more luxury. With an infinity pool, on-site restaurant, and close proximity to the beach we love the look of Mountain Reef Resort.

Final Thoughts on Tanote Beach

If you’re visiting the island of Koh Tao and enjoy snorkelling or cliff jumping, Tanote Bay is not to be missed. A short ten-minute ride will have you launching yourself into the sea from 7 metres high and exploring the underwater world of Thailand.  

We feel like this is one of the best beaches on Koh Tao and hope you enjoy your visit to the paradise that is Tanote Bay. 

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