Information
Landmark: Ao TanotCity: Koh Tao
Country: Thailand
Continent: Asia
Ao Tanot, Koh Tao, Thailand, Asia
Overview
Ao Tanot, or Tanote Bay, sits quietly on Koh Tao’s east coast, where glass-clear water laps at the shore and strange, sculpted rocks rise from the sea, making it a favorite spot for snorkeling and diving.Tanote Bay, far from the packed west coast beaches, feels quiet and tucked away, with only the soft shuffle of waves-perfect for travelers eager to leave the crowds behind.Location and Overview: It sits on Koh Tao’s east coast, just a 15–20 minute motorbike ride from Mae Haad Pier, with the sea breeze in your face as you go.You can get there by motorbike, hop in a taxi, hike the trail, or glide in on a small boat.The best time to go is in the morning through early afternoon, when the water lies still and clear-perfect for snorkeling.Admission’s free-just walk in.Why not spend a day at Tanote Bay, where clear turquoise water laps against soft, golden sand?On Koh Tao, one of the top snorkeling spots boasts crystal-clear water, vivid coral in shades of orange and pink, and schools of fish drifting all around you.One-of-a-kind granite boulders, great for snapping photos or leaping into the cool, clear water.Tanote Bay stays calm and quiet, nothing like the busy stretch of Sairee Beach where music and voices spill into the night.It’s one of the rare East Coast beaches you can actually drive to, where the road ends just steps from the sand.Top Activities to Try at Tanote Bay, from snorkeling in clear turquoise water to relaxing on the warm sand.The whole bay is perfect for snorkeling, where bright coral reefs ripple beneath you and schools of tropical fish flash past in the clear water.You might spot parrotfish flashing blue and green, graceful angelfish, darting butterflyfish, sly moray eels, and now and then, a reef shark gliding past.The best snorkeling is around the big rock in the center of the bay, where bright fish dart through the clear water.On the northern side, the coral bursts with color-bright reds and golds swaying in the current.You can rent snorkeling gear right at the beachfront resort, or toss your own mask and fins into your bag before you go.Number two.A massive granite boulder rises from the middle of the bay, its rough surface warm under the sun-perfect for a daring cliff jump.Depending on the tide, the jump can reach about 5 to 8 meters-roughly the height of a two-story building.Always check how deep the water is before you leap-cold spray on your face is fine, but a hard landing isn’t.Three.Scuba diving in Tanote Bay is a fantastic spot, especially if you’re just starting out-it’s calm, clear, and you can see bright schools of fish gliding past your mask.You can explore coral bommies rising like knobby towers, bright sea anemones swaying in the current, and little caves tucked into the reef.Some dive schools on Koh Tao bring their students here, letting them slip into the clear, calm water for training dives.Number four sat there in bold, like a lone black mark on a clean white page.The water lies calm and crystal-clear, perfect for a swim, with sunlight flickering across its surface.The bay’s shallow water makes it perfect for beginners and families, even kids who just splash at the edge.Five.The beach’s soft, golden sand warms under the sun, inviting you to stretch out and relax.A few beachfront resorts and restaurants line the shore, where you can sip a cold drink and watch the waves roll in.The best time to visit is in the morning, between 8 and 11, when the water’s clear and calm-perfect for snorkeling or leaping off the cliffs.Afternoon, from noon to four, is perfect for kicking back and taking a swim in the cool, clear water.Skip a trip between October and December-the rainy season-when the waves crash hard and the wind stings your cheeks.Here’s how to reach Tanote Bay-just follow the winding road past the palm trees until you see the water glinting in the sun.The quickest way to get to Tanote Bay is to hop on a rented motorbike from Mae Haad or Sairee Beach-it’s a breezy 15 to 20 minutes along winding coastal roads.The road climbs steeply but stays paved, making it better suited for riders who know how to handle sharp grades.Number two.By taxi, it’s about a 20‑minute trip, and if you’d rather skip the bike, you can hop into a pickup at Mae Haad or Sairee Beach, where the air smells faintly of salt.It costs about 300 to 500 THB per person, though the exact price shifts with the size of your group.Three.By boat, it’s a quick 10–15 minutes, and you can hop on a longtail from Mae Haad or Sairee Beach, its wooden hull rocking gently at the pier.It’s the best way to hop between the quiet bays that dot the east coast, where the water smells faintly of salt and pine.Where to Stay at Tanote Bay: You’ll find a handful of resorts and bungalows right on the sand, just steps from the water’s edge.Montalay Beach Resort sits right on the sand, with cozy beachfront bungalows, a sparkling pool, and dive courses for when you’re ready to slip beneath the waves.Tanote Villa Hill offers breathtaking sea views, shimmering infinity pools, and secluded villas where you can hear the waves at night.Diamond Beach Bungalows offers simple, budget-friendly huts right on the sand, where you can wake to the sound of gentle waves.You could also base yourself in Sairee Beach or Mae Haad, then head over to Tanote Bay for the day, maybe catching the morning sun glittering on the water.Laem Thian is a quiet bay where you can snorkel among bright coral, with the weathered shell of an old resort standing empty on the shore.Ao Leuk Bay-another great place to snorkel, with water so clear you can see the ripples over the pale, powdery sand.Shark Bay teems with life, from sleek blacktip reef sharks slicing through the water to schools of fish flashing silver in the sun.Ao Tanot, or Tanote Bay, is a quiet jewel on Koh Tao, where clear water laps over bright coral and the hills frame every view, perfect for snorkeling and soaking up the calm.Tanote Bay is perfect for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike-swim among bright coral reefs, leap from sun-warmed cliffs, or stretch out on the soft sand with the sound of waves in your ears.
