Information
Landmark: Tanote BayCity: Koh Tao
Country: Thailand
Continent: Asia
Tanote Bay, Koh Tao, Thailand, Asia
Overview
Tanote Bay, tucked away on Koh Tao’s eastern shore, offers glassy turquoise water for snorkeling and a rocky ledge where you can leap straight into the sea.On the island’s east coast, it sits cradled by emerald hills and massive granite boulders, a quiet hideaway far from the crowds at Sairee Beach.Location and Overview: It’s on Koh Tao’s east coast, just a 15‑minute ride from Mae Haad Pier, where the air smells faintly of salt.You can get there by motorbike, catch a taxi, or hike in on foot, hearing the crunch of gravel under your boots.The road climbs sharply, yet smooth asphalt carries you all the way up.The best time to go is from morning until early afternoon, when the water’s calm and clear for snorkeling.Entrance is free, but a few resorts might ask for a small fee-just enough to cover a towel and a spot by the sand.So, why head to Tanote Bay, where clear water laps at the sand and the air smells faintly of salt?Clean, quiet, and free of crowds-you’ll see far fewer people here than on most beaches.You can slip into the water right from the sand and find coral reefs alive with flashing tropical fish, gliding rays, and the sudden shadow of a reef shark.Known for cliff jumping, a ten‑meter rock rises from the bay’s center, offering a heart‑pounding leap into the cool, salt‑sprayed water.Soft, warm sand underfoot and water so clear you can see the ripples-perfect for lounging or taking a swim.Top activities to try at Tanote Bay, starting with the first.The bay offers some of Koh Tao’s best snorkeling, with bright coral reefs just a few fin kicks from the shore.You might see parrotfish darting past, angelfish gliding like painted fans, butterflyfish flashing yellow, moray eels peering from crevices, and, if you’re lucky, a blacktip reef shark slicing through the water.The best snorkeling is along the bay’s rocky edges, where bright fish dart between swaying strands of seaweed.Water swirled around the massive rock that jutted up in the center of the bay.Bring your own snorkeling gear, or pick up a rental from one of the nearby resorts, where the fins might still smell faintly of saltwater.Mix short and medium-length sentences to keep the rhythm varied.Cliff Jumping: In the middle of the bay, a massive granite rock rises about ten meters, its rough surface warm under the sun.A rope hangs there to help you climb, its rough fibers scratching against your palms as you pull.Wait for high tide, then check how deep the water is before you leap.Three.The water is deep and still, perfect for swimming on a quiet afternoon.The central swimming area’s clear of sharp rocks, so you can wade in without worrying about cutting your feet.Number four.Some resorts rent out kayaks and paddleboards, letting you glide across the bay’s calm, glassy water.The best time to kayak is early morning or late afternoon, when the water lies still and glassy.Number five sat scrawled in dark blue ink at the corner of the page.Stretch out on the soft, golden sand or sink into the cool shade beneath tall palms-it’s an ideal place to unwind.This beach feels quieter than Sairee Beach, with only a few footprints scattered in the sand and a calm, unhurried air.The best time to go is in the morning, between 8 and 11, when the water lies calm and glassy-perfect for snorkeling.From 3 to 5 in the afternoon, it’s perfect for unwinding-take a swim, then watch the sun dip behind the hills in a warm orange glow.Skip it during the blustery winds of November and December, when the east coast’s waves crash hard against the shore.Looking for a place near Tanote Bay?The luxury Jamahkiri Resort & Spa sits high on the cliffs, with sweeping ocean views and a quiet stretch of private beach.Mid-Range Tanote Villa Hill offers sweeping ocean views, a glittering infinity pool, and a path that leads straight to the sand.Budget Montalay Beach Resort offers simple bungalows just steps from the sand, a great pick for travelers watching their wallet.You can reach Tanote Bay by motorbike or taxi in about 15 minutes from Mae Haad Pier, just long enough to feel the warm sea breeze on your face.The road climbs sharply, though smooth asphalt runs all the way up.On foot, if you’re up for a hike, you can follow jungle trails from Mae Haad or Laem Thian, winding past thick palms until they open onto the bay.Hop on a taxi boat by hiring a longtail from Mae Haad or Sairee Beach, and enjoy the spray of saltwater as you glide along the coast.Laem Thian Beach sits close by-a quiet hideaway where you can snorkel over bright coral and maybe spot a sleek reef shark gliding past.Hin Wong Bay is a great spot for snorkeling, with coral reefs so bright they almost glow beneath the water.Love Koh Tao Viewpoint is just a short drive away, where you can take in sweeping views of Tanote Bay and the glitter of sunlight on the water.Final thoughts: Tanote Bay on Koh Tao feels like a tucked-away slice of paradise, where you can dive into clear blue water, lounge in the sun, and take in the island’s wild beauty.You can snorkel over coral gardens, leap from the cliffs, paddle a kayak, or simply stretch out on a quiet strip of sand-Tanote Bay is a perfect getaway from the crowds and a gem of Koh Tao’s striking east coast.
