The hostel where I’m staying in is a 10 min walk to Chalok Baan Kao Bay, the closest Koh Tao beach for me. This was the 1st place I have visited on the island on the day of my arrival. The whole island is very steeped so to reach the hostel I went on one of the many pick up trucks that are around the island. During my stay on the island, I have explored some Koh Tao beaches. Each one is a corner of paradise with crystal clear water and a view to die for.
Koh Tao is an island where many people go to take the diving course. Comparing to other places in the country and also outside it, the price of a diving course is cheaper in Koh Tao, so you will find many travelers that are on the island with that purpose. In fact, Koh Tao is one of the best islands in Thailand to snorkel. Snorkeling: a brand new English word to me as I have never done it before anywhere else. I have learned other English words on this trip like Hitchhiking haha. Only fun words.
I stayed on the island for 4 nights, so I have plenty of time to explore but it wasn’t enough because of some mishaps that happened. Anyway, I have explored a few wonderful Koh Tao beaches:
Chalok Baan Kao Bay
This is a relatively wide beach with some swings on the trees and a wonderful view of the surrounding area and some of the resorts in the area. When I visited the water was very low and you could walk and walk for a while without losing your feet from the ground. There wasn’t a lot of people there.
Freedom Beach
This was my favorite beach because it is a wonderful spot to snorkel. This place was the best I found to snorkel on the island. The corals are really close to the beach so you don’t need to swing away to see the fishes and all the sea life busting. This is where I first snorkeled in my life and doing it was one of my favorite things about the trip. I found out that I love to snorkel. I saw so many beautiful and colorful fishes. I even saw an octopus. So exciting… There isn’t a big space on the sand so it looks overcrowded, but this beach is wonderful, that is not a problem!
On the rock beach or Shark Bay
This one is a very step way down and it’s the smallest beach I have visited. It doesn’t have much space so I didn’t appreciate it so much. The sea here is not so calm as on the other ones and it’s called the rock beach because you are surrounded by them. It is also known as Shark Bay as snorkelers can watch some sharks and also sea turtles there. I haven’t done that.
Sairee Beach
This is the widest beach on the island. There is plenty of space so it’s not overcrowded. However, I didn’t found the view so awesome as the view from the other Koh Tao beaches. It’s a good spot to spend the whole day having sun baths. This wasn’t such a good spot for snorkeling. This is the closest beach to the most touristic spots of the island with bars and nightlife.
Mango Bay
I saw this place for like 1 minute and it was to look for someone to ask for help. I pity that but unfortunately, I had an injured friend waiting for me. Getting here wasn’t a fun experience, but you can read all that happened here.
If you are a snorkeling lover, I truly advise a tour to Koh Tao beaches.
