Ao Leuk
Deep, sheltered horseshoe bay with a sandy beach and one of the island's most accessible healthy coral reefs a short swim from shore.
- Category
- Diving & Snorkeling
- Entrance fee
- Small access fee has been charged at times (~20-50 THB) via the resort access; as of 2026 confirm locally.
- Hours
- Daylight hours; snorkel-gear rental on the beach.
- Best time
- Morning for calm, clear water; dry season Dec-Apr.
- Time needed
- 2-3 hours.
- Difficulty
- Short steep path down to the sand; otherwise easy.
About Ao Leuk
Ao Leuk is a deep, sheltered horseshoe bay on the southeast coast, with a proper sandy beach and one of the most accessible healthy coral reefs on Koh Tao just a short swim out. If you want easy, close-in snorkeling without much fuss, this is a great choice.
It has a calmer, less-developed feel than Sairee, which is a big part of the appeal. The reef is close enough that even casual snorkelers can enjoy it, and the sandy beach makes for an easy day.
The main thing to plan around is timing. When snorkel tours drop in it gets busy, so go early and you'll have the reef more to yourself.
Highlights
- Healthy coral reef a short swim from shore
- Sandy beach in a deep, sheltered horseshoe bay
- Easy, accessible snorkeling for casual snorkelers
- Calmer and less developed than Sairee
Tips
- Go early to beat the snorkel-tour crowds
- Snorkel gear can be rented on the beach
- There may be a small access fee via the resort, confirm locally
- Morning brings the calmest, clearest water
How to get there
From Sairee/Mae Haad: ~10-15 min by scooter to the southeast coast, or by boat/snorkel tour. Taxi ~150-250 THB.