Ao Tanote (Tanote Bay)
Scenic east-coast bay with the best shore snorkeling on the island and a large offshore jump rock you can climb and leap from.
- Category
- Beaches
- Entrance fee
- Free (public beach); snorkel gear rental extra.
- Hours
- Open 24 hours; daytime for snorkeling and the jump rock.
- Best time
- Morning for calm, clear water; dry season Dec-Apr. Sheltered on the east coast so often swimmable when the west is choppy.
- Time needed
- Half day (2-4 hours).
- Difficulty
- The access road is steep in parts; caution on a scooter if inexperienced.
About Ao Tanote (Tanote Bay)
Tanote is one of Koh Tao's best beaches, full stop. The snorkeling straight off the sand is genuinely excellent, and the big offshore jump rock you can climb and leap from is a real highlight that people talk about long after they leave. Being on the sheltered east coast, it's often swimmable even when the west side is choppy.
The catch is getting there. The road in crosses the island's hilly interior with some steep sections, and it's a common cause of scooter accidents. If you're not a confident rider, take a taxi or come by boat instead, it's not worth the risk.
Give it a proper half day. Snorkel in the calm morning water, work up the nerve for the jump rock, and enjoy one of the prettier bays on the island.
Highlights
- Some of the best shore snorkeling on Koh Tao
- Large offshore jump rock to climb and leap from
- Sheltered east-coast bay, often calm when the west is rough
- Scenic setting away from the main hub
Tips
- If you're not a confident scooter rider, take a taxi, the road is steep and crash-prone
- Snorkel in the morning for the calmest, clearest water
- Snorkel gear rental is available on the beach for an extra cost
- Also reachable by longtail or snorkel tour if you'd rather skip the road
How to get there
From Sairee/Mae Haad: ~15-20 min by scooter over the island's hilly interior road (some steep sections), or taxi ~200-300 THB each way; also reachable by longtail/snorkel tour.