Shark Bay (Ao Thian Ok)
South-coast bay named for the harmless juvenile blacktip reef sharks in its shallows, and a reliable spot to snorkel with wild green sea turtles over seagrass beds.
- Category
- Wildlife & Elephant Sanctuaries
- Entrance fee
- Beach access generally free; a ~20-50 THB fee may apply via the resort path. Confirm locally.
- Hours
- Daylight hours; best turtle sightings early morning or late afternoon.
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon at higher tide for the best chance of seeing juvenile blacktip reef sharks and green sea turtles; dry season Dec-Apr.
- Time needed
- 1-2 hours snorkeling.
- Difficulty
- Easy short walk; snorkel out over seagrass to spot wildlife.
About Shark Bay (Ao Thian Ok)
Shark Bay gets its name from the harmless juvenile blacktip reef sharks that cruise its shallows, and it's also one of the more reliable places on Koh Tao to snorkel with wild green sea turtles grazing over the seagrass beds. This is real wild wildlife, not a captive attraction, which makes it special.
That said, nothing is guaranteed. Sightings vary with the tide and your luck on the day, so go in with the right mindset. Your best odds are early morning or late afternoon at higher tide.
Because these are wild animals, keep your distance and never touch or feed them. Snorkel out over the seagrass, watch quietly, and you might get a genuinely memorable encounter.
Highlights
- Wild green sea turtles grazing over seagrass beds
- Harmless juvenile blacktip reef sharks in the shallows
- Genuine wild wildlife, not a captive setup
- Easy short walk from the south coast
Tips
- Go at early morning or late afternoon on a higher tide for the best sighting odds
- Keep your distance and never touch or feed the wildlife
- Sightings aren't guaranteed, come with realistic expectations
- A small access fee may apply via the resort path, confirm locally
How to get there
From the south (Chalok Baan Kao): ~5-10 min walk over the headland, or scooter/taxi to the Haad Tien/resort access. ~10 min from Mae Haad by scooter.