Koh Tao Guide: Diving, Beaches and Getting There
Koh Tao is a small island 40 km north of Koh Phangan. It's one of the best places in the world to learn to dive, and it's 1 hour by ferry from the Full Moon Party. Most travellers use it as a stop between the mainland and Koh Phangan.
How to get to Koh Tao
Koh Tao has no airport. All transport is by ferry:
- From Koh Phangan: 1 hour
- From Koh Samui: 1.5 hours
- From Chumphon (mainland): 1.5 hours
- From Surat Thani (mainland): 4.25 hours
- From Bangkok via Chumphon: around 12 hours (bus + ferry)
Getting around
The island is 21 sq km. You can walk most of it. Scooter rental costs around 150–200 THB (~4–6 USD) per day. Roads are mostly concrete but some tracks are steep and narrow. Taxis are available but expensive.
Diving
Koh Tao is a diver's island. Over 100 dive schools operate here, and the water is warm (27–30°C) with good visibility for most of the year. Both PADI and SSI certifications are available.
Prices:
- Open Water course: 9,000–11,000 THB (~260–320 USD), 3–4 days
- Advanced Open Water: 9,000–10,000 THB (~260–290 USD), 2–3 days
- Try Scuba intro dive: 2,500–3,000 THB (~70–90 USD), 1 day
Best months: March to September. October and November have lower visibility due to the monsoon.
Best dive sites
Chumphon Pinnacles: The most famous site. Underwater boulders 11 km northwest of the island. Down to 40 metres. Barracuda, trevally, and occasional whale sharks. Intermediate to advanced.
Sail Rock: A large pinnacle between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. The best place on the island to see whale sharks. 2-hour boat ride. Guided tours only. Intermediate to advanced.
Southwest Pinnacles: Quieter than Chumphon. 7 granite pinnacles with barracuda, stingrays, and sea anemones. Intermediate to advanced.
Shark Island: Good for beginners. Soft coral reefs on the southeast side. Parrotfish and occasional turtles. Beginner to advanced.
White Rock: Off Koh Nang Yuan, northwest of the island. Colourful reefs, moray eels, hawksbill turtles. Popular for night dives. Beginner to advanced.
HTMS Sattakut: A decommissioned warship on the west side of Sairee Beach. 30 metres deep. Stingrays and barracuda. Advanced divers only.
Other activities
Snorkeling: Shark Bay on the southeast tip is walkable from the road. Good for reef fish without a boat. Koh Nang Yuan (a tiny island off the northwest tip) is another good spot.
Rock climbing: Over 200 bouldering problems and 80 sport climbing routes around the island, plus an indoor bouldering gym near Sairee Beach.
Hiking: The trail to John Suwan viewpoint takes about 30 minutes. Good panoramic views over the island.
Food and night market: A small night market sits near the 7-Eleven on the main road between Mae Haad and Sairee Beach. Cooking classes are available near Sairee Beach.
Beaches
Sairee Beach: The main beach and social hub. Longest on the island, with dive schools, restaurants, and bars along the road.
Mae Haad: The main pier area. Most budget accommodation is here. Good starting point on arrival.
Shark Bay: Small, quiet beach on the southeast. Best for snorkeling from shore.
Getting to the Full Moon Party from Koh Tao
Multiple ferries run daily from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan. The trip takes about 1 hour. Book in advance around full moon dates as boats fill up quickly.
See our Full Moon Party travel guide for ferry times, operators, and booking links.