A quick guide to the best-known cliff jumping beach on Koh Tao, Tanote Bay. Find out how to get here, and what to expect once you arrive!
Tanote Bay on Koh Tao Island is famous for epic snorkeling and cliff jumping. If you’re looking for a spot a little out of the Sairee or Mae Head beat, don’t miss this epic beach.
In this quick guide, I’ll outline everything you need to know about visiting this bay, including how to get there and what to expect once you arrive.
How to get to Tanote Bay
Getting to Tanote bay requires a moped. From Sairee or Mae Head, ride south towards the quieter village of Cha Lok. Keep your eyes peeled - just before you arrive, you will see a sign on the left that says "Tanote Bay".
This is the only road to the Tanote Bay and is the main route for those heading to the Eastern sites of the island. Follow signs and continue riding for approximately 10 minutes while you take in the breathtaking views of Koh Tao from the steep island hills.
If you reach a dead-end, don't worry. This is Tanote Bay resort. You can park your bike here and walk straight down to Tanote Bay Beach.
The Ultimate Koh Tao Travel Resource
Looking for more Koh Tao travel guides and inspiration? Below are my most comprehensive blog posts that will serve as a great free resource for your trip.
Epic Things to do in Tanote Bay Beach
There's a reason why this bay is a
There's also plenty of adventure to be had in Tanote Bay, Koh Tao. It's also ranked as one of the best beaches to visit on Koh Tao.
Snorkeling at Tanote Bay
Make sure to bring your mask and snorkel. Tanote Bay is a great place to check out the famous Koh Tao reef and marine life. While there is decent snorkeling reefs in the entire bay, the best spot for snorkeling is around the main jump rock in the middle of the bay. Trust me, you won't miss it.
Simply swim out and explore the underwater world of Tanote Bay. You will find schooling fish, trigger-fish, anemone fish and the occasional turtle chilling in the bay.
Cliff Jumping in Tanote Bay Koh Tao
Probably the main reason adventure travelers make the trip to Tanote Bay is for the easily accessed cliff jumping rock. The rock is right in the middle of the bay.
You will need to swim approximately 20 meters in relatively shallow water and climb up onto the rock base. From there, you will notice a rope leading up to the top of the rock. This is secured firmly with a chain so it is safe to climb.
The jump itself is roughly 5 meters. Not a massive jump, but perfect for practicing your flips. The crystal clear water is also 10 meters deep so you don't have to stress about hitting anything. Just make sure that you jump on the south side of the rock (left side looking form the beach).
Snorkeling tour: Best-rated Koh Tao snorkeling tour
Freediving at Tanote Bay
Since the water is so clear during the high season, Tanote Bay also makes a great spot to practice freediving. Just past the jump rock, you will notice some boat buoys. These have lines leading to the bottom. There is one line at 10m and one at 15m.
If you're using these lines to practice freediving, make sure to keep an eye out for longtail and dive boats that frequent the bay. It's also super important to always freedive with a buddy.
Where to Stay on Koh Tao – Accommodation Guide
There are several options for travelers wondering where to stay on Koh Tao island. Generally speaking, most people like to stay near Sairee Beach to be close to all the highlights and things to do. However, you can also stay near Mae Head, or a bit further up the mountain from Sairee as well.
To save you time searching the web, I've listed some of the best options for where to stay on Koh Tao below.
- Best Luxury Pick: Jamahkiri Resort & Spa - a really great bang-for-buck luxury resort. Guests will find this one on the beachfront of Shark Bay in a quiet and secluded location away from the hustle and bustle.
- Best self-catering villa: Phandara Pool Villas - a luxury option for those who want their own kitchen & pool.
- Best Backpacker Hostel: Summer Guesthouse - located within walking distance of the dive shops on Sairee beach and of course, the nightly pub crawls– this is the top budget option with a great vibe.
More Koh Tao Travel Guides
I hope that this guide to cliff jumping at Tanote Bay, Koh Tao, has inspired you to explore this epic island. For more guides and travel inspiration, take a pick from the list below.
