Dive site · access from Koh Tao
Shark Bay (Aow Thian Og)
A shallow sandy bay on the island's south, the most reliable place to see blacktip reef sharks and turtles — the sharks are shy and often easier to spot while snorkelling than on scuba.
- Depth
- 2–12m
- Current
- Mild
- Minimum level
- Open water
- Access
- Boat
Loading dive-site map…
The case for it
Why dive here
- Resident blacktip reef sharks
- Green and hawksbill turtles
- Shallow, sandy bay good for snorkelers too
Check before booking
What may rule it out
- Conditions can change. Confirm depth, current and access with a local operator.
Access and timing
Plan this through Koh Tao
Best overall months: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. Check the destination planner for operating season, wildlife and other matching sites.
Wildlife
Seen around Koh Tao
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak seasondestination closed
These are destination-level records, not confirmed sightings at Shark Bay (Aow Thian Og).
Whale shark
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Bigeye trevally
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Hawksbill turtle
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Bluespotted ribbontail ray
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Great barracuda
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Nearby alternatives
Compare another site
Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.
View 1 source and checking notes
- Shark Bay: Where to Spot Black Tip Reef Sharks on Koh Tao, We Seek Travel
Note on the data: Coordinates are approximate; not surveyed dive-site GPS.