A. Sairee Beach This is the beach nearest to Anankhira. Facing almost due west it is the best place on the island for watching stunning sunsets. Head here for if you're looking for fun and entertainment.
B. Nang Yuan The famous hour-glass island with the ‘Japanese Gardens’ coral only 400 metres off Koh Tao. It requires a short boat trip and can get very busy. The dive site is known as Japanese Gardens, the coral is a wonderment of colours and shapes. Snorkelling is fantastic.
C. Mango Bay After Sairee Mango Bay is our favourite but it is only accessible by taxi boat. Sandy shallow areas, beautiful shallow coral, deeper rock dives along the shoreline. Fortunately the bay is large enough to cope with the many boats that moor up there.
D. Hin Wong Bay One of the more remote bays on Koh Tao. Clear warm water, seclusion and dramatic scenery provides for an outstanding experience. This part of the island shelves rapidly so is a good site for confident and capable swimmers to snorkel.
E. Liam Thain A very small bay or cape offers great snorkelling and scuba diving. Snorkelling around the rocks can be rewarding and equipment can be rented here, together with kayaks.
F. Tanote Bay Access can be difficult but you will see an abundance of barred rabbit fish, sergeant fish and tripletail wrasse - definitely recommended for snorkeling. Rocks divide the beach which is a coarse type of sand so wear flip flops!
G. Ao Leuk Fins, masks, snorkels and kayaks are available for hire here. The snorkelling is wonderful.Look especially for turtles you might also catch a glimpse of Blue Ringed Angel Fish and the stunning lined butterfly fish.
H. Sai Daeng Practically only reachable by boat. There is torturous track that is reserved for locals. This is the beach for those wishing to get away from it all!!
I. Thian Og Bay Locally known as shark bay lovely but tricky to get to and involves a motorbike ride and a short taxi boat. This is the place for snorkelling with sharks. Are they big? Up to 2 metres. Are they dangerous? Not under normal circumstances but do take care.
J. Freedom Beach This beach is fairly small with an even smaller beach tucked just a 50 metre paddle southwest. It's rare to find more than a dozen people on this beach. Interesting snorkelling. Look out for bluespotted stingray sleeping under the rocks.
K. Chalok Baan Kao Located on the southern most tip of Koh Tao Chalok is the second largest beach after Sairee. It has lots of beachside bars - interesting at night but not that great a beach. However, it is very shallow and therefore good for families with children.
L. June Juea Beach A small quiet beach located on the southwest of the island where you'll find that you are probably the only visitor. If you want a day out away from it all this is the place for you.
M. Sai Nuan Beach This series of very attractive turquoise bays and palm-fringed beaches can be reached on foot from either Mae Haed or Chalok Baan Kao. These bays are tranquil but not easily accessible.
N. Jansom Bay A small protected bay good for kids because there is no current and the water is quite shallow and clear. There is a wealth of marine life including many colourful coral fish. It's a privately owned beach so you have to pay a small entrance charge.
O. Mae Haad Beach The piers are located here and this is where you will land when you arrive on Koh Tao. Lots of shops, travel agents, dive shops, bars, banks, email services, bike rental shops and restaurants. The beach is shallow and therefore ideal for kids.