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SHARK BAY (THIAN OG BAY)
It’s all in the name, Shark Bay is THE place on Koh Tao where you can see sharks with a bit of luck and effort! If this sounds too exciting it’s good to know that you can’t expect to meet a shark(s) right at the first step into the sea. If you want to see the blacktip reef shark you will often have to swim quite far at first. Where the sea gets 3 to 4 meters deep you have the best chance. But you will still need a bit of luck. In other words, you are (absolutely) not looking for sharks and you see them anyway? Then you just have a lot of (un)luck! By the way, Shark Bay could just as well have been called Turtle Bay, because the sea turtle swims around here as well.
DID YOU KNOW?
Most blacktip reef sharks end up no longer than 1.6 meters, the maximum length is almost 2 meters but this is not very common.
Image: ThailandMagazine.com
Relaxed atmosphere and luxury resorts
The beautiful beach of Shark Bay has a relaxed atmosphere and is quite long. Officially Shark Bay is actually called Thian Og Bay because there are quite a few Thian trees on the beach. These trees provide some nice shady spots on the beach. in the middle of the bay is the luxurious Haadtien Beach Resort, the resort has a tightly landscaped pool that is visible from the beach. At this pool is a bar where you are also welcome as a guest for a snack and drink. Take a good look at the prices because they are … quite luxurious. On the other hand it is probably thanks to this beautiful resort that the beach is so clean and tidy. On the left side of the bay is the Rocky Resort restaurant where food and drinks are cheaper.
Image: ThailandMagazine.com
Spending the night at Shark Bay
Shark Bay is one of Koh Tao’s superb beaches, who doesn’t want to sleep here? There are two luxury resorts and one cheaper option on this beach. Something for everyone! When the day guests are gone it is super chill on this beach. The evening entertainment consists of listening to the waves, a snack and a drink and maybe a walk on the beach. Don’t make it too late because in the early morning you have more chance to see sharks! Keep in mind that this beach does not have a supermarket or something like that, buy your favorite products in advance (cheaper).
Image: Booking.com
Rocky Resort
Simple budget bungalows located on a great location, most bungalows have a balcony overlooking the sea and Shark bay! There are various types of bungalows and some actually have a rock in the room! The Rocky Restaurant has the cheapest prices for food and drinks in the bay.
Image: Booking.com
Beach Club By Haadtien
This resort has lovely luxury rooms with all modern conveniences. All rooms have a balcony with lounge sofa. The resort has a beautiful swimming pool and terrace with beautiful lounge areas on the beach. Haadtien Beach club is one of those places where you never want to leave! If you still want to or must leave, the resort has a shuttle service…
Image: Booking.com
Haadtien Beach Resort
Because it can always be more luxurious! This resort has beautiful villas spread over the garden in the middle of the bay. So you can hide here in the luxurious Hideaway Villa or just run to the Villa Getaway. A few ultra luxurious villas even have their own pool. The resort also has a nice swimming pool with a bar near the beach.
Image: Booking.com
Access Shark Bay
If you go to the beach via the Haadtien Beach Resort you have to pay 100 baht to be allowed on the beach. You can also take the stairs of the Rocky Resort Restaurant where no entrance is required. The Rocky Resort is located on the far left side of Shark Bay. The stairs end at high tide in the sea, keep in mind that you might have to walk through the water first to get to the beach.
How to get to Shark Bay
Shark Bay is a popular dive and snorkel spot, almost every tour brings a visit to this bay. The advantage is that the boat stops where you are most likely to see sharks and turtles.
Taxi indication: From Sairee Beach to Shark Bay costs 150 baht per person, one way, with a minimum of 4 persons.
Scooter: Almost the whole road consists of concrete slabs, the last part consists of steep sections.
Image: ThailandMagazine.com
TIP!
Are you a real snorkel or dive fan? Then you should definitely go and see these places: Hin Wong Bay, Tanote Bay, Aow Leuk and the island Koh Nang Yuan.
Video: Top Salop Salai (YouTube)
