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Shark Bay

Beginner 📍 Koh Tao, Thailand
Photo: Unsplash / Jeremy Bishop

Scuba diving – photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

# Shark Bay, Koh Tao

Dive Conditions

⬇️
Depth
12m – 18m
👁️
Visibility
15m
🎯
Level
Beginner

Shark Bay is a premier diving destination located off Koh Tao in Surat Thani, Thailand. Situated in the Gulf of Thailand within the South China Sea, this site offers an accessible diving experience suitable for divers of all levels.

The dive typically reaches depths of 12-18 meters, making it ideal for beginners and recreational divers. Divers descend through clear waters to explore a rocky reef environment characterized by boulder formations and small caves that create an engaging underwater landscape.

Marine life encounters are a highlight, with nurse sharks frequently spotted resting on the sandy bottom—the namesake of the site. The reef hosts diverse species including groupers, snappers, fusiliers, and colorful reef fish. Macro life such as nudibranchs and crustaceans can be found among coral formations.

Visibility typically ranges from 10-20 meters depending on seasonal conditions. The site’s moderate difficulty and abundant wildlife make it one of Koh Tao’s most popular dive sites, perfect for completing certifications or enjoying a relaxed recreational dive in Thailand’s tropical waters.

🐠 Marine Life at This Dive Site

Plakobranchus noctisstellatus — seen at this dive site
Plakobranchus noctisstellatus Plakobranchus noctisstellatus aiaraponce
Saddleback Butterflyfish — seen at this dive site
Saddleback Butterflyfish Chaetodon falcula gabrielbz
Harlequin Sweetlips — seen at this dive site
Harlequin Sweetlips Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides andreiamelo
Round Batfish — seen at this dive site
Round Batfish Platax orbicularis frederikl
Bigfin Reef Squid — seen at this dive site
Bigfin Reef Squid Sepioteuthis lessoniana pookka
Golden Tree Snake — seen at this dive site
Golden Tree Snake Chrysopelea ornata chriswbrown

Species data from iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)

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Max Depth 18 m
Min Depth 12 m
Difficulty Beginner
Visibility 15 m
GPS 10.0621°, 99.8333°