Best Secret Freediving Location on Koh Tao, Thailand

Best Secret Freediving Location on Koh Tao, Thailand

A quick guide to finding one of my favorite freediving spots on Koh Tao Island.

Sairee fed up and looking for a place to freedive on Koh Tao? There are many spots to choose from. However, if you are a beginner to freediving, speak to one of the many schools operating out of Sairee Beach. They will lend you equipment and teach you the basics of freediving.

For those of you who have done a little freediving before and want to practice your apnea skills, you should check out this secret local spot. It's a little off the beaten track, but you'll be rewarded with a secluded bay with rope buoys and some of the clearest waters on Koh Tao.

Although I don't consider myself a freediver in any way, I enjoy the thrill and challenge that the sport offers. I always practice with a friend. This secret freediving spot on Koh Tao was shown to me by a friend.

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Where to find the secret freediving spot on Koh Tao

To get to this epic freediving spot, you need to ride a moped to a resort called Moonlight Magic View Bungalow. You can reach this resort towards Cha Lok and turn left towards Tanote Bay. Follow the instructions below until you reach the resort.

Descent to the freediving site

Once you reach the resort you will be greeted with some epic views of the east coast of Koh Tao island. Make your way into the grounds until you see a makeshift bamboo path leading to the water. Follow this path down until you reach the rocks.

The last part is seemingly impossible to get down. However, once you reach the large rock, turn around and you will see a bamboo staircase leading into the cracks in the rock. Push through and go down to the water. Congratulations, you have reached the best place for freediving on Koh Tao.

I told you this was secret.

The best place for freediving on Koh Tao

Although there are many places for snorkeling and freediving on Koh Tao, this is one of the best for advanced freedivers. A 20 meter swim from the rocks leads to water that is 30 meters deep. There are several boat buoys with ropes attached to the seabed. The first is 15M, the second is 20M and the third is 30M.

The bay is also fairly sheltered from westerly winds. This makes it a quiet place with generally good visibility. You can also swim north along the coast where you will reach some submerged rocks with large groupers, schools of fish and barracuda.

Some precautions

Freediving is a sport that requires caution and vigilance. If you are a beginner, I would highly recommend you contact one of the many schools in Koh Tao. It is one of the cheapest places in the world to learn freediving.

Although I am not required to practice, I completed my PADI Advanced Open Water Freediving course in Koh Tao. I was able to do this for free with one of my teacher friends on the island. This taught me the basics of safety, including the risk of a power outage in shallow water and how to spot your mate.
alt=“a remora floating on my fins at one of the freediving sites on Koh Tao”>

Always freedive with a buddy

This secret freediving spot on Koh Tao is quite remote. During the many times I've been here to practice, I've never seen anyone other than a few Thai longtail boats. Make sure you only freedive with a buddy. There have been several people who have died on Koh Tao due to power outages in the shallow waters.

Watch out for long tail boats

These waters surrounding this freediving location are frequented by fishermen and dive boats. Be sure to watch out for boats passing by. Most of these Thai boat captains will sail right over you. It is your responsibility to get out of the way.

Underwater life at the Secret Freediving Spot

The great thing about freediving on Koh Tao is that there is a lot to see. You will see huge barracudas, schools of fish, groupers and anemone fish. It's also a good idea to keep an eye out for passing turtles. Although I didn't see any turtles while free diving at this location, I'm sure many swim by from time to time.

Check Out: Top-Rated Snorkeling Tour on Koh Tao

Cleaning up Koh Tao

Whenever you go on an adventure or go into the ocean, make sure you never leave trash behind. If you're interested in joining a cleanup movement and making a difference, why not Take 3 for the Sea? Simply pick up and dispose of any plastic, nets or litter you see in or around the water.

This not only keeps Koh Tao looking clean, but also protects the local marine population and the reef.

Say Thanks – Grab a beer at Moonlight

After a long afternoon of freediving, be sure to thank the guys at Moonlight Resort for letting you use their stairs down to the beach. They are nice people and don't charge any money to gain access to this epic freediving location on Koh Tao. However, they appreciate you buying a beer or water from them to say thank you.

Where to Stay on Koh Tao – Accommodation Guide

There are several options for travelers who want to stay on the island of Koh Tao. To save you time, I've listed some of the best options below.

HOSTEL RIGHT NEXT TO MAE HEAD PIER FOR $6/NIGHT - BLACK WOOD HOSTELBlack Wood Hostel is one of the top rated hostels on Koh Tao and is just a 5 minute walk from Mae Head Pier. This is the perfect place to stay if you're arriving on a later boat or looking for a central hostel close to the pier.

BEST HOSTEL FOR BACKPACKERS IN SAIREE FOR UNDER $10/NIGHT – BP HOSTELBP Hostel offers shared accommodation options, all of which include air conditioning for the hotter nights on Koh Tao. It is also in the heart of Sairee and close to the beach, Smile Mart and the Koh Tao pub crawl.

TOP GUESTHOUSE ON KOH TAO – NIRVANA GUESTHOUSEThis guesthouse has the best reviews on Koh Tao. It is also very close to Mae Head Pier and several world-class diving schools. It is also another budget-friendly option for couples or solo backpackers.

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MORE KOH TAO BLOGS

I hope you enjoyed this epic freediving spot on Koh Tao! If you made the trip to check it out, let me know by leaving a comment below!

For more Koh Tao travel guides and blogs, check out the list below.

Or check out this list of the best things to do on Koh Tao or the list of the 8 best beaches on Koh Tao!

The best beaches on Koh Tao

Where to swim with blacktip reef sharks in Koh TaoHow to get to Abandoned Resort on Koh Tao

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Best viewpoint: John Suwan Viewpoint on Koh Tao

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