Tanote Bay – Cliff Jumping Beach on Koh Tao

Tanote Bay – Cliff Jumping Beach on Koh Tao

A quick guide to the most famous cliff jumping beach on Koh Tao – Tanote Bay. Find out how to get here and what to expect when you arrive!

Tanote Bay, Koh Tao. Famous for epic snorkeling and cliff jumping. If you're looking for a place just outside the Sairee or Mae Head beat, don't miss this epic beach.
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How to get to Tanote Bay Koh Tao

To get to Tanote Bay, a moped is required. From Sairee or Mae Head, head south towards the quieter village of Cha Lok. Keep your eyes peeled – just before you arrive you will see a sign on your left that says “Tanote Bay”.

This is the only road to Tanote Bay and the main route for those heading to the eastern locations of the island. Follow the signs and continue for about 10 minutes while taking in the stunning views of Koh Tao from the steep island hills.

Don't worry if you reach a dead end. This is Tanote Bay Resort. You can park your bike here and walk straight to Tanote Bay beach.

FIND ALL BUDGET TRANSPORT TO KOH TAO

Epic things to do in Tanote Bay Koh Tao

There's a reason this bay is popular with locals and visitors alike. Crystal clear water, white sand and a spectacular jungle backdrop. There are also plenty of adventures to experience in Tanote Bay on Koh Tao. It is also considered one of the best beaches on Koh Tao.

Full blog post: The best beaches on Koh Tao

Snorkeling in the bay

Be sure to bring your mask and snorkel. Tanote Bay is a great place to explore Koh Tao's famous reef and marine life. While there are decent reefs for snorkeling throughout the bay, the best place to snorkel is around the main jumping rock in the middle of the bay. Trust me, you won't miss it.

Just swim out and explore the underwater world of Tanote Bay. You'll find schools of fish, triggerfish, anemonefish and the occasional turtle chilling in the bay.

Cliff diving in Tanote Bay Koh Tao

Probably the main reason adventure travelers travel to Tanote Bay is the easily accessible cliff jumping rock. The rock is in the middle of the bay.

You have to swim about 20 meters in relatively shallow water and climb onto the rock base. From there you will notice a rope leading to the top of the rock. This is firmly secured with a chain so that it can be climbed safely.

The jump itself is approximately 5 meters high. Not a massive jump, but perfect for practicing your flips. The crystal clear water is also 10 meters deep, so you don't have to worry about hitting anything. Just make sure you jump to the south side of the rock (left side facing the beach).

Snorkeling Tour: Top Rated Koh Tao Snorkeling Tour

Freediving in Tanote Bay

Because the water is so clear in high season, Tanote Bay is also a great place to practice freediving. Just past the jumping rock you will notice some boat buoys. These have lines leading downwards. There is a line at 10m and one at 15m.

If you use these lines to practice freediving, be sure to keep an eye out for longtails and submersibles, which are common in the bay. It's also super important to always dive with a buddy.

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.

GUEST HOUSE RIGHT ON CLIFF JUMPING BEACH TANOTE BAY – DIAMOND BEACH BUNGALOWSIf you want to stay right next to the cliff jumping spot on Koh Tao, then it is also possible to stay in Tanote Bay. Located right on the beach, Diamond Guest House offers rooms for $20 per night.

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.

FIND ALL THE BEST ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS IN KOH TAO

More Koh Tao travel guides

I hope this guide to cliff jumping in Tanote Bay, Koh Tao has inspired you to explore this epic island. For more travel guides and travel inspiration, check out the list below. Otherwise, check out my article about the best things to do on Koh Tao.

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

Best secret spot for freediving on Koh Tao

Best viewpoint: John Suwan Viewpoint

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