15 Things to Do in Koh Tao
Koh Tao is small enough to cross on a scooter in twenty minutes and deep enough to keep you busy for weeks. Here's the honest list — written by a team that lives here, feeds the divers, and watches the sunset from work.
In the water
1. Learn to scuba dive
Koh Tao is one of the cheapest and friendliest places on Earth to get certified, and the island runs on it — dozens of schools, calm bays, and dive sites 10–20 minutes out. Book a school a day or two ahead in high season, and expect about 3–4 days for an Open Water course.
2. Dive Chumphon Pinnacle & Sail Rock
Already certified? The granite pinnacles northwest of the island pull in barracuda, batfish, giant grouper and — if luck is on your side — whale sharks, most often around March–May and September–October.
3. Snorkel the east-coast bays
Aow Leuk and Tanote Bay have easy entries and busy reefs; Hin Wong Bay is quieter and rockier. Rent a mask for the day, go early before the boat tours arrive, and never stand on the coral.
4. Look for blacktip reef sharks at Shark Bay
Harmless, beautiful, and often cruising the shallows in the morning. Keep a respectful distance and let them do their thing.
5. Take the round-island boat trip
The classic longtail or speedboat day trip loops the island's snorkel spots and stops at Koh Nang Yuan. It's touristy — and still absolutely worth doing once.
6. Try freediving
Koh Tao has quietly become one of the world's freediving capitals. A two-day beginner course will take most people comfortably past 10 metres on a single breath.
On land
7. Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint
The three-island sandbar photo you've seen everywhere. Go at opening time to beat the crowds, bring water shoes, and note the small entrance fee to the island.
8. Hike to John-Suwan Viewpoint
A short, sweaty scramble at the south end near Freedom Beach with the island's best panorama — Chalok Baan Kao and Shark Bay spread out on both sides. Morning light is best.
9. Sunset on Sairee Beach
The west-facing strip means the whole island gathers here around 6pm — beach bars, fire shows, and a sky that turns Picatso-red. Our favourite free show on the island.
10. Explore Mae Haad and the piers
The island's little capital: morning markets, coffee shops, and longtails coming and going. Good for a slow wander while you wait for a ferry.
11. Rent a scooter — carefully
The island's hills are steep and some dirt roads are rough. Wear the helmet, skip the rain rides, photograph the bike before renting, and you'll be fine.
12. Try Muay Thai
Island gyms run drop-in classes for all levels — a brutal, brilliant way to earn your pizza.
Slow island days
13. Beach-hop the south: Freedom Beach & Chalok
Quieter sand, shallow turquoise water, and cliff-jumping spots for the brave.
14. Café mornings and hammock afternoons
Koh Tao does slow living well — grab an iced coffee, find shade, watch longtails. You're on island time now.
15. End the day with wood-fired pizza 🍕
Full disclosure: this one is ours. After a day underwater or up a viewpoint, come to Picatso Pizza in the Sairee area — wood-fired pies, homemade pasta, cold wine, and a mustachioed cat watching over the oven. See the menu or order free delivery via WhatsApp.