Ao Tanot - Koh Tao

Ao Tanot on Koh Tao is one of those sites we always recommend, especially if you’re looking to escape the busier spots. It’s not about huge pelagics here, but rather a proper exploration of the smaller stuff that makes the Gulf so fascinating. We love meandering through the boulders and seeing what pops out. We usually kick over to the south side first, where a jumble of granite forms cool swim-throughs and overhangs. Keep an eye out for blennies peeking from crevices, their little heads swiveling as you pass. On the sand patches, we’ve often spotted grey sweetlips hovering, and the staghorn corals here are impressively dense, almost like an underwater forest. Look closely among the branches for Miry’s demoiselles darting in and out, their electric blue flashing. This is a site for the patient diver, someone who enjoys slowing down and spotting the small pearl-spotted wrasse or a well-camouflaged rock cod. It’s perfect for a second dive of the day, when the light is softer and the crowds have usually dispersed from other spots.

Location
Koh Tao, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
10.083365, 99.849815

Marine Protected Area: Suratthani Environmental Protected Area

Best Time to Dive in Koh Tao

The warmest water temperatures in Koh Tao occur in May, averaging 30.6°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 28.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.3°C
  • February: 28.6°C
  • March: 29.3°C
  • April: 30.2°C
  • May: 30.6°C
  • June: 30.2°C
  • July: 30.0°C
  • August: 29.7°C
  • September: 29.4°C
  • October: 29.2°C
  • November: 29.3°C
  • December: 28.6°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Koh Tao

Nearest Dive Centres to Ao Tanot

Marine Life in Koh Tao

Home to 56 recorded species including 35 reef fish, 11 sharks & rays, 4 other, 2 hard corals, 1 clams & mussels, 1 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Ao Tanot

Based on average water temperature of 29.5°C, currents 14 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories