Ao Leuk Bay
clear turquoise water, swimming and easy snorkelling from the beach; also a gentle bay used for beginner diving when calm
Quick Summary
- Best for: snorkellers, swimmers, couples, families with supervision, beginner divers and visitors wanting a prettier east/southeast bay
- Not ideal for: nightlife, lots of restaurants, nervous scooter riders, or rough east-coast weather
- Vibe: pretty, chilled, scenic, snorkel-focused and slightly resort-style
- Best time: morning
Access, Roads and Fees
- Getting there: moderately easy by scooter/taxi/boat, but the road has some steep sections
- Scooter access: not ideal for complete beginners; confident riders are usually fine
- Parking: Usually limited scooter parking near access points or nearby businesses; it depends on route and season.
- Fees: usually expect a small cash access or resort fee
Swimming and Snorkelling
- Swimming: yes, good when calm
- Snorkelling: yes, one of Koh Tao's better shore snorkel bays
- Marine life: reef fish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, wrasse, sergeant majors, coral patches and sometimes baby blacktip reef sharks
- Coral: easy to reach from shore along the sides of the bay; mixed health, shallow in places, so do not stand
- Conditions: best when east/southeast side is calm; poor in east swell
Facilities and Who It Suits
- Food and shops: limited beach/resort restaurant facilities, toilets and sunbeds depending on access point
- Facilities: limited beach/resort restaurant facilities, toilets and sunbeds depending on access point
- Child-friendly: yes with supervision
- Bad weather: not ideal if east-coast weather is rough
Safety and Local Tips
- Bring: cash, water, towel, snorkel, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, dry bag and grippy sandals
- Safety: steep road, shallow coral, sea urchins, slippery rocks and boat/snorkel traffic
- Common misunderstanding: people expect guaranteed sharks or free public access; neither is guaranteed
- Local tip: Go in the morning, take cash, ride carefully and check the sea first.
- Visitor note: Ao Leuk can look average on a rough day and perfect on a calm one; judge it by conditions.
Local Advice
Ao Leuk is one of Koh Tao’s best all-round beach bays when conditions are calm. Expect a possible access fee, take care on the steep road, and choose a calmer side of the island if the east coast is rough.
Nearby Places
Tanote Bay, Sai Daeng, Shark Bay, Hin Ngam and south/east coast viewpoints