Freediving
Upgrade your snorkel skills by going freediving on Koh Tao. Holding your breath, swim like a fish, and take in the wonders of our underwater world.
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For such a small island, our ecosystem is way more diverse than most people think. Whether you’re underwater on a dive trip, checking out the beaches or viewpoints, or exploring jungle hiking trails, you will always be surrounded by nature on Koh Tao.
Did you know that coral reefs account for only 0.5% of the sea bed, but is where 25% of all underwater life is found?
With coral reefs surrounding the island on all sides, the marine environment on Koh Tao is truly spectacular. So if you take a snorkel trip or dive course on Koh Tao, you’re bound to be amazed by the clear waters, colorful reefs, and abundance of colorful marine life.
The marine environment on Koh Tao is truly spectacular.
On the shallower reefs and dive sites you’ll see vibrant tropical species like Angel Fish, Butterfly Fish, Parrot Fish, and Rabbit Fish. In rocky areas and hiding between cracks and crevices you’ll find a multitude of crustaceans like crabs and shrimp. At deeper sites you can spot schools of pelagic fish like Snapper, Barracuda, and possibly even some sharks. And you should always be on the lookout for turtles! Here on Koh Tao, we see both Green Turtle and Hawksbill Turtle species regularly.
Though it may be difficult to appreciate if you’re based in one of Koh Tao’s main villages, most of the island is covered in lush, green vegetation. Within this thriving jungle interior, you’ll find all manner of reptiles and land mammals.
No matter what the weather, nature is all around us. Much of our wildlife is incredibly well camouflaged and often quite shy! So and you’ll need to be quiet, patient, and have a good eye for movement to spot some of our lesser spotted inhabitants. There’s no need to be scared though, as we have virtually no dangerous wildlife on Koh Tao. Be on the lookout for:
We bet you didn’t know that Koh Tao is a popular spot for bird watching? Large flocks of oceanic species can often be seen circling in the evening around sunset – no doubt looking for their last meal of the day. You are more likely to see solitary birds and family groups away from the shore in the jungle or perched on the high crags. Some of our permanent residents and frequent visitors include:
No matter what the weather, nature is all around us. Much of our wildlife is incredibly well camouflaged and often quite shy! So and you’ll need to be quiet, patient, and have a good eye for movement to spot some of our lesser spotted inhabitants. There’s no need to be scared though, as we have virtually no dangerous wildlife on Koh Tao. Be on the lookout for:
Ok, so it’s not exactly wildlife, but we can’t miss the opportunity to give a shout-out to the island’s native beach dog population. There are many ‘beach dogs’ on Koh Tao. Many don’t have one particular owner, so they spend their days roaming the sand and small walking streets looking for treats and making new friends! Don’t let them fool you though – most are well cared for, and some even have their own Instagram accounts!
You also don’t need to fear them. The Koh Tao Animal Clinic does a great job of spaying and neutering the stray population, and there is no rabies on the island.
Upgrade your snorkel skills by going freediving on Koh Tao. Holding your breath, swim like a fish, and take in the wonders of our underwater world.
