If you are looking for the best spot to snorkel in Koh Tao, then look no further!
Hin Wong Bay is one of the most incredible places I have ever snorkelled before, there is such an abundant and thriving underwater world here it needs to be on your bucket list for your time on the island.
Located on the northeast coast Hin Wong Bay sometimes referred to as Secret Bay is a hidden gem away from the east coast business. This beautiful beach has soft white sand and crystal clear blue waters, it is surrounded by palm trees, jungle and huge boulders.
Throughout my guide I will help you navigate how to get there, the best time of day to visit, to make sure you get the best weather and everything else you need to know to make this day out an amazing one.
Hin Wong Bay: The Best Snorkelling in Koh Tao
How to Get There
The best way to get to Hin Wong Bay is by scooter, you can rent a scooter from almost anywhere on the island for just 200 THB (£5) per day, prices vary per model but this is the best way to get out and explore the whole island.
To reach Hin Wong Bay just set your maps to Hin Wong Bay and go, it is a quick ride away from Sairee Central but is up and down some quite steep hills so ride with care.
Once you have arrived at the end of the road follow the smaller track down and round the corner, here you can find parking for just 20 THB (50p) for the day.
If you are not confident on a scooter you can also arrange a taxi to take you to the beach and negotiate a return journey asking them to share their Whatsapp with you to tell them when you are ready to be collected.
💡 Note that taxis on Koh Tao are very expensive so to make this more affordable see if you can get a group together to visit for the day.
Best Time of Year & Weather to Visit
Koh Tao has 4 seasons cool and dry, hot and dry, hot and wet and monsoon season.
The best time to visit is generally the hot and dry season which tends to be from January to May, this is also Koh Tao’s busiest time for tourists with the island reaching almost full capacity with all accommodations booked out in the busiest months of January and February!
Although it is wet season, if you are looking to dive whilst you’re here, visibility under the water can reach 30 meters in July, August and September.
When visiting Hin Wong Bay due to its northeastern position on the island it can be prone to high winds.
Because of this the ocean here can easily get very choppy and not be very enjoyable to snorkel in, if you want to have the best conditions I recommend checking the weather and visiting when the wind in at least under 10mph.
🙋🏻♀️ 5mph and under is ideal as this can leave the ocean surface looking like glass!
Hin Wong Bay
What Time to Visit
Hin Wong Bay is not a sunset beach and loses the sun late afternoon, therefore I recommend visiting in the morning when you can make the most of less crowds and the hot tropical sunshine.
Arriving anywhere from 9 am is best if you want to have the beach almost to yourself, it starts to pick up around 11 am with more people arriving into the afternoon.
Where to Relax For the Day
Hin Wong Bay has undergone a lot of work since I first visited in 2022, back then there was absolutely nothing here just 2 run-down and abandoned restaurants/beach bars.
Now these beach bars have been restored and reopened, they are both so quirky and give Hin Wong Bay the life back that it needed.
Although this hidden gem isn’t as hidden as it once was the snorkelling spots here still seem like a little secret as there are never many people around you in the water.
When you arrive at Hin Wong Bay and walk down from the parking area you have two options for where you want to chill for the day.
You can either head right and clamber up, over and under the huge boulders here and find a spot on the rocks alone away from the crowds, or you can head left to Freedom Beach Bar and relax on one of the hammocks, cushions or straight on the sand.
Freedom Bar serves up some great drinks as well as fresh coconuts and a small food menu, perfect for after you’ve spent a long time in the ocean exploring the best snorkelling in Koh Tao!
There is also a small shop here selling handmade jewellery and leather goods.
So where you spend your day depends completely on how many people you want to be around!
Hin Wong Bay’s Best Snorkelling Spots: Koh Tao
When you enter the ocean here from the beach you can already see quite a lot of colourful fish and diverse marine life just offshore but to see a bigger variety then head out and right.
When you are heading around the corner you will be able to see a large boulder sticking out of the ocean, head for that and you are going in the right direction. Due to the water being very deep here, you can find tons of fish feeding on the rocks and swimming around the corals.
If you have more energy and want to keep exploring then keep heading around to the right, you can find an array of even more colourful fishies, anemones and vibrant corals, I’ve even spotted a sting ray here before!
🙋🏻♀️ When we visit we like to head around the corner until we reach the stone steps that head up to the Hin Wong Bay Apartments, I often like to catch my breath here, clean out my mask and then slowly head back, I think this is by far the best snorkelling in Koh Tao. Note that this is quite a long way from the shore so please be mindful of your abilities when you are swimming and never push yourself too hard.
Where to Stay in Koh Tao
Luxury: Sai Daeng Resort
This 4* resort is located right on the beach and has excellent snorkelling on your doorstep, there is an outside pool, bar and restaurant. It has a large variety of rooms which all include air conditioning, private bathrooms, TV, safety deposit box and some have balconies. The resort also offers water sports for an additional charge and a buffet breakfast is included for all guests.
Mid range: The Ozo Koh Tao
I have stayed at The Ozo during one of our trips to Koh Tao. This 3* hotel offers everything you need to feel like you are getting a little bit of luxury while not breaking the bank. There are 5 different room options to suit each budget, each one has a balcony with views over the pool and jungle-covered mountain behind. Room service is available and air conditioning, TV, safety deposit box, private bathroom, fridge and toiletries.
Budget: The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel
The Dearly is one of the highest-rated hostels on the island. Dorm rooms here start from as little as £12 a night and there is a large variety of dorm sizes to choose from as well as private rooms. The hostel offers an on-site bar and restaurant as well as free wifi throughout. There is a rooftop area to relax and a common room with a TV, books and computers. Guests are also given access to a shared fridge.
Final Thoughts
Hin Wong Bay quickly became one of our favourite places in Koh Tao, this small and beautiful island is full of little surprises and this certainly was one.
With the beach bars, white sand, tropical surroundings and diverse marine life, Hin Wong Bay is where you’ll want to be, with hours of fun to be had make sure to add this beach to your bucket list for Koh Tao.
I hope you found this guide useful and enjoyed the best snorkelling in Koh Tao as much as we did! I would love to know what marine life you spotted during your visit in the comments.
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