Snorkeling with Sharks in Koh Tao: Blacktip Reef Shark and Fun Facts
"Spotting one during a dive or snorkeling is not something to fear, but rather a rare and unforgettable highlight of the underwater experience."
Did you know there are Sharks in the waters around Koh Tao? One of the world’s favorite diving destinations, Koh Tao has historically been home to several shark species, but in recent years, you are most likely to encounter the gentle Whale Shark or the Blacktip Reef Shark.
The most common shark you’ll come across while diving or snorkeling around Koh Tao is the Blacktip Reef Shark. They can grow up to 2 meters in length when fully mature. Their diet mainly consists of small reef fish such as rabbitfish and parrotfish, making them an important part of the underwater ecosystem. Despite their size, Blacktip Reef Sharks are not dangerous to humans; in fact, they’re quite shy and often swim away when approached.
You can easily recognize them by the distinctive black tips on their dorsal and tail fins. They prefer shallow waters, so it’s common to spot them whilst snorkelling or freediving around the island’s reefs.
Fun facts about Sharks!
1. ‘King of the Sea’ (AKA Shark) got this nickname because they are Apex Predators, the top predator in most marine food chains.
2. There are over 500 species of Sharks in the world these days.
3. They use 6 senses, whereas humans use only 5. These senses are smell, sound, sight, touch, taste, and electroreception for hunting. Electroreception is an interesting one, since it helps sharks to be more efficient hunters. Only a few marine species have this sense for hunting.
4. Sharks balance marine ecosystems. They have a significant role in nutrient cycling and exporting from reefs.
5. Over 100 million Sharks are killed each year by humans for food and other reasons because humans believe that sharks are very dangerous. Generally, sharks are almost harmless to humans, especially in the coral reef area.
Where can you see sharks in Koh Tao?
Aow Luek Bay is a beautiful snorkeling spot located right in the backyard of Baan Talay Resort, with private access to the bay. It is one of the most popular places in Koh Tao to spot Blacktip Reef Sharks. Another well-known location for encountering these graceful sharks is Shark Bay.
Blacktip Reef Sharks prefer shallow coastal waters, making them relatively easy to encounter while snorkeling or freediving. With a little luck, you may spot one gliding gracefully through the reef, almost as if it is dancing through the underwater world.
Blacktip Reef Sharks can be seen regularly around Koh Tao year-round, making every snorkeling or freediving adventure an exciting opportunity to encounter these beautiful marine animals.
Sharks Conservation in Koh Tao
New Heaven Dive School, our family-run business, has supported Koh Tao Reef conservation for years. Assessing population and habitat use of blacktip reef sharks using RUVs, roving surveys, and drone surveys as part of our marine conservation program. This program is a collaborative effort between the New Heaven Dive School, New Heaven Reef Conservation Program, and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. Here, they are hoping to better understand how we can protect this species so that everyone may get the chance to encounter them underwater.
Not just snorkeling, diving, and wellness retreats, but protecting our ocean for our island home. Reach out for more information about sharks, conservation, and wellness activities.
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