Lighthouse Bay, Koh Tao

Observed once by passing ships, the lighthouse in Lighthouse Bay is now unused but serves as a reference point for dive boats to locate an area where divers and snorkelers can still visit the peaceful waters and pristine aquatic flora and fauna.

The original name of Lighthouse Bay is “Gluay Teun Bay,” which means “wild banana bay” in Thai, as wild banana trees are scattered here and throughout the northern forest of Koh Tao. Lighthouse Bay is Koh Tao’s hidden gem for snorkeling, featuring magnificent underwater sights. Its deep waters keep it less crowded, preserving its beauty to this day. The bay is filled with staghorn and foliose corals, along with other hard coral varieties. You’ll spot plenty of bannerfish, parrotfish, angelfish, triggerfish, wrasses, and groupers. If you enjoy freediving, head north around the cape to discover deeper seascape, which is home to juvenile yellow-tailed barracuda, sea turtles, and blacktip reef sharks, conditions permitting.

The concrete road to Lighthouse Bay ended at a partially constructed resort approximately 200 meters away from the shoreline. Previously, one would have to proceed by climbing down the rocky hill and then swim for several hundred meters to finally reach the bay. Recently, an alternative access route has been created through a hidden hiking trail, the only path that takes you to the beach and even continues to the lighthouse tower. Read more about the hiking trail.