Koh Tao or Turtle Island is only 21 km² and is located about 70 km from the east coast of mainland Thailand. It was so named due to the turtles that used to use its rich waters as breeding grounds; there are still a few that grace its shores and it is considered the premier dive centre in the Gulf of Thailand.    Koh Tao has all the trappings of a tropical island paradise with idyllic sandy coves;

palm fringed beaches and clear azure waters teeming with amazing marine life.

The jungle interior is still untouched in many areas and covers rocky volcanic peaks

that provide a stunning natural background.

The Island is famous for the vibrant marine life and dive scene that co-exist here; and with a great variety of dive sites to choose from, all abilities are catered for. There are snorkeling, fishing and boat trips that are inexpensive and take in sights such as Shark Island and unique Koh Nang Yuan; the only three islands joined by one sandbar in the world!

There are also other water sports including waterskiing, and kayaking.  Land based activities are plentiful with mountain biking, rock climbing, para-gliding, trekking and lots of walks with viewpoints.

A BRIEF HISTORY

In the beginning, only the occasional fisherman from neighbouring islands would come to lay over and rest or to seek shelter from storms. From 1933 the island was used as a political prison because of it's distance from the mainland. In 1947, Khun A -Paiwong, Prime Minister at that time, pleaded and received a royal pardon for all prisoners on the island and everybody was removed.

In the same year Khun Ueam and his twin brother Khun Oh reached Koh Tao from the neighbouring island Koh Phangan. At that time, crossing over with a traditional sailboat was long and dangerous. The first generation of today's community had settled! They lived a very simple and tough life harvesting coconuts, fishing and growing vegetables, which were traded with Koh Phangan. Despite the many difficulties in reaching the island, the population grew steadily.

About 15 years ago, the first backpackers arrived from Koh Phangan. Rumours spread quickly about the islands unspoiled beauty, especially it's marine life and coral reefs . At the present time, Koh Tao has evolved into a haven for divers, adventurers, travelers and holidaymakers from around the world. The island's unique blend of coral reefs, natural & unspoiled beauty, and relaxed life-style makes it a 'must-have-seen-it' place!

CLIMATE

Koh Tao is situated in a sub-tropical climate like the rest of Thailand. The island is effected both b NE- and SW- Monsoons. The NE- Monsoon dominates fom the middle of October to the beginning of December, where you can expect heavy rainfall. The SW- Monsoon is mild since Koh Tao is sheltered both by the mainland and the surrounding islets.

Koh Tao is unique since it offers a 10 month high season for travelers to visit and enjoy the beauty of the Island. Peak seasons are from February to April, and again from July to September.

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