Sharks of Koh Tao: Fun Facts About Blacktip Reef Sharks
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “Shark”? For many, the answer is usually dangerous or scary. From movies to news headlines, sharks have long been stereotyped as aggressive and cruel creatures of the ocean. But the truth is far from that image! According to the Yearly Worldwide Shark Attack Summary (2025) from the Florida Museum, there were only 88 reported shark attacks worldwide. However, when you compare that number to global car accidents or even criminal cases, it’s incredibly small. Sharks may be top predators in the marine food chain, but that doesn’t make them monsters. They’re simply living their lives, playing their natural role in keeping our oceans balanced.
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 a number of different shark species, but in recent years, you are most likely to encounter the gentle Whale Shark or the Blacktip Reef Shark. Spotting one during a dive is not something to fear, but rather a rare and unforgettable highlight of the underwater experience.
The most common shark you’ll come across while diving or snorkeling around Koh Tao is the Blacktip Reef Shark. These graceful sharks 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!
- ‘King of the Sea’ (AKA Shark) got this nickname because they are Apex Predators, the top predator in most marine food chains.
- There are over 500 species of Sharks in the world these days.
- They use 6 senses, whereas humans use only 5. These senses are smell, sound, sight, touch, taste, and electroreception for hunting. The electroreception is an interesting one, since it helps sharks to be more efficient hunters. Only a few marine species have this sense for hunting.
- Sharks balance marine ecosystems. They have a significant role in nutrient cycling and exporting from reefs.
- 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 spot them in Koh Tao?
Among the many popular snorkeling sites around Koh Tao, the most common place to spot Blacktip Reef Sharks throughout the year is in Shark Bay. Another popular choice to see sharks is during their spawning season, which occurs from March to May every year. Aow Leuk Bay, right in the backyard of Baan Talay Resort, is the place to spot these neonates as they can be seen directly from the beach. These sharks prefer shallow waters, making it easy to encounter them while snorkeling or freediving. With a little luck, you’ll see them gliding gracefully through the reef, almost as if they’re dancing in the underwater world. You can regularly see Blacktip Reef Sharks in Koh Tao all year round.
As part of our Reef Conservation Program, we dedicate Week 3 of each cycle, Marine Life Week, to learning all about sharks and their important role in the ocean, as well as other marine species. We have also been working hard over the years to learn more about the shark species we can find in our waters.
- Blacktip Research
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 has been running for many years and is now 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. - Thai Whale Sharks
Assessing whale shark populations of Thailand since 2017, our Marine Biologist and program manager, Kirsty, founded Thai Whale Sharks. This project is designed to promote positive interactions with whale sharks by following the code of conduct, as well as monitoring when and where whale sharks are seen and how often they stay around the island. She is now working closely with the government and will start satellite tagging whale sharks to discover where these gentle giants are moving to.Last but not least, our freediving classes take place right here at Baan Talay Resort – Aow Leuk Bay between May and October, giving you the perfect chance to spot these sharks!
Reach out to us for more details; your next scuba or freediving adventure awaits!
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