Tao Island
Koh Tao Speedboats & Ferries From Phuket, or Samui.
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Tao Island Information
The premier way to travel to the amazing dive island of Koh Tao is by ferry. And the good news is the PhuketFerry.com schedule to Tao Island is daily, with good quality, frequent trips from Phuket, Phi Phi Island, Krabi, Samui, and Koh Phangan. It's a real joy to travel by inter-island speedboat & ferry, and they are pleasantly modern, safe and quick. The views of a thousand islands outside your speedboat & ferry window makes the journey so special. Check the speedboat & ferry information on Koh Phangan trips to see if your trip is a bus/speedboat & ferry package, as some trips will involve a transfer across the relatively short width of Thailand, wich is really scenic and pleasant. Each speedboat & ferry is very safe and strong, plus they're frequently carrying around 180-300 excited travelers to their destinations.
The pier at Koh Tao is called Mae Haad Pier, which is to the southwest of the island. With Koh Tao being such a major scuba diving island, on arrival to the pier you'll often see a colorful parade of boats all lined up as if to say "hi" as you enter in. You'll be captivated by the first sights of Koh Tao, because it's a really nice island. Good news for PhuketFerry.com customers, all of the speedboat & ferry operators know us well and are familiar with our e-tickets and customer service processes. Just make sure that for your return trip, you get to the pier around 30 minutes early with your printed e-ticket in hand. Don't forget to check our Travel Tips page so you're prepared for the day, and keep in touch with us - we'd love to get a journal update if you get the chance! Bon voyage...
Attraction Points
Popular Routes
Popular crossings to Tao Island — pick a route to book.
Departures from Tao Island
The first 8 of 66 departures leaving Tao Island today — pick one to choose your date and book.
- 45mDirect11 kg CO₂Estimated CO₂ · per passengerEstimated CO₂ emissions per passenger for this trip. That is higher than similar trips in the industry.LowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 1h 25m1 stop15 kg CO₂Estimated CO₂ · per passengerEstimated CO₂ emissions per passenger for this trip. That is higher than similar trips in the industry.LowMediumHighInstant confirmation Hotel drop-off Refund available Amend available
- 2h 55m2 stops28 kg CO₂Estimated CO₂ · per passengerEstimated CO₂ emissions per passenger for this trip. That is higher than similar trips in the industry.LowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 3h 40m3 stopsEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 3h 55m4 stopsEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 5h 55m3 stopsEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 8h 25m3 stopsEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 1h 15mDirect0.86 kg CO₂Estimated CO₂ · per passengerEstimated CO₂ emissions per passenger for this trip. That is lower than similar trips in the industry.LowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
Pick-Up
Drop-Off
Arrivals in Tao Island
The first 8 of 70 services arriving in Tao Island today — pick one to choose your date and book.
- 3h 15m1 stopEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 2h 30mDirect1.30 kg CO₂Estimated CO₂ · per passengerEstimated CO₂ emissions per passenger for this trip. That is lower than similar trips in the industry.LowMediumHighInstant confirmation Hotel pick-up Refund available Amend available
- 2h 45m1 stopEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 2h 45m1 stopEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 9h1 stopEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 2hDirect1.62 kg CO₂Estimated CO₂ · per passengerEstimated CO₂ emissions per passenger for this trip. That is lower than similar trips in the industry.LowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 1h 45mDirect1.30 kg CO₂Estimated CO₂ · per passengerEstimated CO₂ emissions per passenger for this trip. That is lower than similar trips in the industry.LowMediumHighInstant confirmation Hotel pick-up Refund available Amend available
- 2h 30m2 stopsEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
Hop onward from here
Piers
Koh Tao Boonsiri Pier
Mae Haad Pier
Koh Tao: An Accessible Paradise
About Koh Tao: Thailand's Premier Dive Destination
Koh Tao ("Turtle Island") is an amazing island of about 21 square kilometres, sitting just north of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. It is one of the best places in the world for scuba diving for beginners to the greatly experience, issuing more dive certificates to new divers than almost anywhere else in the world. Crystal clear waters, mountainous island terrain, hidden beaches awaiting discovery, and exotic accommodation to retreat to at the end of your intrepid island exploring days make Koh Tao a must-visit destination for divers and beach lovers alike.
The island attracts thousands of visitors annually, from certified divers seeking advanced training to complete beginners embarking on their first underwater adventure. Its reputation for world-class diving combined with stunning natural beauty and reliable transport connections makes Koh Tao one of Thailand's most accessible tropical islands.
Getting to Koh Tao: Ferry and Transport Routes
Speedboat and ferry travel is frequent from Phangan, Samui, and Suratthani, which makes Koh Tao surely as accessible as it is beautiful. Multiple daily departures from these popular departure points mean you have flexibility when planning your journey.
Main Routes to Koh Tao
The primary transport connections to Koh Tao operate from three key locations. Ferries from Koh Samui offer convenient access for visitors staying on that island or arriving from the mainland near Surat Thani. Services from Koh Phangan provide an easy island-hopping route, allowing you to explore multiple destinations in the Samui Archipelago. Routes from Surat Thani on the mainland serve visitors arriving by bus, minivan, or private transfer from Bangkok and other major Thai cities.
With 100 routes routes currently available, you'll find departure times and operator options that suit your schedule. Whether you prefer the speed of a speedboat or the comfort of a ferry, regular services ensure you can reach the island when you're ready to go.
Departure Points and Travel Times
Direct speedboat and ferry services depart throughout the day from each major hub. If you're coming from further afield, combined bus and ferry packages are available, allowing seamless transfers from destinations across Thailand. Many visitors combine their Koh Tao trip with visits to nearby Koh Samui or Koh Phangan, taking advantage of the frequent inter-island connections.
Transport operators regularly service these routes with both speedboats for faster journeys and ferries for a more leisurely experience. Current pricing starts from ฿450, depending on the route and operator you choose.
Arriving at Koh Tao
Ferries and speedboats arrive at Koh Tao's main pier, located in the island's central area. The pier provides easy access to accommodation, dive schools, restaurants, and other island facilities. From arrival, it's a short walk or brief transport ride to most popular destinations on the island. The pier area is well-organised with ticket counters, luggage facilities, and local transport options to help you complete the final leg of your journey.
Connecting Through Nearby Islands
Koh Tao's position within the Samui Archipelago makes it ideal for multi-island visits. You can easily arrange connections to or from Koh Phangan, known for its vibrant nightlife and beaches, or Koh Samui, Thailand's largest and most developed island in the region. These frequent inter-island services allow you to design a flexible itinerary that suits your interests, whether you're diving, relaxing, or exploring different coastal scenery.
What to Do on Koh Tao
World-Class Diving and Water Activities
Koh Tao's reputation as a diving destination is well-earned. The island is home to numerous dive schools offering courses from beginner to advanced levels. Whether you're earning your first certification or pursuing professional qualifications, the calm, warm waters and abundant marine life provide ideal training grounds. Beyond diving, snorkeling, swimming, and boat trips to nearby reefs are popular activities for non-divers and those between dives.
Island Exploration and Beaches
Beyond the water, Koh Tao offers plenty to explore on land. Hidden beaches await discovery around the island's mountainous terrain, each offering its own character and appeal. The island remains relatively undeveloped compared to some Thai beach destinations, preserving its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere. Walking trails, viewpoints, and quiet coves provide peaceful alternatives to the busier diving and nightlife areas.
Accommodation and Island Life
Exotic accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to upmarket resorts, allowing you to choose comfort levels that match your preferences and budget. The island offers a relaxed pace ideal for extended stays, though many visitors arrive for shorter trips between other destinations. The combination of world-class facilities, natural beauty, and welcoming atmosphere makes Koh Tao an ideal choice whether you're planning a quick island hop or a week-long diving adventure.
Best Time to Visit Koh Tao
Koh Tao enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round, making it accessible throughout the season. However, conditions vary depending on the monsoon patterns. The calmer months typically offer the best diving conditions with clearer visibility and gentler seas, while shoulder seasons attract fewer crowds and offer competitive pricing. Ferry and speedboat services operate regularly regardless of season, though heavy weather may occasionally affect schedules.
Book Your Journey to Koh Tao
Ready to reach this stunning island destination? Search availability and compare all available routes, operators, and departure times to find the option that works best for your travel dates and budget. Whether you're starting from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, or further afield, secure your ticket today and begin your Koh Tao adventure.
Koh Tao Diving Paradise
Koh Tao is a glorious year-round diving location, attracting divers of all levels to its coral-lined, fish-abundant shores. The ferries and boats each day bring new underwater adventure seekers. Apparently, only Cairns in Australia hands out more PADI diving certificates each year, which is testimony to the dive paradise that Koh Tao has become. In some of the busiest beach areas you can find dive centre after dive centre lining up to provide you with an unforgettable dive experience. Out in the waters, you can find barracudas, sea turtles, stingrays, reef sharks and there's even been some rare sightings of whale sharks. The great thing about Koh Tao diving is that underwater visibility remains great all year long (approximately 20-40m apart from perhaps November). Convincing enough? Surely Koh Tao is worth a visit.
Koh Tao Beach Life
Most beach activity revolves around two main beach areas in Koh Tao; Sairee Beach and Chalok Bay. Sairee Beach is just north of Mae Haad Pier, which is where your ferry will arrive/depart from. Sairee Beach is long, sweeping, and so beautiful with its golden sands and turquoise shores. Many of the dive centres, restaurants and shops are found here just off the beach, and when evening comes the nightlife is fun and lively too. Chalok Baan Kao Beach is just a small trip to the south of the ferry pier and is much more relaxed and still really tropically special. PhuketFerry.com recommends picking up your snorkelling gear and renting a long tail boat around the Koh Tao shores where you'll discover some stunning hidden bays to snorkel around.
Getting Around Tao
Koh Tao is one place where hiring a motorcycle is a good thing to do, that's of course if you can and you have the necessary skills. Getting around Koh Tao on a motorcycle is fun, there's lots of cool little scenic viewpoints and hidden coves to explore. A lot of rental scooters have off-road tyres so you can navigate the dirt tracks to places such as Freedom Beach, Mango Bay, Shark Bay, Hin Wong Bay and Tanote Bay. Be careful though, because the roads are basic and need to be navigated with caution. Simply get a map, a water bottle and apply your sunscreen, and off you go. Make sure you check out John Suwan Mountain Viewpoint in the south and Fraggle Rock in the north for some pretty stunning views.
Koh Tao Cuisine
With Koh Tao becoming one of the tropical diving destinations of the world, many restaurants and bars have sprung up over time that make Koh Tao a really nice place for eating and drinking. Lots of good Thai food options are available, maybe try the Phad Thai (stir fried noodles with prawns), Krapaew Gai Khai Daow (chicken with spicy chilli, basil leaves and fried egg), or Gaeng Kia Wan (Thai green curry). They're delicious! Naturally, seafood is both cheap and incredible too, whether barbecued, boiled or deep fried. The island bars of Koh Tao are fun and lively. Most have some kind of happy hour or special theme night so it's good to check out when stuff is happening early on during your stay. Most bars are likely to close at around 1am leaving the nightclubs to keep you dancing till bedtime or morning comes.
Frequently asked questions
What are the tourist seasons ?
Phuket
Phuket really just has two seasons, which are known as "high season" and "low season" (or "green season"). During the low season months (May–September), boat numbers are reduced. During the high season (October–April), boats to the surrounding islands are increased so you will have some more options.
Koh Samui
There are three distinct weather seasons on the tropical island of Koh Samui: the dry season (December until February), the hot season (March until August) and the rainy season (September until November).
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