Lighthouse Bay

The lighthouse that gave this bay its name is not in service anymore. But, it can still be seen jutting out from the jungle foliage looking out over the cove. This bay is a favourite stop for operators offering round-the-island snorkel trips. The beach itself is incredibly small and made more of shale than the golden sands you’d typically find at other Koh Tao beaches. So it’s not a good choice for sunbathing, but it is a great place to escape the crowds and be surrounded by nature.  

Access

It is possible to hike to the lighthouse from the road leading over to Mango Bay. But neither the lighthouse nor Lighthouse Bay is directly accessible by car or bike. The only other option is to get there by longtail taxi boat. The best way to get there is to drive partway and hike the rest. There is a part-built resort around 200 metres from Lighthouse Bay where the track stops. You’ll need to do some clambering over the rocky coastline to reach the swimming and snorkeling area.

Fees

There are no fees to access the hiking trail, visit the lighthouse, or swim or snorkel in the bay.  However, you may be charged an access/parking fee when you pass by Jim’s bar on the road to Mango Bay. 

Services & Facilities

Be sure to take plenty of water and any snacks you want with you. There are no shops or services along the way, except for Jim’s bar. There are no functioning resorts at Lighthouse Bay where you can buy refreshments and food, so you’ll need to take everything you want with you. 

Swimming and Snorkeling

Lighthouse Bay is one of the best snorkeling spots on Koh Tao. This area is home to some of the healthiest sections of coral reef you’ll see around the island. You will find various species of marine life, and if you are lucky perhaps a turtle too. As it is not visited as often as other beaches on Koh Tao, you are more likely to see some of Koh Tao’s rarer fish species here.

Recommended for… Hiking

This is most certainly one of the least-trodden tracks on Koh Tao.  It’s ideal for those who want to explore the island on foot and see as much as possible. If you want to hike to Lighthouse Bay please hike with a buddy, it’s a very remote area of Koh Tao. Places Of Linda has published a very handy blog post about this hike, including a map & detailed instructions for the route. If you love hiking, then this is the right area of Koh Tao for you, as you can also hike down into Mango Bay, or across to Grape View Viewpoint for the most amazing lookout to Koh NangYuan Island, Jim View Bar, and Summit Viewpoint Bar are also nearby, and Fraggle Rock Viewpoint is easy to visit for sunset on the way back if you take a small detour.