Koh Tao with Kids
A small dive island that works with kids, if you base on the calm side and set expectations

If you're bringing kids to Koh Tao, Koh Nang Yuan is the one not to miss — three small islets joined by a triple sandbar, just off the northwest coast, a short boat ride away. At low tide kids can walk the sandbar between the islets, with shallow clear water on either side, snorkel gently for fish off the beach, and there's a short viewpoint climb up to the most famous view on Koh Tao. It's a day where kids get the sand, the sandbar walk, the fish and a great view all at once.

The heart of Koh Tao with kids — Shark Bay (Hin Ngam) and Aow Leuk are calm, shallow, clear bays with plenty of fish to see. At Shark Bay you can see small blacktip reef sharks in the shallows from the surface, which are harmless to people and a real thrill for kids. Aow Leuk is clear and shallow close to shore, a great place for kids to try a mask and snorkel gently, close in. It's the kind of thing kids talk about long after the trip.

For a day of easy sand and shallow water — Chalok Baan Kao in the south is a quiet bay with shallow, calm water, resorts and restaurants along it, and a more laid-back feel than Sairee, so little kids can paddle along the bay happily. Tanote Bay in the east is quiet and clear, with big boulders and gentle snorkelling off the beach, and suits families who want a calm stretch (though it's remote with a difficult access road, so come by boat or taxi). Both are quieter and shallower than the centre of town.

Koh Tao is the diving capital, and older kids can try scuba within the age limits — the PADI Bubblemaker programme is a try-dive in shallow water or a pool for kids from age 8, while Discover Scuba Diving and the Open Water course are for age 10 and up (10–11 year-olds have depth limits and must dive close to the instructor). Kids who try need to be able to swim, be comfortable in the water, and not be pushed into it. If your child isn't ready, snorkelling is just as much fun. The single most important thing is to choose a reputable dive school, not just the cheapest.

Not every day has to be a boat trip — when the sun is fierce, the sea is choppy, or the kids are worn out, the resort pool is the hero, and it's the safest option for little ones (no worrying about waves or currents as on an open beach). Many family resorts at Chalok Baan Kao and Mae Haad have a pool and gardens for kids to roam. It keeps kids happy through the hottest part of the afternoon or a day when the sea is off-limits, and parents get a poolside break — the rhythm that keeps the trip from wearing everyone out, which matters especially in the Gulf wet season.

For a day where kids get a boat ride and see fish at several spots — an island boat trip (half- or full-day) stops at the prettiest bays and snorkel spots around Koh Tao, such as Koh Nang Yuan, Mango Bay, Shark Bay and others, all in one trip. Kids get a boat ride along the coast with island views, then snorkel for fish in clear bays. Pick a trip on a calm-sea day with a group that isn't too big. It's a gentler way to see Koh Tao with kids than driving the steep roads to each bay yourself.

For families who want the quietest bays — the east coast of the island has Tanote Bay and small coves that are clear, quiet and good for gentle snorkelling off the beach. Tanote has a big boulder out in the bay as a landmark, with shallow clear water and fish to see, so it's a calm place for kids to swim and snorkel away from the bustle. But to be straight, these bays are remote, with steep, rough access roads, so the easy way with kids is to come on a boat trip or arrange a taxi there and back, not ride a scooter yourself.

A change of pace from the sea — the John-Suwan viewpoint in the south, near Chalok Baan Kao, is a short climb (a path and steps) up to a view over the twin bays and big granite boulders, one of the best views on the island. Older kids who can walk will enjoy it, and there's the Nang Yuan viewpoint too, with the view of the three islets. Go in the morning or evening to avoid the strong sun. It's a short activity that lets kids stretch their legs and get a great photo, but it isn't for little ones you'd have to carry up.

Good news for families — Koh Tao gets a lot of international travellers, so there's plenty of choice island-wide: mild Thai places, healthy, vegan and vegetarian spots, fruit smoothies, and Western, pizza, pasta and burger places for fussier eaters. Easy Thai wins include chicken rice, grilled chicken, fried rice, pad thai and omelette, all of which you can order non-spicy. Desserts are everywhere too — ice cream, pancakes, roti and tropical fruit that kids love — and fresh coconut water is easy to find. Convenience stores in Mae Haad and Sairee carry milk and snacks, and you'll stick to bottled water. You really don't have to worry about kids going hungry on this island.

The most important part of a family trip to Koh Tao — understand what the island is. Koh Tao is a small, backpacker dive island whose heart is clear water, snorkelling, scuba and a laid-back feel. There are no theme parks, water parks or lots of indoor kids' activities like in a big city. If your family loves the sea and nature, you'll love it here. The family formula is simple: one, base on the calm side (Chalok Baan Kao/Mae Haad, not the middle of the Sairee bar strip); two, focus on the sea (Koh Nang Yuan, snorkelling, a boat trip); three, build in chill days at the resort pool. Do that and Koh Tao is a great family trip on its own terms.