Permit· Koh Tao· Thailand
Koh Tao Orange Public Moorings (no anchoring on artificial reef)
10° 5.4′ N · 99° 50.3′ E · approximate
Koh Tao protects its reefs with free orange public moorings in the bays and a firm no-anchoring rule wherever coral or artificial reef lies below, so plan every stop around a mooring.
Practical
Position is the island centre (Wikipedia), since the rule applies island-wide. SE Asia Pilot: orange moorings are free for public use and designed to hold up to three moderate-weight vessels in reasonable weather; dive vessels may tie to your stern for a couple of hours while diving. Where mooring lines are present, assume coral or artificial reef nearby; anchoring is a last resort, and damaging coral can bring prosecution and fines. Artificial reefs are in Sairee/Mae Haad, Ao Hin Wong, Ao Leuk, Tanote and Chalok, among others (SE Asia Pilot, New Heaven Dive School, Crystal Dive). Wikipedia notes a Marine Zoning and Regulations Master Plan was adopted as local law in 2012. Check your mooring's condition by diving on it, and back down gently.
Best for
Knowing the rules before you pick up a ball
Nearby
- Koh Tao Northeast Monsoon Isolation (Nov–Feb)Right here
- Love Koh Tao Viewpoint0.3 NM away
- Fraggle Rock Viewpoint0.5 NM away
- Sairee Village Provisioning0.5 NM away
- Seaside Restaurant and Serve Chilled (Mae Haad sunset)0.6 NM away
- Sairee Beach Bars (Fishbowl, Lotus Bar, Fizz)0.7 NM away
- Sairee Village Restaurants (995 Roasted Duck, Sairee Cottage)0.7 NM away
- Koh Tao Clinics (Mae Haad)0.8 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).