Turtle Island Koh Tao

Koh Tao ("Turtle Island") is an island in Thailand located near the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Its area is approximately 21 square kilometers. In 2006, its population was 1,382.

The island is an important breeding ground for Hawksbill turtles and green turtles. The development of tourism has adversely affected the development of these individuals, but the breeding program, organized in 2004 and involving the introduction of hundreds of young turtles on Koh Tao, smoothly restores the ecosystem of the island.

The economy of the island is based solely on tourism. Koh Tao is especially in demand for scuba diving, as well as mountaineering, climbing and bouldering. The most popular destination for tourists is the white sandy beach of Sairee on the West Coast, interrupted by only a few huge boulders. The many beautiful granite boulders that nest in both the forests and beaches of Koh Tao are attracting an increasing number of climbers.