Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao at a glance

Koh Tarutao is a part of Tarutao National Marine Park, located in Satun Province of Thailand. The island is 26 km long and 11 km wide and is close to the border of Malaysia. Tarutao's name was derived from the Malay word Tertua which means primitive and old. It was once a prison to Thai politicals and criminals and many of them died from Malaria, and those who survived the disease became pirates.

Today the island is far better known for its forested interior, quiet beaches and protected waters than for its history. It remains one of the least developed islands in the Andaman Sea, which is exactly why many travellers add it to a southern Thailand itinerary.

How to get to Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is reached by boat. Because the island sits inside a national marine park with no bridge or airport of its own, every arrival is by sea, and services are seasonal in nature — the park and its boat services do not run year-round.

On our booking system there 3 routes bookable route serving Koh Tarutao, connecting the island with Koh Lipe. Operators serving this island include Bundhaya Speed Boat and Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club. Tickets start from ฿700, and live departure times, vehicle types and seat availability are shown when you search your travel date.

Koh Tarutao to Koh Lipe

The Koh Tarutao to Koh Lipe route is the main connection listed for the island, and it also runs in the opposite direction for travellers heading out from Lipe. Koh Lipe is the busiest island in the Tarutao National Marine Park area and acts as the regional hub, so pairing the two islands is the most common way to visit.

Check the Koh Lipe destination page for onward connections once you arrive, including services to other islands and to the mainland.

Main ports and arrival points

Boats to Koh Tarutao arrive at the island's pier, which sits beside the national park headquarters area. There is no large terminal building — expect a simple pier, a park checkpoint and staff on hand rather than a busy transport hub.

On the Koh Lipe side, boats use the island's floating pier off the main beach; small longtail tenders usually shuttle passengers between the beach and the boat. Keep bags light and packable, as they may be handed across on the water.

If you are travelling from the mainland, the Satun area is the natural gateway to this part of the Andaman coast. Search your route on the Satun departure page to see what is currently bookable on your dates.

Nearby transport connections

Koh Tarutao is not a place you pass through by road, so most itineraries combine a boat leg with an overland leg somewhere in the chain. Travellers typically reach the Satun coast from larger southern hubs before continuing by sea.

• Long-distance overland travel from Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket, Trang and Hat Yai toward Satun province
• Regional connections to and from Koh Lipe, the main island hub in the marine park
• Onward island connections available from Koh Lipe during the season

Because each leg is sold separately, always leave a comfortable gap between an overland arrival and a boat departure. Sea and road conditions can shift timings, and missing a boat here often means waiting for the next available service rather than the next hour.

What to see and do on Koh Tarutao

The appeal of Koh Tarutao is space and nature rather than nightlife or shopping. The island is largely covered in forest, with limestone hills, mangrove channels and long stretches of undeveloped coast.

• Beaches — wide, quiet sandy bays with very little development behind them
• Jungle and viewpoints — walking trails climb to points overlooking the sea and the surrounding islands
• Mangroves and waterways — sheltered channels cut inland from the coast
• History — remnants and interpretation relating to the island's former prison period
• Wildlife — monkeys, monitor lizards, crabs and abundant birdlife are commonly seen

Practical travel information

Treat Koh Tarutao as a national park destination rather than a resort island. Facilities are basic and concentrated near the park headquarters.

• National park fees are collected on arrival and are separate from your ferry ticket.
• Accommodation is limited and park-run, so plan ahead rather than arriving without a plan.
• Cash is important — do not rely on card payments or ATMs on the island.
• Connectivity and electricity can be limited or restricted to certain hours.
• Supplies such as medication, sunscreen, insect repellent and a torch are best brought with you.
• Seasonality matters: services in this part of the Andaman are weather-dependent and reduce or stop outside the main season.

Please note that park opening periods, fees and on-island facilities are set by the national park authority and can change; confirm current conditions before you travel.

Booking your Koh Tarutao ferry ticket

Enter your departure point, destination and travel date to see what is bookable to and from Koh Tarutao. Results show the live operator, departure time, journey time and price for each service, so you can compare before you commit.

Booking ahead is sensible on this route. Capacity is limited, the season is short, and services can sell out or be cancelled at short notice in poor weather. Once your booking is confirmed you will receive your ticket details by email — bring them with you to the pier along with photo ID.

Search availability for Koh Tarutao now and secure your seat on the next available departure.