Koh Lipe: 5 Island Snorkeling Trip by Longtail Boat w/ Lunch

Koh Lipe: 5 Island Snorkeling Trip by Longtail Boat with Lunch offers an engaging way to explore some of the most captivating spots around this tiny Thai island. For around $22 per person, you’ll spend about five and a half hours cruising through Tarutao National Park, visiting five unique islands and reefs, with plenty of opportunities to see colorful fish and coral formations. Led by an English-speaking guide, the tour promises a friendly, manageable group experience, perfect for anyone keen to see the underwater treasures without breaking the bank.

What we love about this tour is its diversity—each stop offers something different, from vibrant coral reefs to unusual volcanic stones. Plus, the included lunch on Koh Rawi provides a relaxing break on a picture-perfect beach. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that some snorkeling spots, such as Jabang Island, can get crowded, which might impact your experience if you’re seeking solitude. This trip suits travelers who want a well-rounded, affordable day out with reliable guides, especially those eager to capture underwater photos and understand the local marine life.

Key Points

• Affordable adventure: At just $22, this trip offers excellent value for a full day of island hopping and snorkeling.
• Diverse spots: From soft coral reefs to volcanic stones, each island delivers a different underwater and land experience.
• Small group size: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.
• Includes lunch and gear: Snacks, a meal, and all snorkeling equipment are provided, simplifying your packing list.
• Potential crowds: Some stops, like Jabang, may be busy, which could affect the feeling of tranquility.
• Suitable for non-swimmers: With life jackets and guided instructions, most should feel comfortable joining.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Getting Started and Practicalities

The tour kicks off from the Star Travel office on Koh Lipe’s walking street near Pattaya Beach. We recommend arriving about 30 minutes early—this gives your guide time to give safety instructions and distribute gear. The boat itself is a traditional longtail, which is part of the charm of Thai island hopping, offering an authentic and scenic ride across the water.

The tour is designed for small groups—only about 10 people—making it easier to move around, ask questions, and take photos. The guide’s English skills are generally friendly and helpful, although some reviews note that language barriers can occasionally make instructions less clear. Still, most guests appreciate the guide’s local knowledge and enthusiasm.

The Islands and Snorkeling Stops

Koh Jabang: Soft Coral Wonderland

Your first snorkeling stop is Jabang Island, where you’ll find soft coral in shades of pink, lavender, and red. The reef is teeming with sea whip, sea anemone, feather star, and a variety of colorful fish. It’s a lively, bustling reef, and travelers love the opportunity to photograph the vibrant underwater scenery. However, you might encounter other travelers here; one reviewer called it “very overcrowded,” which can make the experience a little less peaceful. Still, the abundance of marine life makes this stop worthwhile.

Hin Ngam Island: The Black Pebble Paradise

Next, you’ll visit Hin Ngam Island, famous for its striking black volcanic stones polished by waves over thousands of years. The beach is an unusual sight—if you make a wish by stacking 12 rocks, some say you’ll be blessed with good luck. This stop is more about sightseeing and taking photos than snorkeling, with only a brief swimming opportunity.

Koh Yang: Hard Coral Reefs

On Koh Yang, soft corals flourish over big boulders in shallow waters, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling. The reef here offers a different underwater landscape, with plenty of colorful fish and soft coral overgrown on the rocks. The shallow water makes it accessible for all skill levels, and the soft coral formations are a highlight for anyone interested in marine biodiversity.

Koh Rawi: Beachside Lunch

The tour makes a much-appreciated lunch stop at Koh Rawi, known for its pristine white sand beaches and clear waters. This is a chance to relax, soak up some sun, and enjoy a provided meal that’s typically packed—simple but satisfying. Many guests rave about how beautiful this beach is, with one describing it as “a real island paradise,” perfect for a quick swim and some downtime amid stunning scenery.

Koh Adang: Underwater Treasure Trove

The final snorkeling stop is at Koh Adang, part of the same national park, offering a vibrant underwater landscape filled with tropical fish and coral. Many reviews mention that the coral here is colorful and plentiful, making it a fitting cap to your trip. If you’re a photographer or just a lover of marine life, this stop is likely to be a highlight.

Returning and Final Thoughts

After a full day of exploring, the boat heads back to Koh Lipe, with a short stop at Koh Adang for another quick swim. The entire trip allows plenty of underwater photo opportunities, so don’t forget your waterproof camera or phone case.

Throughout the day, the crew provides snorkel masks, fins, life jackets, and drinking water with seasonal fruit, ensuring comfort and safety. The tour finishes back at the original meeting point, leaving you with lasting memories of your underwater adventures.

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Authentic Insights from Travelers

One guest described the trip as “excellent,” especially praising the helpfulness of the guide and the beautiful lunch on Rawi Beach. They called it “a must-do” for anyone on Koh Lipe wanting to experience the marine world firsthand. However, another traveler pointed out that crowded snorkeling spots and language barriers could detract from the experience. The guides’ English skills are generally friendly but may not be perfect, which is worth considering if clear instructions are important to you.

Who Will Love This Tour

This boat trip appeals most to travelers seeking an affordable, scenic, and diverse snorkeling experience. It’s ideal if you don’t mind some crowds and want a taste of multiple islands and reefs in a manageable time. The inclusion of lunch and snorkeling gear adds convenience and value, especially for those who prefer an all-in-one package. It’s especially suitable for small groups, those interested in photography, and travelers who appreciate the natural beauty of coral reefs but aren’t expecting complete tranquility.

It might not be perfect for non-swimmers, pregnant women, or those with health issues due to the physical activity and water-based nature of the tour. Also, if you’re seeking absolute solitude or expert-level snorkeling, you may want to consider other options.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5.5 hours, starting and ending at Koh Lipe’s Star Travel office.

What is included in the price?
All necessary snorkeling gear, life jackets, drinking water, seasonal fruit, and a lunch package are included in the $22 fee.

Do I need to bring my own gear?
No, the tour provides masks, fins, and life jackets, making it easy to just bring your personal essentials like sunscreen and camera.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 2 years, and non-swimmers might find it challenging unless they are comfortable with water. Most importantly, pregnant women and those with health issues should consult a doctor before joining.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering good flexibility.

What should I bring?
Bring a sun hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, camera, sunscreen, flip-flops, breathable clothing, and water shoes for comfort and safety.

Will I be in a small group?
Yes, the tour limits group size to 10 participants, making for a more personalized experience.

Is transportation included?
No, the tour starts and ends at the meeting point in Koh Lipe; hotel pickup or drop-off is not included.

What about language support?
The guide speaks English and Thai. While most reviews note helpful guides, some mention that English communication may sometimes be limited.

Final Thoughts

This Koh Lipe snorkeling tour offers a fantastic way to see the underwater beauty of the Andaman Sea without spending a fortune. It combines the thrill of snorkeling at multiple sites with the comfort of a well-organized, small-group experience. The inclusion of lunch and gear simplifies planning and ensures you’re ready to jump in straight away.

If you’re someone eager to capture vibrant marine scenes, appreciate authentic island landscapes, and enjoy a flexible, budget-friendly tour, this trip hits many of the right notes. Its variety keeps the day interesting, and the friendly guides help make the experience approachable—even for first-time snorkelers.

However, be prepared for some crowded spots and language barriers that might slightly impact your tranquility or understanding. If your priority is peaceful solitude or expert snorkeling, you might want to explore other options, but for most travelers looking to experience the best of Koh Lipe’s reefs in a single day, this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments.

In essence, this tour is a well-rounded introduction to Koh Lipe’s marine life and islands—ideal for those who want a convenient, enjoyable, and affordable adventure in the Andaman Sea.

You can check availability for your dates here: