Koh Lipe: 7 Island Snorkeling Trip by Longtail Boat w/ Lunch

Discover Koh Lipe’s Hidden Caribbean-Style Islands with a 7-Island Snorkeling Trip

Imagine setting out on a longtail boat across turquoise waters, with the promise of unspoiled beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and panoramic viewpoints. That’s exactly what you get with the Koh Lipe: 7 Island Snorkeling Trip. For just $26 per person, this tour offers a full day—about 6.5 hours—of exploring some of the most picturesque islands in the Satun Province, tucked within Tarutao National Park.

What we love about this experience? First, the variety of stops keeps the day lively—each island offers a new view, underwater scene, or a peaceful spot away from crowds. Second, the small group size (limited to 10 travelers) ensures you’ll receive personal attention from your English-speaking guide, making the trip feel more intimate and tailored.

One potential point to consider is the itinerary’s pace—with multiple stops, you’ll be moving quite a bit, which might be tiring for some. But if you’re eager to see a good chunk of the archipelago in one day, this trip delivers plenty of value. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a balance of snorkeling, scenic views, and relaxed beach time—perfect if you’re looking to maximize your island-hopping without breaking the bank.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Affordable price for a full day of island visits and snorkeling.
• Small group means more personalized guidance and less crowding.
• Diverse stops include scenic viewpoints, coral reefs, and quiet beaches.
• All necessary gear (masks, fins, life jackets) included, so no need to bring your own.
• Flexible cancellation policy offers peace of mind.
• Suitable for travelers who love snorkeling, scenic views, and authentic island experiences.

A Detailed Look at the Island-Hopping Adventure

Starting Point: Koh Lipe’s Star Travel Office

Our day begins at the Star Travel office on Koh Lipe, near Pattaya Beach. It’s an easy walk along the vibrant walking street, and here, your guide provides helpful snorkeling and safety instructions to ensure everyone’s comfortable before we head out on the longtail boat. This initial briefing is small but crucial, especially if you’re new to snorkeling or boat trips.

The Longtail Ride and First Stop: Koh Hin Sorn

The boat ride itself lasts about 45 minutes, providing a chance to soak in the scenic sea views and get a feel for island life. Our first destination is Koh Hin Sorn, known for its dramatic cliffs and sweeping vistas. You’ll have roughly 45 minutes here—enough time to take in the panoramic scenery from the cliffs or take a quick swim in the clear waters below. We loved the way this spot combines stunning land formations with the tranquility of the sea, making it perfect for photos and peaceful moments.

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Snorkeling at Koh Buloh

Next, we cruise to Koh Buloh, a small island famous for its colorful coral gardens. This is where the underwater magic really begins. With your snorkel masks and fins—provided by the tour—you’ll glide over coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. There’s a good chance you might catch a glimpse of a sea turtle or two, which adds an extra thrill. Many reviews highlight how vibrant and diverse the marine life is here, making it a highlight for snorkelers.

Relaxing at Ao Kam Nan

Our third stop is at Ao Kam Nan, a bay situated on the south side of Koh Dong. Here, you can relax on a beautiful beach or snorkel over a coral reef. The calm, shallow waters make it accessible for all levels, including those who prefer just floating and enjoying the underwater view without strenuous swimming.

The Dreamy Koh Ro Khloi

Koh Ro Khloi is a remote island with a panoramic beach and a spectacular viewpoint. This stop is a favorite for its peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking scenery. The hike to the viewpoint is optional but worth it—offering sweeping views of neighboring islands and the open sea. Reviewers mention that this spot provides some of the best photo opportunities of the entire trip.

Monkey Beach and Lunch Break

Next, we visit Monkey Beach on Koh Dong, where playful monkeys entertain visitors among the trees. It’s a relaxed spot to watch the animals or take a swim in the calm waters. Then, it’s time to refuel with a lunch package provided by the tour. We appreciated the simple yet satisfying meal, perfect for recharging after the morning’s activities.

Snorkeling at Koh Peung and Hin Ngam

The second snorkeling session takes us to Koh Peung, a site renowned for its colorful sea fans—delicate, waving corals that make underwater scenery especially photogenic. This is a quieter, more intimate spot to observe marine life.

On the return, we make a quick stop at Koh Hin Ngam, famous for its black stones shaped over time. This island offers an excellent photo opportunity with its unusual rock formations, and you can relax on the beach or take a dip again before heading back.

Final Snorkel at Jabang

Our last snorkeling adventure is at Jabang, where vibrant soft corals and schools of fish await. It’s a fitting way to end the day—surrounded by colorful underwater life that makes snorkeling such a rewarding activity.

Returning to Koh Lipe

The return trip takes about 30 minutes, giving us time to reflect on the day’s adventures. We arrive back at the original meeting point, ready to unwind after a day filled with stunning views, underwater discoveries, and relaxed beach time.

Analyzing the Experience: What Works Well and What to Keep in Mind

This tour offers excellent value, especially considering the included snorkel gear, water, seasonal fruit, and lunch. At $26, it’s a cost-effective way to see multiple islands without the hassle of organizing separate trips or boat rentals.

The small group size (max 10) helps ensure everyone gets attention and feels comfortable, which is especially helpful if snorkeling or boat trips are new to you. The English-speaking guide makes understanding the itinerary and safety instructions straightforward, adding to the overall comfort.

The variety of stops balances scenic viewpoints, underwater exploration, and quiet beaches. Every location has its charm: dramatic cliffs on Koh Hin Sorn, vibrant reefs at Koh Buloh, and tranquil beaches on Koh Ro Khloi. Many travelers, including one reviewer who called the experience “wonderful,” appreciate how the trip combines adventure and serenity.

However, some might find the itinerary’s pace a bit rushed, especially if you want to spend more time at any single spot. Since there are multiple snorkeling and swimming stops, physically demanding travelers may want to pace themselves or bring extra water and sun protection.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

If you are someone eager to maximize island visits and snorkeling within a limited timeframe, this trip fits perfectly. It’s ideal for travelers who love sea views, underwater life, and relaxed beach time, and don’t mind a busy day. It’s also a good fit for non-divers or non-swimmers since most activities are designed for shallow waters, and gear is provided.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For its price, this tour offers a compelling mix of scenic beauty, underwater discovery, and peaceful beaches. You’ll leave with plenty of photo opportunities and a sense of having explored the best parts of the archipelago. The small group setting enhances the experience, making it more personal and less rushed.

However, if you’re looking for a more leisurely pace or want to spend more time at fewer spots, you might find the schedule a bit full. Still, for most travelers wanting a well-rounded day of island-hopping, this trip strikes a good balance between adventure and relaxation.

In summary, it’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers who want to see multiple islands, snorkel among vibrant reefs, and enjoy stunning views—all with the convenience of a guided tour.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes snorkel masks and fins, life jackets, drinking water, seasonal fruit, and a lunch package. An English-speaking guide and basic accident insurance are also provided.

How long is the total tour?
The whole experience lasts about 6.5 hours, starting and ending at Koh Lipe’s Star Travel office.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
While the tour is limited to people who can swim or are comfortable in the water, it’s not suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, or people with certain health issues. Non-swimmers might enjoy the shallow snorkeling spots with guidance.

Do I need to bring anything extra?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, a camera, and a change of clothes. Large luggage or drones are not allowed on the boat.

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

What is the group size?
The tour is kept small, with limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Where do we meet and end the tour?
Meet at the Star Travel office on Koh Lipe’s walking street. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What if I want a private experience?
While this is a group tour, similar experiences are available privately, which you might find through other providers or by booking in advance.

This snorkeling trip around Koh Lipe offers a well-rounded combination of scenic viewpoints, underwater exploration, and peaceful beaches. Whether you’re a keen snorkeler, a lover of stunning island scenery, or just looking for a fun day out, this tour provides an authentic and affordable way to experience the beauty of Thailand’s lesser-known islands.

You can check availability for your dates here: