Langkawi: Floating Restaurant & Snorkeling Trip

Imagine cruising across tranquil waters, surrounded by limestone cliffs and mangroves, then enjoying fresh seafood while floating on an island farm, before exploring underwater worlds teeming with colorful fish. That’s what you get with the Langkawi: Floating Restaurant & Snorkeling Trip. Priced at around $114 per group (up to 12 people), this tour offers a taste of Langkawi’s natural beauty and culinary delights in a compact, half-day package.

What we love most? First, the chance to hand-feed stingrays at the floating fish farm — a surprisingly interactive experience that’s rare in many tours. Second, the combination of scenic mangrove sights and accessible snorkeling at Dangli Island makes it a well-rounded nature outing.

However, a key point to consider is that some travelers find the trip shorter than expected and the snorkeling stops somewhat limited. If you’re after a laid-back, nature-filled experience with good food and minimal crowds, this tour could be a good fit. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy wildlife, scenic boat rides, and trying fresh seafood in an authentic setting.

Key Points

• Unique floating restaurant experience amid mangroves and limestone cliffs
• Interactive fish farm visit with opportunities to feed stingrays
• Snorkeling at Dangli Island offers unspoiled marine biodiversity
• Shorter duration means it’s ideal for travelers on a tight schedule
• Good value for the price, especially considering the natural and culinary experiences
• Not suited for very young children or those seeking a full-day adventure

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Langkawi Floating Restaurant & Snorkeling Tour

This tour combines scenic boat rides, wildlife observation, and a delicious seafood meal, all set within Langkawi’s impressive Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. It’s a straightforward experience, focusing on natural scenery and marine life, with a touch of culinary delight at the floating restaurant.

The Journey Begins: From Kilim Jetty to the Floating Restaurant

Your adventure starts with a short 7-minute boat ride from Kilim Jetty, a simple transfer that quickly immerses you in the peaceful surroundings. The boat will glide past limestone cliffs and mangroves, setting the scene for the natural beauty that follows. The floating restaurant, anchored amidst the mangroves, is a striking sight. It’s part restaurant, part fish farm, making it an engaging place for visitors to observe marine creatures like sea bass, moray eels, and stingrays.

The Fish Farm and Hand-Feeding Stingrays

One of the standout features is the fish farm, where you can see live seafood up close and even hand-feed stingrays. We loved the way this close encounter added a personal touch to the experience. As one reviewer noted, “we were free to tour the fish farm at our own leisure. Yes, there was no guide for the fish farm but a guide was not necessary.” This suggests a relaxed, informal atmosphere, perfect for curious travelers who enjoy observing rather than being led step-by-step.

Dining Floating on the Water

The floating restaurant offers Malay and Thai-style seafood dishes, with the option to select your catch—prawns, crabs, groupers—directly from the fish farm, then have it cooked fresh. You can order à la carte or choose a package meal during booking, giving flexibility depending on your appetite and preferences. The atmosphere is casual and scenic, with the mangroves providing a peaceful backdrop.

About the food, some reviews mention that the meals are simple, but satisfying. “We ordered the simple lunch which was simple yet still satisfying,” said a reviewer. Keep in mind, the focus here is on fresh seafood in a unique setting, rather than gourmet cuisine.

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Mangrove and Wildlife Tour

Beyond dining, the tour includes mangrove sightseeing, which is often described as picturesque and full of birdlife and other wildlife. You’ll learn about the ecological importance of the mangroves from your guide, who offers explanations about the local sea life and wildlife.

Snorkeling at Dangli Island

Next, you’ll head to Dangli Island, a less-visited, rocky islet with crystal-clear waters. This spot is ideal for beginners and seasoned snorkelers alike. The marine life around Dangli is surprisingly diverse for such a secluded area, with colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, sea urchins, and even moray eels or reef sharks possible sightings.

The shallow waters make it accessible for those new to snorkeling, but be aware that the snorkeling time is short—usually from 10 am to 12 pm—despite scheduled hours from 9:30 am to 3 pm. Some travelers, like one reviewer, found it “very short,” which might disappoint those looking for a full snorkeling experience.

Practical Tips

• Bring your own water, snacks, and reef-safe sunscreen to enjoy the day comfortably and protect marine life.
• Snorkeling gear is available for rent at RM15 per set, which is convenient if you don’t have your own.
• The tour is suitable for ages above 1 year, but babies may find longer boat rides uncomfortable.
• The group size is limited to 12 people, fostering a more intimate experience.
• The tour ends back at the meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

Authentic Experiences and Balancing Expectations

The tour’s reviews reflect a mix of appreciation for its scenic value and some disappointment in its brevity or perceived value. One traveler called it “a great experience for the price,” emphasizing the scenic boat ride, the opportunity to observe marine life, and the fresh seafood as highlights. Conversely, others felt the short snorkeling stint and limited guided commentary didn’t meet their expectations, with one reviewer describing it as “not really a snorkeling tour” due to the brief stop and lack of guide at the fish farm.

This mixture underscores the importance of matching your expectations. If you’re someone who enjoys relaxed, nature-based outings, with a focus on scenery and casual wildlife encounters, you’ll probably find this tour enjoyable. If you’re craving a full, guided snorkeling adventure with many stops and detailed marine education, you might consider looking elsewhere or supplementing this tour with additional activities.

In The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

The Langkawi Floating Restaurant & Snorkeling Trip provides a charming and unique way to experience Langkawi’s natural beauty. It’s perfect for travelers who want a light, scenic outing that combines good seafood, wildlife observation, and snorkeling in an uncrowded setting. It’s especially suitable for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and those with limited time who want a quick but memorable escape into nature.

The tour’s value lies in its authentic setting, the opportunity to interact with marine creatures, and the relaxed pace. If you’re not expecting a full-day or intense snorkeling adventure, and instead want to enjoy a peaceful boat ride with some marine life encounters, you’ll find this a worthwhile addition to your Langkawi itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour typically runs from around 9:30 am to 3 pm, but some reviews mention that the snorkeling stop is quite short, from 10 am to 12 pm.

Is snorkeling gear included?
Snorkeling gear can be rented at RM15 per set, but you can also bring your own.

Can I order food at the floating restaurant?
Yes, you can order à la carte meals or choose a package meal during booking, with options focusing on fresh seafood.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for children over 1 year old, but keep in mind the boat ride and snorkeling might be less comfortable for very young kids.

What wildlife can I expect at the fish farm?
You might see sea bass, moray eels, and stingrays, with opportunities to feed the rays by hand, which many travelers found enjoyable.

Are the views scenic?
Absolutely. The boat rides, mangrove scenery, limestone cliffs, and unspoiled waters make for picturesque moments.

What should I bring?
Bring water, snacks, reef-safe sunscreen, and your snorkeling gear if you have it.

What’s the main thing I should know before booking?
The experience is relatively short and informal, so manage your expectations accordingly—it’s about the scenery, wildlife, and seafood rather than a full-day adventure.

In summary, this tour offers a charming, laid-back way to experience Langkawi’s natural beauty with a touch of culinary adventure. It’s best suited for those who value scenic boat rides, wildlife interactions, and fresh seafood in a peaceful setting, rather than those seeking a long or highly guided snorkeling expedition.

You can check availability for your dates here: