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

Getting out on the water around Koh Lipe offers a chance to see some of Thailand’s most vibrant marine life and stunning island scenery. This 5-island snorkeling tour promises a fun-filled half-day exploring coral reefs, white sand beaches, and volcanic stones, all while riding a traditional longtail boat. It’s a popular choice for travelers wanting an authentic, affordable, and scenic adventure.

From what we’ve gathered, this tour is especially suited to those who love marine life, want a manageable day trip, and don’t mind a bit of boat time. It’s also ideal if you’re after a lively, small-group experience with a local guide. However, keep in mind that the trip’s quality hinges on the guide’s English skills and the crowd you encounter at certain stops.

Two things we particularly like about this trip are its diverse stops—each offering a different kind of underwater or island scenery—and the value for money, with snorkeling gear, lunch, and a professional guide included for just $22. On the flip side, a potential drawback is the overcrowding at certain snorkel spots, notably Jabang Island, which might make swimming less comfortable.

This tour suits travelers staying in Koh Lipe who want an accessible, affordable way to see some of the best underwater scenery and islands in the Tarutao National Park. It’s especially good if you prioritize a relaxed pace, friendly guides, and capturing plenty of photos.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At around $22, this trip offers good value considering all the included gear, a guide, and lunch.
• Variety of Spots: From coral reefs to volcanic stones to white sand beaches, each stop offers a unique experience.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 10 participants, encouraging a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.
• Guide Quality: The guide’s English skills can vary, impacting the clarity of instructions and safety information.
• Crowd Levels: Some snorkeling sites, like Jabang, can get crowded, which might lessen the comfort of swimming.
• Photography Opportunities: Plenty of chances to snap underwater shots and scenic views, especially at Hin Ngam and Rawi Beach.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Out – Easy and Convenient

The tour begins at the Star Travel office near Pattaya Beach, Koh Lipe. Meeting 30 minutes before departure, you’ll get briefed by your English-speaking guide—who, according to some reviews, may have limited English skills, but they’re generally friendly and helpful. Expect to receive snorkeling gear, life jackets, and safety instructions, ensuring you’re prepared for the water.

The journey kicks off with a 30-minute longtail boat ride to the first snorkeling site. This traditional Thai vessel adds a touch of local flavor and offers a scenic vantage point for viewing the islands from afar.

First Stop: Jabang Island – A Colorful Underwater Wonderland

Jabang Island is the flagship snorkeling spot. You’ll find yourself surrounded by pink, lavender, and red soft corals, creating a vibrant underwater landscape. The reefs are teeming with colorful fish, sea whip, and anemones—perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the natural beauty.

A common theme from reviews is that Jabang can get quite crowded with other travelers, which might make some swimmers feel a little overwhelmed. One reviewer noted, “the stop was very overcrowded with travelers, many of whom seemed uncomfortable in the water.” If you prefer a quieter, more relaxed snorkeling experience, this is something to keep in mind.

Hin Ngam Island – Unique Volcano Stones and Good Luck

Next, the tour visits Hin Ngam Island, famous for its black, polished volcanic stones. These stones, shaped by centuries of wave action, make for a striking landscape. Visitors often use this spot for photos and wish-making—there’s a local belief that stacking 12 rocks and making a wish could bring luck.

The half-hour swim here offers a chance to appreciate the unusual geology and take some memorable pictures. The beach itself is small but scenic, with calm waters ideal for a quick dip.

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Koh Yang – Coral Reef and Soft Corals

Koh Yang offers another snorkeling stop, featuring hard coral reefs and large boulders covered with soft corals. The shallow nature of this site makes it accessible for snorkelers of all skill levels. Expect to see many tropical fish and intricate coral formations.

Some reviews mention that the soft coral at Koh Yang is spectacular, making this stop a visual highlight. It’s also less crowded, offering a more peaceful underwater experience.

Lunch Break at Rawi Beach

The tour pauses at Koh Rawi, renowned for its white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters. The included lunch offers a break from the water, with a simple yet satisfying meal—perfect for refueling in a picturesque setting.

Many travelers rave about this beach, describing it as a “paradise” with calm waters ideal for relaxing or taking photos. The 1-hour stop allows some time to soak up the scenery, swim, or walk along the shore.

Final Snorkel at Koh Adang

The last snorkel stop is at Koh Adang, part of the Tarutao National Park, known for its colorful fish and coral formations. Here, you’ll get a chance to swim in what’s often described as an underwater paradise.

The review mentions that the boat will make a quick stop at Koh Adang for a final swim, which many find to be a perfect way to end the day on a high note.

Return Journey – Relaxed and Photos Galore

After a full morning and afternoon of snorkeling and sightseeing, you’ll head back to Koh Lipe. The return trip lasts about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to relax and reflect on the day’s sights. Many travelers comment on the beautiful scenery and the opportunity to take plenty of underwater photos along the way.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $22, the tour is quite competitive considering it includes longtail boat transport, snorkel masks and fins, life jackets, drinking water, seasonal fruit, and a lunch. The professional guide helps keep everyone safe and enjoys sharing local insights.

However, note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point. Personal expenses and souvenirs are also on your own tab.

Practical Tips for Participants

Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and water shoes—the beaches have soft sand and rocky areas. Pack a change of clothes and a camera to capture the underwater scenes. Ditch large bags and drones, as they aren’t allowed.

The tour runs about 5.5 hours, with flexible start times based on availability. Small groups (up to 10) mean more personalized attention, but it also means booking early during peak seasons.

Authentic Opinions from Past Travelers

One reviewer praised the helpfulness of the crew, especially noting how responsive Sunny and the team were. They mentioned that the lunch at Rawi was a highlight—”absolutely beautiful” with white sand and turquoise water—making it clear that the scenery itself enhances the overall experience.

Another reviewer pointed out that English communication could be improved, noting that the guide’s limited language skills sometimes made instructions unclear. This underscores the importance of clarity, especially for safety at the snorkeling spots.

A different traveler expressed that the timing was slightly off—they returned almost an hour early—and that one of the snorkeling sites was not entirely safe due to strong currents. This suggests that conditions can vary and safety precautions are crucial.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This snorkeling trip is a great fit for budget-conscious travelers who want to see diverse underwater environments without breaking the bank. It’s suitable for relaxed swimmers comfortable in shallow waters and those eager to photograph marine life and scenic islands.

While it’s not perfect—crowded spots and variable guide language skills—its many highlights include stunning coral reefs, volcanic stones, and white sand beaches, all within a manageable half-day schedule. It’s an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of Koh Lipe and its surrounding islands firsthand.

If you prefer a quiet, less crowded snorkeling experience or are looking for a tour with highly fluent English guides, you might want to explore some premium options. But for most visitors seeking an authentic, affordable, and scenic adventure, this trip offers a memorable day on the water.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour is not recommended for children under 2 years, and non-swimmers should consider other options, as snorkeling is involved and safety instructions are provided.

How long does the trip last?
The entire tour lasts approximately 5.5 hours, including stops and lunch.

What should I bring?
Pack essentials like a sun hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, camera, sunscreen, flip-flops, breathable clothing, and water shoes.

Are meals included?
Yes, a lunch package and seasonal fruit are provided during the stop at Koh Rawi.

Can I book last-minute?
Yes, you can check availability and reserve your spot, with the option to pay later, offering flexibility in your travel planning.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a small group of up to 10 participants, enhancing personalized attention.

Are the snorkeling gear and safety equipment provided?
Yes, masks, fins, and life jackets are included in the price.

Is the guide bilingual?
The guide speaks English and Thai, but some reviews note that English skills may vary, affecting instruction clarity.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

In all, this Koh Lipe snorkeling trip offers a well-rounded day of exploring colorful reefs, unique volcanic stones, and pristine beaches—all at a price that makes it accessible for most travelers. While it has some minor drawbacks, its highlights and authentic local atmosphere make it a worthwhile addition to your island adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby