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

The best part of this Koh Lipe day trip is the traditional longtail boat ride through the eastern Adang archipelago. Instead of staying near one reef, you move from cliffs and coral gardens to a quiet beach, a monkey stop, sea fans, and Koh Hin Ngam’s smooth black stones.

I like the small group limit of 10 and the guide support in the water. I also like the simple value: for $27, you get transport, lunch, equipment, fruit, water, and an English- or Thai-speaking guide. The main drawback is that not every snorkel stop will feel equally special, especially if you have already snorkeled in outstanding tropical waters.

Key points to know before booking

• Koh Hin Son opens the day with cliffs and wide sea views, giving you more than a standard reef stop.
• Koh Buloh, Ao Kam Nan, Koh Peung, and Jabang provide the main snorkeling time, with coral, sea fans, soft coral, and tropical fish.
• Koh Ro Khloi offers the quietest beach break, plus a viewpoint for broad views of the surrounding islands.
• Monkey Beach combines a lunch stop with a chance to watch monkeys, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
• Koh Hin Ngam is made for photographs and a short walk, thanks to its unusual black stones.
• The $27 price is good value, but you must add the national park fee of 200 THB per adult or 100 THB per child unless you already paid it on arrival.

A longtail route through Koh Lipe’s eastern archipelago

This is a full half-day on the water, lasting 390 minutes, or about six and a half hours. You meet at Star Travel’s office on Walking Street near Pattaya Beach, then board a traditional Thai longtail boat for the ride east.

The boat itself is part of the appeal. A longtail is open, close to the water, and more connected to the sea than a larger speedboat. You feel the weather, see the islands from a low angle, and move at a pace that suits a day of swimming and snorkeling.

The tradeoff is comfort. Longtail boats can be exposed to sun and spray, and the ride can feel bumpy when conditions are less calm. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and breathable clothing. Keep your belongings small, since large bags and luggage are not allowed.

The small group size matters here. With no more than 10 participants, the guide can give clearer instructions and pay closer attention in the water than on a crowded boat. Before departure, you receive basic snorkeling and safety guidance, along with a life jacket, mask, and fins.

Koh Hin Son: cliffs before coral

The first stop is Koh Hin Son, a small island known for dramatic rock formations and high views over the sea. You have about 45 minutes here for sightseeing, swimming, and taking in the scenery.

This is a useful first stop because it gives the day some variety right away. You are not simply moving from reef to reef. The cliffs provide a strong photo setting, while the clear water below offers a chance to swim if conditions allow.

Take care around the rocks. The point of this stop is the view and the unusual shape of the island, not a long beach stay. If you prefer swimming to photographs, you may find the time here brief. Still, Koh Hin Son helps set the tone for the route and gives you a look at the archipelago above the waterline.

Koh Buloh and Ao Kam Nan: the first proper swims

The route continues to Koh Buloh, a small island with a colorful coral garden. You get around 30 minutes to snorkel here, looking for tropical fish among the coral.

This is the sort of stop that rewards patience. Stay near the reef, move slowly, and look carefully rather than racing from one end of the site to the other. The water is described as clear, and you might spot a sea turtle, but that is a possibility rather than a promise.

Next comes Ao Kam Nan, a bay on the south side of Koh Dong. The stop lasts about an hour and allows time for swimming or relaxing on the beach. The coral reef adds another underwater option, while the bay gives you a chance to come ashore and rest.

I like the balance here. After the exposed boat ride and an early snorkel, an hour at a bay feels useful. On the other hand, the itinerary uses several stops, so you should not expect a long, unhurried beach afternoon at every island.

Koh Ro Khloi: the day’s quiet beach pause

Koh Ro Khloi is one of the more peaceful stops on the route. Its panoramic beach and viewpoint give you a chance to leave the boat, stretch your legs, and look back toward the surrounding islands.

You have about an hour for swimming and exploring. If you want the best view, use part of that time for the walk to the viewpoint. The island is presented as remote and unspoiled, so this stop should appeal to you if quiet beaches matter as much as snorkeling.

There is a practical choice to make here. You can spend the full hour in the water, sit on the beach, or walk toward the viewpoint. You probably will not have time to do all three at a leisurely pace. I would choose the viewpoint first if the weather is clear, then use the remaining time for a swim.

Monkey Beach: lunch with a wildlife possibility

The boat then heads to Monkey Beach in the northeast of Koh Dong. This is a one-hour break that includes lunch and time to watch monkeys in the trees or swim in the calm water.

The monkeys are part of the attraction, but they are wild animals, not a scheduled performance. Keep your distance and do not treat them as tame. The stop works best as a relaxed midday break, with the lunch package, drinking water, and seasonal fruit included.

Food details are limited, so you should not book this expecting a restaurant meal or a choice of menu. Think of it as a practical picnic lunch that keeps the day moving. Bring your own special snacks only if they fit in a small bag, since large luggage is not allowed.

The calm water can make Monkey Beach a good time to cool off. If you are more interested in scenery than wildlife, you can simply enjoy the shore and use the break to recover before the afternoon snorkeling stops.

Koh Peung: sea fans and underwater texture

After lunch, the route returns to the water at Koh Peung. This 30-minute snorkeling stop is known for colorful sea fans and an underwater setting with more texture than a simple sandy-bottom swim.

Sea fans are worth slowing down for. They create broad shapes in the water and give the reef a different look from the smaller coral formations at Koh Buloh or Ao Kam Nan. You may also see colorful fish in the area.

Thirty minutes is enough for a focused snorkel, but it is not a long session. If you are an experienced snorkeler, you may wish for more time at the best sites. The advantage of the schedule is that you get several types of scenery rather than betting the entire day on one reef.

Koh Hin Ngam: black stones and a short walk

Koh Hin Ngam is one of the most distinctive stops. The beach is famous for black stones in different shapes and patterns, making it an easy place to recognize and photograph.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes and includes a photo break and a walk. You can also swim in the calm water, but the black-stone beach is the main reason to come ashore.

This is a spot where responsible behavior matters. The stones are part of the island’s natural character, so enjoy their patterns without taking them home. A short visit is enough to see the beach, take photographs, and walk along the shore, but anyone hoping for a long swim will have limited time.

Koh Hin Ngam also provides a visual change late in the day. After several coral stops, the dark stones and pale water make a strong final set of photographs.

Jabang: soft coral and the last snorkel

The final stop is Jabang, also written as Ko Cha Bang in the route details. Here you snorkel around colorful soft coral and schools of fish for about 30 minutes.

Ending with a reef stop makes sense if you still have energy in the water. Soft coral moves with the current, so this site can feel different from the more fixed coral gardens earlier in the day. The guide can also help you identify fish and coral, which is useful if you are new to snorkeling.

This is another short session, so keep your gear ready and listen closely when the guide explains where to enter. A guide’s presence is especially valuable for a beginner who needs reassurance or wants help spotting marine life.

One French participant specifically praised the guide’s help in pointing out fish and corals, providing reassurance in the water, and sharing photographs taken during the trip. No guide names are provided, but this gives you a good idea of the personal service to expect from the Star Travel team.

What the $27 price really covers

At $27 per person, this is a strong-value day if you want a broad introduction to Koh Lipe’s nearby islands. The price includes the longtail boat, a lunch package, drinking water, seasonal fruit, mask, fins, life jacket, professional guide, and basic accident insurance.

You should add the national park entrance fee to your budget. It is 200 THB per adult and 100 THB per child. If you already paid this fee when arriving on Koh Lipe by ferry or speedboat, you can reuse that ticket instead of paying again.

The value comes from the number of stops and the equipment provided. Hiring transport, organizing several island visits, and arranging lunch separately would take more work and could cost more. The price is less compelling if you mainly want one excellent reef and dislike moving often.

The tour has an overall rating of 4.5 from 37 reviews, but the useful point is the pattern behind that score. The strongest praise focuses on the small group, the typical Thai longtail boat, and the guide’s care in the water. One participant felt that only two of the sites were truly exceptional and suggested that experienced snorkelers with high expectations might prefer spending a quiet day on Koh Lipe.

That is fair advice. This trip is built for variety and convenience, not for a single world-class reef session.

Timing, equipment, and what to pack

The tour starts and finishes at Koh Lipe Star Travel on Walking Street near Pattaya Beach. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability when booking.

Pack lightly. The operator does not allow luggage or large bags, and a small day bag is the sensible choice. Bring:

• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• Towel and flip-flops
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Sunscreen
• A camera
• Breathable clothing

You receive a mask, fins, and life jacket, but you are responsible for lost or damaged equipment. Any missing or damaged item must be paid for at full replacement cost, so handle the gear carefully.

A camera can be worthwhile at Koh Hin Son and Koh Hin Ngam, as well as in the water. If you use a phone or camera near the sea, secure it properly. Drones are not allowed.

Who should book this Koh Lipe boat trip?

I would choose this trip if you are visiting Koh Lipe for the first time and want to see several islands without arranging your own boat. The range of stops gives you cliffs, beaches, reefs, sea fans, black stones, and a possible monkey sighting in one day.

It also suits beginners who want help in the water. The guide gives safety instructions, provides the equipment, and can point out fish and coral. The small group of up to 10 makes that support more useful.

You should think twice if you are a serious snorkeler who has already visited exceptional reef destinations. The schedule gives only 30 minutes at several snorkel sites, and the quality of the stops may vary with sea conditions. You may find the repeated boarding and swimming routine less rewarding than a slower day focused on one area.

The tour is not suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with heart problems, or non-swimmers. It is also not a good match if you need to bring large luggage or want to fly a drone.

Cancellation is flexible, with a full refund available when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your island plans are still shifting.

My verdict: a good first look at Koh Lipe’s islands

Book this longtail trip if you want an affordable, well-organized introduction to the islands east of Koh Lipe. The strongest reasons are the small group, helpful water support, included equipment and lunch, and the mix of reef and beach stops.

Go in with realistic expectations. This is not a private charter, and not every location will be equally memorable. You will spend much of the day moving between short visits, with sun, spray, and limited time at each reef.

For a first snorkeling day, the route offers a lot for $27. For an experienced snorkeler seeking the finest possible coral, compare it with a slower private or specialist outing. The best choice depends on whether you value variety and convenience more than extended time at one outstanding site.

FAQ

Where does the Koh Lipe snorkeling tour start?

Meet at the Koh Lipe Star Travel office on Walking Street near Pattaya Beach.

How long does the trip last?

The tour lasts 390 minutes, or about six and a half hours, including the boat rides and island stops.

What is included in the price?

The price includes drinking water, seasonal fruit, a lunch package, snorkeling masks and fins, a life jacket, a professional English- or Thai-speaking guide, and basic accident insurance.

Is the national park entrance fee included?

No. The fee is 200 THB per adult and 100 THB per child. If you already paid it when arriving on Koh Lipe by speedboat or ferry, you can reuse that ticket.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour provides live guiding in English and Thai.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 10 participants.

Can beginners or non-swimmers join?

Beginners can receive snorkeling and safety guidance, but the activity is not suitable for non-swimmers. It is also not suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, or people with back or heart problems.