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

Koh Lipe’s 7-island snorkeling trip is really a full day of short sea crossings, beach stops, and underwater sessions around the eastern Adang archipelago. The traditional longtail boat gives you an open-air ride with fine views, while the best stops, especially Koh Buloh, Koh Peung, and Jabang, put you among coral, sea fans, and tropical fish.

I like the small group of up to 10 people, which makes the boat feel less crowded and gives the English-speaking guide room to help with masks, fins, and safety. I also like the mix of stops: you get black rocks at Koh Hin Ngam, monkeys at Koh Dong, a beach and viewpoint at Koh Ro Khloi, and several chances to snorkel.

The main drawback is that not every stop will feel equally special. If you have already snorkeled in truly exceptional reef areas, parts of this trip may seem ordinary, and non-swimmers should choose another activity.

Key points to know before you book

• Traditional longtail boat: You spend the day on a classic Thai boat rather than a speedboat, with a slower, more open ride through the island group.
• Three main snorkeling areas: Koh Buloh, Koh Peung, and Jabang offer coral, sea fans, soft coral, and schools of colorful fish.
• Small-group setup: The boat is limited to 10 participants, a useful advantage when you need help with equipment or water entry.
• Koh Hin Ngam’s black stones: This unusual beach is one of the most distinctive photo stops on the route.
• Lunch at Monkey Beach: The midday break includes a packed lunch, drinking water, and seasonal fruit.
• Extra park fee: The 200 THB adult or 100 THB child national park charge is not included, though you can reuse a ticket already purchased on arrival by ferry or speedboat.

What the 390-minute day feels like

The tour lasts 390 minutes, or about six and a half hours. You meet at the Star Travel office on Walking Street near Pattaya Beach, then receive snorkeling and safety instructions before boarding.

That length matters. You are not simply being taken to one reef for a quick swim. The day moves through several islands and bays, with about 45 minutes of initial boat travel and another 30 minutes on the return. In between, you get a chain of sightseeing, swimming, lunch, walking, and snorkeling stops.

The pace is active but broken into manageable pieces. Most water sessions last 30 minutes, while the swimming stops at Ao Kam Nan and Koh Ro Khloi allow about an hour. If you like variety, this structure works well. If you prefer a slow morning at one reef, it may feel rushed.

The longtail boat is part of the experience. You hear the engine, feel the movement of the boat, and stay close to the water rather than sitting inside a sealed cabin. That gives you better open views, but you should also expect a more exposed ride. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and breathable clothing, and keep your belongings small.

Koh Hin Son and the first views

Koh Hin Son, also called Ko Hin Sorn, is the opening sightseeing stop. The island is known for dramatic cliffs and unusual rock formations, with views across the surrounding water.

You can take in the scenery from above or swim in the clear water below. This is a good first stop because it eases you into the day before the longer snorkeling sessions begin. The rocks provide the visual drama here, not a long beach walk.

The first 45-minute boat ride also gives you time to settle in. If you are prone to motion sickness, staying aware of the boat’s movement is sensible. The supplied information does not promise motion-sickness medicine, so bring your own if you normally need it.

Koh Buloh and Ao Kam Nan underwater

Koh Buloh is one of the more important stops for anyone booking this as a snorkeling tour rather than a sightseeing cruise. Its coral garden supports tropical fish, and you may even spot a sea turtle. A 30-minute session is enough to see a good section of reef, though you will want to listen closely to the guide before entering the water.

The guide can point out fish and coral, and the equipment package includes masks and fins. A life jacket is also provided. You should still be comfortable in the water, since this tour is not suitable for non-swimmers.

The route then continues to Ao Kam Nan, a bay on the southern side of Koh Dong. Here you can swim above a coral reef or rest on the beach. The scheduled stop lasts about an hour, so this is one of the better places to slow down and enjoy the setting instead of constantly looking beneath the surface.

The contrast between Koh Buloh and Ao Kam Nan makes the trip more pleasant. One focuses on coral and fish, while the other gives you time on shore. Conditions can affect underwater visibility, so it is wise to treat the reef as the main attraction but not expect perfect viewing at every stop.

Koh Ro Khloi for beach time and a viewpoint

Koh Ro Khloi is the route’s quiet beach stop. It has a broad view over the islands and a viewpoint reached by a short hike. The scheduled swimming and beach time is about one hour.

This is a useful break from snorkeling. You can swim, sit on the beach, or walk up for the view. The island is described as remote and unspoiled, which gives this portion of the day a calmer feel than the boat stops.

The viewpoint also adds something that many reef trips lack: a chance to see the island group from land. Wear flip-flops or footwear that can handle a short walk, and bring a towel and change of clothes if you plan to swim more than once.

Do not expect a long guided hike. The appeal is the panorama and the quiet beach, not a major trail. You will want to keep the visit relaxed and use the time according to your energy level.

Monkey Beach and the midday lunch break

Monkey Beach, on the northeastern side of Koh Dong, is the lunch stop. You have about an hour here for a break and a packed meal, with drinking water and seasonal fruit included.

The beach is also a place to watch monkeys in the trees. That makes it memorable, but use ordinary wildlife caution. Keep food secure and do not approach or feed the animals. The tour information promises a chance to watch them, not a close encounter.

Lunch at this point in the route is practical. By midday, you have already had a boat ride, sightseeing, and water time, so a seated break helps. The provided details do not specify the exact menu, so bring only the snacks you need and do not assume special dietary options unless confirmed before booking.

For many people, this stop will be less about the meal itself and more about getting dry, eating, and resetting for the afternoon snorkeling sessions.

Koh Peung and the sea fans

The next snorkeling stop is around Koh Peung. This area is noted for colorful sea fans, which give the underwater view a different look from the coral garden at Koh Buloh.

Sea fans are broad, delicate-looking coral structures that create a strong visual focus when you are floating above the reef. The snorkeling session is scheduled for about 30 minutes, so use your time well. Get your mask fitted before entering the water, listen to the guide’s directions, and stay within the area set for the group.

This is where the small-group format helps. With no more than 10 participants, the guide has a better chance of keeping track of the group and pointing out underwater sights. One highly praised part of the experience is the guide’s personal help, including showing participants fish and coral and offering reassurance in the water.

A past guest also appreciated receiving photos taken by the guide during the excursion. That is a useful bonus when available, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed inclusion. The listed inclusions cover equipment, food, water, insurance, and the guide, not a formal photography service.

Koh Hin Ngam and the black-rock beach

Koh Hin Ngam is one of the tour’s most distinctive stops. Its beach is covered with black stones in different shapes and patterns, making it a strong photo stop and a pleasant place for a short walk.

You get about 30 minutes here for photographs and exploring on foot. The island is not mainly a snorkeling stop, so this is a chance to dry off, look closely at the stones, and enjoy the contrast with the pale beaches found elsewhere around Koh Lipe.

The calm water also allows for a swim, according to the activity details. Still, the black stones are the reason to come. They are more interesting as a natural feature than as a place to spend a long afternoon.

Take care with your camera and personal gear. The tour does not allow luggage or large bags, and lost or damaged masks and snorkels must be paid for at full replacement cost. Pack light, but protect the small items you bring.

Jabang, the final coral stop

Jabang, also written Ko Cha Bang, is the last snorkeling stop before returning to Koh Lipe. It is known for colorful soft coral and schools of fish, making it a fitting final session.

The planned water time is about 30 minutes. By this stage, you may be ready for the boat ride home, but this stop is worth treating seriously if snorkeling is your main reason for booking. Soft coral and schooling fish provide a different view from the sea fans at Koh Peung and the coral gardens at Koh Buloh.

The return boat ride takes about 30 minutes. You arrive back at the Star Travel office, close to the same Walking Street area where you started.

What is included, and what you still pay

At $27 per person, this is a strong value if you want a full day on the water without arranging equipment, food, or several separate boat rides. The price includes:

• Drinking water and seasonal fruit
• A lunch package
• Snorkel mask and fins
• Life jacket
• English and Thai-speaking professional guide
• Basic accident insurance

The biggest extra cost is the national park entrance fee: 200 THB per adult and 100 THB per child. If you already paid this fee when arriving on Koh Lipe by speedboat or ferry, reuse that ticket rather than paying again.

The low price also reflects the simple nature of the outing. This is not a private charter or a luxury boat day. You share the longtail boat with a small group, eat a provided lunch, and move through a set route. For a budget-conscious visitor, that is exactly the appeal.

Who should book this longtail trip

I would choose this tour if you want a broad introduction to the islands around Koh Lipe. It suits you especially well if you like switching between reef time, beaches, viewpoints, wildlife watching, and unusual rock formations.

It also works for first-time snorkelers who are comfortable swimming and want a guide nearby. The guide gives safety instructions, helps identify fish and coral, and can offer reassurance in the water. The small group makes that support more useful than it would be on a very large boat.

You should think twice if you have back problems, heart problems, or are pregnant. The activity is also not suitable for children under two or for non-swimmers. People who dislike boat rides, repeated water entry, or a full six-and-a-half-hour schedule may prefer a quieter day on Koh Lipe.

Experienced snorkelers should set expectations carefully. Two or three stops may impress you most, while the rest provide pleasant variety rather than world-class reef viewing. One direct assessment of the route found it worthwhile for newcomers but less satisfying for people already used to truly exceptional snorkeling destinations.

Practical packing advice for the boat

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, flip-flops, a camera, a change of clothes, and breathable clothing. The list is simple, but each item earns its place on a long, exposed day.

Leave luggage and large bags behind. Drones are not allowed, so do not bring one to the meeting point. Keep your camera and other small items secure, since you will move between boat, beach, and water several times.

Masks, fins, and life jackets are supplied. Check your mask fit early, before the first proper snorkeling stop. You are responsible for lost or damaged equipment, including full replacement cost for the mask or snorkel.

The tour includes basic accident insurance, but that does not replace sensible swimming judgment. Follow the guide’s instructions, use the life jacket if needed, and do not enter the water if you are not comfortable.

Should you book the Koh Lipe 7-island trip?

Book it if you want good variety at a low price, especially if this is your first snorkeling outing around Koh Lipe. The traditional boat, small group, included lunch, and stops at Koh Buloh, Koh Peung, Jabang, Koh Ro Khloi, and Koh Hin Ngam create a well-rounded day.

Skip it if your main goal is the finest possible reef snorkeling and you have already visited top underwater destinations. The route includes several excellent-looking places, but the quality can vary between stops, and the schedule gives you only about 30 minutes at many reefs.

At $27, Star Travel’s trip is easiest to recommend as a practical introduction rather than a perfect reef expedition. You get a lot of scenery, several chances to snorkel, food, equipment, and a guide in a small group. Just add the park fee, pack light, and choose it for the full island experience, not for one flawless underwater site.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

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

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts 390 minutes, or about six and a half hours.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour offers live guidance in English and Thai.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 10 participants.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A lunch package, drinking water, and seasonal fruit are included.

Are snorkeling masks and fins provided?

Yes. Snorkel masks, fins, and a life jacket are included.

Do I need to pay a national park entrance fee?

Yes, the fee is 200 THB per adult and 100 THB per child. If you already paid after arriving on Koh Lipe by speedboat or ferry, you can reuse that ticket.

Can non-swimmers join the tour?

No. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, flip-flops, and breathable clothing. Large bags, luggage, and drones are not allowed.