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

Koh Lipe’s best scenery is under the water, and this small-group longtail trip gives you a full half-day to find it. You’ll visit five islands in Tarutao National Park, from pink and lavender soft coral at Jabang to the white beach of Koh Rawi and fish-filled water near Koh Adang.

I like the variety: you get coral, beaches, black volcanic stones, and a simple lunch rather than one long stop in one place. I also like the price, $22 per person, which covers the boat, gear, food, fruit, water, guide, and basic accident insurance.

The main caution is communication. English and Thai are advertised, but some departures have had little English from the crew, making safety instructions and explanations harder to follow. Jabang can also become crowded, and strong currents may affect one of the snorkeling stops.

Key points to know before booking

• Five island stops in 330 minutes: You’ll move from reef to reef rather than spend the day at one beach.
• Jabang has pink, lavender, and red soft coral: It is the most colorful snorkeling stop, but also the one most likely to feel crowded.
• Koh Rawi is the beach highlight: Expect white sand, turquoise water, lunch, and a short break rather than a long lazy beach day.
• Hin Ngam is for looking, walking, and photos: Its polished black stones are striking, but swimming is not the main point here.
• The boat holds up to 10 participants: This keeps the group smaller than many island trips, though other boats can still gather at popular sites.
• Bring your national park ticket: The fee is 200 THB for adults and 100 THB for children, but a ticket already bought on arrival can be reused.

What this Koh Lipe boat trip is really like

This is a classic island-hopping day around Koh Lipe, but the order of stops gives it more variety than a simple beach transfer. You leave from the Star Travel office on Walking Street, near Pattaya Beach, then travel by longtail boat through the waters around Koh Lipe, Koh Adang, Koh Rawi, Koh Yang, and Koh Jabang.

The total time is 330 minutes, or five and a half hours. That sounds generous, but boat travel and several short stops use part of the day. You should think of this as a brisk introduction to the national park, not a private snorkeling expedition where you set the pace.

The boat group is limited to 10 people. That is a useful middle ground: small enough to board, collect your gear, and hear instructions without a huge crowd, but not so private that you can choose every stop or linger as long as you like.

Meet 30 minutes before departure at Star Travel’s office. Wear swimwear under your clothes, carry only a small day bag, and bring a towel, sunscreen, hat, water shoes, and a change of clothes. Large luggage and drones are not allowed.

Jabang’s soft coral comes first

The first major stop is Jabang, where the attraction is soft coral in pink, lavender, and red shades. The reef also has sea whips, sea anemones, feather stars, sponges, and small reef fish. It is the stop most likely to satisfy you if your main goal is colorful underwater scenery.

You receive a mask, fins, and life jacket, and the guide gives snorkeling and safety instructions before you enter the water. If you are not a confident swimmer, take those instructions seriously and stay close to the boat or guide.

Jabang has one practical weakness: it is popular. Several boats may arrive at the same time, and the water can feel crowded, especially when people who are uncomfortable swimming cluster near the entry point. Arms and fins can get in the way of your view, so keep your expectations realistic.

The stop is scheduled for about an hour. That is enough time for a good look if the water is calm and visibility is decent, but conditions and crowd levels can change the feel of the stop. If you have your own waterproof camera, this is a good place to use it, but hold it securely and do not touch the coral.

Hin Ngam’s polished black stones

The boat then reaches Hin Ngam, a small island southwest of Koh Adang. Its shore is covered with smooth, rounded black stones shaped by waves over a very long period.

Hin Ngam is a visual break from the coral stops. You can walk, take photos, and look closely at the unusual stones. Local tradition says that stacking 12 stones and making a wish brings good luck. Treat the ritual lightly, and leave the stones where they are if the guide asks you not to move them.

The schedule gives Hin Ngam about 30 minutes for swimming, followed by roughly an hour for photos, sightseeing, and walking. In practice, this is the stop where you should expect the most shore time. It is not simply a quick photo from the boat.

One important point: the black-stone beach is not a soft place for bare feet. Water shoes are a smart item to pack, and flip-flops are useful for the boat and beach approach. The smooth stones can still be awkward underfoot, especially when wet.

Koh Yang brings a different kind of reef

Koh Yang offers another snorkeling stop, this time around a hard coral reef in shallow water. The site also has large boulders covered with soft coral at greater depth.

That change matters. Jabang is known for soft coral color, while Koh Yang gives you a chance to see a different reef structure. The shallow section can be easier to observe, while the deeper boulders add interest for stronger swimmers who are comfortable following the guide’s instructions.

The planned stop lasts about 30 minutes, so you will not have endless time to explore. Get your mask adjusted before entering the water and keep your fins close. Short snorkeling stops work best when you are ready to get in quickly rather than spending half the time sorting equipment.

Current conditions matter here. One departure had a snorkeling area affected by a strong current, so listen closely to the guide on the day. If the crew changes the exact entry point or cuts the water time, that is a safety decision, not a failure to follow the route.

Lunch and beach time at Koh Rawi

Koh Rawi is the most traditional island stop. It is known for white sand and clear turquoise water, and the tour includes lunch, drinking water, and seasonal fruit.

The planned break is about an hour. That covers eating and a little beach time, but it is not a full afternoon stay. If you want a slow meal, a long swim, and time for a beach walk, this schedule may feel tight.

The lunch is a package rather than a restaurant meal, so come prepared for something simple. Watermelon or other seasonal fruit may be served, and the food is meant to keep the day moving. For $22, including boat transport and snorkeling equipment, that is a fair arrangement, but it is not a reason to book the tour as a food experience.

Koh Rawi is also where you can reset between reef stops. Sit on the sand, drink water, and reapply sunscreen before getting back on the boat. The midday sun can be strong, and the open boat offers limited shade.

The beach is often the most memorable part for people who want the classic Thailand island scene. Just remember that an attractive beach stop does not automatically mean a long swim. The exact amount of free time depends on the day’s timing.

Koh Adang finishes with fish and clear water

The final water stop is near Koh Adang, where the tour aims for colorful fish and another chance to swim. The description promises hundreds of tropical fish, making this the best stop for anyone who enjoys watching fish more than photographing a particular coral color.

Koh Adang is close to Koh Lipe but feels more open and wild. The stop is planned for about an hour, giving you more water time than at Koh Yang. You can use this final session to repeat the basics you learned earlier: slow movements, steady breathing, and no contact with coral or marine life.

The fish are the main appeal, but visibility is never guaranteed at a fixed level. Sun, wind, current, and the number of boats can affect what you see. The tour provides the right setting, not a promise that every reef will look identical on every departure.

After Koh Adang, the boat returns to Koh Lipe. The return ride is listed at about 30 minutes, ending at the Star Travel office near Pattaya Beach.

The language question deserves attention

An English-speaking guide is included, and English and Thai are listed as the tour languages. Still, guide communication appears to vary by departure. Some crews have spoken very little English, which can make explanations and safety instructions difficult to understand.

This matters more on a snorkeling trip than on a simple sightseeing boat. You need to understand where to enter the water, how long to stay out, what to do in current, and where to gather afterward.

You can make the day easier by watching the safety demonstration closely, asking for clarification before entering the water, and staying aware of the boat and group. If you need detailed marine-life explanations in English, you may not receive them consistently.

That does not cancel out the scenery, but it should influence your choice. Strong swimmers who are comfortable following basic instructions may find the issue manageable. Beginners may prefer to confirm the guide’s English ability before booking.

How good is the $22 value?

At $22 per person, this is inexpensive for a five-and-a-half-hour island trip. The price includes a longtail boat, mask, fins, life jacket, lunch, drinking water, seasonal fruit, an English and Thai guide, and basic accident insurance.

You also get access to several destinations that would be difficult to combine independently in one half-day. The value is strongest if you plan to use all the snorkeling stops and appreciate having transport, food, and equipment handled for you.

The national park fee is extra: 200 THB for an adult and 100 THB for a child. If you already paid the fee when arriving on Koh Lipe by ferry or speedboat, reuse that ticket instead of paying again.

There are also possible replacement charges for lost or damaged masks and snorkels. Keep the equipment together and return it carefully. The tour is cheap, but that does not make the gear disposable.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve while paying later. The activity is not suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, or non-swimmers.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this trip if you want a low-cost, well-packed introduction to the islands around Koh Lipe. It suits you if you like changing scenery, can handle several boat transfers, and want both reef time and a beach stop.

It is especially useful during a short stay. In one morning and early afternoon, you see soft coral, hard coral, black stones, a white beach, and fish around Koh Adang. That range gives you a better sense of the national park than spending the whole day at one reef.

You may want a different plan if you dislike crowds or need a very quiet beach experience. Jabang can be busy, and the popular photo spots at Hin Ngam may not feel private. The Koh Rawi lunch break can also pass quickly.

I would also think twice if you are a weak swimmer. Life jackets and gear help, but they do not replace comfort in open water. Strong current is possible, and the group schedule does not leave much room for one-to-one coaching.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Bring sunscreen, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, breathable clothing, flip-flops, water shoes, a camera, and a change of clothes. Water shoes are particularly useful at Hin Ngam and around rocky entry points.

Pack light. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and space on a longtail boat is limited. A small waterproof pouch for your phone and money is sensible, though waterproof storage is not listed as included.

Drones are not allowed. The supplied snorkeling equipment covers the basics, but you may bring a personal mask if you prefer a familiar fit. The tour does not list prescription masks or special equipment, so arrange anything specific before departure.

Should you book the Koh Lipe five-island tour?

Book it if you want maximum variety for a low price and accept a busy, scheduled day. The coral at Jabang, hard reef at Koh Yang, fish near Koh Adang, and white sand at Koh Rawi give you plenty to see for $22.

Skip it if your priority is silence, long beach time, or detailed English guiding. The best way to approach this trip is as an affordable national park sampler: beautiful water, several worthwhile stops, basic food, and some rough edges in communication and crowd control.

For most active visitors staying on Koh Lipe, I think it is a sensible choice, especially if you have not yet explored the surrounding islands. Just bring water shoes, listen carefully to the safety briefing, and keep your expectations focused on variety rather than solitude.

FAQ

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at the Star Travel office on Walking Street near Pattaya Beach on Koh Lipe. You should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts 330 minutes, or about five and a half hours. The day includes boat travel between Koh Lipe and the island stops.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Jabang, Hin Ngam, Koh Yang, Koh Rawi, and Koh Adang, with return transport to Koh Lipe.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour provides snorkeling masks, fins, and life jackets. Lost or damaged equipment must be paid for at full replacement cost.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A lunch package, drinking water, and seasonal fruit are included. Lunch is served during the break at Koh Rawi.

How much is the national park fee?

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

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers. It is also not suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, or people with back or heart problems.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.