Lipe: Longtail Boat Snorkeling to Outer Islands Program B

Ko Lipe’s outer-island circuit packs a lot into one day: seven islands and eight stops aboard a traditional longtail boat. You will swim over coral gardens, pause on sandy beaches, visit Monkey Beach, and see unusual rock islands that feel far removed from Ko Lipe’s busy shoreline.

I like the excellent value at $22, especially since lunch, fruit, water, equipment, insurance, and underwater photos are included. I also like the hands-on help from the captain, who can guide you in the water if you are not a strong swimmer. The main drawback is crowding. Boats can reach the same sites together, and the English commentary may be brief.

I especially like the variety: Jabang’s seven-colored coral offers a memorable underwater sight, while Hin Ngam gives you a dry-land break among smooth black stones. You should also expect a full day in strong sun, several boat transfers, and some current at Koh Peung.

Key points at a glance

• Seven islands, eight stops: The day combines snorkeling, beaches, viewpoints, and short island visits.
• Rare coral at Jabang: Strong swimmers can descend 15 to 20 feet to see soft, brightly colored coral.
• Captain-led underwater help: The captain can assist you in the water and help take photos and videos.
• Lunch at Monkey Beach: The included lunch box, fruit, and drinking water make the long day easier.
• Small group of up to 10: A limited group allows for more personal help than a large boat trip.
• Good value at $22: The price includes most practical costs, but not the national park fee.

What this Ko Lipe snorkeling day is really like

This is an active island-hopping day, not a slow sightseeing cruise. You will spend much of the seven-hour trip moving between reefs, beaches, and rocky islands, with repeated entries into the water.

The longtail boat is part of the appeal. Its open design gives you wide views of the Gulf of Thailand, though it also leaves you exposed to sun, wind, and spray. Bring a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, beachwear, and sunscreen. You will want to keep your belongings protected from water.

The group is limited to 10 people. That matters here because the captain and guide can give more direct help with masks, fins, swimming, and photos. The captain has shown visitors Nemo, a baby stingray, and other sea life during the trip, though sightings are never guaranteed.

The day begins at the local activity provider’s shop. Look for the sign marked Wichit and arrive at least 10 minutes before departure. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the meeting point.

Koh Hin Son and the first views of the outer islands

Koh Hin Son is one of the more unusual stops. It looks like a rocky outcrop rising from the sea, rather than a typical tropical island with a broad beach.

The main attraction is the viewpoint. The site is described as having been praised by UNESCO as an ASEAN heritage site in 1982. From here, you can take in the open-water setting and the island’s stark rock shapes before returning to the boat.

This stop is more about scenery than a long swim. It gives you a useful change of pace early in the day, when you are still getting used to the boat and the rhythm of repeated snorkeling stops.

Koh Pai’s anemones, clownfish, and parrotfish

Koh Pai is small, shallow, and known for its anemones. The underwater scene includes clownfish, large parrotfish, and what the tour describes as diving flowers, meaning the soft anemones moving with the water.

Shallow water makes this one of the easier locations for spotting fish without having to swim far below the surface. If you are new to snorkeling, this can be a comfortable early stop. The captain may point out Nemo or other fish, but you should not expect a formal marine-life lesson at every location.

The coral and fish can be lovely, but water conditions and visibility change. The tour takes place in open sea, so currents, wind, and the number of boats nearby can affect how peaceful the stop feels.

Koh Rokroy brings coral and postcard views

Koh Rokroy combines shallow coral with pleasant views above the water. It is a good example of why this program works as more than a single reef trip. You get a series of different settings rather than one long swim at one site.

I would use this stop to alternate between snorkeling and simply looking around. The scenery is part of the experience, and you do not need to spend every minute underwater. If you are feeling tired from the heat, a short rest on the boat can be sensible.

You should pace yourself. Eight stops sound exciting, but repeated swimming in tropical sun can wear you out. Drink water whenever you return to the boat, and use the beach breaks to cool down and rest.

Ao Kum Nun’s coral garden

Ao Kum Nun is described as a bay with staghorn coral, hemp coral, and jackfruit coral. These names refer to different coral shapes, which gives the site a more varied underwater appearance than a reef made up of one type.

The bay is also a useful place to watch tropical fish at close range. Clownfish, parrotfish, and tigerfish may be seen among the coral. The water is shallow enough for relaxed snorkeling, though you should keep your fins away from the reef.

Above water, the beach is suited to photographs and a quiet pause. The combination of reef and sand makes this one of the more balanced stops of the day. You can choose between swimming, taking pictures, or sitting back and watching the water.

Monkey Beach and the included lunch

Koh Dong’s Monkey Beach is the lunch stop. The beach has fine sand, clear water, and small monkeys in the surrounding area.

The lunch is supplied as a box, with seasonal fruit and drinking water also included. The food has been described as tasty and sufficient for a day on the water, but this is not a restaurant meal. Think practical picnic lunch rather than a culinary event.

If you have food allergies, eat vegetarian food, or eat only vegetables, tell the operator by email before the trip. Do not wait until you arrive. The information provided says special food will not be prepared unless you give advance notice.

The monkeys add interest, but you should not feed or provoke them. Keep food packed away when you are not eating, and follow the guide’s instructions. The beach is a welcome reset in the middle of a busy schedule, so use it to eat, stretch, and apply more sunscreen.

Koh Peung and the strongest current

Koh Peung is known for feather stars and orange coral. It is also the stop where you may need to hold onto a rope because the current can be strong.

This detail matters. You should be comfortable in the water, even though a life jacket, mask, snorkel, and fins are supplied. Strong swimmers may enjoy the movement and the chance to look closely at the reef, while less confident swimmers should stay near the guide and captain.

The captain can help people who cannot swim well, but this does not turn the trip into a calm-water swimming lesson. If you are prone to seasickness, have respiratory problems, back problems, or are pregnant, this activity is not considered suitable.

Jabang Island and its seven-colored coral

Jabang is one of the main reasons to choose this program. It is known for rare seven-colored coral, with soft coral in bright shades covering the rocks below the surface.

The best view may require descending 15 to 20 feet. That means this stop is more rewarding for confident swimmers who are comfortable holding their breath and moving below the surface. You should never push yourself simply to see the coral. If you prefer to stay near the top, you can still enjoy the reef and watch others explore below.

The site can be popular, and several boats may arrive around the same time. That can reduce the quiet, natural feeling of the stop. Starting late may also compress the schedule, though the captain may adjust the order or timing of stops.

Hin Ngam’s smooth black stones

Hin Ngam is famous for its smooth black stones. Instead of snorkeling the entire time, you can walk around the island and see how the rounded rocks cover the shore.

This is a useful final-style stop because it lets you get out of the water and move your legs. The stones are attractive for photographs, but they can be uncomfortable underfoot. Wear sturdy beach footwear if you have it, and step carefully.

Hin Ngam also gives the day a stronger sense of place. The tour is not only about fish and coral. It shows you islands shaped by different rock, reef, beach, and current conditions around Ko Lipe.

The equipment, photos, and personal help

The tour includes a mask, snorkel, fins, and life jacket. Drinking water, lunch, seasonal fruit, accident insurance, and an underwater photo and video service are also included.

The photo service is one of the strongest extras. The guide or captain may take pictures of you underwater, and the files are sent through a download link after the trip. You can also hand over your own camera for photos, according to the operating team’s usual practice.

Do not book this expecting a professional photography session. The number and quality of images will depend on visibility, crowds, water conditions, and how much time the guide has at each stop. Still, at this price, having underwater photos included is a real bonus.

The captain’s practical help is equally useful. If you are not a strong swimmer, he can guide you underwater and help you stay oriented. The support is personal, but you remain responsible for telling the crew if you are tired, uncomfortable, or struggling.

The guide and the pace of the day

The guide service is offered in English and Thai. Some English-speaking visitors have found the guide friendly and helpful, while others have found the spoken explanations quite limited.

That means you should choose this trip for the places and water time, not for detailed naturalist commentary. You may get short explanations about a stop, but you should not count on a full account of coral species, fish behavior, or island geology.

The pace can also vary. Some departures have started late, and busy sites may have several boats arriving together. On the positive side, the captain has adjusted the plan to suit the small group when possible. You may get a relaxed, flexible feel, but the schedule is not likely to run like a tightly scripted cruise.

Is $22 a good value?

At $22 per person, this is an unusually inexpensive full-day snorkeling trip. The price covers the boat experience, seven-island route, eight stops, lunch, fruit, water, equipment, insurance, and underwater photos.

You still need to pay the national park fee separately: 200 THB per adult or 100 THB per child. The park ticket is valid for five days from the date of purchase. If you use it after that period and an officer checks it, you may need to buy another ticket.

Even after adding the park fee, the package offers strong value for anyone who wants a full day on the water without paying for a private boat. The tradeoff is that popular sites may be crowded, the lunch is basic, and the guide’s commentary may be light.

Who should book this trip?

I would choose this trip if you want maximum variety for a modest price. It suits confident swimmers, casual snorkelers who enjoy several short stops, couples, friends, and small groups who value photos and direct help.

It is also a good choice if you want more than a reef. The viewpoints, beaches, monkeys, black stones, and rocky islands break up the swimming and give you different ways to experience the Ko Lipe area.

I would think twice if you dislike longtail boat rides, strong sun, open-water conditions, or repeated boat transfers. It is not suitable for children under six, pregnant women, people with back or respiratory problems, or people prone to seasickness.

Should you book Program B?

Book it if your priority is a busy, varied day with plenty of time in the water and a low total price. Jabang’s seven-colored coral, Koh Peung’s feather stars, and the underwater photo service give this route several memorable touches.

Skip it if you want a quiet private outing, detailed marine-life talks, or guaranteed time at uncrowded reefs. For most people who accept those limits, the combination of seven islands, eight stops, helpful crew support, lunch, and included gear makes this one of the stronger budget activities around Ko Lipe.

FAQ

How long does the snorkeling trip last?

The activity lasts seven hours.

How many islands and stops are included?

The route visits seven islands and includes eight stops for snorkeling, beach time, viewpoints, or island exploration.

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides a mask, snorkel, fins, and life jacket.

Is lunch included?

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

Is the national park fee included?

No. The fee is 200 THB per adult and 100 THB per child, payable on site.

Can people who are not strong swimmers join?

The captain can assist and guide people underwater, but the activity is not suitable for people with serious swimming concerns. Koh Peung may have a strong current, and a life jacket is provided.

Where do I meet the group?

Check in at the local activity provider’s shop at least 10 minutes before departure. Look for the sign marked Wichit.