Koh Lipe: Private Boat Ride with 7 Top Snorkeling Spots

Exploring Koh Lipe’s vibrant marine life and stunning beaches on a private boat is a fantastic way to see this Thai island’s underwater treasures. This tour promises a full day of snorkeling at seven carefully selected sites, plus plenty of opportunities to relax on pristine beaches, all with your own captain at the helm.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, having a private longtail boat means you can choose your pace and spend more time at the spots that catch your eye. Second, the inclusion of free GoPro photos taken by the crew allows you to capture memories without lugging your camera. Third, the beachside lunch and seasonal fruits keep you energized for the day’s adventures.

A potential consideration? The boat seating is on wooden benches, which might be a bit uncomfortable for some—reviewers mention a desire for more padding. Still, for many, the intimacy and flexibility of a private tour outweigh this small downside.

This tour is ideally suited for travelers who love snorkeling, want a personalized experience, and prefer a flexible schedule. If you’re after a relaxed yet adventurous day exploring Koh Lipe’s underwater world, this tour checks all the boxes.

Good To Know

• Private boat experience offers flexibility and personalized stops.
• Seven snorkeling sites reveal coral gardens, marine life, and iconic formations.
• Beachside lunch and tropical fruits provide a delicious break.
• GoPro photos allow you to relive your underwater moments.
• Comfort considerations include hard seating on the boat, which might matter for long hours.
• Ideal for snorkel enthusiasts, privacy seekers, and those wanting a tailored day on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Koh Lipe Private Snorkeling Tour

The Value of a Private Longtail Boat

One of the tour’s biggest perks is the private longtail boat, which gives you a level of control that larger group tours simply can’t match. With your own captain (fluent in English, Thai, and Malay), you can decide how long to linger at each snorkeling spot or skip ahead if you’re eager to see more. The boat itself is a classic Thai vessel—open, maneuverable, perfect for zipping between the islands and stopping at hidden corners of the reef system.

This setup is particularly appealing because it avoids the crowded, rushed feel of group tours. As one reviewer noted, “It was perfect to be able to control how long we stayed at each site.” Plus, the flexibility means you won’t feel hurried, and you can tailor the experience to your energy levels and interests.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off early with a hotel pickup around 9:30 AM, with a range of 19 pickup locations across Koh Lipe. Expect a prompt start so you can make the most of your 7 hours on the water.

The first stop is Jabang Dive Site, where you’ll enjoy about 40 minutes of snorkeling. This spot is known for marine life viewing and is a gentle introduction to the tour’s underwater highlights. Next, you visit Hin Ngam island in Satun Province, where you can take photos, walk, and snorkel for about an hour. This island is famous for its polished black stones and scenic views, making it a favorite for both nature and photography lovers.

The third stop, Ko Hin Sorn, offers more underwater exploration, along with photo opportunities and swimming. Afterward, the crew anchors at Monkey Beach (Ao Ling), where you’ll have a two-hour break for lunch, swimming, and relaxing on the sand with a beach picnic and seasonal fruits. This is a great chance to recharge, perhaps with a quick dip or a walk along the shoreline.

Following lunch, the boat heads to Ko Palai, a scenic island with vibrant coral fields. The 40-minute stop here allows for more snorkeling and sightseeing. The outer zone of the tour includes Ao Kamnan, known for its rich reefs, and Koh Rokloy, where the crystal-clear waters promise some of the best swimming of the day.

Further stops include Phai Island, home to fields of sea anemones, and Phueng Island with its soft coral forests. Each site offers a different underwater environment, from coral gardens to rock formations, giving you a well-rounded snorkeling experience.

The day winds down with a return to Koh Lipe, arriving around 4:30 PM, offering ample time to reflect on the day’s adventures and share photos with new friends or fellow travelers.

Snorkeling Highlights and Marine Life

Each site on the tour was carefully selected for its marine richness and visual appeal. For example, Koh Hin Ngam is famous for its black stones and clear water, making it perfect for underwater photography. Koh Rokloy is noted for its transparency, ideal for swimming and observing marine life. The crew often captures these moments with free GoPro photos, which many travelers find a real bonus—especially since they don’t have to worry about taking their own pictures.

A reviewer from Norway highlighted the quality of the photos, stating, “The crew took a lot of photos with GoPro, and they looked fantastic.” This adds a special touch, allowing you to focus on snorkeling while the crew documents the best moments.

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Comfort and Practicalities

While the overall experience is highly praised, some mention the boat’s seating situation. The benches are wooden, which can get uncomfortable after a couple of hours. Bringing your own cushion or pad might be a wise idea if you’re sensitive to hard surfaces.

The tour’s duration of 7 hours is fairly standard for this type of experience, giving enough time to explore multiple sites without feeling rushed. The pickup process is well-organized, with the tour provider confirming exact times a day before, though minor delays might occur due to multiple stops.

Seafood, Fruits, and Refreshments

The beachside lunch at Monkey Bay is simple but fulfilling. Expect a picnic-style meal with seasonal tropical fruits that keep you refreshed after snorkeling. The emphasis on fresh, local ingredients makes the meal more enjoyable, especially after several hours in the water.

Pricing and Value

While the tour’s cost isn’t explicitly stated here, it’s fair to say that the personalized, private nature of the experience offers good value—particularly if you’re traveling with a small group or family. The flexibility to customize how long you stay at each spot and the inclusion of free photos add significant value compared to more rigid group tours.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals most to travelers who value privacy and flexibility, enjoy snorkel adventures, and want a personalized day out. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind a bit of boat time and are looking for an immersive, relaxed exploration of Koh Lipe’s underwater world.

Final Thoughts

This private snorkeling tour on Koh Lipe offers a unique combination of flexibility, intimate exploration, and beautiful underwater scenery. The ability to choose how long to stay at each site and the personal touch of a dedicated captain make it stand out from standard group excursions. The seven snorkeling stops cover a wide range of coral and marine environments, providing plenty of opportunities to see colorful fish, soft corals, and iconic formations.

The inclusion of a beachside lunch and free GoPro photos adds value and convenience, making this a well-rounded package for adventurous travelers. While the boat seating might be less comfortable for long hours, the overall experience compensates with its personalization and scenic variety.

If you’re looking for a day of snorkeling in Koh Lipe with the chance to control your pace and enjoy the marine beauty in comfort, this tour is a solid choice. Perfect for couples, small groups, or families who want a tailored, memorable adventure on the water.

FAQ

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
Your pickup is scheduled around 9:30 AM, and the tour provider will confirm the exact time a day before. It’s best to be prepared and ready at your hotel lobby to avoid delays.

Can I customize the stops or snorkeling duration?
Since it’s a private tour, you can ask your captain to spend more or less time at certain sites, provided it fits within the overall schedule.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a copy of your passport or ID card. Consider a small waterproof bag for valuables.

Are there any restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or those with motion sickness. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed onboard.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
While swimming is a key part of snorkeling, non-swimmers can enjoy the boat ride and relax on the beaches, but they should be comfortable in the water for snorkeling.

What’s included in the price?
The main features include private transportation, snorkeling at seven sites, a beachside lunch, seasonal fruits, and free GoPro photos. Confirm details with the provider for any additional inclusions.

This Koh Lipe private boat tour offers a personalized way to experience the island’s stunning underwater world while giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Whether you’re a snorkeling enthusiast or simply want a peaceful day exploring hidden corners, this experience delivers on both adventure and comfort.

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