Koh Lipe 5 Islands by Private Longtailboat Free use Go Pro Camera

Koh Lipe’s best-known sights are out on the water, and this six-hour trip gives you a private longtail boat for a route around Koh Rawi, Koh Yang, Koh A Dang, Jabang, and the surrounding islands. You’ll have time for snorkeling and self-guided stops, plus a boxed lunch on Koh Rawi.

I like two things in particular: your boat is reserved for your party, so you can share the day with your own group, and the price includes useful basics such as masks, life jackets, refreshments, a GoPro for use during the activity, and hotel transfers. The lunch stop also breaks up the time on the water.

One point to weigh: this is not clearly a guided sightseeing tour. The schedule labels much of the day self-guided, and communication in English may be limited. If you want detailed explanations at each stop, ask about the crew’s language before booking.

Five useful things to know before you go

• Five island names, one flexible route: Koh Rawi, Koh Yang, Koh A Dang, Jabang, and Koh Lipe’s surrounding waters are included in the advertised outing, but exact stop times are not specified.
• Private boat, shared pickup: The longtail is private for your party, while hotel transfers may be shared and can run early or late.
• A six-hour day on the water: Departure is scheduled for 9 a.m., lunch is around noon, and the return is planned for 3 p.m.
• GoPro use is included: You can use the camera during the activity, but it is not listed as a take-home item.
• Budget for the park charge: The 400 THB per person Koh Tarutao National Park fee is not included in the tour price.

A private longtail sets the tone

A wooden longtail boat makes this a small-scale way to see the islands around Koh Lipe. Your booking is for a private boat party, with options for two people up to groups of seven or eight. That gives you room to share the day with family or friends without joining a larger sightseeing boat.

Private does not necessarily mean a private transfer from your hotel. The pickup is described as shared, so another party may affect the timing. The operator reconfirms the pickup time in advance, and you should be ready five minutes before the stated departure time. Expect some flexibility: the transfer may arrive early or late.

The boat has a captain and assistant, and the experience includes snorkeling masks and life jackets. The crew’s practical help can make a real difference, especially if you are new to snorkeling. But don’t assume that private means you’ll have a dedicated English-speaking guide explaining the islands. The schedule calls the stops self-guided, and reports of limited English make it wise to set expectations before you leave.

Following the route from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The day begins with hotel pickup and a planned 9 a.m. departure. From there, the route covers the Koh Lipe area and the named destinations: Koh Rawi, Koh Yang, Koh A Dang, and Jabang. The schedule places a self-guided portion around 10 a.m., lunch and free time at Koh Rawi at noon, another self-guided block at 1 p.m., then a return around 3 p.m.

That outline gives you a useful rhythm, but not a minute-by-minute route. There is no exact stop duration for each island, and the plan may change with weather and sea conditions. You may want to ask the crew at the start which places they expect to visit and where they recommend snorkeling. Don’t treat the five names as a promise of a long shore visit at every one.

The self-guided format is worth understanding. You may be left to swim, snorkel, or explore at your own pace rather than receiving a running account of local geography. That can suit confident, independent visitors who mainly want time in the water. If you value context and clear directions, ask in advance how the crew communicates and what help they provide at each stop.

Koh Rawi is the lunch and breathing-space stop

Around noon, the boat is scheduled to stop at Koh Rawi for a boxed lunch and free time. This is the clearest fixed stop in the day, and it gives you a break from the boat and snorkeling. Lunch and refreshments are included, so you do not need to plan a separate meal during the outing.

Bring cash and keep a little patience in reserve. One visitor found a more comfortable place to eat farther along the beach, beyond the sand and driftwood where the group first stopped. That is a useful reminder to look around before settling in, especially if you would prefer a table or bench. Facilities are not detailed, so don’t count on a particular kind of seating.

The lunch stop also gives you a chance to dry off, reapply sunscreen, and reset before the afternoon’s water time. Pack a towel and a change of clothes, as recommended, and keep your belongings simple. The tour description does not specify what the boxed meal contains, so bring any personal snacks you know you may need.

Snorkeling is the main event, but conditions matter

A mask and life jacket are included, and the GoPro is available for use during the activity. Together, those inclusions make it easier to get into the water without arranging all your own gear. The GoPro can be a welcome extra if you want underwater photos, though you should confirm how it is operated and whether you can use it comfortably before leaving the boat.

The sea can change the feel of the day. High waves and jellyfish have been reported on some trips, so conditions may affect how long you want to snorkel or where the boat stops. The route can also shift with weather. A sunny forecast is no guarantee of calm water, and you should be ready to follow the crew’s safety advice.

Crew support has varied in the experiences shared. Some visitors found the captain and assistant patient and helpful, including assistance for a nervous first-time snorkeler. Another account described a tired swimmer struggling to climb the ladder without getting a helping hand. If you have concerns about getting back aboard, tell the crew before entering the water and ask clearly for assistance. A private tour gives you a chance to communicate your needs, but it does not replace checking that the crew understands them.

What the five island names mean for your day

The five-island framing is appealing, but the available schedule does not assign a separate time to each destination. It names Koh Rawi, Koh Yang, Koh A Dang, and Jabang along with Koh Lipe, then gives two broad self-guided blocks. The actual sequence and amount of time at each location can depend on conditions.

That means you should choose this trip for the overall boat-and-snorkel day, not for a guaranteed checklist of extended visits. If one particular island matters to you, ask whether it is planned for your date and how long the boat expects to stay there. The crew may be able to clarify the route on the morning, but don’t assume every stop will be a shore excursion.

This is also where the lack of a confirmed English guide matters. The water and island time can still be enjoyable without a detailed commentary, but you may not learn much about the places you pass. If local explanation is a priority, compare this option with a tour that explicitly includes a guide.

Price and group size change the value

Prices vary by group size. The listed options start at US$67.49 for two people, US$55.55 per person for a group of three or four, US$43.65 for five or six, and US$35.75 for seven or eight. A headline price may differ from the price shown for a particular date or package, so check the final amount at checkout.

The value improves as your party grows. For a couple, the private boat costs more per person, and you may find a similar island-hopping trip through your hotel for less. One couple reported that their hotel offered the same kind of outing at half the price. Compare what each option includes, especially the private boat, GoPro use, lunch, transfer, and group size, rather than comparing only the starting price.

For a larger family or group of friends, the private setup may make more sense. You can share the boat among up to eight people, while keeping the day within your own party. The included lunch, refreshments, snorkeling gear, insurance provided by the operator, and round-trip transfers add value, but the 400 THB per person national park fee is extra. Add that charge before deciding whether the total fits your budget.

Prepare for a self-guided day, not a polished lecture

Pack swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a towel, a change of clothes, personal medication, and cash. These are practical basics for a day that includes boat time, swimming, and a beach lunch stop. Keep your medication accessible, not buried at the bottom of a bag.

The activity is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, epilepsy, heart disease, asthma, other serious medical conditions, pregnant women, or people with disabilities. If any of these apply, check directly with the operator before booking rather than relying on the general tour description. Children aged zero to three are free.

The tour has insurance provided by the operator, but that does not remove the need to follow safety instructions. Wear the life jacket as directed, and be honest with the crew about your swimming comfort and stamina. If you are nervous, say so before you get in. One first-time snorkeler was helped by a crew member who used a tube to guide them near the boat, but you should not assume identical assistance will be available every time.

Who should book this Koh Lipe boat trip?

I would consider this outing if you want a private boat, snorkeling time, and a simple lunch stop, especially if you have several people to split the cost. It is also a reasonable fit for independent swimmers who do not need a guide to explain each island and are comfortable with a flexible route.

I would pause if you need strong English communication, careful hands-on support in the water, or a guaranteed visit length at each island. In that case, ask specific questions before paying, or compare the tour with an option that clearly states it has an English-speaking guide. For two people, check hotel prices and other private boat rates, since the per-person cost can be substantially higher than for a full group.

The booking can be changed up to 72 hours before the activity, subject to the stated exceptions, and cancellation at least 72 hours ahead qualifies for a full refund. Severe weather or other unforeseen events can lead the operator to cancel, with a choice to reschedule or request a refund. Those terms matter on an island trip where conditions can shape the route.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The planned day runs from a 9 a.m. departure to a 3 p.m. return, about six hours. The schedule may change because of traffic or weather.

Which islands are included?

The route names Koh Rawi, Koh Yang, Koh A Dang, and Jabang, along with Koh Lipe. The exact order and time at each stop are not specified.

Is the boat private?

The longtail boat is booked for your party. Hotel pickup and drop-off are described as shared transfers.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A boxed lunch is scheduled at Koh Rawi around noon, and refreshments are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A snorkeling mask and life jacket are included.

Can I use the GoPro after the tour?

The GoPro is provided for use during the activity only. It is not listed as an item you can keep.

Is the national park fee included?

No. The Koh Tarutao National Park fee is listed as 400 THB per person and is not included in the tour price.

What should I bring?

Bring a change of clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap or hat, swimwear, personal medication, cash, and a towel.