If you’re drawn to the idea of catching a sailfish in Thailand’s Gulf of Thailand, this tour offers a genuinely authentic fishing adventure. While it’s not your typical resort-style activity, it is perfect for travelers craving a hands-on, immersive experience with local fishermen.
From the moment we learned about it, three things stood out: the opportunity to fish with local sea gypsies, the guarantee of a true fishing experience with expert guides, and the possibility of eating your catch right on the beach. A potential downside? Tides and sea conditions can shift plans or even lead to cancellations, so flexibility is key.
This tour is best suited for those who love fishing, are comfortable on boats, and want to get a taste of local life in Koh Lipe. It might not be ideal for pregnant women or travelers seeking a relaxed, passive day. However, if adventure and authenticity are your goals, you’ll find plenty to love here.
- Good To Know
- What to Expect: An Honest Look at Koh Lipe’s Sailfish Fishing Tour
- The Fishing Experience: Authenticity and Expertise
- Catching Your Fish
- The Food and Drinks
- Equipment and Additional Costs
- Flexibility and Cancellation
- Who Will Love This Experience?
- The Sum Up
- FAQ
- The Best Of Ko Lipe!
- More Fishing Tours in Ko Lipe
- More Tour Reviews in Ko Lipe
- Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Ko Lipe we have reviewed
Good To Know
- Authentic local experience: Fish with seasoned sea gypsies and learn their techniques.
- Flexible timing: Departure is around 9am, with weather-dependent changes possible.
- All-inclusive: Lunch, drinks, and bait are included, with options to cook your catch.
- Fishing techniques: Live bait drifting, jigging, popping, trolling—techniques for every angler.
- Catch and cook: If lucky, enjoy your fish prepared fresh at Family Restaurant (high season).
- Equipment info: Gear is included for paid techniques, with extra gear available at additional cost.
👉 See our pick of the Best Tours In Ko Lipe
What to Expect: An Honest Look at Koh Lipe’s Sailfish Fishing Tour
This full-day fishing trip begins with a free hotel pickup around 9am, which is a big plus if you’re staying near Koh Lipe’s main areas. The meeting point is Family Song Koh Lipe Tours and Travels at Family Restaurant on Pattaya Beach—easy to find with coordinates provided.
The day is split into two main parts: first, the local guides teach you how to catch live bait using Sabiki rigs. This is a fun, hands-on process that can be quite rewarding. Several reviewers noted that the guides, often local sea gypsies, are highly experienced and eager to share their knowledge—”They really know their stuff and are passionate about fishing.”
Once enough bait is secured, the real game begins. The boat drifts around Koh Adang, one of the best spots for sailfish, with the crew actively looking for signs of these swift fish. According to reviews, sailfish are quite common in the area, and the guides are adept at locating promising spots.
Expect to fish using live bait drifting, but also have the option of jigging, popping, or trolling, depending on your interest and skill level. Equipment for these techniques is included, but extra lures, metal lures, sabiki rigs, or leads will incur additional costs.
The trip runs until around 5pm, providing a full 7 hours of fishing, which is plenty of time to get in some serious action or just soak up the marine scenery. However, note that departure and return times may shift based on tide and sea conditions, a common reality for fishing trips.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ko Lipe
The Fishing Experience: Authenticity and Expertise
What sets this trip apart is the genuine interaction with local anglers, who often have decades of experience fishing these waters. They’re not just guides—they are part of the local community, and their stories add richness to the day.
Many reviews emphasize the importance of patience and flexibility, as fishing conditions depend heavily on the weather. Bad sea conditions, such as high waves or strong wind, might cause rescheduling or refunds (minus the lunch box fee). Still, it’s reassuring that the operator prioritizes safety and transparency.
Catching Your Fish
If you’re lucky, you’ll reel in a sailfish or other big game fish. The tour guarantees the fish caught during the trip belong to the boat, but you have an option to purchase your catch from the captain at around 300–400 THB per kg or buy a whole sailfish for 1,200 THB.
If you catch a fish during high season, it can be prepared at the Family Restaurant, which is only open during this time. The restaurant offers a BBQ where your catch can be cooked for a beachside dinner—a lovely way to round off the day. The price for cooking is a service charge starting at 100 THB, not including the fish, which is a fair fee for a freshly prepared meal.
The Food and Drinks
Included in the tour is a lunch box with rice, fruit, water, and soft drinks or ice, ensuring you stay hydrated and energized during your fishing adventure. If you do catch a fish, the opportunity to enjoy it cooked fresh on the beach is a highlight, giving you a true sense of local hospitality.
More Great Tours NearbyEquipment and Additional Costs
The equipment supplied is tailored for the techniques you’ve paid for. For instance, if you select jigging or popping, you’ll get the relevant rods and lures. Extra gear such as additional lures or metal lures will be charged, so it’s wise to bring some cash if you want to expand your options.
In case of accidental damage or loss of equipment like rods or reels, the costs are quite high—ranging from 2,000 to 20,000 THB for rods and 2,000 to 15,000 THB for reels—so handle gear carefully.
Flexibility and Cancellation
Weather plays a significant role. Cloudy days and rain aren’t considered bad weather, but high waves or wind could lead to trip rescheduling or refunds, minus the lunch fee of 350 THB. The full refund policy applies if you cancel more than 24 hours in advance, which is standard practice.
For more specialized techniques like vertical jigging or popping, a deposit of 5,000 THB per person is required, and reservations are non-refundable. Changing the date incurs a penalty fee of 2,000 THB.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This tour is ideal for fishing enthusiasts eager to try their hand at catching sailfish with seasoned local guides. It’s also suited for travelers who want a genuine, hands-on experience rather than a passive sightseeing activity. Since the trip involves boat time, a certain comfort level on the water is necessary, and patience with weather-dependent conditions is essential.
It’s not appropriate for pregnant women or those unwilling to get a little wet or work for their catch, but for adventurers and seafood lovers, this is a memorable way to connect with Koh Lipe’s marine life.
The Sum Up
This full-day sailfish fishing trip offers an authentic and engaging experience, especially for those interested in fishing or wanting to learn local techniques. With expert guides, the chance to fish in prime spots, and the option of enjoying your catch on the beach, it provides value that extends beyond just a day at sea.
While weather can influence the trip’s success, the focus on local expertise, culture, and the thrill of the chase makes it well worth considering for adventure-minded travelers. It’s particularly suitable for those who appreciate a good challenge, love seafood, and want a genuine taste of Koh Lipe’s fishing culture.
Koh Lipe:Sailfish Fishing full day,live bait drifting.
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, there is a free hotel pick-up around 9am, making it convenient to start the day without extra hassle.
What techniques are used during the trip?
The main technique is live bait drifting for sailfish, but jigging, popping, and trolling are also options, depending on your interests and the weather.
Are any additional costs involved?
Extra lures, metal lures, sabiki rigs, leads, or gear for techniques not paid for are charged separately. Damages or loss of equipment like rods or reels also incur high costs.
Can I buy the fish I catch?
Yes, you can purchase your catch from the captain at about 300–400 THB per kg or buy a whole sailfish for 1,200 THB. You can also have it cooked at the Family Restaurant during high season.
What if the weather is bad?
If sea conditions are unsafe, the trip may be rescheduled or refunded, minus the lunch fee of 350 THB. Cloudy or rainy days aren’t considered bad weather.
How long is the trip?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, from 9am to around 5pm, with departure times potentially shifting based on sea conditions.
Is this suitable for beginners?
While some experience can help, guides are experienced and willing to teach. It’s best suited for those comfortable on boats and interested in hands-on fishing.
