Lipe: Longtail Boat Snorkeling to Outer Islands Program B

Seven islands, eight water stops, one busy day. This longtail boat trip gives you a lot for its low price, especially clear-water snorkeling at Koh Pai, Ao Kum Nun, and Jabang Island. I also like the included lunch, fruit, gear, and free underwater photos. The main drawback is crowding, since several boats may reach the same sites together, and the English information can be brief.

You should also expect a full schedule rather than a slow beach day. The small group, limited to 10 people, helps, and the captain may guide weaker swimmers in the water. Still, strong currents at Koh Peung, open-sea boat rides, and repeated climbs in and out of the longtail make this a poor choice for people prone to seasickness or those with back, breathing, or pregnancy concerns.

Key points at a glance

• Eight chances to snorkel: The route covers Koh Hin Son, Koh Pai, Koh Rokroy, Ao Kum Nun, Koh Dong, Koh Peung, Jabang Island, and Hin Ngam Island.
• Jabang’s seven-colored coral: You can swim down about 15 to 20 feet to see the colorful soft coral on the rocks, if conditions and your comfort level allow.
• Free underwater photos and videos: The captain or guide takes pictures during the snorkeling, then the operator sends them through a download link.
• A useful small-group size: With no more than 10 participants, the boat feels more manageable than a large group excursion.
• Lunch at Monkey Beach: A boxed lunch, fruit, and drinking water are included, with time to relax on the sandy beach.
• Very good value: The tour costs $22 per person, though you must add the national park fee of 200 THB for adults or 100 THB for children.

What this 7-hour Lipe boat trip is really like

Program B is a full-day outing from Ko Lipe into the surrounding waters of Thailand’s Gulf of Thailand. You travel by traditional longtail boat, moving between islands and stopping for coral, fish, beaches, viewpoints, and photographs.

The pace is active. You are not simply motoring out to one reef and floating there for an hour. Instead, the day gives you a series of shorter experiences, each with a different setting. Some stops focus on fish and coral, while others are mainly for scenery or beach time.

That variety is the strongest reason to book it. If one reef is less impressive because of water conditions, another stop may provide the memorable moment. The tradeoff is that you spend time getting in and out of the water, listening for instructions, and moving on before you have completely settled into one place.

The group limit of 10 matters here. A smaller party makes it easier to board the boat, receive help with equipment, and get a turn in front of the camera. The captain also assists people who cannot swim, although you should still be honest about your swimming ability before getting into the water.

Starting at Koh Hin Son and its rocky viewpoint

One of the first major sights is Koh Hin Son, a rocky island that rises sharply from the sea. It looks more like a stack of stone in open water than a conventional tropical island, making it a good early reminder that the outer islands are not all soft sand and palm trees.

The viewpoint here has received ASEAN heritage recognition, dating to 1982. That gives the stop a little more meaning than a quick photo break. You get a wide view of the water and the unusual rock formation, though the length of time at the viewpoint depends on the day’s route and conditions.

This is primarily a scenic stop, not the place to expect the day’s best fish viewing. Bring your hat and sunglasses, since shade may be limited and the sun can be strong on exposed rock and boat decks.

Koh Pai, where clownfish and parrotfish share the shallows

Koh Pai is a small island with shallow water and many anemones. That makes it one of the friendlier snorkeling stops for people who are still getting comfortable with a mask and snorkel.

The area is known for clownfish, including the familiar Nemo-like fish that tuck among the anemones. You might also see large parrotfish moving around the reef. Parrotfish add color and size to the scene, and they are often easier to spot than tiny reef creatures.

Shallow water does not mean boring water. It lets you look down without having to swim far below the surface, which is useful for less confident swimmers. The captain’s help is available, but the current, boat traffic, and your own comfort still matter.

Koh Rokroy and Ao Kum Nun: coral variety close to shore

Koh Rokroy combines shallow coral, clear water, and attractive views. It is a good stop for taking your time with the basics: adjust your mask, watch how fish move across the reef, and enjoy the view between swims.

Ao Kum Nun offers a broader mix of coral types. You may see staghorn coral, hemp coral, and jackfruit coral, along with clownfish, parrotfish, and tigerfish. The variety gives you more to look for than simply counting how many fish pass by.

There is also a pleasant beach here for photographs and rest. That balance is important on a seven-hour boat trip. You can get out of the water, sit on the sand, and enjoy the quiet scenery rather than spending the whole day in wet swimwear.

The practical catch is that the islands can feel crowded when multiple boats arrive at the same time. One person described waiting for boats at the office and finding several boats together at the snorkeling sites. Starting later than planned may also affect how long you spend at each stop, so allow some patience.

Monkey Beach lunch and a welcome pause

Koh Dong’s Monkey Beach is the lunch stop. The beach has fine sand, clear water, and small monkeys, which add a bit of entertainment but also mean you should keep food packed away when you are not eating.

The included lunch is a simple boxed meal rather than a restaurant experience. Seasonal fruit and drinking water are also provided. For a $22 tour, having food and drinks included is a real help, since you do not need to arrange lunch separately while moving between islands.

Food requirements need advance planning. If you are vegetarian, eat only vegetables, or have a food allergy, you must inform the operator by email before the trip. Do not assume the crew can change the meal at the last minute.

Monkey Beach is also a useful rest point. After several swims, you may be glad to sit on the sand, dry off, and let your legs recover before the final snorkeling stops.

Koh Peung and the strongest current of the day

Koh Peung is known for feather stars and orange coral. This can be a rewarding place to look beyond the larger, more obvious fish and notice the shapes attached to the reef.

The important warning is the current. You may need to hold a rope while in the water, and this is not the place to treat the sea casually. Even capable swimmers should listen closely to the captain and avoid swimming beyond the marked or guided area.

The stop may not suit everyone. If you have respiratory problems, back problems, or weak swimming ability, this section could be tiring. The tour does provide a life jacket, fins, mask, and snorkel, but equipment does not remove the need to judge your own strength.

Jabang Island and the seven-colored coral

Jabang Island is the signature stop for many people booking Program B. The attraction is its rare seven-colored coral, with bright soft coral covering underwater rocks.

To see the formation properly, you may need to swim down about 15 to 20 feet. You should only attempt that if you are comfortable holding your breath and returning to the surface without strain. You can still enjoy the area from above if you prefer not to go lower.

This stop also shows why a guide can add value. A captain or guide who points out the coral, fish, and best viewing angles saves you from swimming over the reef without knowing what to look for. Several participants appreciated help with photos, and one captain pointed out a clownfish and a baby stingray during the day.

The weak point is explanation. Some English-speaking participants found that information about the sites and marine life was limited. If you want a naturalist-style lesson at every stop, this trip may feel too light on commentary. If you mainly want to see the reefs and enjoy the water, the brief guidance may be enough.

Hin Ngam Island and the final walk

Hin Ngam Island is famous for its smooth black stones. Instead of a broad sandy beach, you walk around an island made from rounded dark rocks polished by the sea.

It is a striking contrast to Monkey Beach and the softer beaches on the route. The stop works best as a short walk, photo opportunity, and change of scenery after the underwater sites.

Wear beachwear that lets you move comfortably, and be careful on uneven stone. The island is not a place for a long barefoot stroll without paying attention to your footing.

The final stop may also be the one you remember most. One participant specifically found the last snorkeling stop especially good, though conditions and crowd levels can change from day to day.

Photos, equipment, and help in the water

The tour includes mask, snorkel, fins, and a life jacket. That saves you from renting separate equipment, and the gear was described as adequate or good by several people who took the trip.

The free underwater photo and video service is a major bonus at this price. The guide takes pictures of you snorkeling, and the office sends the files through a download link, sometimes the following day. You can also hand over your own camera for photographs, though you should protect it carefully around salt water.

This service is not just a marketing extra. It lets you concentrate on swimming rather than trying to frame every shot yourself. The guide may also help weaker swimmers pose or stay near the boat.

Still, do not book the trip only for professional-quality images. The photos depend on water clarity, light, timing, and how busy each site is. They are a pleasant record of the day, not a guaranteed underwater photo shoot.

The value of $22, plus the park charge

At $22 per person, Program B offers strong value. You receive a seven-hour boat trip, multiple island stops, snorkeling equipment, lunch, fruit, water, accident insurance, and underwater photos and videos.

The national park charge is extra: 200 THB per adult and 100 THB per child. Add that cost when comparing the tour with other Lipe excursions. You pay the park fee on site, and the ticket is valid for five days from purchase.

That five-day limit is worth noting if you plan to join a second boat trip later. Use the ticket within five days, or you may have to buy another one if a park officer checks it.

The low price also explains why the tour is not a private charter. You share the longtail with a small group, and the route may be affected by other boats, weather, and sea conditions. For most people, the number of stops and inclusions make that a fair trade.

Timing, meeting point, and what to pack

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

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, beachwear, and sunscreen. The sun reaches you on the boat, on the beaches, and in the water, so reapplying sunscreen is not optional. The tour provides drinking water, but you should still arrive prepared for a long day outside.

The operator offers English and Thai guidance. Communication may be enough for basic directions, though explanations about marine life can be short. Pay attention to instructions about meeting times, currents, and boarding, especially if you wander away from the boat during a beach stop.

The tour does not allow fishing, alcohol, drugs, fireworks, bikes, or explosive substances. Children under six cannot join, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back, respiratory, or serious seasickness problems.

Is Program B right for you?

I would book Program B if you want a low-cost, high-variety snorkeling day around Ko Lipe. It suits people who would rather see many islands than spend the whole day at one beach, and the small group plus photo service make the price especially appealing.

You should think twice if you dislike open-sea boat rides, crowded snorkeling sites, or short explanations. The route is active, the water can have a strong current at Koh Peung, and the schedule may feel hurried if boats arrive late or several groups gather at the same reef.

For confident swimmers, couples, friends, and families with children over six, this is an easy way to see a wide slice of the outer islands. Tell the operator about food needs in advance, arrive early at Wichit’s shop, and treat the underwater photos as a bonus rather than the main reason to go.

FAQ

How long does the snorkeling tour last?

The tour lasts seven hours, including the boat ride, snorkeling stops, beach breaks, lunch, and island visits.

How many islands and stops are included?

The program visits seven islands and makes eight stops for snorkeling, sightseeing, or time on the beach.

What islands are included in Program B?

The route includes Koh Hin Son, Koh Pai, Koh Rokroy, Ao Kum Nun, Koh Dong, Koh Peung, Jabang Island, and Hin Ngam Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes a lunch box, seasonal fruit, and drinking water. You must notify the operator by email in advance about allergies or vegetarian food requirements.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A mask, snorkel, fins, and life jacket are included.

Are underwater photos and videos included?

Yes. The captain or guide provides free underwater photo and video service. The files are shared electronically through a download link.

How much is the national park fee?

The fee is 200 THB for adults and 100 THB for children. It is paid on site and is not included in the tour price.

Where do I meet the boat operator?

Check in at the local activity provider’s shop at least 10 minutes before departure. Look for the Wichit sign. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Who should not join this activity?

The tour is not suitable for children under six, pregnant women, people with back or respiratory problems, or people prone to seasickness. The current at Koh Peung can also be challenging.