Experience the Koh Lipe Backyard including 5 Mysterious Islands

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, colorful coral reefs, and sun-kissed beaches, a tour around Koh Lipe’s backyard islands might be just what you need. While I haven’t personally experienced this specific trip, it’s clear that many travelers find it a rewarding way to explore the region’s hidden gems. With a mix of snorkel stops, beach lounging, and a traditional Thai lunch, this tour offers a well-rounded day of marine discovery and island relaxation.

What we love about this experience is its affordable price point of just over $24 per person, the small group setting that ensures a more intimate adventure, and the variety of snorkel spots that promise vibrant underwater scenes. The professional guide, who is fluent in English, also makes a big difference, providing safety instructions and local insights that elevate the trip.

One potential consideration is the short time allocated at each stop, which might leave some wanting more time to really explore each island thoroughly. However, this is typical for a tour of this length and price, and it still offers a fantastic overview of the region.

This adventure is perfect for travelers who enjoy snorkeling, island hopping, and want a taste of Thailand’s marine beauty without breaking the bank. It’s especially suited for those with a flexible schedule who seek a balanced mix of activity and relaxation.

Key Points

• Affordable value for a multi-island snorkeling experience.
• Small group size (max 10 travelers) for a more personalized feel.
• Wide variety of stops showcasing both marine life and unique island landscapes.
• Professional guide providing safety and local insights.
• Includes water, fruit, and lunch—good for convenience and energy.
• Limited time at each stop means you get a snapshot, not a deep dive.

Why Choose This Tour?

This tour offers a practical way to see some of Koh Lipe’s most appealing surrounding islands in a single day. For those who love snorkeling, you’ll be thrilled by the diversity of coral reefs and the chance to swim among colorful fish. The inclusion of a lunch and basic insurance adds value, making it a hassle-free way to explore.

The tour’s duration of five and a half hours strikes a good balance—long enough to enjoy multiple sites without feeling rushed. Plus, the location-specific meeting point in Koh Lipe makes it accessible for most travelers staying on the island.

The Itinerary in Detail

Meeting Point and Preparation

Your day begins at the Star Travel office on Koh Lipe’s walking street, near Pattaya Beach. Arriving 30 minutes early ensures you’re ready for the briefing and safety instructions from the English-speaking guide. Expect a friendly, professional crew eager to make your day memorable.

First Stop: Koh Lipe Snorkeling

The tour kicks off with a visit around Koh Lipe itself. As you set off, you’ll understand why this tiny island is often compared to a piece of the Maldives—stunning, less crowded beaches and clear waters. Here, you’ll get your first taste of the vibrant marine life teeming just below the surface, though the actual snorkeling spot is a bit of a mystery to some reviewers, who found little to see at the initial stop.

Jabang Island: The Coral Reef Wonderland

Next, the boat heads to Koh Jabang, where the snorkeling truly shines. You’ll swim among coral reefs decorated with pink, lavender, and red soft corals that shimmer in the sunlight. The reefs are home to an array of sea creatures like feather stars, sea anemones, and sea whips—plus a variety of colorful fish. The reviewer Jesper_K described the reef as “surrounded by soft coral with beautiful fish,” highlighting the rich marine environment.

Koh Hin Ngam: The Black Pebble Beach

Following underwater adventures, the tour stops at Koh Hin Ngam. This island is famous for its polished volcanic stones that cover the shoreline, creating an unusual and photogenic landscape. Tradition says stacking 12 rocks here and making a wish might bring good luck—a nice little local legend to enjoy. The volcanic stones, over thousands of years, have formed a striking black beach, contrasting with the usual sandy shores.

Snorkeling at Koh Yang

Back in the water, you’ll visit Koh Yang. This site features hard coral reefs and big boulders overgrown with soft coral, promising more vivid underwater scenery. The shallow waters are ideal for snorkeling, even for beginners. One reviewer called it “a beautiful reef with overgrown boulders,” emphasizing the rich soft coral seashells and vibrant fish that make it a highlight.

Lunch at Koh Rawi

After some more reef exploration, a break is scheduled on Koh Rawi. Known for its white sandy beaches, this is a peaceful spot for relaxing and enjoying a provided lunch—often a simple but tasty Thai meal, like rice and chicken, as one reviewer mentioned. The hour-long stop offers a chance to stretch, soak up the sun, and recharge before the final snorkel stop.

Final Snorkel at Koh Adang

The tour concludes with a visit to Koh Adang, another beautiful island with excellent snorkeling opportunities. The waters here are full of colorful fish, and the shallow reefs are perfect for a quick swim before heading back to Koh Lipe. A guest noted that this last stop “felt like a perfect finish,” with lively underwater scenes that encapsulate the day’s adventure.

What We Appreciate About the Experience

The Marine Diversity

The variety of coral reefs and fish across the stops means you’ll likely see different species at each site. From soft corals in Jabang to the volcanic black stones at Hin Ngam, each island offers its own unique scenery. The knowledgeable guide’s explanations help you appreciate the marine ecosystems and spot some interesting creatures.

The Small Group Atmosphere

With a maximum of 10 travelers, the trip avoids the chaos of larger tours. This means more personalized attention, better chances to ask questions, and a more relaxed vibe. Several reviewers appreciated the guide’s friendly and helpful manner, which made the day smoother and more enjoyable.

The Inclusives and Convenience

The tour includes snorkel gear, life jackets, drinking water, seasonal fruit, and a lunch, which means you don’t need to worry about bringing your own equipment or food. The basic accident insurance offers peace of mind, especially when swimming in open water.

The Cost-Value Balance

At about $24, this tour delivers significant value. Considering the multiple snorkeling sites, lunch, guide, and equipment, it’s an accessible way to explore the region’s marine highlights without paying for individual excursions each time.

Potential Drawbacks or Considerations

While most travelers find the tour worthwhile, some mention that time at each stop is limited—around 30 to 60 minutes. That’s enough for a quick swim and some photos, but if you’re wanting in-depth exploration or underwater photography, you might find yourself wishing for more.

Another aspect to consider is that admission fees for some islands are not included, which could add to your costs if you choose to explore more extensively or participate in additional activities ashore.

Lastly, the first stop’s snorkeling might not meet everyone’s expectations, especially if visibility isn’t perfect or marine life is scarce—one reviewer described it as “no chance to see anything at the first stop,” which shows variability depending on weather conditions.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is absolutely suited for beginners and intermediate snorkelers who want to see vibrant reefs without diving gear. It’s also perfect for travelers seeking a well-rounded day of island hopping, snorkeling, and beach lounging. If you appreciate small group sizes and informative guides, this tour delivers.

Those on a budget will find it offers solid value for the price, especially with included amenities like lunch and gear. However, if you crave more time underwater or want to explore specific islands in depth, you might prefer a more extended or private option.

FAQs about the Koh Lipe Backyard Tour

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 9:30 am and ending back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the price?
You get snorkel masks and fins, life jackets, drinking water, seasonal fruit, a lunch package, professional guide, and basic accident insurance.

Are there any hidden costs?
Yes, island entrance fees are not included—both adult and child national park fees. You will need to budget for these separately if applicable.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, snorkeling masks and fins are provided as part of the tour.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but the maximum group size is 10. Since some stops involve swimming and snorkeling, children should be comfortable in the water.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.

What happens in bad weather?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is hotel pickup available?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off; you’ll meet at the designated location in Koh Lipe.

Final Thoughts

This snorkeling tour around Koh Lipe’s nearby islands offers an accessible, affordable way to explore some of Thailand’s most beautiful marine environments. With a focus on marine diversity, small-group comfort, and inclusivity, it’s ideal for those new to snorkeling or travelers seeking a balanced day of adventure and relaxation.

While the limited time at each stop might leave avid underwater photographers wanting more, the variety of sites and the friendly guidance make for a memorable experience. If you’re looking for a straightforward, value-packed way to see multiple islands, this tour is definitely worth considering.

It’s best suited for those who prioritize marine scenery, enjoy light activity, and want a hassle-free, guided experience that maximizes their time on Koh Lipe’s stunning doorstep.