Koh Lipe: Private Boat Ride with 7 Top Snorkeling Spots

Exploring Koh Lipe by boat offers a different perspective — a peaceful, personalized way to experience its vibrant marine life and stunning islands. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and detailed itineraries paint a compelling picture of what makes it special. From the comfort of your own private longtail boat, you’ll visit seven incredible snorkeling sites, each with its own unique charm.

What really draws us to this experience are three things: the customizability of a private tour (no rushed group schedules), the chance to snorkel in crystal-clear waters amid coral gardens and colorful fish, and the added perk of a beachside lunch with tropical fruits. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that the boat’s seating might be a bit firm — a small consideration for those who prefer cushioned comfort.

This tour suits travelers who love marine adventures, appreciate personalized experiences, and want to explore the outer islands of Koh Lipe without the crowds. If you’re looking for a full-day, flexible snorkeling journey that combines scenic beauty with comfort, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Private Experience: Enjoy a personalized trip with your own captain and flexible schedule.
• Seven Snorkeling Sites: Dive into coral gardens, black stones, sea anemones, and more.
• Relaxing Beaches & Lunch: Spend time on pristine beaches and enjoy a beachfront meal.
• GoPro Photos Included: Capture your adventure with free photos taken by the crew.
• Family and Group Friendly: Suitable for private groups, with pickup included.
• Limited Suitability: Not ideal for pregnant women, those with back problems, or motion sickness.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: What You Can Expect

This tour starts with a hotel pickup around 9:30 AM, with a variety of drop-off points across Koh Lipe, making it easy to plan your day without extra hassle. Once aboard your private longtail boat, you’ll be greeted by a friendly crew, possibly including guides who speak English, Thai, and Malay — helpful for international travelers.

The day is structured around snorkeling at seven top sites. Each location offers something distinct: coral gardens, polished black stones, stacked rocks, or vibrant sea anemones. The crew is known to be friendly and attentive, often taking photos with a GoPro, so you can focus on enjoying the water and the scenery without worrying about capturing every moment.

Jabang Dive Site & Marine Life

Your first stop at Jabang Dive Site features about 40 minutes of swimming and snorkeling, with a chance to see diverse marine creatures. This site is ideal for those keen to get their first glimpse of the underwater world, with vibrant coral and lots of marine life.

Hin Ngam Island & Photo Opportunities

Next, a scenic stop at Hin Ngam Island in Satun Province provides a quick walk, photo opportunities, and swimming. The island is famous for its smooth black stones, perfect for snapping memorable photos and appreciating nature’s sculptures.

Koh Hin Sorn & Additional Snorkeling

Then it’s time at Ko Hin Sorn, another place for photos and snorkeling, with a manageable 40-minute visit. The crew often recommends this spot for relaxing and soaking in the surroundings.

More Great Tours Nearby

Monkey Beach & Beachside Lunch

The highlight for many visitors is the lunch break at Monkey Beach (Ao Ling). You’ll enjoy a picnic-style meal, with seasonal tropical fruits, on soft sands beside clear waters. This pause allows you to relax, swim, or just soak up the sun. During this time, some reviewers mention that the boat crew takes multiple photos, adding a personal touch to the trip.

Outer Zone & Outer Islands

After lunch, the tour moves to Koh Rokloy, known for its transparent waters perfect for swimming, and Phai Island, with fields of sea anemones adding to the underwater spectacle. You might find the soft coral forests of Phueng Island mesmerizing, especially if you love snorkeling in colorful coral reefs.

Final Stops & Return

The day winds down with visits to the remaining islands, capturing more underwater views and scenic vistas before returning to Koh Lipe around 4:30 PM. The boat’s relaxed pace and private setting allow you to linger at your favorite spots or explore more freely.

Why This Tour Stands Out

The real charm of this experience lies in its personalized approach. Unlike group tours with strict schedules, having your own boat means you can spend more time at the sites that excite you most. The crew’s willingness to take photos with a GoPro is a thoughtful touch, making it easier to preserve your memories.

On top of that, the seven snorkeling stops cover a range of environments — from coral gardens to stone formations and soft coral forests — ensuring a diverse underwater experience. For travelers who love exploring different facets of marine life, this variety is a major plus.

The Value for Money

Given the full-day duration, seven snorkeling sites, beachside lunch, and private transport, many reviewers agree this tour offers good value. The intimacy of a private boat means less crowds and more flexibility, often worth the slightly higher price point compared to group excursions.

Practical Details

The tour lasts about 7 hours, starting with a hotel pickup and ending around mid-afternoon. The boat ride itself is comfortable enough, though some mention it could benefit from more cushioned seating. The crew speaks multiple languages, making communication smooth, and the pickup process is straightforward with multiple hotel options across Koh Lipe.

The Experience from a Reviewer’s Perspective

One traveler from Norway highlights their guide as “the sweetest, happiest, and most helpful,” noting how many photos were taken with a GoPro. They appreciated the flexibility of a private boat to stay longer at certain stops, a feature that truly enhances the experience.

However, they also mentioned that the seating on the boat was a bit hard, which could be uncomfortable during longer periods. If you’re someone who prefers plush seats or needs extra padding, bringing a cushion might make the ride more pleasant.

The feedback emphasizes the friendly, accommodating crew and the beautiful, uncrowded snorkeling sites, making it clear that this tour is ideal for travelers looking for a relaxed, personal adventure.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who want a high degree of flexibility and a personalized touch. It’s perfect for families, couples, or small groups who prefer avoiding crowded tours while still enjoying multiple snorkeling stops.

If you’re someone who values quality time in the water, appreciates capturing memories, and loves discovering lesser-known islands, this tour hits the mark. Conversely, if you prefer more cushioned seating or have significant mobility issues, you might want to consider other options or bring extra comfort gear.

In essence, this private boat tour around Koh Lipe offers a compelling mix of diverse snorkeling sites, beautiful scenery, and personal service. Its flexible schedule and focus on authentic experiences make it stand out compared to more structured group trips. The opportunity to snorkel in coral gardens, swim with sea anemones, and relax on pristine beaches makes it suitable for those eager to explore beyond the main tourist areas.

While the boat’s seating could be more comfortable, the overall value, personalized approach, and stunning locations create a memorable day for anyone who loves marine adventures. If you’re after a tailored, relaxing, and immersive experience in Koh Lipe’s waters, this tour could be your perfect match.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s a private experience, which can be ideal for families or small groups wanting a flexible, personalized trip.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a passport or ID. If you have food allergies, inform the team in advance.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, you can generally discuss preferences with your captain, especially regarding how long to spend at key sites.

Are the snorkeling sites suitable for beginners?
Most sites are accessible for snorkelers of various levels, but the tour is suitable for those comfortable in open water.

What is the duration of this tour?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, starting with hotel pickup at 9:30 AM and returning around 4:30 PM.

Is there any age restriction?
The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, or those prone to motion sickness.

How many people can join the private boat?
The experience is designed for private groups, so the number depends on your booking, typically small groups or families.

What makes this tour different from group trips?
You get a dedicated captain, flexible schedule, and the ability to linger at your favorite spots without rushing.

Are photos included?
Yes, the crew often takes photos with a GoPro, so you can focus on enjoying your day without worrying about capturing every moment.

How do I know if this tour is available?
Availability varies, so check with the provider and book in advance. The tour also offers free cancellation if needed.

Whether you’re a marine life enthusiast, a beach lover, or someone seeking a more intimate adventure, this Koh Lipe snorkeling tour combines comfort, flexibility, and stunning scenery in one memorable package.

You can check availability for your dates here: