Seven-color coral and GoPro shots for $18. I like that this longtail boat trip around Koh Lipe’s inner islands pairs GoPro photo-video with real snorkeling time at shallow reefs, and I also like the Jabung stop known for seven-color coral. The main thing to watch is that boat time and getting on/off can feel a bit tight, especially if the ladder is steep.

You’ll swim at multiple sites with included gear, plus a proper lunch break on white sand at Rawi. The small group size (up to 10) also keeps things more controlled in the water than the big-boat chaos.

Key points before you go

• GoPro underwater photos and video: the captain records you while you swim and shares results after
• Multiple reef types in one outing: soft corals, hard corals, anemones, and plenty of fish
• Jabung’s seven-color coral canal: a standout first snorkel stop with good snorkeling depth
• Lunch on Rawi Island: white sand, bathroom break, swimming, and time for photos
• Small group size (max 10): easier pacing and more attention when you need it

Why Koh Lipe longtail snorkeling feels worth your $18

Koh Lipe snorkeling works because the sites are close enough for a short boat hop, so you spend more time in the water and less time bouncing around. This trip leans into that. You’re not stuck with one reef and done. You get a sequence of islands and snorkel points around Koh Lipe’s inner area—enough variety that you don’t feel like you paid for a single photo spot.

Value matters here. The $18 price is low, but the inclusions are not bare-bones: mask and fins are included, lunch is included, drinking water and fruit are included, and even insurance is included. On top of that, the captain takes GoPro footage of you while you swim. That combination is why this feels like a good deal for budget travelers and first-timers.

Two more small details that add up: the captain also acts as your guide, and the group is limited to 10. That matters when you want fish-finding help and when you’re figuring out buoyancy in your mask.

Getting to the meeting point and the Koh Lipe park checkpoint

You’ll meet at the Wichittour counter on the walking street. Check-in at least 15 minutes early. There’s no hotel pickup, so plan on making your own way to the counter.

One practical must-do: you need your national park fee entry ticket for the checkpoint. You likely already paid it when you arrived on Koh Lipe, but you still must bring the ticket to show at the stop.

The 6-hour flow: how the day moves island to island

Starting times vary, but the trip runs about 6 hours. The day is structured like this: boat ride in between sites, short snorkeling windows at each reef point, then a main break at Rawi for lunch and a stretch on white sand.

A small caution from real-world timing: on at least some days, the experience may run closer to 5 hours than a full 6. Also, getting on and off a longtail boat can depend on the ladder and tide. If you hate tricky steps, go slow at the first boarding and communicate early.

Your best in-water strategy is simple: follow the guide when they’re setting up for underwater photos and when they signal where fish are showing up. One common tip from how this trip is run is that when you stick with the plan, you see more variety.

Jabung Island: the seven-color coral canal first stop

Jabung Island is famous for its seven-color coral. Your first move is to snorkel at the canal area where you’ll see underwater rock formations plus soft corals, anemones, and colorful fish.

The water depth here is about 15–20 feet, which is usually a sweet spot for snorkeling. You don’t need to be a deep-water swimmer. If you’re comfortable going a bit farther down, you can look for the especially striking coral color range that gives this stop its reputation.

What makes Jabung a smart first site is that it gets you into the water while you’re still fresh. After the first swim, your body figures out the rhythm—mask on, breathe steady, fin kicks small—so the rest of the day feels easier.

Hin Ngam island park and the black stone beach look

After Jabung, you reach Hin Ngam, an island that’s more about texture than sand. There’s a checkpoint area and a beach made of black stones rather than typical pale sand.

At Hin Ngam, you’ll notice rounded stones of similar size. When water washes over them, they can look glossy and reflect light around the beach. It’s a nice visual break between snorkel stops, and it also gives you a chance to take photos without staying in the water the whole time.

If you want a quick lesson for your camera: shoot from slightly above the shoreline and let the stones catch the light. The contrast between dark rock and pale foam can look dramatic even in normal daylight.

Snorkel behind Koh Hin Ngam: corals and nemo fish

Right behind Hin Ngam, there’s a snorkel area where the coral life is close and the water doesn’t feel very deep. Expect rock corals and corals like brain coral and fire coral, plus plenty of nemo fish (clownfish).

This stop is less about sweeping seascapes and more about close-up reef viewing. Look slowly along the rocks rather than just straight out. Small pauses help you notice how fish move between coral heads.

If you’re nervous about buoyancy, this kind of shallow reef can make you feel more in control, because you don’t have to drift far to see something good.

Koh Yang: hard-coral snorkeling north of Hin Ngam

Koh Yang sits north of Hin Ngam and it’s another reef-focused stop. The area around the island includes hard corals like staghorn coral, lettuce coral, and table-shaped corals, which can create a patchwork reef surface that fish like to hang around.

This is also a stop where you can mix in a bit of beach time. The water and snorkeling conditions are described as very clear, and the island has beautiful beaches in the area around it.

A practical move here: when the group is spread out, don’t rush to chase the guide’s exact position. Stay within sight, keep an eye on where the captain points, and give yourself a few slow passes over the same coral patch. That repetition is what helps you pick up more fish.

Rawi Island lunch on white sand and a true breather

Rawi Island is the day’s beach break. The beach is white, and the sea is described as very clear and clean.

Most people stop here for lunch, plus there’s a bathroom break. After eating, you can take your time walking in front of the beach, swim, and grab photos.

This is where the trip stops feeling like a checklist and starts feeling like a day out. If you’re the type who likes to reset between swims, Rawi is your moment. It’s also useful for photos because you’re not always battling salt spray and mask fog while trying to shoot reef views.

A couple lunch details that show up in real feedback: people often mention the meal felt tasty and that watermelon is included. One group specifically called out egg fried rice. Either way, the important part is that lunch is more than just a snack.

Adang Island: anemones, clownfish, and starfish spotting

Adang Island rounds out the trip with more coral variety and more fish drama. You’ll see staghorn coral, brain coral, big star coral, orange cup corals, plus sea anemones.

Clownfish show up here too, with at least two types mentioned. Beyond that, you might spot clams, rock gourami, blue starfish, and even lionfish.

This is one of those snorkel stops where patience pays. Fish often don’t show up instantly, so keep your swim slow and your scanning wide. If you’re trying to get photos, don’t charge into the coral. Hover, move your hands gently, and let the fish come to you.

Also, a heads-up on the island vibe: you could encounter monkeys around the area, so keep food secured and don’t leave snacks out.

Longtail boat ride basics: comfort, timing, and seasickness notes

Longtail boats are part of the Koh Lipe charm. This trip uses a long-tailed boat that blends into the nature in the sea, and the captain guides you as you travel between islands.

That said, this kind of boat ride can be a factor if you’re sensitive to motion. The activity is listed as not suitable for people prone to seasickness. At the same time, a few people did report the sea was calm during their day, and that helped them feel fine. Your safest move is to treat this as a real concern, not a gamble.

Getting on and off the boat is also worth thinking about. One practical complaint that came up was that the ladder could be better. If you have any balance issues, go slow on the first boarding and ask for help right away.

What’s included, and why it makes the price feel fair

For $18 per person, you get a lot of the stuff that usually adds cost elsewhere:

Included:

• Tour guide (English and Thai)
• Lunch
• Water and drinking water
• Fruit
• Insurance
• Mask and fins
• Food for lunch
• Free photo/video: the captain takes GoPro footage while you swim

Not included:

• Hotel pickup and drop off

So where’s the real value? For most people, it’s the mix of gear + lunch + insurance + GoPro capture. If you had to rent fins and mask and then pay separately for a photo service, the math changes fast. Here, you’re paying for the whole day package.

How to pack and behave for reef-friendly snorkeling

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

The tour also has a clear no-go list:

• Drones are not allowed
• Alcohol and drugs are not allowed

A reef-friendly tip that also protects your photos: don’t rush around with sunscreen slathered right before entering the water. Give it a minute to set so it doesn’t wash off instantly.

And because monkeys may be around, keep snacks and drinks covered. If you’re holding lunch while you walk, keep an eye out and finish quickly.

Who this trip suits best

This is a great fit if:

• You want a small group snorkeling day (max 10)
• You want multiple snorkel spots, not just one
• You’re happy to follow a guide’s pacing to see more fish
• You care about getting underwater photos/videos without doing the camera work yourself
• You want lunch included and a real beach break on Rawi

It’s not a great fit if:

• You’re pregnant or you have back problems
• You have mobility impairments
• You’re prone to seasickness

One confusing note you should take seriously: it’s listed as wheelchair accessible, but it’s also listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If you need mobility support, confirm with the operator before booking, because boarding ladders and uneven boat steps can be the real issue.

Should you book this Koh Lipe longtail snorkeling trip?

If you’re looking for a low-cost way to see multiple coral reefs around Koh Lipe, this one makes sense. The big selling points are the GoPro underwater capture plus the variety of snorkel stops—from Jabung’s seven-color coral canal to Adang’s anemones and clownfish. You also get a proper lunch and a break at Rawi, which helps the whole day feel like more than just swimming.

I’d only hesitate if you know you struggle with boat boarding or motion, or if you strongly prefer very controlled, slow pace snorkeling. For most people who can swim comfortably and want good value, this is a smart Koh Lipe day trip.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the Wichittour counter on the walking street. Check in at least 15 minutes before the tour start time.

Do I need a national park entry ticket?

Yes. You need to bring your national park fee entry ticket to show at the checkpoint. You may have already paid it when you arrived at Koh Lipe, but you still need the ticket.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included are the tour guide, lunch, water, mask, fins, insurance, fruit, and free photo/video taken by the captain during swimming.

What time does the tour start and how long is it?

The tour runs for about 6 hours, and starting times vary. You’ll need to check availability for the exact start time.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop off are not included.

What should I bring to snorkel?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is the trip suitable for everyone?

It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, and people prone to seasickness.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring?

Drones are not allowed, and alcohol or drugs are not allowed.

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