About this tour
When Tom from our team took this longtail boat tour around Koh Lipe, we navigated six and a half hours through the eastern Adang archipelago—a scattering of quiet islands where you'll rarely see crowds. The day splits between snorkelling in clear water off a handful of islands, poking into secluded bays, and a hike up Koh Ro Khloi for views across the National Park. The boat and guides feel local, the pace is unhurried, and you'll eat lunch on a beach. It's proper frontier stuff for the region.
Highlights
- Snorkelling off Koh Hin Son and Koh Buloh in genuinely clear water
- Hidden cove exploration in Kam Nan Bay—few other boats venture here
- Viewpoint hike on Koh Ro Khloi rewards the climb with archipelago panoramas
- Longtail boat experience feels authentic, not sanitised for tourists
- Professional guide speaks English; patient with snorkel fumbles
- Lunch and fresh fruit included; water refilled throughout the day
- Small-group feel—guides know passenger names and comfort levels
What to expect
Tom's day started early from Koh Lipe's main pier. The longtail boat takes you island-hopping with snorkel stops at two different spots; you gear up, jump in, and float above coral and fish for 45 minutes or so. The water genuinely is clear—visibility is good—and the guide points out what's below without being pushy. Mid-morning, you'll beach on an island for a proper lunch (simple, filling Thai fare), and locals sometimes sell cold drinks nearby if you want extras.
The second half shifts tempo: you land at Koh Ro Khloi and hike a steep, rooty path to a clifftop viewpoint. It's not technical but it's proper climbing—20 minutes up in heat. The payoff is a 360-degree view of the archipelago, turquoise water, and islands stacked on the horizon. By late afternoon, you're heading back to Koh Lipe. The whole rhythm feels unhurried; the boat idles between sites, and guides are genuinely interested in whether you're comfortable.
What travellers say
- Clear snorkelling at multiple islands without mass-tourism crowds
- Hike adds variety; viewpoint payoff is genuinely spectacular
- Guide attentiveness and English proficiency felt personal, not scripted
- Lunch and water included; decent value for a full day's outing
- Longtail boat feels authentically local to the area
- National Park fees not included—add 200+ THB to your budget
- Steep hike on Koh Ro Khloi challenging for poor fitness or joint issues
- No hotel pickup; you organise transport to the pier yourself
- Damage or loss of snorkel gear means you pay full replacement cost
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
If you're based on Koh Lipe and want to escape the main beaches for a full day, this ticks the box. The snorkelling is solid for the region—coral and fish life—and Kam Nan Bay's coves feel genuinely tucked away. Small groups mean your guide isn't herding 40 people. Lunch and water included keeps costs reasonable. The hike adds texture; it's not just boat-and-snorkel.
The tour doesn't include Tarutao National Park entrance fees (200 THB adults, 100 THB kids)—that's on you at the gate. No hotel pickup, so you need to get to the pier yourself (walkable from most Koh Lipe accommodation). The hike involves some steep, uneven footing; if you've got dodgy knees or poor fitness for climbing, flag this with your guide. Spinal issues, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns mean it's not suitable. Snorkel gear is provided, but if you damage or lose it, you pay replacement cost—so be careful. Peak season (November–February) gets busier; shoulder months are quieter. Bring reef-safe sunscreen; you'll be in water for hours. The boat doesn't have much shade—hat essential.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.