Review · LONGTAIL BOAT TOURS

Lipe Private Snorkelinge Outside Zone By Long Tail Boat

★ 4.8 · 10 reviews From $121 Operated by Teaw Sanook Tour And Travel · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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Long-tail snorkeling outside the busy zone is smart. This private Koh Lipe snorkeling day trip takes you around the outside zone by long-tail boat, with a full one-day run and multiple stops off the island. It is built for people who want their own boat time, not a crowded scramble.

What I like most is the mix of snorkeling stops and beaches, from Hin Son Island to Jabang, so you are not stuck repeating the same view all day. I also like that snorkel mask and life jacket come included, plus a free underwater photograph sent later through Line or Facebook.

One thing to keep in mind: pickup can be a little messy, and timing matters. If the tide is low at departure, you may leave late, and the stated meeting spot at Reggae Bar Lipe can be confusing since the bar may no longer be there.

Key things to know before you go

Lipe Private Snorkelinge Outside Zone By Long Tail Boat - Key things to know before you go

  • Outside-zone focus means you are snorkeling in the outer areas around Koh Lipe, not just the closest spots.
  • Nine named stops keep the day moving, from Hin Son Island to Jabang.
  • Private long-tail boat for up to 4 gives you control over your pace and the group dynamic.
  • Included photo delivery is handled after the trip via Line or Facebook.
  • Rain or shine is the rule, so expect a full-day plan even when the sky is grumpy.

Why this Koh Lipe outside-zone snorkeling feels worth the money

Lipe Private Snorkelinge Outside Zone By Long Tail Boat - Why this Koh Lipe outside-zone snorkeling feels worth the money
Koh Lipe snorkeling can be either wonderfully easy or painfully crowded, depending on how you book it. The outside-zone private approach is a practical sweet spot. You get your own boat time, which usually means less waiting around, fewer compromises, and a smoother rhythm between water stops.

The price is listed at $121 per group up to 4. That matters because you are not paying per person for the boat itself. If you fill all four spots, the cost per person drops a lot, and you are basically paying for convenience plus the boat experience.

Also, this is a one-day format, not a quick two-stop splash-and-go. The schedule runs from about 9:00 or 9:30 in the morning to around 16:00 back at the meeting point. That gives you enough time for multiple snorkeling moments, plus some beach time between the swims.

Getting to the meeting point at Pattaya Beach without losing your mind

Lipe Private Snorkelinge Outside Zone By Long Tail Boat - Getting to the meeting point at Pattaya Beach without losing your mind
Your starting point is at Pattaya Beach, with the instruction to look for Reggae Bar Lipe. Staff wear purple t-shirts, and you should arrive about 30 minutes early.

Here is the key practical note: the area called Reggae Bar Lipe can be outdated, since the bar may no longer exist. You can avoid the stress by doing two things:

  • Screenshot the meeting pin location on your phone and keep the contact ready.
  • Arrive early enough that you are not forced into a last-minute sprint.

If you have a tight connection right after the tour, build in a buffer. The trip itself runs rain or shine, so you do not want to gamble with timing the rest of your day.

The day timeline, what “private” really changes

Lipe Private Snorkelinge Outside Zone By Long Tail Boat - The day timeline, what “private” really changes
You are out on a private long-tail boat for a full day. The plan starts in the morning and returns to the same meeting point in the late afternoon.

Because it is private, small delays can be easier to absorb. But the tide point is real. Low tide at departure can mean the boat takes longer to get going, and one review flagged that leaving late can become restrictive if you planned another boat later the evening of your snorkeling day.

So think of this as a real schedule, not flexible sightseeing. If your itinerary is packed later that night, aim for extra time after the tour.

Your snorkeling route, and how to think about each stop

Lipe Private Snorkelinge Outside Zone By Long Tail Boat - Your snorkeling route, and how to think about each stop
The route is built as a sequence of outside-zone islands and beaches. You are scheduled for these stops: Hin Son Island, Ror Kloy Island, Kam nan Beach, Dong Island, Phueng Island, Monkey Beach, Phai Island, Hin Ngam Island, and Jabang.

Now, you should not expect every stop to feel identical. Some beaches are better for snorkeling, others are better for hanging out with clear shallows or calmer water. The goal here is variety. And based on what people highlight, the water often looks translucent with white sand around the island edges, especially when the conditions are right.

Hin Son and Ror Kloy: early wins for momentum

The first snorkeling blocks set the tone. One of the strong comments was that the first three snorkeling spots are especially good. So if you get even slightly tired of long travel days, this is the part where the trip starts paying you back.

Kam nan Beach: the break between swims

After the initial islands, Kam nan Beach functions like a reset. You get a change of scenery without losing the snorkeling theme. This is also where people who prefer short breaks can relax while the boat crew keeps the day moving.

Dong and Phueng Islands: more outside-zone variety

These stops continue the outside-zone pattern. I like this approach because it reduces the chance that one unlucky spot ruins your whole day. If visibility shifts or currents feel different at one island, you still have multiple other named stops ahead.

Monkey Beach and Phai Island: beach energy with a snorkeling option

Monkey Beach is one of the stops that naturally suggests a photo moment. In practical terms, you are going to want water time, then a quick land break, then back in when it feels good. Even if you are not a strong swimmer, these kinds of stops often have easier shoreline access.

Hin Ngam and Jabang: know that later current can be stronger

One important caution from the experience notes: the last snorkeling stop may have stronger current, and that can change how comfortable the swim feels. You do not need to treat that as a deal breaker, but it is something to plan for mentally.

If you are snorkeling for fun, not for conditioning, do this:

  • Tell your guide how confident you feel early.
  • If you see rougher water signs, stay calm and choose a route closer to the boat.

Included gear, underwater photo, and the small things that matter

Lipe Private Snorkelinge Outside Zone By Long Tail Boat - Included gear, underwater photo, and the small things that matter
This trip includes snorkeling essentials and basic safety gear:

  • Snorkel mask and life jacket
  • A private long-tail boat tour for the full day
  • A free underwater photograph delivered via Line or Facebook

The photo perk is nice, because you do not have to worry about holding your camera or constantly asking someone to shoot you. Still, I recommend you treat it as an add-on, not a guaranteed souvenir. One note said the photo was not provided even though it was described as included. If you care about this specifically, ask for confirmation at the start, then send a quick message later if you do not see it.

Also, pack personal medication if you need it. This tour info calls it out for a reason.

What is not included, and how to budget like a pro

Lipe Private Snorkelinge Outside Zone By Long Tail Boat - What is not included, and how to budget like a pro
This is where you can prevent surprise math.

Not included:

  • National Park Fees
  • Packed lunch and bottled water (water is listed at 120 ฿ per box)
  • Insurance coverage for valuable belongings
  • Marine assurance fee (listed as 50 ฿ per person, noted as force every one)

That marine assurance line is small but important. It is stated as mandatory. So when you calculate your total trip cost, plan for:

  • The base price of $121 per group up to 4
  • Plus national park fees
  • Plus marine assurance at 50 ฿ per person
  • Plus water, and lunch if you do not want to go without

If you are used to tours where lunch is always included, you will want to mentally swap that expectation here. Either bring your own packed lunch (if allowed and practical), or plan to buy water and manage food choices around the day.

Weather rules: rain or shine, so dress for movement

Lipe Private Snorkelinge Outside Zone By Long Tail Boat - Weather rules: rain or shine, so dress for movement
The trip runs rain or shine. That means you should dress like you are getting wet and possibly staying in damp clothes for a while.

Keep it simple:

  • Wear swimwear you are comfortable getting sandy and salty.
  • Bring a light layer for changing conditions if you tend to get cold on boats.
  • If you are prone to sunburn, act like you are always in full sun. Island glare can be intense.

And yes, you are snorkeling in daylight hours, so plan your day around that.

Language and guide style: you can still make it work

Lipe Private Snorkelinge Outside Zone By Long Tail Boat - Language and guide style: you can still make it work
The tour language is Thai. Your guide may speak very little English, which is not automatically a problem. It just means you should use clear, basic communication.

If you have preferences, communicate them up front:

  • whether you want calmer water
  • whether you want more time floating vs. exploring
  • whether you want to stay closer to the group for easier safety

If you are comfortable pointing at what you want (or using simple terms), you can still get a great day out of it.

Safety notes that affect who should book

Lipe Private Snorkelinge Outside Zone By Long Tail Boat - Safety notes that affect who should book
This private snorkeling trip has clear boundaries.

Not suitable:

  • Pregnant women

Not allowed:

  • Alcohol and drugs

Also, insurance does not cover your valuable belongings, so do not bring anything you cannot afford to lose or get damaged. A small waterproof pouch is your friend.

If you are a strong swimmer, you will likely enjoy the outside-zone range. If you are a cautious snorkeler, this can still work, but prioritize calm-water choices during the day, especially at later stops where current may feel stronger.

Value check: is $121 per group a good deal?

Let’s put the math into human terms.

You pay $121 per group up to 4. If your group is a full four people, you are spreading the boat cost, and the per-person value improves quickly. That is the main reason private makes sense here.

But you also need to add a few likely expenses:

  • National park fees (excluded)
  • Marine assurance at 50 ฿ per person (not optional)
  • Water at 120 ฿ per box
  • Lunch (excluded)

So the real question is not just the base price. It is whether you want privacy and a structured outside-zone route for a full day. If you already have a group and you want multiple stops without joining a larger boat, this is priced like a reasonable convenience.

If you are traveling solo or as a couple and the boat seats stay empty, the value shifts. In that case, you might want to compare what other options cost per person, because the price is built around filling a group.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip)

This experience is a strong match if you:

  • want a private long-tail boat day rather than a shared scramble
  • like the idea of hitting many named islands and beaches in one outing
  • travel as a group of up to four and want the cost to make sense
  • prefer snorkeling with safety gear included (mask and life jacket)

It is not a fit if:

  • you are pregnant
  • you want alcohol included or you plan to drink during the day
  • you are counting on lunch being provided
  • you have very tight timing later the same day, because low tide can affect departure

Should you book this Koh Lipe private snorkeling outside-zone trip?

I would book this when you meet three conditions: you have at least two people (ideally four), you want outside-zone variety, and you can be flexible with timing.

Also, arrive early and confirm the meeting spot clearly. The Reggae Bar Lipe reference can be outdated, so give yourself breathing room. If you do that, you can focus on the point of the trip: multiple snorkeling stops, a private boat feel, and the kind of water and sand that people remember after they leave Koh Lipe.

If your group is small and money is tight, consider whether you might get better per-person value elsewhere. But if you want privacy plus a full-day route, this one is easy to defend.

FAQ

What does the trip include for snorkeling?

It includes a private long-tail boat tour for a full day, snorkel mask and a life jacket, and a free underwater photograph delivered by Line or Facebook.

How much does it cost and who is it for?

The price is listed as $121 per group up to 4 people.

Where do we meet on Koh Lipe?

You meet at Pattaya Beach. Look for Reggae Bar Lipe, and your staff will wear purple t-shirts.

What time does the snorkeling start and finish?

The start is listed as about 9:00 to 9:30 in the morning (with the trip shown as starting around 09.30) and the day ends back at the meeting point around 16:00.

Is the tour only available in certain months?

Yes. Snorkeling on this schedule is available daily during 15th Oct to 15th May.

Are national park fees and lunch included?

No. National park fees are excluded, and packed lunch and bottled water are also excluded (water is listed at 120 ฿ per box). Marine assurance is listed as 50 ฿ per person.

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