Things to Do in Koh Lipe — Activities, Adventures & Island Life
Koh Lipe may be small, but the list of things to do here is anything but short. The island sits at the heart of some of Thailand’s most biodiverse marine habitat, making it a world-class destination for underwater exploration. Above the surface, there are boat trips to pristine nearby islands, kayaking through mangroves, beautiful hikes, and some of the finest seafood dining in the Andaman Sea. Whether you’re seeking action or relaxation, Koh Lipe delivers.
Snorkelling in Koh Lipe
Why Koh Lipe is One of Thailand’s Best Snorkelling Destinations
The reefs surrounding Koh Lipe and its neighbouring islands within Tarutao National Marine Park are among the healthiest in Thai waters. Because the park restricts development and limits visitor numbers in certain zones, the coral has been largely spared from the bleaching and damage that has affected many other Thai islands. The result is an underwater world of remarkable colour, diversity, and clarity.
Best Snorkelling Spots
From the beach (no boat needed):
- The reef at the western end of Pattaya Beach — accessible by swimming 50–100 metres from shore
- The rocky reef at Sunset Beach — accessible from the beach
- Reef patches along the shore at Sunrise Beach
By longtail or boat trip:
- Hin Ngam (Beautiful Rock) — a submerged reef with enormous coral formations and abundant fish life
- Koh Rawi — crystal-clear water, pristine reef, reef sharks and turtles common
- Koh Adang’s southern reefs — shallow, colourful, and full of marine life
- Stonehenge — a dramatic underwater rock formation unique to the area
Snorkelling Equipment
Most resorts and dive shops rent masks, fins, and snorkels for 100–200 THB per day. If you snorkel regularly, consider bringing your own mask for the best fit and comfort.
Scuba Diving in Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe as a Dive Destination
Koh Lipe has earned a strong reputation among scuba divers for good reason. The combination of healthy reefs, good visibility (typically 15–30 metres), manageable currents, and a variety of dive sites suitable for all levels makes it one of the best dive destinations in southern Thailand.
What You Can See Underwater
- Reef fish: Hundreds of species, including lionfish, scorpionfish, pufferfish, groupers, and huge Napoleon wrasse
- Sharks: Blacktip and whitetip reef sharks are frequently sighted; leopard (zebra) sharks rest on the sandy bottom
- Rays: Stingrays on the sand; occasional manta ray encounters in the channel passages
- Turtles: Green turtles and hawksbill turtles are regular sightings
- Macro life: Nudibranchs, shrimps, ghost pipefish, and frogfish for keen macro photographers
- Whale sharks: Occasional, seasonal sightings — an unforgettable encounter
Dive Sites Near Koh Lipe
| Dive Site | Depth | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Hin Ngam | 5–18m | Hard coral, reef fish, rays |
| Stonehenge | 8–22m | Rock formations, soft coral, reef sharks |
| Koh Rawi South | 10–25m | Pristine reef, turtles, good visibility |
| Koh Adang Wall | 12–28m | Wall dive, large pelagics |
| Eight Mile Rock | 15–30m | Advanced; sharks, rays, strong current |
Dive Centres on Koh Lipe
Several PADI-certified dive centres operate on the island, primarily along Walking Street and on Pattaya Beach. Services include:
- Discovery dives (no experience needed) — typically 2,500–3,500 THB for two dives
- PADI Open Water courses — typically 12,000–15,000 THB for the full certification
- Fun diving — two-dive trips from approximately 2,000–2,500 THB
- Snorkelling trips included on many dive boat departures
Boat Trips and Island Hopping
Day Trips Around Tarutao National Marine Park
One of the most popular activities on Koh Lipe is a full-day island-hopping boat trip through the surrounding national park islands. These trips typically visit four to six snorkelling sites and uninhabited beaches, with lunch included.
Typical itinerary:
- Morning pickup from your beach
- Snorkelling at Hin Ngam reef
- Snorkelling at Koh Rawi
- Lunch on an uninhabited beach
- Snorkelling at Koh Adang reef
- Return to Koh Lipe by late afternoon
Price: Approximately 1,200–1,800 THB per person (group longtail) or 3,000–5,000 THB per person (private speedboat)
Koh Adang Day Trip
Koh Adang, the large forested island directly north of Koh Lipe, is easily reached by longtail in 10–15 minutes. Activities include:
- Jabang Beach — a beautiful, usually empty beach on the island’s southern shore
- Pirate’s Waterfall — a short hike through jungle to a small freshwater waterfall (seasonal)
- Chado Cliff viewpoint — a moderately challenging hike rewarded with panoramic views of Koh Lipe and the surrounding islands
Kayaking
Several operators on Pattaya Beach and Sunrise Beach rent kayaks for exploring the island’s coastline at your own pace. Paddling around the island’s headlands and into small coves is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the island’s natural beauty. Costs are approximately 200–400 THB per hour for a single or double kayak.
Walking Street — Food, Shopping & Nightlife
Walking Street is the island’s spine, running from Pattaya Beach to Sunrise Beach in just 15–20 minutes on foot. You’ll find:
- Fresh seafood restaurants — choose your fish from the display and have it grilled to order
- Thai street food stalls — pad thai, som tam, mango sticky rice, fresh coconut
- Dive shops and tour operators
- Souvenir shops and local crafts
- Live music bars — relaxed, acoustic sets most evenings in high season
- Massage and spa studios
Yoga and Wellness
Several resorts and independent studios on the island offer morning yoga classes, typically on open-air platforms or directly on the beach. Check noticeboards on Walking Street for current class schedules.
Photography
Highlights for photographers include sunrise from Sunrise Beach, sunset from Sunset Beach, underwater reef photography, the traditional Chao Ley fishing boats in early morning light, and views of Koh Adang rising from the sea.
Koh Lipe Travel Guide → | Best Beaches in Koh Lipe → | Best Time to Visit Koh Lipe → | Where to Stay in Koh Lipe →
Make the Most of Koh Lipe
Base yourself at Green View Beach Resort on Pattaya Beach and have the island’s best snorkelling, diving, and boat trip operators right at your doorstep. Our beachfront location puts you at the centre of everything Koh Lipe has to offer.