Koh Lipe is often referred to as the ‘Maldives of Thailand‘, and for good reason, the sandy beaches and crystal clear waters offer an incredible island experience for visitors. The paradise island is also a delight for snorkelers, with its rich, diverse marine life and unusual corals.
In this guide we will run through the best 10 snorkel spots at Koh Lipe, to help you plan your next trip!
Koh Lipe is known for its very unusual bright pink and purple corals that resemble candyfloss, which can be seen off the coast in the middle of the ocean at Jabang. Also home to an array of marine life including Clownfish, Reef fish, and healthy corals. In this guide, I’ll take you through our top 10 snorkel spots at Koh Lipe and the surrounding islands to help you better prepare for your next trip!
Snorkel Snaps
Where is the Koh Lipe?
1.
Koh Hin Ngam
Koh Hin Ngam is a small island, with a large rectangular coral reef on the south side and a black pebbled stone beach on the east, it is unknown where these pebbles have come from. The coral reef is exceptional and the best of Koh Lipe’s surrounding islands in my opinion. It is made up of a number of species of coral including Boulder, Blue Ridged, and Lettuce. There are Clownfish, schools of Parrotfish, and Anemonefish that can be seen.
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2.
Jabang
Jabang is a unique pink coral reef located in the middle of the ocean. The pink soft coral ressembles candyfloss and is also home to some unusual marine species.
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3.
Koh Kra
Koh Kra (KohKla) is a great spot for a quick kayak and snorkel to see healthy coral and Clownfish. In my opinion this is the best beach snorkel at Koh Lipe, and accessible by kayak from Sunrise Beach. Be careful with passing boats, currents, and Sea Urchins.
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4.
Koh Pung
Koh Pung is a snorkel spot on the Full-Day inside and outside Koh Lipe snorkel trip. The small Bay is a popular spot with a healthy coral reef, including Brain corals, Anemone, and Clark’s Anemonefish. The coral reef is relatively small, but jam packed with marine life. Visibility can vary as there is a current running past the reef.
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5.
Koh Bulu
Koh Bulu cove has an excellent snorkel spot which isn’t marked out but is a stop on the Full-Day Inside and Outside island snorkel trip. The waters are sheltered with a little wave. There were many longtail boats in this area, be careful as they seemed to drift quite a bit. Healthy coral reef with marine life.
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6.
Sunrise Beach
Sunrise Beach is located on the East side of Koh Lipe and one of the most popular beaches, known for its sandy beach, hotels, and to watch the sunsets at the end of the beach. The beach is home to patches of coral, Clownfish, and marine life.
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7.
Koh Adang
Koh Adang is a much larger island that neighbours Koh Lipe. There is a designated snorkel spot on the South-East of the island, a short 10 minute walk from the floating pier. There is a healthy coral reef, mainly made up of Boulder coral. The waves and currents can change and impact the visibility due to the waters not being protected. Great trip when combines with the Hike to the viewpoint.
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8.
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach was a 20-minute walk from the popular Walking Street and at the North of the island. The beach had a rocky and sandy coastline with a coral reef that is on the left-hand side of the beach. The coral reef was healthy and home to some unusual corals and marine species such as Nudibranch slugs, Feather Duster Worms. Water is shallow and visibility can change.
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9.
Koh Yang
Koh Yang which isn’t the most popular snorkel spot and only offered on the half day snorkel trip. It is a small island off the West coast of Koh Adang and Koh Lipe that is uninhabited. On the southern coast it has a coral reef which is more unusual than most. It has giant Lettuce coral that spreads across the sea bed all the way up to the beach. I’ve never seen Lettuce coral this large. I loved the layers of the coral and it was clearly old coral by the sheer size of it.
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10.
Pattaya Beach
Great place for a quick snorkel if you’re staying near Pattaya Beach. You could see Clownfish, Anemonefish, and coral just 10-15 meters from the beach, and even Stingrays at the end of the snorkel area.
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Popular Marine Life
Parrotfish
Moorish Idol
Christmas Tree Worm
Sergeant Major Damselfish
Common Comet Star
Clownfish
Butterflyfish
Anemonefish
Anemonefish
Giant Clam
Rare Marine Life
Giant Moray Eel
Clark’s Anemonefish
Crown Of Thorns Starfish
Powder-Blue Surgeonfish
Blackspotted Pufferfish
Feather Duster Worm
Coral Reef
Boulder Coral
Branch Coral
Acroporidae Stoney Coral
Lettuce Coral
Brain Coral
Blue Ridged Coral
Thailand Snorkel Reviews
Luke
FOUNDER
Luke is a passionate snorkeler who started Snorkelverse to live his dream of combining his passions for snorkeling, marine life, protecting marine ecosystems, and helping others.
Koh Lipe Snorkel Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
The local currency is Thailand Baht THB. 100 THB equals approximately 2.81 USD.
Koh Lipe is located in the South of Thailand in the continent of Asia. The islands are an hour’s ferry ride from the mainland city of Satun. Alternatively, there is the option of a 3 hours speedboat North to the island of Koh Lanta.
If you are visiting, Thailand’s dry season will give you the best weather for snorkeling which runs October-May.
In my opinion, the best snorkel spot is Bamboo Island, especially when combined with a trip to the beach. I also really like Pileh Lagoon, as it combines snorkeling at the entrance, as well as time to experience and swim in the turquoise waters in the Lagoon. Finally, Shark Point was an incredible experience to swim with large Blacktip Reef Sharks.
There are a number of Turtle species in the Andaman sea, including the Green and Hawksbill turtle. From my experience I think it is unlikely to see Sea Turtles at Koh Lipe and surrounding islands, but not to say you can’t.
