REVIEW · KO LIPE
Private Experience with Fishing, Barbeque, Sashimi and Snorkeling
Book on Viator →Operated by Blue Whale Lipe On Tour · Bookable on Viator
Fishing, BBQ, and clear-water snorkeling—together. This private Ko Lipe experience mixes hands-on fishing with serious snorkeling time, then caps it with a captain-cooked lunch built around what you catch. I love how the day is paced like a real sea outing, not a rushed checklist, and how you get fresh fish turned into BBQ and sashimi on the spot.
The main thing to consider is that the route and snorkel spots can shift based on what the captain finds in the water, plus you’ll likely pay park entry separately. If you’re traveling with a stroller, note that it isn’t possible to enter the boat with one.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You Should Care About
- A Full Chao Lea Day on the Water
- How the Day Runs in 7 Hours 30 Minutes
- Fishing on a Private Boat: What You Can Expect to Catch
- Captain-Cooked BBQ and Sashimi Lunch That Uses the Catch
- Snorkeling Where the Water Looks Right on the Day
- GoPro Included: Get Footage Above and Under Water
- Stop-by-Stop: Ko Lipe, Ko Adang, Ko Jabang, Ko Ra Wi
- Safety and Comfort: The Practical Stuff That Makes Snorkeling Easier
- Pickup, Timing, and What to Wear
- Price and Value: Is $79.06 Worth It?
- Who This Tour Suits Best
- Should You Book This Private Fishing, BBQ, Sashimi and Snorkeling Trip?
- FAQ
- How long is the private fishing, BBQ, sashimi and snorkeling experience?
- Is the tour private?
- What’s included in the price?
- What about the national park entry fee?
- Is snorkeling gear provided?
- Is GoPro filming included?
- Can we choose how long to stay at each stop?
- Is pickup available, and is there a set meeting time?
Key Highlights You Should Care About

- Private boat time means you decide how long you stay at each spot
- Captain-cooked BBQ and sashimi using the fish you catch
- Snorkeling gear and lifejacket included for your stops around Ko Lipe and nearby islands
- GoPro filming included, with the captain taking photos/video above and under water
- Snorkel locations can change day to day to chase clear visibility and fish life
- Lunch includes rice plus options like chicken, pork, or egg, plus fruit and bottled water
A Full Chao Lea Day on the Water

This is the kind of trip that feels like it belongs to the sea people of southern Thailand. The captain is used to the water, and safety gear is right there with you from the start, including a lifejacket and a lifebuoy. If you normally feel nervous about open water, the setup here is meant to keep you comfortable while still letting you enjoy the views.
What really makes the experience work is how the plan connects: you fish, then you eat what you caught, then you go look at the underwater world that lives nearby. That cause-and-effect flow turns a typical island day into something more memorable and personal.
And yes, you get photos. The included GoPro capture is great if you want proof that the sea was as blue as it looked and that the fish weren’t just your imagination.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Ko Lipe
How the Day Runs in 7 Hours 30 Minutes

You start around 9:30 am. From there, you cruise between islands—Ko Lipe, Ko Adang, Ko Jabang, and Ko Ra Wi—while the captain chooses the best snorkeling and fishing spots based on conditions. Because it’s private, you’re not stuck with a rigid clock that steals your best moment.
In practice, expect a rhythm like this: morning fishing and/or a first snorkel stop, then a beach lunch break with the captain cooking, then more snorkeling after lunch. The exact order of fishing versus snorkeling can shift, but the time is still built around a full morning outing with lunch and multiple water stops.
The trip is listed at about 7 hours 30 minutes, so plan to treat it as your main activity day. If you’re the type who likes a big meal afterward, you’ll already be set up for it—fruit and bottled water are included, and lunch is more than a snack.
Fishing on a Private Boat: What You Can Expect to Catch
Fishing here is designed to be accessible. All fishing gear is provided, and the goal is both catching small and bigger fish. You’re not doing it blind; the captain handles the fishing approach, and you get to actively take part rather than just watch the boat move.
Because you’re on a private tour, you can take breaks without feeling like you’re slowing down the schedule. That matters if you want to change your rhythm: some people like steady fishing, while others want a quick try, then time to relax.
One practical note: you’ll want to be ready for the sea to do what the sea does. If the water conditions are rougher than expected, fishing and snorkeling plans can adjust. That flexibility is part of the value here.
Captain-Cooked BBQ and Sashimi Lunch That Uses the Catch

This is the most satisfying part of the whole day for many people, and it’s easy to see why. After fishing, you head for a beach break while the captain prepares a BBQ using the fresh fish. Along with that, you also get sashimi made by the captain.
Lunch doesn’t stop at fish alone. You’ll eat rice with options such as chicken, pork, or egg, followed by fresh cut fruit served after lunch. Drinking water is included, so you’re not scrambling for bottles midday.
Why this feels like good value: you’re not just paying for a boat and a snorkel stop. You’re paying for a full meal structure built around fresh seafood, plus sides and fruit that actually make the lunch feel complete.
If you’re picky about food, it helps that you’ll get rice with multiple protein options. Still, since the BBQ and sashimi are based on your catch, you should have a clear expectation that the seafood is the star of the show.
Snorkeling Where the Water Looks Right on the Day

Snorkeling is a core feature here, not a token add-on. You visit different snorkeling places where you can see coral reefs and colorful fish, and all snorkeling gear is available on the boat. A lifejacket is included, which is helpful even if you’re a confident swimmer.
The spots can change from day to day. The captain looks for clearer views and where there are more kinds of fish, and that affects both snorkeling and fishing locations. I like this approach because it means you’re not locked into one spot that might be cloudy or quiet that day.
Also, since it’s private, you can decide how long you want at a spot. If the water is good and you’re seeing fish you want to follow, you can stay longer. If you’re not feeling it, you can move on without feeling guilty about breaking the flow.
You can also read our reviews of more snorkeling tours in Ko Lipe
GoPro Included: Get Footage Above and Under Water

If you’ve ever snorkeled and then realized you can’t remember what it looked like later, the included GoPro filming is a smart touch. The captain captures your day above and under water for your memories afterward.
This is one of those details that changes how you’ll feel after the trip. Instead of spending the next day trying to recreate the moment with shaky selfies, you’ll have the kind of footage that actually matches what you saw underwater.
It also helps if you’re traveling with friends or family. You can enjoy the water without being the designated camera holder.
Stop-by-Stop: Ko Lipe, Ko Adang, Ko Jabang, Ko Ra Wi

You’ll hit four named islands during the 7.5-hour loop. The itinerary lists Ko Lipe first, then Ko Adang, then Ko Jabang, and finally Ko Ra Wi. The exact timing of fishing versus snorkeling can shift, but these stops keep the day feeling like a true island-hopping route.
Ko Lipe is the starting point vibe—easy to reach, and often the best place to begin your day while you get settled on the boat. It’s also a good anchor for the tour since the entire outing is centered around Lipe’s nearby waters.
Ko Adang gives you that big-island feel nearby, and it’s one of the places where you can expect coral and fish life when conditions are right. The benefit of the captain choosing spots based on visibility is that Adang’s underwater scene can be better on some days than others.
Ko Jabang is another stop that fits the snorkeling logic: you go where the captain finds good water clarity and variety of fish. This is less about memorizing a map and more about letting the captain’s judgment set you up for better viewing.
Ko Ra Wi rounds out the day with a final push into the good water. If you’re hoping for one last strong snorkel session, this stop is where you want to stay alert and keep your eyes open. Even if fish are active earlier, the later part of the day can still deliver surprises.
Safety and Comfort: The Practical Stuff That Makes Snorkeling Easier

You’ll have lifejackets and a lifebuoy available, which matters on a boat-based day. If you’re worried about getting tired in the water, gear support reduces stress so you can focus on what you came for.
Snorkeling equipment and fishing equipment are both included, so you don’t need to rent or bring anything from town. Bottled water is included, and lunch plus fruit helps you avoid the classic mistake of treating snorkeling like a quick snack-and-go.
One consideration: stroller access is limited. It isn’t possible to enter the boat with a stroller, so if you’re traveling with little kids and need mobility support, you’ll want to plan accordingly. Also note that the meeting point is near public transportation, which can make it easier if you’re not relying on pickup.
Pickup, Timing, and What to Wear
Pickup is offered, but the meeting point is also near public transportation. That gives you options, depending on where you’re staying on Ko Lipe.
Start time is 9:30 am. For a day this long, I recommend dressing like you’ll be in the sun for hours: light clothes that can handle getting wet, sun protection, and comfortable footwear for the beach lunch break. You’ll be on and off the boat, and you’ll likely spend real time in and around the water.
Also, treat this tour as your day plan anchor. After 7+ hours on the water, you’ll probably want an easy evening, not another major excursion.
Price and Value: Is $79.06 Worth It?
At $79.06 per person, you’re not just paying for transportation. You’re paying for a private boat outing with a full lunch, fruit, bottled water, snorkeling gear, fishing gear, insurance, and safety equipment. On top of that, you get GoPro filming by the captain.
Here’s why the value can feel strong: the lunch is part of the experience, not a consolation prize, and it’s tied directly to fishing. The day includes both activities—fishing and snorkeling—plus the chance to eat fresh fish as BBQ and sashimi.
The one cost to watch is government fees for the national park ticket, since it isn’t included. If you’re trying to budget tightly, set aside time and money for that entry fee so there are no surprises at the end of the day.
Who This Tour Suits Best
This is a great fit if you want a private, hands-on day at sea without giving up the best parts of snorkeling. You’ll likely enjoy it most if you like doing rather than watching—fishing actively, then eating what you caught, then getting back in the water to see reefs and fish.
It also suits couples and small groups who care about photos and want the captain to handle GoPro filming instead of managing everyone’s cameras. If you’re traveling with seafood lovers, the BBQ and sashimi lunch is a big draw.
If you’re traveling with a stroller or you require boat access that isn’t supported here, you may want to choose a different style of tour. If park entry fees are a deal-breaker for your budget, plan ahead so the total cost stays comfortable.
Should You Book This Private Fishing, BBQ, Sashimi and Snorkeling Trip?
I’d book it if your ideal day on Ko Lipe includes real water time, fresh food, and fewer crowds. The combination of fishing + captain-cooked BBQ/sashimi + snorkeling is built in, not patched together from separate tours.
Book it especially if you care about better snorkeling conditions. The captain adjusts snorkel and fishing spots based on visibility, and the private format lets you choose how long you stay at each stop.
Skip it (or rethink) if you’re trying to avoid extra costs like the national park ticket, or if stroller access is a must for your group. Also, be honest about weather: the experience depends on good conditions, and if it can’t run safely, you’ll be offered another date or a refund.
FAQ
How long is the private fishing, BBQ, sashimi and snorkeling experience?
It lasts about 7 hours 30 minutes.
Is the tour private?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.
What’s included in the price?
Lunch, snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, insurance, bottled water, lifejacket and lifebuoy, and GoPro capture by the captain.
What about the national park entry fee?
Government fees, including the national park ticket, are not included.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and a lifejacket is included.
Is GoPro filming included?
Yes. The captain captures photos and videos with the GoPro above and under water for your memories.
Can we choose how long to stay at each stop?
Yes. Because it’s private, you can decide for how long you want to be at a spot.
Is pickup available, and is there a set meeting time?
Pickup is offered, and the start time is 9:30 am. The meeting point is near public transportation as well.





















