Private fishing can turn a day perfect fast. On Ko Lipe, I like the captain-cooked BBQ and the snorkeling stops, and you’ll get your GoPro memories after. One thing to plan for: the sea needs good weather, and national park fees are not included.

This private trip keeps things flexible. The crew talks with you before you go, provides lifejackets and a lifebuoy, and you can choose how long you want to stay at each spot. If you want that Chao Lea style of being out on the water with confidence, this is a solid half-day-plus option.

Quick hits before you book

• Private boat time with only your group, so you can control pacing.
• Fishing plus a real meal: fresh-caught BBQ and sashimi prepared by the captain.
• Snorkeling gear and lifejacket included, so you can focus on the water, not packing lists.
• GoPro included, with the captain capturing above-water and underwater moments for you.
• Stops adapt to conditions, since the crew selects places based on clear views and fish activity.
• Insurance included, plus bottled water during the day.

A 9:30 am private boat day around Ko Lipe

Your day starts at 9:30 am and runs about 7.5 hours. That timing is great if you hate rushed mornings, but still want a full, food-and-water experience rather than a quick snack tour. You’ll likely meet close to public transportation, and pickup is offered, which matters if you don’t want to figure out island logistics on your own.

Because it’s private, the pacing feels different from set-group tours. You can ask for extra time at the best snorkeling spot, or shorten a segment if you’re more focused on fishing. The crew also communicates with you before departure, which helps set expectations early, especially if you’re a first-timer on small boats.

Fishing for small and big fish, then let the captain cook

Fishing is a core part of the experience, not a side activity. The plan is to catch small and big fish, and the boat supplies the fishing gear. From a value standpoint, that’s a big deal: you’re paying for the gear, the boat, and the cooking, rather than piecing together rentals.

The rhythm usually goes like this: you fish at sea, then the captain turns that catch into lunch. That is exactly the kind of local touch I look for. You get a day on the water, and then you eat what you actually brought in, prepared right there.

Practical note: even if you don’t consider yourself “a fisher,” you’ll still have something to do the whole time. You’re not just waiting for other people to catch fish. You can participate, ask questions, and focus on learning the basics while the crew manages the setup.

BBQ and sashimi lunch on the island: the best payoff

This is one of the most convincing parts of the day. The captain cooks the freshly caught fish on a BBQ while you relax at the beach. Then you also get sashimi, made by the captain as well. That pairing is rare for tours at this price point, and it’s exactly why I’d call this more than a standard boat day.

Lunch happens from an island setup and includes rice with chicken, pork, or egg, plus fresh cut fruit afterward. Drinking water is included too.

What that means for you, practically:

• You’re not hunting for a meal later.
• You’re not paying extra for seafood you can’t even guarantee.
• You can settle your stomach after time on the water.

The only consideration is mindset. If you’re expecting a buffet, this isn’t that. It’s fish-forward, cooked by the captain, with simple island sides. If you’re flexible and hungry, you’ll probably love it.

Snorkeling gear included, with stops that change for visibility

After lunch, it’s back to the water for snorkeling. The tour includes snorkeling equipment and a lifejacket on the boat. That matters because snorkeling in warm waters is easy, but comfort and safety gear still make a difference, especially if conditions shift.

You visit different snorkeling places, and the exact spots can change from day to day. The crew looks for clear views and areas with lots of different kinds of fish. That’s smart. It also explains why your experience might feel slightly different from someone else’s day, even if the itinerary includes the same islands.

Ko Lipe

You start in Ko Lipe waters, which helps the day feel anchored. It’s also a comfort factor if you’re learning how the day works on the first leg. I like that the trip begins in familiar territory, then branches out.

Possible drawback: if seas are choppy early, you’ll feel it right at the start. The good news is you’re on a private boat with safety equipment on hand.

Ko Adang

Ko Adang is one of the key island stops on the route. Think of it as a chance to change scenery and try a fresh snorkeling area rather than repeating the same bay.

Possible drawback: if visibility is poor, snorkeling time might be shorter, because the crew prioritizes clearer water and fish activity.

Ko Jabang

Ko Jabang gives you another shot at different underwater views. Since the crew picks locations based on what looks good that day, this stop can be a hit if the water cooperates.

Possible drawback: because the plan adapts to conditions, you might not know the exact snorkeling point until the crew is assessing the view on the water.

Ko Ra Wi

Ko Ra Wi is a later stop, which can be a nice way to finish the day. Light and water texture can shift as the day goes on, and that can make photo opportunities better, especially if you’re already in a relaxed rhythm.

Possible drawback: if you’re prone to motion sickness, plan for a steady pace on the boat segments between islands. The lifejacket helps safety, but it won’t magically stop wave movement.

GoPro moments: how the captain captures above and underwater

The GoPro is included, and the captain captures your day above and under water for your memories afterward. That’s a big practical win. If you’ve ever tried to juggle a phone, mask, and fins while someone else floats around waiting, you know how chaotic it gets.

What you should do to maximize results:

• Wear your snorkeling gear properly and keep it snug. If your mask shifts, underwater footage usually suffers.
• Move calmly once you’re in the water. Quick flailing makes footage harder to watch later.
• If you want more underwater clips, time your asks with the captain’s attention. When the crew is ready, ask in plain terms, and they can adjust how they capture.

The other nice touch is that the captain is open to capturing your memories during the tour, so it’s not just a fixed recording from one angle.

Value check: $79.06 per person and what’s actually included

At $79.06 per person, this is priced like a practical island activity, not a luxury-only experience. Here’s what you do get:

• Lunch (including rice with chicken, pork, or egg, plus fruit)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Fishing equipment
• Use of the GoPro
• Insurance
• Bottled water
• Lifejacket and lifebuoy
• Pickup offered (check what applies to where you’re staying)

What’s not included:

• Government fees, the national park ticket

Then there’s the private element, which you should treat as the main value driver. If you’re traveling with people you already trust, private time usually feels like a better deal than cramming onto a shared boat.

Also watch for group discounts. If you can travel with friends or family, the price can feel even more reasonable for what you’re getting: fishing, BBQ, sashimi, snorkeling, and GoPro capture.

Who this tour fits best, and who should think twice

I’d recommend this trip if you want a true “do it all” day. It’s a good match for:

• People who like hands-on activities, not just scenery
• Anyone who wants fresh seafood without extra meal planning
• First-time snorkelers who appreciate having gear and a lifejacket provided
• Groups who want a private boat and flexible pacing

It’s less ideal if:

• You can’t handle boat motion well, since the schedule includes multiple island hops
• You’re strict about fixed snorkeling locations, since the crew adjusts spots based on water clarity
• You need everything to be completely accessible with strollers, because it’s not possible to enter the boat with a stroller

Weather, safety, and that one reality check

This experience requires good weather. That’s not a small detail, it’s the difference between a comfortable day and a day you end up canceling or rescheduling.

The good news is the tour is set up for safety. You’ll have lifejackets and a lifebuoy on board, and insurance is included. If the crew decides it isn’t workable, you should expect your options to shift based on conditions.

My practical advice: plan this trip early enough in your Ko Lipe stay that you can move dates if needed. When tours depend on visibility, you want buffer time.

Should you book Blue Whale Lipe On Tour?

If you want a private day that mixes fishing, captain-cooked BBQ and sashimi, and snorkeling, this is an easy yes. The standout is the food. Fresh-caught fish plus sashimi is not something you see every day for this kind of pricing. Add in snorkeling gear, insurance, and GoPro capture, and the day feels tightly packaged.

Book it if your top priorities are:

• real seafood lunch
• snorkeling with gear handled for you
• a captain who takes your photos without you playing tech support

I’d pass or think twice if you only want snorkeling and you dislike variable spots, or if you’re traveling with a stroller and need boat access.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is 9:30 am.

How long is the experience?

It lasts about 7 hours 30 minutes.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour, and only your group will participate.

Does the price include lunch and water?

Yes. Lunch is included, and drinking water is also included.

Are snorkeling and fishing equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment and fishing equipment.

Is the GoPro included?

Yes. The GoPro is included, and the captain captures moments above and underwater.

Are national park fees included?

No. Government fees, the national park ticket, are not included.

What about cancellation if the weather is bad?

If weather is poor and the experience is canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.