Ko Samui: Pig Island Snorkeling and Koh Tan Speedboat Tour

Koh Madsum, better known as Pig Island, is the star here. You get white sand, friendly pigs, free-roaming dogs, a Thai meal, and enough time to slow down instead of rushing from one photo stop to the next. The trip also adds a snorkeling stop at Koh Tan, reached by speedboat from southern Koh Samui.

I like the simple half-day format and the amount included for $51: hotel transport, boat travel, lunch or dinner, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, kayaking, and a guide. I also like the friendly, organized crew, who keep the day moving without making it feel hurried. The main drawback is that snorkeling conditions can be cloudy, and the boat may feel fuller than the phrase middle sized group suggests.

Key points before you book

• Pig Island is the main event: Expect around two and a half hours for swimming, kayaking, walking, eating, and meeting pigs on the beach.
• Koh Tan adds an active first stop: You get about an hour for snorkeling, swimming, and photos, but water clarity depends on weather and sea conditions.
• The $51 price covers a lot: Hotel pickup, a guide, speedboat transport, food, soft drinks, equipment, kayaking, and return transfer are included.
• Plan for a 50 baht island fee: Koh Madsum’s entrance charge is not included, despite the otherwise all-inclusive feel.
• Morning and afternoon departures are available: The afternoon option can run late enough to give you sunset light on Pig Island.
• This suits animal lovers and families: It is less suitable if your main goal is serious snorkeling or a quiet, small-boat outing.

Why Pig Island is worth the boat ride

The unusual sight is simple and memorable: pigs wandering along a white sand beach on a small island with no running water or electricity. The pigs are used to people, and you may see piglets, larger adults, and dogs moving around the same beach area.

You can feed and gently pet the pigs, but use common sense. Keep plastic bottles and rubbish away from the animals, and follow the guide’s instructions. The island’s charm depends on keeping the sand clean and treating the animals calmly.

I like that the tour gives you real free time here. You are not pushed through in twenty minutes for a quick photograph. The schedule allows roughly two and a half hours at Koh Madsum, which is enough for a swim, a kayak trip, lunch, photos, and plain old beach time.

That extra time also makes the tour work well for people who are not keen snorkelers. You can skip the water, sit under the beach shade, watch the pigs, or walk around instead of feeling that the whole outing depends on one activity.

From your hotel to Bang Khao pier

Pickup takes place in an air-conditioned minibus. Morning pickup is generally between 8:30 and 9:30 am, while the afternoon departure usually falls between 1:00 and 2:00 pm. Your exact time depends on where you are staying, and the driver collects people from several accommodations.

You wait at the general parking area of your hotel or accommodation. If the road to your property is too steep or narrow for the minibus, you are given another pickup point and must reach it yourself.

The drive to Bang Khao, in the south of Koh Samui, can take time. One pickup from near Fisherman’s Village took about 75 to 80 minutes in total because the minibus was collecting several people. The vehicle is air-conditioned and comfortable, but this is not a door-to-pier private transfer.

There can also be a wait at the pier or beach restaurant while the rest of the group arrives and the boat is prepared. One schedule had an early arrival followed by about 45 minutes of waiting. Bring water, though soft drinks and water are provided during the day.

At the meeting point, show your ticket at the counter inside the beach restaurant. The guide then gathers the group and explains the plan. Guides have been praised for clear instructions, good timing, and friendly help. One guide was known as Mr. 11, while other feedback simply describes a young male guide who kept the day well organized and entertaining.

The speedboat crossing to Koh Tan

The boat ride to Koh Tan takes about 20 minutes in normal sea conditions. The speedboat is described as clean and comfortable, with life jackets available for every person on board. One boat had four Honda V8 engines, so this is a brisk ride rather than a quiet long-tail boat trip.

The boat can be larger and fuller than you might expect. One account described roughly 60 people on board, while the tour is also presented as a middle-sized group experience. If you want a tiny, private boat with plenty of room around you, this may not be the right choice.

The crew takes safety seriously, but speedboats can still feel lively when the Gulf of Thailand is choppy. Sit securely, hold onto your belongings, and keep your phone in a waterproof pouch. The itinerary may change if weather, traffic, or sea conditions require it.

Koh Tan snorkeling: pleasant, but keep expectations in check

Koh Tan is the first island stop. The boat anchors near a coral reef, and you have about an hour for snorkeling, swimming, and photos. Equipment is supplied, including masks and snorkels, and life jackets remain available on the boat.

The reef is described as relatively intact, with fish and other sea life visible in calm, clear water. Some people saw fish close to them even when the water was not perfectly clear. That said, snorkeling quality varies sharply with weather and sea conditions.

Cloudy or murky water was a repeated concern. Some outings produced enjoyable snorkeling, while others offered only modest visibility. Masks may also need a quick wipe or defogging before you enter the water.

I would treat Koh Tan as a pleasant bonus rather than the main reason to book. If you are hoping for a major reef experience, this short stop may disappoint. If you want a chance to swim, see fish, and jump into the sea before heading to Pig Island, it fills that role nicely.

The snorkeling time can also feel short to strong swimmers. Several people would have preferred a little more time in the water and slightly less time on Koh Madsum, though others liked the generous island break. Your priorities matter here.

Koh Madsum, the relaxed heart of the tour

After Koh Tan, the boat makes the short crossing to Koh Madsum. This is where the pace changes. The island has no regular civilization, running water, or electricity, and its white beach provides the setting for the day’s most unusual encounter.

You can walk along the sand, swim, sit back, or take a kayak when sea conditions allow. Kayaking may happen at Koh Tan instead, depending on the water. It is included, but conditions decide how much of it is available.

The pigs are friendly and accustomed to visitors. You may see young piglets as well as larger pigs, and they often come close to people. They are the reason many people remember this outing long after the snorkeling details have faded.

The island is not a polished resort. Expect a basic beach setting and limited facilities. There are concerns about rubbish, cigarette ends, and discarded plastic bottles, so carry your waste to a bin and avoid giving the pigs anything unless the staff says it is suitable.

A viewpoint is mentioned as part of the island experience, but finding it may not be obvious. Clear directions from the guide would help, and you should not assume every path leads to a worthwhile lookout. The beach and animals are the dependable highlights.

Lunch on the beach

The included meal is a traditional Thai lunch on the island. The food has been described as tasty, filling, and served in enough quantity for most people. Vegetarians can be catered for, but it is sensible to mention dietary needs when booking or before departure.

The meal is practical rather than fancy. Some people found it very good, while others thought it was plain or less impressive than the rest of the day. Buffet-style food prepared for a large group can be uneven, with items such as chips or chicken nuggets losing some freshness while waiting.

Soft drinks and water are included, and island drinks have not been described as unusually expensive. You still need to pay for your own extras, and the 50 baht Koh Madsum entrance fee is separate. Bring small Thai currency for that charge.

The setting does much of the work. Eating beside the beach while pigs wander nearby is not an everyday lunch, even if the menu itself is straightforward.

Morning or afternoon departure?

The morning trip generally returns to Samui around 2:15 pm, with hotel drop-off around 2:30 pm. This option leaves the rest of the day open for dinner, shopping, or a quiet evening.

The afternoon trip returns around 6:30 pm, with drop-off about 6:45 pm. It can offer softer light and, depending on the season and timing, sunset views from Pig Island. One afternoon outing ended with a particularly pleasant, calm beach atmosphere as the light faded.

The afternoon schedule may be better for people who dislike early starts or want a more relaxed finish. The morning schedule is safer if you have evening plans, a ferry, or another fixed appointment.

Do not book either option too tightly against another activity. Pickup times vary by accommodation, and the group may spend time waiting for other pickups or the boat departure.

Value at $51 per person

At $51, this is good value if you want several pieces in one booking. The price covers:

• Air-conditioned hotel pickup and return
• Speedboat transportation
• An English-speaking guide
• Accident insurance
• Snorkeling equipment
• Kayaking
• Lunch or dinner
• Soft drinks
• Life jackets on the boat

You are also paying for the convenience of having transport, pier arrangements, food, and timing handled for you. Booking separate transfers and a private boat would usually involve more planning and could cost more, though this is not a private experience.

The value is strongest for couples, families, and first-time visitors who want a straightforward island outing. It is less compelling if you care mainly about reef quality, dislike group transport, or want to spend the entire day on the water.

The advertised low price deserves one caution: the 50 baht entrance fee is not included. Some people were surprised when it was requested after arrival. Treat it as a normal extra and keep cash ready.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would choose this tour if you like unusual animal encounters, easy beach time, and a clear half-day plan. Families can split up naturally, with some people snorkeling or kayaking while others stay near the pigs.

It also suits you if you want an outing that is active without being exhausting. You get one water stop, one beach stop, food, and transport, but the total duration is only 270 minutes.

Animal lovers will get the most from it. The pigs are the emotional center of the day, and the chance to see piglets and friendly dogs adds to the appeal.

I would look elsewhere if you want a serious marine excursion. Koh Tan can be enjoyable, but visibility is not guaranteed, and the snorkeling portion is limited. A private boat or a specialist snorkeling trip would give you more control over locations and time in the water.

Pregnant women, babies under one year, and cruise ship passengers should not book this version. Cruise ship passengers need the separate cruise ship tour option because this activity is designed around hotel pickup.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a waterproof phone case. Wear footwear that can handle a beach and a boat, and keep your belongings in a small dry bag.

Bring 50 baht per person for the Koh Madsum entrance fee, plus money for personal purchases. Water and soft drinks are supplied, but extra snacks may be useful if you get hungry between pickup and lunch.

Check your final pickup message through the booking platform. The general window is wide, and the exact time depends on your accommodation. Wait at the stated parking area rather than inside your hotel lobby.

Finally, keep your expectations flexible. Sea conditions may change the snorkeling location or kayaking plan, and weather or traffic can alter the timing. The strongest part of this outing is the combination of Pig Island, beach time, and an easy transport package, not guaranteed underwater visibility.

Should you book the Pig Island tour?

Book it if you want a fun, affordable island half-day with cute pigs, a clean speedboat, a Thai meal, and enough free time to relax. The organized crew, included transport, and long Koh Madsum stop make it a practical choice for a first visit to Koh Samui.

Skip it if your priority is advanced snorkeling, a small private group, or a completely quiet island. You should also be comfortable with a possible minibus wait, a fuller boat, basic island facilities, and the separate 50 baht entrance fee.

For most people, I would choose the afternoon departure if sunset matters and there are no evening plans. Choose the morning if you want a dependable early finish. Either way, book this for Pig Island first and snorkeling second. That is the honest order of importance.

FAQ

How long does the Pig Island and Koh Tan tour last?

The listed duration is 270 minutes, or four and a half hours. Morning departures return to Koh Samui around 2:15 pm, with hotel drop-off around 2:30 pm. Afternoon departures return around 6:30 pm, with drop-off around 6:45 pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and return to your accommodation are included in an air-conditioned minibus. Pickup is generally between 8:30 and 9:30 am for the morning program or between 1:00 and 2:00 pm for the afternoon program.

Is the Koh Madsum entrance fee included?

No. The entrance fee is 50 baht per person and must be paid separately. You should bring small Thai currency.

What activities are included?

The tour includes snorkeling at Koh Tan, swimming, kayaking when sea conditions allow, beach time at Koh Madsum, and time with the pigs. Snorkeling equipment, kayaking, life jackets, lunch or dinner, soft drinks, and hotel transfers are included.

Is snorkeling at Koh Tan always clear?

No. Visibility depends on the weather and sea conditions. The reef can offer fish and coral, but the water may also be cloudy or murky. It is best to treat snorkeling as one part of the tour rather than its sole purpose.

Can cruise ship passengers book this tour?

No. This version is for hotel guests and is not suitable for cruise ship passengers. Cruise ship visitors should look for the separate Pig Island cruise ship tour.