Pig Island & Koh Tan Tour by Speed Boat (Snorkeling & Kayaking)

The main draw is the unusual pairing of Pig Island and Koh Tan. In one half-day, you can kayak beside a white-sand beach, swim, take photos with friendly pigs, eat lunch by the sea, and snorkel over a coral reef. It is a lot of island time for $50.46.

I like the included hotel transfer and the fast boat, which cuts down the time spent getting between Koh Samui and the islands. I also like that lunch, snorkeling gear, kayaking, life jackets, and travel insurance are included, so you can keep the extra spending modest.

The weak point is timing. A previous outing involved a long wait at the pier before departure, and the water around Koh Tan was described as murky. The tour can also change its order because of weather, so you should book it for a flexible island day rather than a tightly planned schedule.

Key points to know before you book

• Pig Island is Koh Mudsum: Expect beach time, swimming, kayaking, and close-up photos with pigs.
• Koh Tan brings the snorkeling: The tour visits coral areas where fish can be seen from the surface.
• The boat ride is short: Koh Mudsum is about 15 to 20 minutes from the pier by speedboat.
• Lunch is included: You eat at a beach restaurant, with the meal included in the tour price.
• The group can reach 45 people: That keeps the cost down, but it may also mean slower boarding and less personal space.
• Bring 50 baht for entry: Admission to Koh Mudsum is not included, despite the other inclusions.

Two islands, two very different kinds of fun

This is a classic mixed-activity day from southern Koh Samui. The two stops are close enough to fit into roughly six hours, yet they offer different reasons to leave the mainland.

Koh Mudsum, better known as Pig Island, is the playful stop. You can relax on the white sand, swim, paddle a kayak along the beach, or spend time around the small pigs that have become the island’s main attraction. The pigs make this more than a standard beach outing, especially if you want unusual holiday photos.

Koh Tan is the water stop. The tour takes you around the coast to snorkel above coral and look for fish from the surface. You are not being promised a serious scuba-style reef trip. This is a simple, accessible snorkeling session suited to people who want to put on a mask and see marine life without a full-day boat commitment.

The order can change. The operator may visit Koh Tan first if weather conditions make that the better choice. That flexibility is sensible at sea, but it means you should not plan lunch, sunset plans, or another timed activity too tightly around the tour.

Leaving Thong Krut Pier by speedboat

The listed meeting point is Thong Krut Pier, at 79, 1 in Koh Samui. Hotel pickup is included, so you do not normally need to arrange your own ride to the pier. The exact pickup time depends on your hotel and the other pickups on the route.

The speedboat ride to Koh Mudsum takes about 15 to 20 minutes. That is one of the practical advantages of this outing. You get more island time than you would with a slower boat, though a speedboat can feel lively on rough water. If you are prone to motion sickness, take the possibility seriously and prepare before leaving the pier.

The group size can reach 45 people. That is a fairly large boat outing, and it explains much of the low price. It also means the smoothness of the day depends on boarding, transfers, and how quickly the group moves between activities.

One important warning is the possible wait at the pier. An earlier schedule had hotel pickup at 1 p.m., followed by roughly an hour of road time and additional pickups, with departure from the pier around 2:45 p.m. That example may not represent every departure, but it shows why the advertised six hours can feel different from six uninterrupted hours on the islands. Bring patience, water, and sun protection for the waiting period.

Koh Mudsum, where the pigs share the beach

Koh Mudsum is the tour’s most distinctive stop. The beach gives you several ways to spend your time, and you do not have to choose only one. You can swim, sit on the sand, kayak near shore, or walk over for photos with the pigs.

The best part is the variety. Someone who does not want to snorkel all day can still have a good time here. Families and mixed-age groups may find this especially useful because the beach activities are easy to understand and do not require advanced skills.

The pigs are the photo opportunity, but keep your expectations sensible. This is not a wildlife sanctuary visit or an animal-care tour. The pigs are part of the island experience, while the broader appeal is the combination of sand, sea, paddling, and an unusual subject for your camera.

You should also expect a busy setting at popular times. With up to 45 people on the tour, the beach may not feel private. The island has also received criticism for rubbish, so do not expect a perfectly maintained beach at every moment. Pack lightly, keep your own belongings secure, and take your rubbish with you.

The 50 baht admission charge is separate. It is a small extra cost, but it is worth knowing before you arrive so you have cash ready.

Lunch beside the beach

Lunch is included at a beach restaurant on Koh Mudsum. That matters because the tour runs through the middle of the day, when heat and swimming can quickly drain your energy. You do not need to find your own restaurant or leave the group to search for food.

The meal is best viewed as practical fuel rather than a major dining event. The supplied details do not specify the menu, dietary choices, or drinks, so ask the operator ahead of time if you have a particular food requirement.

A beach lunch also creates a natural pause between activities. You can cool down, dry off, and reset before heading to Koh Tan. If you prefer a quiet meal, the group format may be less appealing, but the convenience is useful at this price.

Koh Tan and the snorkeling stop

Koh Tan brings the more traditional island activity. The boat stops around the coast, where you can snorkel over coral and look for fish from the surface. Snorkeling equipment and a life jacket are provided, so you do not need to bring your own mask or flotation gear.

The coral reef offers shelter for aquatic animals, and the tour description presents the area as suitable for seeing fish with your bare eyes from above. That makes this a good introduction for a casual snorkeler. You can focus on breathing, floating, and watching the reef without needing special training.

Water conditions are the big variable. An earlier outing found the water around Koh Tan murky, which can reduce visibility and make the snorkeling less rewarding. Weather can also change the order of the day. This is an outdoor activity, so no operator can guarantee clear water every time.

The snorkeling period may feel brief if you are enthusiastic about reef time. The overall outing includes road transfers, pier procedures, the boat rides, Pig Island, lunch, and Koh Tan, so this is not a dedicated snorkeling charter. Book it for a mix of activities, not for several hours of uninterrupted time in the water.

What the $50.46 price really includes

At $50.46 per person, the tour offers solid value if you would otherwise need to arrange several pieces separately. The price includes round-trip hotel pickup, the speedboat outing, lunch, snorkeling equipment, kayaking, a life jacket, and travel insurance.

The speedboat is particularly useful because the islands are reached quickly. Hotel pickup also saves the trouble of negotiating transport to Thong Krut Pier, though shared pickup routes can lengthen the morning or afternoon.

The price does not include the 50 baht Koh Mudsum admission fee. You may also want money for drinks or personal purchases, since the included meal details are limited.

The group format is the tradeoff. A maximum of 45 people helps keep the fare down, but it can bring queues and delays. If you want a private boat, a quiet lunch, or complete control over the schedule, this is not the right style of trip. If you want a reasonably priced way to see two nearby islands, the package is more convincing.

Timing, transfers, and the shape of the day

The advertised duration is about six hours, ending back at the meeting point. Since hotel pickup is included, your total day may be longer once road time is added. The departure can also take longer if the boat is waiting for other people.

A previous outing began with an on-time pickup, which is encouraging, but then involved about two hours of waiting before the boat left. That is the main operational concern I would keep in mind. An organized pickup does not always mean a fast departure from the pier.

The tour ends back at Thong Krut Pier, with transport returning you to your hotel as part of the round-trip service. Do not book a cruise departure, airport transfer, or other fixed appointment around the advertised end time. The operator specifically does not recommend this activity for cruise ship passengers.

Weather can change the itinerary without notice. Koh Tan may come first, and the balance of beach and snorkeling time may shift. The right attitude is simple: allow the sea conditions to set the order of the day.

What to bring for a more comfortable outing

The operator recommends a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Those are not minor extras in southern Thailand. You will spend time exposed to the sun on the beach, in the boat, and near the water.

Wear something comfortable for swimming and bring a way to protect your phone if you want photos around the pigs or from the kayak. The provided information does not confirm lockers or dry storage, so keep valuables to a minimum.

You should also carry the 50 baht admission fee for Koh Mudsum. Since drinks and other personal costs are not specified, a little extra cash is sensible.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want several easy activities in one day. It suits people who like a little beach time, a little paddling, a little snorkeling, and a memorable photo stop without paying for a private charter.

It also works well for a mixed group. One person can kayak, another can swim, and someone else can sit on the sand or visit the pigs. The provided life jackets and snorkeling equipment make the water activities simpler for beginners.

You may want a different tour if snorkeling is your main reason for going out. Murky water is possible, the session is only one part of the day, and the group may have up to 45 people. You may also be disappointed if you expect a quiet, untouched beach.

The outing received positive feedback for being organized and on time, especially when transfers and the schedule ran smoothly. A private version was also described as more relaxed because there was no need to wait for other people, but that is not the standard group experience described here.

Should you book Pig Island and Koh Tan?

Book it if you want good variety for a moderate price. The Pig Island beach stop, included kayak, lunch, hotel pickup, and short speedboat ride give you plenty to do without arranging separate transport or equipment.

Skip it if you need a precise schedule, dislike group tours, or want guaranteed clear snorkeling water. The possibility of a long pier wait and the potential for rubbish or murky water make this a tour to book with realistic expectations.

For most people, the decision comes down to priorities. If your ideal Koh Samui day includes pigs, sand, a kayak, lunch, and a quick reef stop, this package covers the bases. If your ideal day is quiet, private, and built around excellent snorkeling, spend more for a smaller or more specialized outing.

FAQ

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

The tour lasts approximately six hours. Hotel pickup and the road journey to Thong Krut Pier can make your total time away from your hotel longer.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The listed meeting point is Thong Krut Pier, 79, 1, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand. The activity ends back at the meeting point, with round-trip hotel pickup included.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Round-trip pickup from your Koh Samui hotel is included.

How much is the Koh Mudsum admission fee?

Admission to Koh Mudsum is 50 baht per person and is not included in the tour price.

What activities are included?

The tour includes kayaking, snorkeling, swimming and beach time at Koh Mudsum, a visit with the island pigs, and lunch at a beach restaurant.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a life jacket are included.

Can the itinerary change because of weather?

Yes. The tour may visit Koh Tan first instead of Koh Mudsum depending on weather conditions, and the program can change without prior notice.