Ko Samui: Pig Island Snorkeling and Koh Tan Speedboat Tour

The star of this half-day trip is not the snorkeling. It is Koh Madsum, or Pig Island, where woolly pigs wander across a white beach with friendly dogs nearby. You can feed and photograph them, swim, kayak, or simply sit with a Thai meal and watch the scene unfold.

I like the sensible two-stop plan: Koh Tan provides the water time, while Pig Island gives you a slower beach break. I also like that hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, kayaking, lunch, soft drinks, and return transport are built into the price.

The main drawback is that snorkeling quality depends heavily on the sea. Some days bring fish and fair visibility, while cloudy water makes this more of a pig-and-beach outing. You should also expect waiting during hotel pickups and a separate 50 baht entrance charge for Koh Madsum.

The key points at a glance

• Pig Island is the main event: Spend about two and a half hours on Koh Madsum with free-roaming pigs, beach time, kayaking, and lunch.
• Koh Tan is the snorkeling stop: You get about an hour for swimming and snorkeling, though water clarity changes with weather and sea conditions.
• Hotel pickup is included: An air-conditioned minibus collects you from your accommodation, usually between 8:30 and 9:30 in the morning or 1:00 and 2:00 in the afternoon.
• The boat ride is lively: A fast speedboat covers the crossing quickly, but the ride can feel energetic in choppy conditions.
• The price is strong for a half day: At $51 per person, transport, food, equipment, kayaking, drinks, and insurance are included.
• Bring 50 baht extra: Koh Madsum charges a separate entrance fee, and you should carry money for personal purchases.

Why Pig Island is worth the boat ride

Koh Madsum is a small island with no running water or electricity. That lack of development is part of the appeal. You are not arriving at a built-up resort beach. You are arriving at a simple shore where pigs wander through the sand and visitors gather for photographs.

The pigs are the reason most people book this trip, and they are genuinely entertaining. You might see piglets, larger pigs, and animals moving freely around the beach. They are used to people, but you should still treat them calmly and avoid forcing contact.

The setting gives the visit more value than a quick animal photograph. You have enough time to settle in, walk along the beach, watch the pigs, and enjoy the water. The schedule allows about two and a half hours on the island, which is generous for a half-day tour.

That extra time also means the experience does not feel like a rushed photo stop. You can kayak if conditions allow, swim, or simply sit under the tropical sun. Some afternoon departures may reach the island late enough for softer light and, depending on the schedule, a sunset atmosphere.

The Koh Tan snorkeling stop

The boat usually reaches Koh Tan after about 20 minutes from the fishing village at Bang Khao. The island is known for its coral reef, and the tour stops in calm water so you can use the included mask and snorkel equipment.

Allow about an hour for swimming and snorkeling. This is enough time to get comfortable in the water, look for fish, and enjoy a short swim from the boat. Life jackets are available on board for every participant, which is useful if you are not a confident swimmer.

Keep your expectations realistic. Koh Tan is not guaranteed to deliver perfect underwater conditions. Several things affect the stop, including wind, currents, rain, and visibility. On a clear day, you might see fish close to the boat and enjoy a pleasant look at the reef. On a cloudy day, the water can be murky and the snorkeling may feel secondary to the Pig Island visit.

Some masks may need a quick defogging before use. If snorkeling is your top reason for booking, ask about sea conditions before departure and consider the tour a mixed island outing rather than a dedicated reef excursion.

The stop can also include swimming and jumping from the boat, depending on the conditions and the guide’s instructions. The guides generally keep the day moving and explain where you should be and when to return to the boat.

What the speedboat ride is really like

The crossing from Koh Tan to Pig Island is short, followed by a return journey of about 15 minutes to Koh Samui. A speedboat makes the islands easy to reach, but it does not provide a quiet, gentle cruise.

Expect a lively ride, especially if the sea is choppy. The boat used for this trip has been described as large, clean, and powered by four Honda V8 engines. That gives you a quick crossing, though people sensitive to motion should sit where they feel most comfortable and take normal precautions.

The boat format is practical. You reach the islands quickly, spend the bulk of the time ashore, and return to the pier without losing a full day. The group is described as middle-sized, but the actual boat can feel fairly full on some departures. One account described roughly 60 people, so do not picture a private charter.

The staff handle life jackets and basic instructions before the boat moves. You should still listen carefully, keep track of your belongings, and follow the guide’s return times. The tour depends on everyone returning to the boat on schedule.

Lunch on the beach

The included meal is a traditional Thai lunch or dinner, depending on your departure time. It is served at a local restaurant or beach setting, with sea views and time to watch the pigs nearby.

The food is generally simple rather than gourmet. Many people find it tasty and filling, and extra portions may be available. Other meals have been described as plain, with buffet-style items that can be less exciting when prepared for a large group.

That is a fair trade for this kind of outing. You are paying for a convenient island day with transport and activities, not a restaurant meal in central Koh Samui. Vegetarian food can be arranged, and water and soft drinks are included. Bring money if you want anything beyond the supplied meal and drinks.

The beach setting adds real value. You do not need to leave the island to find lunch, and you can combine the meal with a view of the sand and sea. Just remember that the pigs are free-roaming animals. Do not give them plastic bottles, and dispose of all rubbish properly.

Pickup, waiting, and timing

The tour lasts about 270 minutes, or four and a half hours, but the full door-to-door day can take longer. Hotel pickup is usually scheduled in a broad window, with morning collection around 8:30 to 9:30 and afternoon collection around 1:00 to 2:00.

The minibus is air-conditioned and returns you to your accommodation after the boat trip. This is convenient, especially if you are staying away from Bang Khao in southern Koh Samui. It can also add time, since the driver collects other people along the way.

Some pickups have taken about 75 to 80 minutes each way for people staying near Fisherman’s Village. The ride itself is comfortable, but the total schedule may feel long if you are among the first people collected or the last people dropped off.

You may also wait at the pier or a nearby beach restaurant while the full group gathers. One departure involved an early pickup followed by about 45 minutes of waiting before the boat was ready. Another had the group reaching the pier around 9:15 and waiting until 10:00.

This is normal shared-tour friction, but it matters if you want a tightly timed morning. Read the final pickup message carefully. The operator sends the exact time through the booking message center, and you need to wait at the general parking area of your accommodation.

If your hotel road is too steep or narrow for the minibus, pickup may move to a nearby alternative point. In that case, you are responsible for reaching the substitute location.

Morning or afternoon departure?

The morning and afternoon options cover the same basic attractions, but the mood can differ. The morning departure gives you a traditional island day, with swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and a return to Samui in the afternoon.

The afternoon option may suit you if you prefer a slower start. It can also offer softer light on Pig Island and, depending on timing and conditions, a sunset near the beach. The exact light and schedule are not guaranteed, since traffic, sea conditions, and group timing can affect the day.

Choose morning if you want to keep your evening open or prefer to finish earlier. Choose afternoon if you like a more relaxed beach atmosphere and do not mind returning to your hotel around 6:45.

What is included, and what is not

At $51 per person, this is a solid package for a short island outing. You are not paying only for boat transport. The cost includes:

• Hotel pickup and return in an air-conditioned minibus
• Speedboat transportation
• English-speaking guide
• Accident insurance
• Snorkeling equipment
• Kayaking
• Lunch or dinner
• Soft drinks
• Life jackets on the boat

The separate Koh Madsum entrance fee is 50 baht per person. This should be included in your budget, since one person was surprised by the charge after arrival.

You will also need money for personal expenses. The island has drinks and other purchases, but the supplied food and water cover the basics.

The value is strongest for people who want several elements in one booking. A dedicated snorkeling trip might offer more water time. A private Pig Island boat could provide more space and flexibility. This tour makes sense if you want transport, two islands, food, and a guide without arranging each piece yourself.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would choose this trip for couples, families, first-time visitors to Koh Samui, and anyone who wants a simple half-day away from the hotel. Children old enough to handle a speedboat, beach time, and snorkeling should enjoy the mix of animals and water.

Animal lovers will get the most from Pig Island. The pigs are the clear highlight, and the long stop gives you time to enjoy them without rushing through the visit.

This is also a good option if you want an easy introduction to the islands south of Koh Samui. The guide manages the route, equipment, meals, and return transport, so you do not need to work out the pier or boat arrangements yourself.

I would not choose it as my first option for serious snorkeling. The underwater stop is weather-dependent, and several conditions can reduce visibility. Pregnant women, babies under one year old, and cruise ship passengers should not book this version of the tour. Cruise ship passengers are directed to a separate cruise-focused Pig Island excursion.

Practical tips for a better day

Wear swim clothes under something light, since the boat and beach stops are built around swimming. Bring sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and a dry bag for phones and valuables.

Carry 50 baht per person for the island entrance fee, plus some extra cash for personal purchases. The tour includes water and soft drinks, but you may want more if you spend several hours in the sun.

Listen for the guide’s meeting instructions. The island is easy to enjoy from the beach, but finding the viewpoint can be confusing. One route through the interior has been described as poorly marked, with rubbish in places, so ask the guide where to go before walking inland.

Keep the beach clean. Do not hand plastic bottles to the pigs, and use rubbish bins where available. The animals are the attraction, but the island remains their home.

Finally, leave room for weather changes. The itinerary may be adjusted for sea and traffic conditions. That can mean a different order, less clear snorkeling, or changes to the exact timing on Pig Island.

Should you book the Pig Island tour?

Book it if you want a cheerful, easy island escape with animals, beach time, lunch, and hotel transport. The pigs are memorable, the staff generally keep the day organized, and the price covers most of what you need.

Think twice if you want a quiet private boat or excellent reef snorkeling above all else. Shared pickup delays, a potentially full speedboat, cloudy water, and the extra 50 baht entrance fee are the main things to accept.

For most visitors, the best way to judge this tour is to see Koh Tan as a pleasant bonus and Pig Island as the reason to go. If that sounds like your kind of half day, it offers good value and a memorable break from Koh Samui.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The stated duration is 270 minutes, or about four and a half hours. Hotel pickup and return can make the total time away from your accommodation longer.

What time does hotel pickup take place?

Morning pickup is usually between 8:30 and 9:30. Afternoon pickup is usually between 1:00 and 2:00. The final pickup time depends on your location and is sent through the booking message center.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and return to your accommodation are included in an air-conditioned minibus. If the road to your accommodation is inaccessible, you may need to meet the minibus at a nearby alternative location.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and life jackets are available on board for each participant.

How much time do I get on Koh Tan?

The itinerary allows about one hour at Koh Tan for swimming, snorkeling, and free time. The exact plan can change with weather and sea conditions.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch or dinner is included, depending on whether you choose the morning or afternoon program. Soft drinks are also included.

Is the Koh Madsum entrance fee included?

No. You need to pay a separate 50 baht entrance fee for Koh Madsum.

Can cruise ship passengers book this tour?

No. This tour is intended for hotel guests. Cruise ship passengers should look for the separate Amazing Pig Island Tour, Cruise Ship Tours option.