Koh Samui: Private Longtail Boat to Pig Island with Snorkel

Koh Madsum, better known as Pig Island, is the star of this Koh Samui outing. You reach its white beach by private longtail boat, then spend your time beside free-roaming pigs, clear shallow water, and plenty of shade. It is a wonderfully odd slice of island life, not a polished wildlife park.

I like the private boat, since you can stay longer at Pig Island or return early instead of following a fixed group schedule. I also like the short snorkeling stop at Koh Tan, which adds fish and coral to a trip that could otherwise be only a beach visit.

The main catch is that snorkeling depends on the sea. It may be skipped in rough conditions, with no partial refund, and the captain speaks only basic English. You should also treat the pigs as real animals, not tame photo props.

Key points to know before booking

• Pig Island is the main event: You get about 2.5 hours for swimming, relaxing, taking photos, and seeing the island’s pigs and dogs.
• Your boat is private: The price is $93 for a group of up to two, so couples get a more personal outing than on a shared boat.
• Koh Tan snorkeling is weather dependent: Fish and coral are possible, but visibility and access can change with the sea.
• Timing is flexible: The captain can adjust how long you spend snorkeling or on Koh Madsum, within the tour period.
• Arrive at Thong Krut Pier: Meet at Naphat Tour 15 minutes before departure. Hotel pickup is not included.
• Bring cash: Koh Madsum charges a 50 THB entry fee per person, and food, drinks, and pig food cost extra.

Why Pig Island makes this trip different

Many island trips promise sand and sea. This one adds pigs wandering along the beach, waiting for food and attention. That unusual combination is the reason to choose Koh Madsum over a more traditional beach excursion.

The pigs and dogs belong to a local family that cares for them. They live on the island, so you should not expect a formal animal encounter with staff controlling every movement. A pig may be friendly and greedy one moment, then push past you to reach food the next.

That lack of polish is part of the appeal, but it calls for care. Feed only as directed, keep your hands clear of mouths, and do not crowd the animals for a photograph. The operator warns that a bite could require rabies shots, so basic caution matters.

The setting is pleasant even if the animals are not interested in you. Koh Madsum has white sand, clear water, shade, seats, food, drinks, and extra pig food for sale. The water near shore is shallow, making it a good place to cool off. One important limit: the island itself is not the best place to snorkel. The proper snorkeling stop is Koh Tan.

Leaving from Thong Krut Pier

You meet at Naphat Tour near Thong Krut Pier 15 minutes before the booked start time. The staff provide more precise meeting details after booking, and the activity finishes at the same place.

There is no hotel transfer included. You need to arrange your own way to the pier, which can be a significant detail if you are staying on the opposite side of Koh Samui. One person needed about a 50-minute taxi ride to reach the meeting point, although local taxis are described as reasonably priced.

Once you arrive, the process is straightforward. Staff take you to your private longtail boat, and the captain handles the transport. Some parties have had two captains, but the usual arrangement is a local Thai captain who speaks basic English.

Do not expect a guided lecture about marine life or island culture. This is transport with local assistance, not a guided educational cruise. The captain can communicate the essential points, help with the boat, and adjust the outing to your wishes, but you should be comfortable with simple communication.

The longtail ride to Koh Tan

The first planned stop is Koh Tan, reached after a short ride from the pier. The route includes roughly 30 minutes of water travel, followed by time at sea and then the trip onward to Koh Madsum.

The longtail boat is part of the experience. You sit close to the water, hear the engine, and get open views on the way between the islands. It feels more local than a large excursion boat, though it is also more exposed to sun, spray, and movement.

At Koh Tan, the captain takes you to a snorkeling site and provides masks and life jackets. You can look for colorful fish and coral, but keep your expectations sensible. Conditions vary, and one account described visibility as somewhat poor even though fish were present. This is a pleasant extra stop, not a guaranteed top-class snorkeling expedition.

The captain may put fish food into the water, which can bring fish closer for a better look. That can make the stop more entertaining, but it is worth remembering that fish activity around bait does not necessarily mean the reef itself is exceptional.

Sea conditions decide if this stop is possible. If the water is unsafe or unsuitable, the boat may go directly to Pig Island or spend more time there. The operator does not offer a partial refund when snorkeling is dropped for weather or sea conditions. That is fair to understand before you pay, especially if snorkeling is your main reason for booking.

Spending two and a half hours on Koh Madsum

Koh Madsum is where the tour slows down. The published schedule allows about 2.5 hours, though the private setup gives you some say in how the time is used. You can swim, sit in the shade, eat, take photos, and spend time near the pigs.

The beach is the strongest part of the stop. The sand is white, the water is clear and shallow near shore, and the easy swimming area works well for people who want a gentle break rather than a strenuous water activity. Families with young children may appreciate the shallow water, but the overall tour is not suitable for children under two.

You pay a 50 THB entry fee per person at Koh Madsum. That charge is separate from the tour price. Food and drinks are also not included, but you can buy them on the island. Pig food is available if you want a closer encounter with the animals.

The island is not empty. It has basic visitor facilities, including shaded places to sit and local refreshments. Early departures are the best choice if you want quieter conditions and cleaner photos. Several bookings reached the island around 7:45 or 8:00 in the morning and had a short period with very few other people. Crowds tend to build after about 10:00.

Later departures still work if you prefer a relaxed afternoon, but you should expect less solitude. Some parties also enjoyed the island toward sunset, when piglets became more active. Check the available start times and choose based on your priorities: quiet photos in the morning, or a slower later outing.

How much control do you really have?

The private format is more flexible than a shared excursion. You are not waiting for a busload of people to finish lunch, return from the water, or pose for photographs. You can tell the captain if you want more time at the beach, more time snorkeling, or an earlier return.

That flexibility has limits. The tour lasts up to four hours, the captain controls the boat, and weather affects the route. If you skip snorkeling, you cannot simply create an entirely different itinerary. You can usually spend more time at Pig Island instead.

Some parties finished in just over 2.5 hours because they had seen enough. Others stayed close to three hours at Pig Island because they enjoyed the beach. If you want a precise four-hour schedule filled with guided activities, this may feel loose. I see that looseness as a benefit for couples who know what sort of day they want.

One booking had originally been set for 10:00 and was moved to 13:00 with the provider’s help. That suggests some schedule flexibility, but you should arrange changes in advance rather than assume they are guaranteed on the day.

What the $93 price means for two people

At $93 per group of up to two, the price is not a simple per-person boat ticket. For a couple, it buys a private longtail boat, a local captain, water, masks, and life jackets. It also gives you control over the pace, which is the main value.

The price looks strongest when you use the private format properly. Arrive early, make the snorkeling decision clear, and tell the captain if you prefer more beach time. A private boat can feel wasteful if you only stay on Koh Madsum for a short visit, especially since the island is only a relatively brief ride from the pier.

You should add the 50 THB entry fee per person, your transport to Thong Krut, and any food, drinks, or pig food. The package is therefore not all-inclusive. Still, for two people who want privacy and do not need hotel pickup, it offers good value compared with paying for a larger shared excursion.

For a solo visitor, the same group price is less attractive. For a family or group of up to two, it becomes easier to justify, provided everyone is comfortable on a small boat.

Practical comfort and safety notes

The boat has no full tour guide, and the captain’s English is basic. You can usually manage the practical parts with simple communication, but do not book this expecting detailed explanations about coral, marine species, or island history.

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, food, drinks, and cash. Wear sunscreen before leaving the pier because the boat offers little protection from the sun. Keep your belongings secure and dry during the ride.

Longtail boats move with the sea, so this is not a good choice if you are prone to seasickness. The activity is also not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. Boarding and moving around a small boat can be awkward even when the sea is calm.

The tour provider can reschedule or offer a full refund if conditions are judged unsafe. Rain in Thailand can arrive without much warning, and schedules may change with the weather. A waterproof bag for phones is a sensible addition, even though it is not on the required packing list.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

I would choose this trip for a couple who wants a half-day on the water without joining a large group. It also suits people who want a light beach day with an unusual animal encounter rather than a serious snorkeling program.

Families with children old enough for the boat may like the shallow water and relaxed beach time. Keep close watch around the pigs, though, and do not assume that a friendly animal is safe to touch.

Photographers should consider the early morning slot. The private boat lets you take your time, and reaching Koh Madsum before the later crowds can make a real difference. If your main aim is quiet swimming, the first departure is also the better bet.

I would look elsewhere if you need hotel pickup, a wheelchair-friendly activity, a fluent English-speaking guide, or guaranteed snorkeling. I would also skip it if you dislike small boats, animals approaching for food, or flexible schedules.

Should you book the Koh Samui Pig Island boat?

Book it if you want a private, easygoing island outing with a memorable twist. The pigs are the hook, but the white beach, clear shallow water, local longtail boat, and freedom to set your pace make the experience worthwhile.

Choose the earliest time available if you want better photos and a quieter beach. Treat snorkeling as a bonus, not the foundation of the trip, since sea conditions can cancel it and visibility may be modest.

The tour is best for a couple that values privacy and flexibility more than a polished guided program. If that sounds like you, $93 for two is a fair price, provided you budget for transport, the island fee, and extras.

FAQ

How long does the Koh Samui Pig Island tour last?

The activity is scheduled for four hours, but the exact timing can vary with weather, sea conditions, and how long you choose to stay at each stop. Some parties finish earlier when they have had enough beach and snorkeling time.

Where does the tour start and finish?

You meet at Naphat Tour near Thong Krut Pier, 15 minutes before departure. The tour returns to the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included, so you need to arrange your own transport to and from the meeting point.

Is snorkeling guaranteed?

No. Snorkeling at Koh Tan depends on the sea conditions. If conditions are unsuitable, the stop may be skipped and you can spend more time on Koh Madsum. No partial refund is provided when snorkeling cannot take place.

What is included in the price?

The package includes a private longtail boat, a local captain, drinking water, a snorkel mask, and a life jacket.

How much is the Koh Madsum entry fee?

The entry fee is 50 THB per person and is not included in the tour price. Food, drinks, and food for the pigs are also extra.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

The activity is not suitable for children under two, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people prone to seasickness. You should also take care around the pigs, since an animal bite could require rabies treatment.