Koh Samui: Private Longtail Boat to Pig Island with Snorkel

Pigs, reefs, and a longtail boat. This four-hour private trip from Koh Samui combines two very different stops: Koh Madsum, better known as Pig Island, and a snorkeling site near Koh Tan. I like the privacy of having your own boat and the freedom to spend more time swimming, snorkeling, or lounging on the beach. The main catch is that snorkeling depends on sea conditions, and the captain is a boat operator rather than an English-speaking tour guide.

The price is $93 for a group of up to two people, which makes it a fair deal for couples who want a private outing. You should also budget for the 50 THB Koh Madsum entry fee per person, along with any food, drinks, or pig food you buy on the island.

Key points to know before you go

• Private longtail boat: You travel with your own local Thai captain instead of joining a large shared group.
• Pig Island has plenty of free time: The usual stay is about 2.5 hours, with swimming, beach time, and animal encounters.
• Snorkeling is weather dependent: Koh Tan may be skipped if wind or waves make conditions unsafe, with no partial refund.
• Early departures are best: The 8 a.m. time slot can get you to Koh Madsum before it becomes busy.
• Basic English only: The captain handles transport and simple communication, but there is no dedicated guide.
• Bring cash and sun protection: Food, drinks, the entry fee, and pig food are not included.

From Thong Krut Pier to the open sea

You meet at Naphat Tour near Thong Krut Pier, arriving about 15 minutes before departure. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to arrange your own taxi to the pier. One booking described a taxi ride of about 50 minutes, though your journey will depend on where you stay on Koh Samui.

The meeting point is intended to be easy to find, and staff direct you to your boat. From Thong Krut Pier, the ride to the island area takes roughly 30 minutes, followed by another short 10-minute boat segment listed in the schedule. The ride itself is part of the appeal. A longtail boat feels more personal and traditional than a large speedboat, though it is also more open to wind, spray, and sun.

Your captain speaks basic English. That is enough for simple plans, meeting times, and safety instructions, but you should not expect a running commentary about the islands or marine life. This is a private boat transfer with local help, not a guided nature tour. Several captains have been praised for being friendly, patient, flexible, and willing to take photos, but photography is a kindness rather than a guaranteed service.

Snorkeling near Koh Tan, if the sea allows

The trip may begin at Koh Tan, where you receive a mask and life jacket for a short snorkeling stop. The water can offer colorful fish and coral, but conditions vary. Some visitors describe clear water and enjoyable fish sightings, while others found visibility only fair and the marine life modest.

That difference matters. You should book this for the combination of Pig Island and snorkeling, not for a serious reef expedition. Koh Tan is an extra activity that depends on the day’s waves, wind, and water conditions. If the captain decides it is unsafe, the stop can be canceled, and you may spend more time at Koh Madsum instead. There is no partial refund for a missed snorkeling stop caused by the sea.

The snorkeling site is separate from Pig Island. The beach around Koh Madsum is good for swimming and cooling off, but it is not the main place to look for coral. If snorkeling is important to you, choose a day when the forecast looks settled and tell the captain you would like to keep enough time for the stop. The private format makes that conversation easier, even with limited English.

Koh Madsum, where the pigs live

Koh Madsum is the star of the outing. The island has white sand, shallow clear water, shade, simple seating, and space to relax. The water close to shore is gentle enough for families with young children, although this trip is not suitable for children under two.

The pigs and dogs live on the island and belong to a local family who cares for them. You can watch the pigs wander along the beach, feed them with food sold locally, and see piglets race around the sand. The animals are the reason most people choose this trip, but they are still animals, not trained performers.

Take care around them. The supplied safety advice warns that a bite could lead to rabies shots. Keep your hands clear of mouths, avoid crowding the pigs, and watch children closely. A hungry pig can be funny and energetic, but it can also be pushy. Do not assume that a friendly animal is harmless.

Koh Madsum also has food and drinks for sale, and some accounts mention kayaks and jet skis. These extras are not included in the tour price, so bring cash if you want more than the included water. You should also carry sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, and swimwear. There is no need to pack a full picnic unless you prefer your own food, but food and drinks are specifically listed as items to bring.

Why the private format matters

The strongest reason to choose this trip is control. On a shared boat, you follow the group’s schedule. Here, you can ask to spend longer at Koh Madsum, return earlier, or devote more time to snorkeling when conditions are good. Some people have stayed nearly three hours at Pig Island because they enjoyed the beach and animals so much. Others have chosen to cut the outing short after seeing the main sights.

That flexibility is especially useful for couples and small private groups. You are not waiting for strangers to finish swimming or taking group photos. If you have already snorkeled elsewhere around Koh Samui, you can ask to focus on Koh Madsum. If you care more about the water, you can make that clear at the start.

There is a small tradeoff. A private boat does not mean a private island. Koh Madsum can become busy after 10 a.m., particularly during popular time slots. The early 8 a.m. departure is the smart choice if you want quieter sand, better photo opportunities, and a more relaxed encounter with the pigs. One morning group reached the island before most others and had roughly half an hour with very few people around.

How long will the trip really take?

The advertised duration is four hours, but the day can be shorter. The planned schedule allows about 2.5 hours at Koh Madsum, plus the boat rides and snorkeling. Some groups finish in just over 2.5 hours because they have seen enough or decide to skip one part.

That is not necessarily a problem. Pig Island is compact, and a couple of hours can be plenty of time to feed the pigs, swim, eat, and take photos. Still, you should not treat four hours as a guaranteed amount of time spent at the island. Your captain may also suggest returning earlier, and there has been at least one complaint about being encouraged to finish more than an hour ahead of schedule.

At the meeting point, tell the staff and captain what you want from the day. A simple request for the full planned time, or for extra time on Pig Island, can help avoid confusion. The private setup gives you some say, but the boat operator still has to work around sea conditions and the day’s schedule.

What the $93 price gets you

At $93 per group of up to two, the cost works out to $46.50 per person before the island fee and extras. For a couple, that is good value for a private longtail boat, captain, water, masks, and life jackets. You also get the freedom to shape the outing instead of paying for a fixed group schedule.

The value is less convincing if you only want a quick visit to Pig Island. The boat ride from the pier is fairly short, and one couple felt the price was high after skipping snorkeling and going directly to the island and back. If you plan to use the private boat for both the snorkeling stop and a long stay on Koh Madsum, the price makes more sense.

The entry fee is 50 THB per person and is not included. Food, drinks, and animal food cost extra. Bring Thai cash, since the tour information specifically advises it. Hotel transfers are also separate, so add the cost of your taxi when comparing this with other boat trips.

Weather, comfort, and who should skip it

Thailand’s rain can arrive without much warning, and boat schedules may change with the weather. If conditions are judged unsafe, you can reschedule or receive a full refund under the stated policy. For ordinary rain or poor snorkeling visibility, the experience may simply change shape rather than stop.

The boat is open, so you should expect sun, wind, spray, and movement. People prone to seasickness may find the ride uncomfortable. The trip is also not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

This outing suits couples, friends, and families with older children who want an easy half-day at sea. It works especially well if you value privacy and do not need a guide explaining every fish or island feature. It is a poor fit if you want polished interpretation, guaranteed snorkeling, hotel pickup, or a fully accessible boat.

Small details that improve the day

Start with the early time slot if you can. The quieter beach makes the pigs easier to see and gives you cleaner photos before the island fills up.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and drinking water matter because the boat has little shelter.

Keep expectations modest for the reef. Good conditions can bring colorful fish and coral, but this is not sold as a top-tier diving trip. The island experience is the main event.

Use the captain’s flexibility. Tell him if you prefer more time at the beach, a longer snorkeling stop, or an earlier return. Simple words and gestures usually handle the basics.

Be thoughtful with the animals. Buy only the food sold for them, avoid grabbing or chasing them, and keep children close when the pigs gather.

Book with cancellation flexibility if your schedule is uncertain. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option lets you hold the booking without paying immediately.

Should you book this Pig Island trip?

I would book it if you want a relaxed private outing with a memorable animal encounter, a traditional longtail boat, and the freedom to set your own pace. The most praised features are the kind local captains, easy organization at the pier, private boat, and the chance to spend as long as you like around the pigs.

Choose the early departure for the best chance at a quieter Koh Madsum. Go in with realistic expectations about the snorkeling, and remember that the captain is there to transport you, not provide a formal tour.

Skip it if you dislike open boats, need wheelchair access, are prone to seasickness, or want guaranteed reef conditions. For everyone else, the combination of a white-sand beach, shallow water, friendly but unpredictable pigs, and a private boat makes this one of Koh Samui’s more unusual half-day trips.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Naphat Tour near Thong Krut Pier on Koh Samui. You should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is four hours, but the actual outing can be shorter or change according to sea conditions and how long you choose to stay at each stop.

Is snorkeling at Koh Tan guaranteed?

No. Snorkeling depends on the sea conditions that day. If conditions are unsafe, the stop may be canceled without a partial refund.

What is included in the price?

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

What extra costs should I expect?

You need to pay the 50 THB Koh Madsum entry fee per person. Food, drinks, pig food, and hotel transfers are not included.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for children under two, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people prone to seasickness.