Koh Samui: Private Longtail Boat to Pig Island with Snorkel

Pigs on a beach? Thailand does not do boring. This private trip combines a classic longtail boat ride with time on Koh Madsum, better known as Pig Island, plus snorkeling near Koh Tan. I like the freedom of having your own captain, and I like that the schedule can bend to your group rather than a large crowd. The main catch is that snorkeling depends on sea conditions, and the captain speaks only basic English.

You meet near Thong Krut Pier, not at your hotel, so you must arrange your own way there. Once aboard, though, the outing is easygoing: swim, take photos, feed the pigs if you choose, or return early if four hours feels like too much sun and salt water.

Key points to know before you book

• Private boat for up to two people: You get your own longtail boat and local Thai captain, with no strangers sharing the ride.
• Pig Island is the main event: Koh Madsum offers white sand, shallow clear water, shade, food, drinks, and plenty of time with the resident pigs and dogs.
• Snorkeling is weather dependent: Koh Tan can be skipped when the sea is rough or conditions are poor, with no partial refund.
• Timing is flexible: You may spend more time at Koh Madsum, focus on snorkeling, or finish earlier if your group agrees with the captain.
• Budget for the island fee: Koh Madsum charges 50 THB per person, and food, drinks, and pig food cost extra.
• Early departures help: The 8 a.m. time slot can get you to the island before it becomes busier later in the morning.

The trip begins at Thong Krut Pier

Your meeting point is Naphat Tour near Thong Krut Pier. Arrive 15 minutes before departure, since the staff will direct you to your boat and provide the final meeting details by email after booking.

This is an important planning point: hotel transfers are not included. You will need a taxi or other transport to Thong Krut. One visitor needed about 50 minutes by taxi and still felt the ride was reasonably priced, but you should leave plenty of time if you are staying away from the south coast.

The first boat ride takes about 30 minutes. A longtail boat is not a silent luxury launch. You will hear the engine, feel the motion, and sit close to the water. That is part of the appeal. The ride feels more local and personal than a large sightseeing boat, though it may be less comfortable for anyone prone to seasickness or back pain.

The captain is there mainly to steer and manage the boat, not to provide a detailed guided talk. Basic English is available, and simple communication generally works for deciding where to stop and when to return. If you want a history lesson or a marine biology lecture, this is not that kind of tour.

Koh Tan offers the snorkeling window

Depending on the sea, the boat may stop at Koh Tan for snorkeling either before or after Pig Island. The ride from the first stop to another water stop takes about 10 minutes, and snorkeling time can be around 30 to 35 minutes when conditions are suitable.

The equipment includes a snorkel mask and life jacket. You can look for colorful fish and coral in the water, though visibility is not guaranteed to be excellent. One useful expectation to set is that Koh Tan is an added activity rather than the firm centerpiece of the trip. Sea conditions control the decision.

If the captain decides snorkeling is unsafe or unsuitable, you will spend more time on Koh Madsum instead. There is no partial refund in that situation, because the operator cannot control the weather or waves. This arrangement makes sense if you see snorkeling as a pleasant extra. It may disappoint you if snorkeling is the main reason you are booking.

The water around Koh Madsum is generally better suited to swimming and cooling off than serious snorkeling. You might see fish near the snorkeling stop, but Pig Island itself is mainly about the beach, animals, and relaxed time ashore.

Koh Madsum, where the pigs own the beach

Koh Madsum is the star of the outing. The boat pulls in for a long stop of roughly two and a half hours, although a private trip can sometimes be adjusted. You can swim in shallow water, sit in the shade, take pictures, or simply watch the pigs wander along the sand.

The island’s resident pigs are owned and cared for by a local family, along with dogs that live there. Pig food is available for purchase if you want to feed them. The animals are friendly, but they are still animals with strong noses, quick movements, and an appetite. Keep your hands clear of their mouths, supervise small children closely, and do not assume a cute piglet cannot bite.

The warning about bites is serious. A bite could require rabies shots, so use common sense and respect the animals’ space. This is not a petting zoo with controlled animal handling. It is a beach where pigs and dogs live, eat, and move around freely.

The beach itself is a pleasant counterpoint to the novelty. You are not limited to posing with pigs for photographs. There is room to swim, sit, cool down, and enjoy the white sand. Shallow clear water makes the area comfortable for families with young children, though the tour is not suitable for children under two.

Food and drinks are available on the island, but they are not included. You can also buy pig food there. Bring cash, since it is listed as something to have with you, and do not forget sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and water.

Private timing is the real advantage

The strongest reason to choose this trip over a larger group outing is control. On a shared boat, you follow somebody else’s clock. Here, you can tell the captain if you want more time with the pigs, more time in the water, or an earlier return.

That flexibility has practical value. Some couples loved staying almost three hours on Pig Island because they had no interest in rushing. Others spent about an hour to an hour and a half with the pigs before moving to snorkeling. One group booked a 10 a.m. departure and was able to change to 1 p.m., showing that the operator can be flexible, though you should never assume a change is guaranteed until confirmed.

The advertised duration is four hours, but the actual outing may be shorter. Some groups returned in just over two and a half hours because they had done everything they wanted. This is not necessarily a fault. A private boat lets you stop when the experience has run its course, but you should not book it expecting four full hours of nonstop activity.

There has also been at least one complaint about being encouraged to return more than an hour early. To avoid confusion, agree on your preferred timing with the captain at the start. Simple gestures and clear phrases can help, especially since English is limited.

What the $93 price really buys you

The price is $93 for a private group of up to two people. That includes the longtail boat, local captain, water, snorkel mask, and life jacket. It does not include transport to the pier, the 50 THB Koh Madsum entry fee per person, or food and drinks.

For two people, the price makes good sense if you value privacy. You are paying not only for the boat ride, but also for the ability to shape the day. A shared tour may cost less per person, but it will usually offer less control over how long you stay at the island or how quickly you return.

For one person, the value is less obvious because the full group price still applies. For a couple, friends, or a parent with one child, the private setup is easier to justify. The trip also supports local Thai captains in Koh Samui, which gives your money a more direct local connection than a large standardized excursion.

The value drops if you only want a quick visit to Pig Island and plan to skip snorkeling. One group felt that a short ride to the island and back seemed expensive at the full private price. That is a fair concern. The tour works best when you use the boat’s flexibility and combine Pig Island with the Koh Tan stop.

The best time to go is early

The early 8 a.m. departure deserves serious thought. It can put you on Koh Madsum before the later crowds arrive, giving you quieter time for photos and a calmer beach visit.

Later departures still work, especially if you prefer a slower morning or afternoon outing. But Pig Island is a popular stop, and the beach experience changes when more boats arrive. If your priority is a peaceful first look at the pigs, choose the earliest available time and arrive ready to leave promptly.

Weather matters at every hour. Rain in Thailand can arrive without much warning, and boat schedules may change with wind and waves. If conditions are judged unsafe, you can reschedule or receive a full refund. That protection is useful, but it does not mean every cloudy or wet moment will cancel the trip.

What to pack for a comfortable boat day

Pack lightly, but bring the items that make a real difference:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Cash for the entry fee, food, drinks, and pig food
• Your own snacks or drinks if you want more choice
• A phone or camera with a secure grip or waterproof protection

Water is included, but food and other drinks are not. You should also be ready for sun, spray, and a wet boat floor. Anyone prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking. This trip is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

The boat ride is part of the experience, but it also creates the main physical demands. Getting on and off a longtail boat, sitting low, and handling the movement of the sea can be tiring.

Who will enjoy this private outing most

I would recommend this for a couple or small private group that wants a simple half-day near Koh Samui. It suits people who like choosing their own pace, taking photos, swimming in shallow water, and enjoying a local-style boat rather than a polished resort transfer.

Families with older children may also enjoy it, especially because the water at Pig Island is shallow and the beach provides plenty of downtime. Still, parents must watch children around the pigs and dogs. The animals are not trained performers, and feeding can make them pushy.

This is less suitable for serious snorkelers, anyone needing a fully accessible boat, or anyone who expects a formal guide. The captain’s role is transport and basic assistance. You will not have a detailed commentary about the islands or a professional underwater guide pointing out marine life.

Should you book the Koh Samui Pig Island trip?

Book it if you want a private, flexible island outing with a memorable animal encounter and a local longtail boat ride. The early start is the best choice for a quieter beach, and the private format is particularly good value for two people who want to set their own timetable.

Skip it if snorkeling is your top priority, since Koh Tan depends on the sea. Also skip it if you dislike unpredictable boat motion, animals that roam freely, or arranging your own transport to the pier.

For the right group, the appeal is clear: a short ride from Koh Samui, a strange and cheerful beach scene, time to swim and relax, and a captain who can adjust the day to your mood. Just bring cash, expect basic English, treat the pigs with care, and keep your schedule flexible.

FAQ

How long does the Koh Samui Pig Island tour last?

The planned duration is four hours, but private groups may finish sooner if they have seen everything they want. Some outings have ended after roughly two and a half hours.

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 departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What islands does the boat visit?

The trip visits Koh Madsum, also called Pig Island, and may stop at Koh Tan for snorkeling if sea conditions allow.

Is snorkeling guaranteed?

No. Snorkeling at Koh Tan depends on the sea conditions. If it is not safe or suitable, you will have more time on Koh Madsum instead, with no partial refund.

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides a snorkel mask and life jacket. Water is also included.

How much is the Koh Madsum entry fee?

The entry fee is 50 THB per person and is not included in the tour price.

Can I buy food or drinks on the island?

Yes. Food and drinks are available on Koh Madsum, but they are not included. Pig food can also be purchased if you want to feed the animals.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

Children under two are not permitted. The shallow water may suit families with older children, but adults should watch children closely around the pigs and dogs.

What happens if the weather is unsafe?

The trip may be rescheduled or fully refunded if conditions are judged unsafe. Tour times can also change because of weather and sea conditions.