Koh Samui: Private Longtail Boat to Pig Island with Snorkel

Pig Island is Koh Samui’s most unusual short boat trip. You ride a traditional longtail boat to Koh Madsum, where friendly pigs wander the beach, then stop at Koh Tan for snorkeling if the sea is calm enough. The pigs are the main event, but the boat ride, shallow water, and easy pace make this a pleasant half-day outing.

I like the private boat, since you are not tied to another group’s schedule. I also like the flexible time on Koh Madsum, which lets you focus on swimming, photos, shade, or the pigs instead of rushing from one stop to the next. The tradeoff is that snorkeling is not guaranteed, and the captain speaks only basic English.

Key points

• Private longtail boat: Your group of up to two has its own boat and local Thai captain.
• Pig Island time: Plan on roughly 2.5 hours for swimming, relaxing, photos, and meeting the pigs.
• Koh Tan snorkeling: Masks and life jackets are provided, but sea conditions decide if the stop is possible.
• Early departures help: The 8 a.m. time can mean cooler weather and a quieter beach before the crowds arrive.
• Simple meeting point: Meet Naphat Tour near Thong Krut Pier 15 minutes before departure.
• Extra costs: The 50 THB Koh Madsum entry fee, food, drinks, and pig food are not included.

Why Pig Island makes a memorable Koh Samui outing

Koh Madsum is not a place you visit for famous ruins or long walks. You come for an odd and charming scene: pigs and dogs living on a tropical beach while visitors swim, sit in the shade, and take photos.

The pigs belong to a local family who cares for them on the island. You can buy food for them locally, but treat them with care. They are friendly, not tame pets, and the safety information warns that a bite could require rabies treatment. Keep food away from your hands when needed, watch children closely, and let the animals approach at their own pace.

The setting is easy to enjoy. Koh Madsum has white sand, clear shallow water, shade, seats, and places selling food and drinks. The water is especially suitable for a relaxed swim, including for families with young children, though this trip is not suitable for children under two.

Leaving from Thong Krut Pier

You meet at Naphat Tour near Thong Krut Pier, not at your hotel. Arrive 15 minutes early, since the staff will direct you to your boat and provide the final meeting details by email after booking.

The pier is in southern Koh Samui, so allow time for your own taxi ride. Hotel transfers are not included. One booking took about 50 minutes by taxi to reach the pier, although local taxis were described as affordable. Confirm your meeting instructions before setting out, especially if you are staying far from Thong Krut.

The first boat ride takes about 30 minutes. A longtail boat gives you a more local, open-air feel than a large tour boat, but it also exposes you to sun, spray, and the movement of the sea. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, swimwear, and cash. If you are prone to seasickness, this is not the right outing for you.

Your captain is there mainly to operate the boat and handle the route. There is no full-time tour guide, and basic English is the norm. Simple communication works for timing and stops, but do not expect detailed marine explanations or a guided talk about the islands.

Koh Tan snorkeling depends on the sea

The usual plan includes Koh Tan snorkeling, often before Pig Island if conditions allow. The boat ride from the pier to the snorkeling area takes about 10 minutes in the stated itinerary after the longer first transfer, though exact timing can change with the weather and sea.

The equipment provided is simple: a snorkel mask and life jacket. You can look for colorful fish and coral in the shallow water. Some conditions can be good enough for clear views and plenty of fish, while other days bring poor visibility. One practical point matters here: Koh Madsum itself is better for swimming than snorkeling, so the Koh Tan stop is the part of the trip to value if seeing fish is important to you.

The operator cannot guarantee this stop. If the sea is unsafe or conditions are poor, you may spend extra time on Pig Island instead. There is no partial refund if snorkeling cannot happen because of the sea. This is fair for a small boat operating in open water, but you should book this trip for the combined experience, not as a guaranteed snorkeling excursion.

Some captains may add a small touch to improve the fish viewing, such as putting fish food in the water. Do not expect a major reef expedition. This is a short, accessible snorkeling stop, best suited to people who want a taste of the underwater scenery rather than a full day in the water.

Two and a half hours with the pigs on Koh Madsum

After snorkeling, the boat heads to Koh Madsum. The stated island visit is about 2.5 hours, though the private setup gives you some flexibility. Several people chose to stay longer on the island, while others returned early after seeing the main sights.

This open time is one of the strongest parts of the trip. You can spend part of it feeding pigs, then cool off in the shallow sea. You can sit under shade, buy something to eat or drink, take photos, or simply let the island time unfold without a strict group schedule.

The beach is the main attraction, and the water near shore is calm and shallow enough for easy swimming. The island is not presented as a secluded wilderness. Food, drinks, seats, pig food, and other activities may be available, and the beach can become busy later in the morning.

For better photos and a quieter feel, choose an early departure. The 8 a.m. slot has been especially useful for arriving before the crowds, with some early groups finding the island nearly empty for a short time. After about 10 a.m., expect more people and a livelier beach.

The pigs are funny and photogenic, but this is still an animal encounter, not a petting zoo. Pigs may be greedy, energetic, or pushy around food. Stay alert, especially around young children, and do not assume every animal wants to be touched. Dogs also live on the island.

A private boat changes the pace

The $93 price is for a private group of up to two people, which makes the value easier to judge. For a couple, you are paying for a boat, captain, water, snorkeling equipment, and the ability to shape the four-hour outing around your interests.

A shared trip might cost less per person, but it usually gives you less control. Here, you can spend more time at Koh Madsum, return early, or give snorkeling less time if the beach is the priority. One couple booked a later start after changing their original time, and another decided to leave the island early without trouble.

The private arrangement is also useful for mixed interests. One person can enjoy more time in the water while the other prefers beach time. You still need to follow the captain’s judgment on safety and sea conditions, but you are not waiting for a large group to finish lunch, photos, or swimming.

For only two people, the price is reasonable if you use the flexibility. It feels less worthwhile if you only visit Pig Island, skip snorkeling, and return quickly. The ride to Koh Madsum is fairly short, so a brief beach visit can make the total cost feel high. Plan to stay long enough to swim, relax, and enjoy the boat ride.

What the captain can and cannot provide

Your local Thai captain is usually friendly and helpful, but this is transport with local assistance rather than a guided cultural tour. Captains have helped with photos, checked in with passengers, and adjusted the time spent at each stop.

Do not expect fluent English. You may need gestures or short phrases to settle the timing. That is rarely a problem for a simple route, but it matters if you want detailed information about marine life, island history, or local customs.

The captain’s experience is most useful in choosing safe conditions. Weather can change quickly in Thailand, and rain can arrive at any time. The route and schedule may shift with wind, waves, and visibility. If conditions are judged unsafe, the operator may offer a rescheduled trip or a full refund.

Food, fees, and what to carry

The boat includes water, but not meals or drinks beyond that. Bring your own supplies or buy them on Koh Madsum. The island has food and drink options, and you may also want to buy pig food there rather than carrying it from Koh Samui.

The Koh Madsum entry fee is 50 THB per person and is paid separately. Carry cash for this, snacks, drinks, and any purchases on the island.

Pack light but include the basics:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Cash
• Food and drinks if you prefer your own supplies
• A dry bag or waterproof pouch for phones and valuables

The boat is open, so protect your phone and camera from spray. You will have plenty of chances for photos on the longtail boat and beach, but do not let a good picture distract you from the animals or the water around you.

Who should choose this trip

I would choose this outing for a couple wanting a private, easy half-day trip from Koh Samui. It also suits friends who want control over the timing and families with children old enough for the boat ride and beach conditions.

It is a good choice if your priorities are:

• A traditional longtail boat
• A short outing rather than a full-day island tour
• Relaxed beach time
• A playful animal encounter
• The option to snorkel
• A private schedule

I would look elsewhere if you need a wheelchair-accessible activity, have serious back problems, are pregnant, or get seasick. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or children under two.

You should also skip it if you want a guaranteed snorkeling session or a natural beach with no facilities. Pig Island has plenty of free time and a simple, casual feel, but it can be busy, and the animal encounter is not tightly controlled.

Booking advice for the best four hours

Choose the earliest available start if you want cooler temperatures and fewer people at Pig Island. Later departures can still work well, especially if you prefer a relaxed afternoon, but the beach is likely to be busier.

Keep your plans flexible around the weather. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your schedule is still changing. Same-day sea conditions remain the key uncertainty, especially for Koh Tan.

Give yourself enough time to reach Thong Krut Pier. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so arrange your return transport in advance or be ready to book a taxi after the boat arrives.

Should you book the Koh Madsum longtail boat?

Book it if you want a private, low-pressure morning or afternoon with a very unusual beach stop. The pigs are the hook, but the real value comes from combining them with a traditional boat, shallow swimming, possible snorkeling, and control over your own pace.

I would book the early time, carry cash, and treat snorkeling as a bonus rather than a promise. For two people who plan to use the full island time, $93 is a fair price for a private boat and flexible schedule. If you only want a quick look at the pigs, a shared option may offer better value.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

You meet at Naphat Tour near Thong Krut Pier on Koh Samui. Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

How long does the activity last?

The stated duration is four hours. The schedule can change because of weather, sea conditions, and the amount of time you choose to spend at each stop.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The longtail boat is private for your group, with a local Thai captain. The price covers a group of up to two people.

Is snorkeling guaranteed?

No. Snorkeling at Koh Tan depends on the sea conditions. If conditions are unsafe or unsuitable, the stop may be canceled and you can spend more time on Koh Madsum.

What snorkeling equipment is provided?

A snorkel mask and life jacket are included. Water is also provided.

What extra costs should I expect?

The Koh Madsum entry fee is 50 THB per person. Food, drinks, and food for the pigs are not included.

Can children or people with mobility problems join?

Children under two cannot join. The activity is also not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people prone to seasickness.