Koh Samui: Private Longtail Boat to Pig Island with Snorkel

Pig Island is exactly the sort of odd, sunny Koh Samui outing that stays in your memory: white sand, shallow clear water, and friendly pigs wandering along the beach. You ride there in a private longtail boat, with a local captain handling the route and timing.

I like the freedom to spend more time on Koh Madsum if the pigs and beach win you over. I also like the small, local feel of departing from Thong Krut Pier rather than joining a large boat crowd. The main drawback is that snorkeling at Koh Tan depends on the sea, and the captain speaks only basic English.

Key points to know

• Private boat for up to two people: You do not wait for a large group, and you can shape the outing around your own pace.
• Two very different stops: Koh Tan is for fish and coral, while Koh Madsum is mainly for swimming, relaxing, and seeing the pigs.
• About 2.5 hours on Pig Island: There is plenty of time for the beach, photos, food, and animal encounters.
• Early departures are best for quiet: The 8 a.m. slot can get you there before the island becomes busy.
• Snorkeling is weather dependent: Poor sea conditions can cancel this part without a partial refund.
• Budget for extras: The island entry fee is 50 THB per person, and food, drinks, transport, and pig food cost extra.

Pig Island gives this short boat trip its character

Koh Madsum, often called Pig Island, is not a wildlife sanctuary or a polished resort island. The pigs and dogs live there under the care of a local family, and they wander freely near the beach. That informal setup is part of the appeal, but it also means you need to treat the animals with care.

The pigs are accustomed to people and may come close, especially if you buy food for them on the island. They are still animals, though, and the operator warns that a bite could require rabies treatment. I would keep food low, avoid sudden movements, and give the pigs space when they are eating or surrounded by people.

The beach is the main attraction. You can swim in shallow water, sit in the shade, and take photos with the pigs in the background. The water around Koh Madsum is better for cooling off than for snorkeling, so save your mask for Koh Tan.

A private longtail boat from Thong Krut Pier

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 or other transport to the pier. This matters if you are staying on the other side of Koh Samui, since one visitor needed roughly 50 minutes by taxi to reach the departure point.

From the pier, the longtail boat ride is part of the experience rather than a plain transfer. You sit close to the water, hear the engine, and watch Koh Samui recede as the boat heads toward the nearby islands. The ride to the first stop takes about 30 minutes, followed by a shorter 10-minute boat segment in the itinerary.

Your captain is a local Thai boat operator, not a formal guide. Basic English is available, enough for essential instructions and simple choices, but you should not expect a running explanation of the islands or marine life. The captain may help take photos, point out where to swim, and adjust the timing, but communication is practical and limited.

That arrangement suits me. You get a more personal boat ride and local service, but you need to be comfortable without detailed commentary. If you want a naturalist guide or a full cultural explanation, this is not that kind of tour.

Koh Tan is the snorkeling stop, when the sea allows

The usual first stop is Koh Tan, where you receive a mask and life jacket and have time to look for fish and coral. The water can show colorful fish, and the snorkeling adds a useful contrast to the beach time that follows.

Keep your expectations sensible. Conditions vary, and one account describes visibility as somewhat poor, with pleasant marine life but nothing exceptional. The snorkeling can be a nice half-hour or so in the water, but this is not sold as a specialist reef trip.

Sea conditions decide if this stop happens. If the captain or operator considers snorkeling unsafe or unsuitable, the boat may skip it and give you more time at Pig Island. There is no partial refund for a missed snorkeling stop because it is an optional part of the route affected by weather and waves.

I would think of Koh Tan as a worthwhile extra, not the main reason to book. Bring the provided mask, use the life jacket, and stay close to the boat or the area your captain indicates. If the water is rough, the safest and most enjoyable plan is to accept the change rather than push for a poor snorkeling session.

Two and a half hours on Koh Madsum

The planned stay at Pig Island is about 2.5 hours, which is generous for a small island. You can walk the beach, meet the pigs, swim, sit under shade, and stop for food or drinks. Pig food is available for purchase if you want the animals to come closer, but it is not included in the tour price.

The island is not only about pig photos. The shallow water makes it suitable for a gentle swim, including for families with young children, though this tour itself is not suitable for children under two. You can also find food, drinks, seating, and shade on the island. Some reports also note kayaks and jet skis available there, but these are extra activities rather than part of the package.

I like that the private format gives you room to decide how long this stop should feel. Some people want the full beach stay, while others have had enough after an hour or so and prefer to return early. The captain can usually adapt the schedule, although you should agree on the plan clearly before leaving the beach.

Do not expect a busy sightseeing program here. Much of the time is open and unstructured. That is good if you want a slow morning by the sea, but less useful if you need constant activities or detailed guiding.

Why the private format matters

The price is $93 per group of up to two people. For a couple, that is a reasonable price for a private boat, captain, water, snorkeling masks, and life jackets, especially compared with paying for two places on a crowded group excursion.

The value comes from control. You are not waiting for a full boat to finish eating, swimming, or taking photos. You can spend longer at Koh Madsum, return early, or give more time to snorkeling if conditions are good.

The price is less attractive if you only want a quick visit to Pig Island. One account describes going to the island and back without snorkeling and feeling that the cost was high for the shorter route. That is fair. If you plan to use both stops and appreciate having a private boat, the price makes more sense.

Remember the add-ons. You pay the 50 THB Koh Madsum entry fee per person, and food, drinks, pig food, taxis, and any optional island activities are separate. Bring cash, sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, sunglasses, and your own snacks if you do not want to buy food on the beach.

Choosing the best departure time

The tour lasts about four hours, but the exact starting time depends on availability and sea conditions. Early departure is the strongest practical tip for this experience. The 8 a.m. outing can reach Pig Island before the larger crowds arrive, giving you quieter beach time and cleaner photo opportunities.

Later departures can still work well, especially if you prefer a relaxed afternoon. Just understand that the island may feel busier after 10 a.m. The private boat protects you from a large shared group, but it cannot make the public beach private.

Weather deserves equal attention. Rain in Thailand can arrive quickly, and a cloudy start does not always mean the whole outing is lost. Still, the boat schedule can change with wind, waves, and rain. If conditions are judged unsafe, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

I would avoid packing the day too tightly around this trip. Give yourself flexibility before and after the boat ride, especially during unsettled weather.

What the experience is really like on the water

A longtail boat is open to the air and close to the sea, which gives you excellent views but little shelter. You should protect your skin and keep electronics secure from spray. The ride is not presented as suitable for people prone to seasickness, and I would take that warning seriously.

The trip is also not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. Getting on and off a longtail boat and moving around a beach island require reasonable balance and mobility.

The private setting helps families and couples avoid the stress of a shared schedule. It does not turn the boat into a luxury vessel. You get a local wooden boat, a captain, and a simple day on the water, not padded seating or a full onboard service.

That modest setup is part of the appeal for anyone seeking a more local Koh Samui outing. Just pack as you would for a practical beach trip, not a resort cruise.

Food, shade, and the useful practical details

Koh Madsum has places to buy food and drinks, plus shaded areas and seats. You should still bring water, since only water is included in the tour itself. The island is not a place where you need to rush from one sight to the next, so a snack and time in the shade can make the long beach stop more comfortable.

Sunscreen is essential. So are sunglasses and a towel. Cash is useful for the entry fee, pig food, refreshments, and any optional activities on the island.

The meeting point is Naphat Tour near Thong Krut Pier, and the activity ends back there. The provider sends more exact meeting details after booking, so check your email before setting out. Since hotel transfers are not included, allow extra time for the taxi ride.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful when the forecast is uncertain, though the snorkeling condition itself does not qualify for a partial refund.

Who should book this Koh Samui outing?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and small private groups who want a short boat trip with an unusual main stop. It works especially well if you like taking your time, swimming in shallow water, and deciding your own pace.

It is also a good pick if you want to support local Thai captains and prefer a longtail boat to a large tour vessel. The captain may even take photos, which is handy when you want pictures of the boat ride or your time in the water.

I would choose another activity if your main goal is serious snorkeling, a detailed marine tour, or a full day of sightseeing. The reef conditions are uncertain, the captain is not a specialist guide, and Pig Island is primarily a relaxed beach stop.

The pigs are the memorable hook, but the private boat and flexible schedule are the practical reasons to book. Go early, bring cash, respect the animals, and treat snorkeling as a bonus.

Should you book the Pig Island boat trip?

Book it if you want a simple private half-day built around a fun, unusual beach visit. The $93 group price is fair for two people when you use the boat fully, and the ability to change your timing makes the outing more relaxed than a standard group tour.

Skip it if you dislike open boats, get seasick, need accessible facilities, or would be disappointed by weak snorkeling. For the best version, choose the earliest available start, arrive at Thong Krut Pier early, and leave room in your schedule for weather changes.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

You meet at Naphat Tour near Thong Krut Pier on Koh Samui. Arrive about 15 minutes before the scheduled start, and check the provider’s email for more exact meeting details.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included, so you need to arrange your own transport to Thong Krut Pier and back to your accommodation.

How long is the tour?

The advertised duration is four hours, with starting times depending on availability. The planned itinerary includes about 2.5 hours at Koh Madsum, plus the boat rides and snorkeling stop.

Is snorkeling guaranteed?

No. Snorkeling at Koh Tan depends on the sea conditions. If conditions are unsuitable, the boat may skip snorkeling and give you more time on Pig Island. No partial refund is provided for this change.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a private longtail boat, a local captain, water, a snorkel mask, and a life jacket. Food, drinks, hotel transfers, and the Koh Madsum entry fee are not included.

How much is the Koh Madsum entry fee?

The entry fee is 50 THB per person. Bring cash, since the fee is separate from the tour price.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

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. The pigs also require care, since an animal bite could require rabies treatment.