Koh Samui: Private Speedboat to Pig Island with Snorkeling

Koh Madsum, better known as Pig Island, is the main draw here. You arrive by private speedboat, settle onto a white-sand beach, and watch pigs wander between the umbrellas and shoreline. It is an odd, cheerful island stop, with plenty of time for photos and a little animal play.

I like the private boat and the freedom it gives your group. I also like the simple pairing of Pig Island with Koh Tan, where you trade beach time for clear water, fish, and coral. The main consideration is cost: at $573 for up to eight people, this makes the most sense when you can fill the boat.

The setup is also worth noting. Hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, crew, snorkeling gear, water, seasonal fruit, and return transport are included. Food is not, snacks and drinks can be bought on Koh Madsum, and the 50-baht adult island admission is extra.

Key points to know before booking

• Private speedboat for up to eight: Your group does not share the boat with strangers, which gives you more control over the day.
• Pig Island has pigs on the beach: You can relax under an umbrella, take pictures, and spend time near the animals.
• Koh Tan adds a proper water stop: Snorkeling brings colorful fish and coral into the trip.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off are included: The operator can also help with villa transport outside the usual pickup route.
• Personal touches matter here: Crew members can take photos, play your preferred music, and give attentive help.
• Bring only beach essentials: Large bags and luggage are not allowed on the boat.

Why Pig Island works best as a private outing

Pig Island is not a grand cultural sight. It is a small, playful beach stop built around an unusual feature: pigs roaming near the sand. That makes it especially appealing for families, couples, and groups who want something lighter than a full day of temples or sightseeing.

The private format changes the feel of the trip. You are not being moved through a fixed crowd with strangers competing for seats, shade, or photos. Your own group of up to eight can spend more time taking pictures, watching the pigs, or simply sitting by the water.

This is also where the $573 price needs a little arithmetic. Split among eight people, it works out to about $72 per person before the island fee and any food. For two people, the same boat becomes a much bigger spend. I would see it as a strong value for a full group that wants privacy, but a luxury choice for a small party.

The tour does not give a stated duration, so you should not book it expecting a precise number of hours unless the operator confirms the schedule. The benefit is flexibility, but you will want to ask about pickup time and how long you can expect at each stop if those details matter to your plans.

Leaving Koh Samui by speedboat

Your day begins with pickup from your hotel or accommodation. You then go to the pier, where staff welcome you and the guide explains the plan before departure.

That short briefing matters. You receive a life jacket, learn what to expect, and have a chance to sort out questions before the boat leaves. The crew includes boat staff as well as an English-speaking guide, so the arrangement is more supported than simply hiring a transfer.

A speedboat is a practical choice for an island trip because it gets you onto the water quickly. It also keeps the outing focused on the two main stops rather than making the boat ride the whole day. Still, speedboats can feel lively on open water, so anyone sensitive to motion should keep that in mind.

There is no room for luggage or large bags. Pack as if you are heading to the beach for a few hours: swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and flip-flops. A small personal bag is the sensible choice, but the stated rule is clear about leaving big bags behind.

Meeting the pigs on Koh Madsum

Koh Madsum is the first major stop, and the island’s white sand gives you an easy place to slow down after the boat ride. Seats and umbrellas are available, so you do not have to spend the whole visit standing in the sun.

The pigs are free to wander around the beach area. You can watch them, take pictures, and play with them. That sounds simple, and it is. The charm comes from the contrast: you are on a tropical island, but the main local characters are friendly pigs padding along the sand.

Use a little care around the animals. Keep food for yourself unless staff advise otherwise, and give the pigs space if they seem restless. The supplied information describes them as lovely and approachable, but it does not promise a formal animal encounter or a guided feeding session.

The island also gives you attractive views for photographs. If you want pictures without rushing, the private format helps. Your group can take turns with the camera, ask the crew for help, and keep the mood relaxed rather than trying to squeeze a photo into a crowded stop.

There are stores on the island where you can buy snacks and drinks. Food is not included in the tour, so you should either plan to purchase something there or eat before pickup. Drinking water and seasonal fruit are included, which covers basic refreshment but not a full meal.

The admission fee is 50 baht for each adult. Children enter free. Add that charge to your planning, and carry an appropriate amount of Thai currency if possible, since the tour price does not cover it.

Snorkeling at Koh Tan

After Pig Island, the boat continues to Koh Tan for snorkeling. This stop changes the pace nicely. Koh Madsum is about beach, animals, and photographs. Koh Tan gives you clear water, fish, and coral to explore.

A snorkeling mask and life jacket are included. Drinking water and seasonal fruit are also provided, so the basic equipment and a few simple comforts are handled for you.

The water is described as crystal clear, with colorful marine life and coral. Conditions can vary, of course, and visibility is never something a tour can guarantee on every outing. Still, this is the part of the trip to focus on if you want more than a quick beach visit.

You should bring sunscreen and reapply it carefully, especially after getting in the water. A towel and swimwear are essential. Flip-flops help at the beach, though you should follow the crew’s instructions around the boat and water entry.

The information does not specify whether fins are supplied, so do not assume they are included. The confirmed equipment is a snorkeling mask and life jacket. If fins matter to you, ask before booking.

What the private crew adds

The most useful feature of a private tour is control. You are with your own group, and the schedule is described as flexible. That can make a difference when one person wants more beach time, another wants more snorkeling, and everyone wants to avoid a rushed departure.

The crew’s role can also be personal rather than purely practical. They can take photos for your group and play your favorite music. Those touches are small, but they help turn a standard boat transfer into a more tailored day.

One booking problem was resolved with extra time added to the outing, and the operator helped arrange transport to and from a villa that was outside the normal pickup route. I would not treat that as a guaranteed inclusion for every booking, but it is a useful reason to contact the company early if your accommodation is unusual.

The guide speaks English and Thai. The English-speaking guide explains the tour, helps with the stops, and gives you a point of contact throughout the day. No individual guide name is provided, so you should not expect to request a specific person by name.

Who gets the best value from $573

The strongest case for booking comes from a group of six to eight people. At that size, the private boat spreads the price across more people while preserving the main benefit: you are not sharing the outing with strangers.

Families may like the combination of animals, sand, and snorkeling. The pigs give children something immediate to enjoy, while the beach provides a break from the water. Parents should still keep a close eye on children near the animals, boat, and sea.

Couples can enjoy the privacy, but the price is harder to justify for only two people. If your priority is a quiet, customized day and the cost is comfortable, it may still suit you. If you mainly want to see Pig Island at the lowest price, a shared boat could be worth comparing.

This outing also suits people who value service details. The crew can take pictures, play requested music, and provide personal attention. Those touches matter more on a special holiday day than they do on a basic point-to-point transfer.

It is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. The speedboat, beach access, snorkeling, and island setting require a level of physical ease. You should also skip it if you want a full meal included, a long cultural program, or detailed sightseeing beyond the two islands.

Practical packing and planning advice

Keep your packing light. Bring a towel, sunscreen, flip-flops, and swimwear. You will also want a small phone or camera for the island views and animal pictures, but protect electronics around salt water.

Do not bring luggage or large bags. Hotel pickup and drop-off mean you do not need to carry your main belongings with you. Ask your accommodation where you can safely leave them before departure.

The tour includes travel insurance, though the provided details do not explain its coverage or limits. If you have a specific medical or activity concern, check those terms before relying on it.

You can reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your Koh Samui plans are still shifting. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. That gives you some breathing room, but you should still check the exact booking terms attached to your selected date.

Should you book this Koh Samui boat trip?

Book it if you can share the $573 cost with a fairly full group and want a private day with two very different stops. Pig Island supplies the fun photographs and unusual animal encounter. Koh Tan adds real snorkeling, so the outing is not only a beach transfer.

I would be more cautious if you are traveling as a couple, dislike speedboats, need a fully accessible activity, or want meals and a fixed, clearly stated timetable. For everyone else, the private format, flexible planning, hotel transport, and attentive crew make this a well-rounded choice. Confirm the pickup time, expected duration, and any equipment questions before paying, then pack light and leave room for a few sandy pig pictures.

FAQ

How much does the private Pig Island tour cost?

The price is $573 per group of up to eight people. The 50-baht admission fee for Pig Island is extra for each adult, while children enter free.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and return transport to your hotel or accommodation are included.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The tour provides a private speedboat for your group, with a maximum group size of eight people.

What islands does the tour visit?

The tour travels from Koh Samui to Koh Madsum, also called Pig Island, and continues to Koh Tan for snorkeling.

Are snorkeling supplies included?

A snorkeling mask and life jacket are included. The supplied details do not state that fins are provided.

Is food included?

Food is not included. Snacks and drinks can be purchased from stores on Koh Madsum. Drinking water and seasonal fruit are included.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, flip-flops, and swimwear. Luggage and large bags are not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women and people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve now and pay later option.