PRIVATE KOH SAMUI TOURS – SECRET ISLANDS BOAT TRIP

Pig Island is the hook here: a small, quiet island where woolly pigs wander across a white beach with no electricity or running water. Add snorkeling near Koh Tan, a fresh Thai lunch by the Gulf, and a private boat, and you get a full island day without joining a large crowd. I like the flexible start time and the fact that your minibus and boat group stay private. The ability to linger longer on Koh Madsum is a real advantage if the pigs are the main reason you booked.

I also like the guiding. The assigned guide varies, but guests have praised Ped, Lars, Cindy, Boy, and Lass for clear English, local explanations, good timing, and friendly care. One practical drawback: six hours is enough for both islands, but not enough for long, unhurried time everywhere. If you spend extra time on Pig Island, you may only have a short visit to Koh Tan beyond lunch.

Key details at a glance

• Private from hotel to harbor: Your air-conditioned minibus picks you up at your Koh Samui accommodation, with no additional passengers joining the transfer.
• Pig Island without the usual rush: Koh Madsum has white sand, no electricity or running water, a small bar, and free-roaming pigs.
• Snorkeling near Koh Tan: Equipment is included, and the stop is planned for calm water and clear views when conditions allow.
• Lunch by the Gulf: A traditional meal is served at a small beach restaurant, with soft drinks included.
• Flexible timing: You choose the start time, and your private group can shape the day within the six-hour schedule.
• Good value for two: The price is $290 per group of up to two, which makes more sense when shared by a couple or two friends.

Why this private Koh Samui trip works

This outing is aimed at people who want island scenery without a packed speedboat. The route leaves from Thong Krut, a small fishing village at the southern end of Koh Samui, rather than from one of the island’s larger and busier departure points.

The journey is simple. A private minibus collects you at your hotel and drives for about 30 minutes to Thong Krut Pier. From there, the boat ride to the southern island group takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes.

That private arrangement matters more than it may sound. You do not have to wait while a bus collects people from several hotels, and you are not placed in a large group with a fixed timetable. You can request an earlier start, which is especially useful for reaching Koh Madsum before the beach becomes busier.

The tour lasts six hours in total. That includes hotel transfers, boat travel, beach time, snorkeling, lunch, and Koh Tan. I would think of it as a well-filled half-day rather than a slow island escape. The schedule gives you a good sample of two islands, but you should not expect hours of free time at each one.

Leaving from Thong Krut

Thong Krut is a fitting departure point for this trip. It is described as a small fishing village, and the harbor gives the day a more local beginning than a major tourist pier. You board the boat here for the short crossing to Koh Madsum and Koh Tan.

The private minibus is air-conditioned, a useful detail in Koh Samui’s heat. Hotel pickup and return are included, so you do not need to arrange separate transport to the pier. The transfer remains private in both directions.

Your start time is flexible, but the booking must be made by 9 p.m. the previous day to reserve seats for the following day. That cutoff is worth noting if you are making plans at short notice.

The boat crossing takes about 25 minutes each way. It is long enough to enjoy the Gulf views but short enough that most of your time remains on the islands. Sea conditions can affect comfort and visibility, so bring rain gear as well as sunscreen, even if the forecast looks clear.

Koh Madsum and its famous pigs

Koh Madsum, often called Pig Island, is the most unusual stop. The island has white sand, a small bar, and very little built development. There is no electricity or running water, which gives the beach a simple, back-to-basics feel.

The pigs are the main attraction. They wander along the sand and make themselves at home near the water. Some are woolly, and there may be piglets as well. This is a cheerful stop for families with older children, couples with cameras, and anyone who enjoys an odd little local attraction.

You have time for photos, swimming, and free time on the beach. The admission fee is included, as are the boat ride and guide. Since this is a private tour, you can ask to spend more of your available time here if the pigs and beach are your priority.

That flexibility has a tradeoff. One couple chose to spend much of the day on Pig Island and only had time for lunch when they reached Koh Tan. This is not a flaw in the tour, but it is a reminder to decide what matters most before you leave. If you want a full mangrove walk and a proper snorkeling session too, keep Koh Madsum time under control.

The island is not a polished resort. Facilities are limited, and the small bar is the main service mentioned. Bring a change of clothes, a hat, and sun protection. Your camera will also earn its place in your bag here.

Snorkeling near Koh Tan

After Koh Madsum, the same boat takes you toward Koh Tan for snorkeling. The equipment is provided at no extra cost, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel.

The snorkeling stop is in calm sea with clear views when conditions cooperate. You can explore at your own pace and may see less common sea life, although no specific animals are guaranteed. The guide may also enter the water with you. Ped, one of the guides praised for this trip, was described as showing guests things underwater, which can be useful if you are not confident spotting marine life on your own.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is a short island excursion, not a specialist snorkeling trip with several reef sites. Water clarity changes with weather, tide, and sea conditions. The attraction is the mix of snorkeling, beach time, and island scenery rather than an extended underwater program.

If you are not a strong swimmer, ask the guide about conditions before entering the water. The supplied information does not state that flotation equipment is included, so do not assume it is available. Pregnant women are not permitted on the tour, and babies under one year are not suitable for this activity.

Lunch beside the Gulf

Lunch is served at a small restaurant on the beach, with a view across the Gulf of Thailand. The meal is described as traditional food, freshly prepared for the group, with enough variety to suit different tastes.

This is one of the better placed meal stops because you are not eating in a town or returning to Koh Samui for lunch. You get a proper break after the boat and snorkeling portions, with the sea directly in front of you.

Soft drinks are included. Your own expenses are not, so keep some money available for anything extra you choose to buy. The meal is intended to be approachable rather than heavily spicy, but you can still tell the guide about any food concerns before eating.

The timing is also flexible within reason. If you spend longer at Koh Madsum, lunch may become the main part of your Koh Tan visit. If the island walk matters to you, tell the guide early so the day can be balanced.

Walking through Koh Tan’s mangroves

Koh Tan offers a different setting from Pig Island. Instead of pigs and open beach, you get a chance to walk on paved paths through a mangrove forest. Signposts and information boards explain local plants and animals, giving the stop some useful context rather than leaving you with scenery alone.

You can also relax on the beach, swim, or take photos. The island is described as deserted and far from mass tourism, although the precise level of quiet will depend on other boats and the time of day.

The mangrove paths are a good reason to choose this tour over a trip focused only on Pig Island. They give you a look at a coastal habitat and a slower activity after the boat ride. Still, do not expect a long nature walk. The tour has to fit snorkeling, lunch, transfers, and the return crossing into six hours.

Wear beach clothes and bring a change of clothes. Sunscreen and a hat are useful on the open beach, while rain gear protects you if the weather shifts. The tour does not list special walking equipment as necessary.

Guides who shape the day

The guide is important because the schedule is flexible and the trip is private. The English-speaking guide does more than lead you between stops. You can ask questions about Koh Samui, the nearby islands, plants, animals, and local life.

Several guides have been praised by name. Ped was noted for explaining things in clear English and joining the snorkeling. Lars was described as fun, attentive, and especially good at arranging an early visit to Pig Island before more people arrived. Cindy was praised for friendly conversation about Koh Samui and the surrounding islands. Boy and Lass were also singled out for clear explanations and a warm manner.

Your guide will depend on the date and assignment, so you should not book expecting a particular person. The useful point is that the operation has several guides who can add local detail and help manage the timing.

One memorable touch from Ped was a small handmade souvenir made from a palm leaf. That is not listed as a standard inclusion, so treat it as an occasional personal gesture rather than something guaranteed.

What the $290 price means

The price is $290 per group of up to two people. For one person, that is a costly half-day. For two people sharing the full amount, it becomes a more reasonable private-day price, especially since it includes hotel pickup and return, the guide, boat transport, lunch, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, accident insurance, and the Koh Madsum entrance fee.

The main value is control. You are not paying only for transport to two islands. You are paying for a private minibus, a private small-group arrangement, a flexible start time, and the ability to adjust the balance between Pig Island, snorkeling, lunch, and Koh Tan.

The operator advertises this as a low-priced option compared with other operators. I would still compare the final price with any other private Koh Samui trips you are considering, especially if your group has more than two people. The stated rate covers up to two, and the supplied information does not give prices for larger groups.

This is best value for a couple or two friends who care about privacy and convenience. If you are happy to share a boat with a large group and follow a fixed schedule, a standard group trip may cost less. If you want personal timing and hotel-to-hotel service, the price is easier to justify.

Who should book this tour

I would choose this trip if you want three things in one day: a distinctive beach stop, light snorkeling, and a local lunch. It suits couples, friends, and small private parties that do not want to spend the day waiting for other people.

It also works well if you are curious about Pig Island but do not want to visit it alone. The guide can help with the route, transfers, island entrance, and meal timing.

You should think twice if you need a long snorkeling session, extensive facilities, or a completely empty beach guaranteed at every stop. Koh Madsum has limited services, and the six-hour schedule requires sensible time management.

Cruise ship passengers are not accepted, so this experience is designed for people staying on Koh Samui. Pregnant women and babies under one year are also excluded.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Koh Samui plans are still changing, but you should still check the available start times before committing.

Should you book the Secret Islands Boat Trip?

Book it if you want a private, neatly organized island day with flexible timing and a guide who can add local detail. The strongest reasons are the early-start option, the unusual pigs of Koh Madsum, the included snorkeling gear, and the private hotel transfers.

The key decision is how you divide your time. Ask for an early start if Pig Island is your priority, then tell the guide whether you want more time snorkeling or walking through Koh Tan’s mangroves. At $290 for two, it is a fair choice for a private outing, but less attractive if you are traveling alone or want a full-day marine excursion.

FAQ

How long is the Koh Samui Secret Islands boat trip?

The experience lasts six hours, including hotel transfers, boat travel, island visits, snorkeling, and lunch.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat leaves from Thong Krut Pier in the south of Koh Samui. A private air-conditioned minibus takes you from your accommodation to the pier.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Koh Madsum, also called Pig Island, and Koh Tan.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It is offered as a private group experience, and the hotel transfer does not collect additional passengers.

Can I choose the starting time?

Yes. Because the tour is private, you can schedule the start time from the available options.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the experience.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A traditional lunch at a local restaurant by the beach is included, along with soft drinks.

What languages are available for the guide?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Who cannot join this tour?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, cruise ship passengers, or babies under one year old.