Private Speedboat Koh Tan & Pig Island Snorkeling from Samui

The best part of this day is simple: you get your own speedboat. From Thong Krut Beach, your group travels to Koh Tan and Koh Madsum, often called Pig Island, without waiting for strangers to finish swimming, eating, or taking photos. That makes a six-hour outing feel much less rigid.

I like the hotel pickup and drop-off, which removes the need to arrange a taxi to the southern coast. I also like the small-group privacy, especially for families or friends who want their own pace. The main catch is that private does not mean a private route. You still visit the same popular islands used by group excursions, and snorkeling can be disappointing after rain.

• A private boat for up to five: You pay $423.76 per group, not per person.
• Two very different stops: Koh Tan offers a quieter, less-visited island setting, while Koh Madsum is the Pig Island stop.
• Four hours on the water: The speedboat portion gives you useful time for both snorkeling and shore time.
• Thai lunch included: A set meal is served on Koh Tan.
• Extra costs are limited: Bring 50 baht per person for Pig Island, plus 350 baht per kayak if you want to paddle.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Why a Private Boat Changes the Day

A shared boat trip can be perfectly pleasant, but it often runs on somebody else’s clock. With this outing, only your group takes part. If one person wants to stay on the beach while another spends more time snorkeling, the arrangement is easier to manage than a large group departure.

The private boat is also the main reason the price can make sense. At $423.76 for up to five people, the cost works out to about $84.75 each when the boat is full. For two people, it is a much steeper proposition. I would look at this as a private transport and time-saving purchase, not simply as a snorkeling ticket.

The route still follows the usual Koh Tan and Pig Island circuit. That is important. You are not paying for a secret island or a completely custom expedition. You are paying to avoid waiting for other groups and to keep the day within your own party.

The speedboat runs for about four hours, while the whole experience takes roughly six hours, including the van transfers and time at the islands. A 9 a.m. start gives you a full morning and early afternoon outside the hotel.

From Your Hotel to Thong Krut Beach

Pickup is offered from your hotel, followed by a transfer to Thong Krut Beach on Koh Samui’s southern coast. Thong Krut is the usual launch point for Koh Tan because the island sits across from this fishing village.

This arrangement is useful if you do not have a rental car or do not want to negotiate a taxi. It also gives the operator a chance to handle the timing between the road transfer and the boat departure. One pickup was complicated by a local festival and parade, but the driver located the party and escorted them to the van. That suggests the transfer team can be practical when local road conditions get messy.

You should still be ready at the agreed pickup time. A private tour does not mean the van can ignore traffic, events, or the boat schedule. Keep your phone available in case the operator needs to adjust the meeting point.

At the pier, you receive a life jacket and snorkeling equipment. Drinking water and an ice box are provided on the boat, which is helpful in Koh Samui’s heat. Insurance is also included.

Koh Tan: A Quieter First Stop

Koh Tan, also spelled Ko Taen, is accessible only by boat. It receives fewer visitors than the better-known islands around Samui, and its appeal is the feeling of getting away from the main resort strip.

The scheduled stop is about 50 minutes. That is enough time to get a taste of the island and spend some time in the water, but it is not a full-day visit. If snorkeling is your priority, tell the captain or crew early so you do not lose useful water time to a long shore break.

The island’s quieter character is a real advantage. You are not simply moving from one crowded resort area to another. The short boat ride from Thong Krut places you in a setting that feels more removed from Koh Samui.

The weak point is water quality. After recent rain, the water around Koh Tan was described as poor for snorkeling. This is not something a captain can always fix. Rain can affect visibility and wash material into coastal water, so conditions may change from one departure to the next.

That makes the season and the weather forecast worth checking, though even a good forecast cannot guarantee clear water. If you are booking mainly for colorful underwater sights, keep your expectations measured. If you value the boat ride, the quiet island setting, and the chance to swim, the stop remains worthwhile even when visibility is not perfect.

Lunch is served on Koh Tan as a Thai set menu. This is a practical touch rather than a luxury meal. You do not need to arrange food between the two islands, and the break gives everyone time to dry off and eat before continuing.

Koh Madsum, the Pig Island Stop

Koh Madsum, also written Koh Matsum, is a small island a few minutes from Koh Tan and the southern coast of Koh Samui. It is widely known as Pig Island, and the name is the reason many people choose this particular route.

The scheduled visit lasts about 90 minutes. That is the longer island stop, giving you time to explore the beach, take photographs, and enjoy the water at a relaxed pace. The island is small, so you are not facing a long sightseeing program. The appeal is a simple beach visit with a memorable animal encounter.

Pig Island requires an entrance fee of 50 baht per person. This is not included in the tour price, so bring Thai cash. The information provided does not state that the fee includes any particular activity, so treat it as an access charge.

Kayaking is available at an extra 350 baht per kayak if requested. This is optional. I would only add it if your group specifically wants time on the water beyond snorkeling and swimming. The private boat already gives you a full water-based day, and the extra cost may not be necessary for everyone.

Pig Island is also the stop most likely to feel busy, since it is a regular destination for group boats. A private speedboat does not remove other parties from the beach. Its advantage is that your own group does not have to share the boat, wait for late passengers, or follow another group’s meal and swimming schedule.

Snorkeling Equipment and Water Conditions

The tour includes masks, snorkels, and life jackets, so you do not need to rent basic gear separately. That saves time at the pier and keeps the morning simple.

The equipment is useful, but the quality of the snorkeling depends much more on the sea than on the gear. Recent rain made the water around Koh Tan cloudy on one departure, and that is the main caution I would give you. Do not book this expecting guaranteed clear visibility.

The crew can get you to the right general area, but nature controls the final result. Wind, rain, tides, and recent runoff all matter. If the water is not clear, you can still use the boat transfer, beach time, and island visit as the main value of the day.

The life jackets are especially useful for anyone who is not a strong swimmer. Most people can take part, but you should be comfortable with a boat-based outing and swimming or snorkeling in open water. The tour does not describe a dedicated beginner lesson, so anyone nervous in the water should tell the crew at the start.

What the Crew Adds to the Experience

The boat drivers have been praised for handling the speedboat well, and the captain and crew are described as helpful. That matters on a private outing because the crew has more direct contact with your group throughout the day.

The operator is Backpacker Samui Travel, and the contact name given is Tony. Communication and pickup coordination are important strengths here. If your hotel is difficult to reach or local events affect the road, confirm the pickup details before departure and keep the operator’s contact information handy.

You should not expect a formal guided sightseeing program at every stop. The experience is built around transport, snorkeling, beach time, food, and help from the boat crew. That suits people who prefer a relaxed day rather than a steady stream of commentary.

A private boat also lets you ask for small adjustments within the fixed route, though the available information does not promise unlimited custom planning. The two main stops remain Koh Tan and Koh Madsum.

Is $423.76 Good Value?

The value depends almost entirely on group size. For five people, the price is about $84.75 per person and includes hotel transfers, a private speedboat, snorkeling gear, water, insurance, and lunch. That is a reasonable price for a private day on the water, especially if you would otherwise need to arrange several separate services.

For four people, the cost is about $105.94 each. For two, it is about $211.88 each, before the 50-baht island fee and any kayak rental. At that point, you should compare it with a shared trip if keeping costs low matters more than privacy.

I would choose this tour when your group values control and convenience. Families benefit from not having to coordinate with strangers, and friends can split the fixed price. Couples may find it expensive unless the private setting is the main purpose of the day.

Lunch and water are small but meaningful inclusions. They reduce the number of things you need to buy or arrange, while the hotel transfer is probably the most useful practical feature. The 50-baht Pig Island fee is modest, but remember that it is not part of the advertised group price.

Timing, Weather, and Cancellation

The scheduled start is 9 a.m., and the full outing lasts about six hours. The speedboat itself is listed at four hours, with the rest of the time covering road transfers and the island stops.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.

Less than 24 hours before departure, cancellations and changes are not accepted for a refund. Since sea conditions are central to the experience, I would avoid booking this on the final day of your Koh Samui stay unless your schedule gives you room to move the trip.

Who Should Book This Koh Tan Trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to a group of three to five people that wants its own boat and does not mind paying for convenience. The private setup is also useful for families, since you do not have to match the pace of a larger party.

It suits you if you want a mix of snorkeling, a quiet island stop, a Thai lunch, and Pig Island photos. It is less suitable if your only goal is exceptional underwater visibility or a completely secluded beach. Koh Tan is quieter, but the route is still a familiar one, and Pig Island can attract other boats.

You should also think about your tolerance for a speedboat ride. The trip is built around boat transport, and most of the day is spent on or near the water. Anyone who dislikes boat travel may find the private format more comfortable, but the private boat does not change the nature of the journey.

Should You Book It?

Book this trip if you are splitting the cost among a small group and want a tidy, private day with hotel pickup, a speedboat, snorkeling gear, lunch, and two island stops. The crew’s smooth organization and capable boat handling add confidence, while the private format removes much of the waiting that can make group excursions tiring.

Skip it if you are traveling alone or as a couple on a tight budget. I would also reconsider if perfect snorkeling is your main goal, since recent rain can reduce water quality around Koh Tan.

For the best value, fill the boat with friends or family, carry 50 baht per person for Pig Island, and treat the snorkeling as weather-dependent rather than guaranteed. That is the fairest way to judge what this tour offers.

FAQ

How long does the Koh Tan and Pig Island tour last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours, including hotel transfers and time at the islands. The private speedboat portion is listed as four hours.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers one private group of up to five people.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Private transport between your hotel and the pier is included, with round-trip transfer.

What equipment is provided?

Life jackets and snorkeling equipment are included. Drinking water and an ice box are also provided on the boat.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Thai set menu lunch on Koh Tan is included.

Are there extra fees?

Pig Island charges an entrance fee of 50 baht per person. Kayaking is optional and costs 350 baht per kayak if requested.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.