Koh Samui: Private Longtail Boat to Pig Island with Snorkel

The best part starts before you even reach the islands. You get a private longtail boat with a local Thai captain, then trade the usual tour crowds for time on Koh Madsum (Pig Island) and a snorkeling stop at Koh Tan when conditions allow. It feels like you’re doing Koh Samui your way, not following a strict group schedule.

I love two things most: the pig time on Koh Madsum, especially in shallow, clear water, and the calm control you get with your own boat. The schedule is simple, you have gear ready for snorkeling, and you can spend your hours where you want, usually with plenty of shade and a relaxed pace on the island.

One drawback to plan around is that snorkeling at Koh Tan is not guaranteed. If the sea conditions are unsafe, you may lose that stop and instead spend more time on Pig Island, with no partial refund. Also, the captain’s English is basic, so you should communicate with gestures and a few key words.

Key Points at a Glance

• Private longtail boat for up to two means fewer compromises and more control of your time
• Koh Madsum (Pig Island) is the main event, with about 2.5 hours to swim, relax, and play
• Koh Tan snorkeling depends on sea conditions, so flexibility matters
• Snorkel mask and life jacket are included, plus drinking water onboard
• Koh Mat Sum entry fee is extra at 50 THB per person
• Captain, not a separate guide, runs the day, so you’ll keep things simple and direct

Private Longtail Boat, Real Koh Samui Pace

This tour works because it strips Koh Samui down to the essentials. You start on the longtail, you go to two nearby islands, then you come back. There’s no big production, no hunting for a meeting point with ten other groups, and no waiting around for everyone to return from the beach.

I also like the way the day is structured around two very different experiences. Koh Madsum gives you the playful, beachy highlight, and Koh Tan adds underwater color if the ocean cooperates. When it doesn’t, you’re not left with nothing to do. You can usually shift your energy toward the island.

Finally, the private setup is worth it even if you’re not a “boat person.” Several reviews point out that the captain can give you room to set your own rhythm, like how long to hang with the pigs versus how much time to spend snorkeling. That kind of control is hard to get on group tours.

Meet at Naphat Tour by Thong Krut Pier (And Go Early)

The meeting point is at Naphat Tour near Thong Krut Pier. Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early so you’re not rushing at the docks.

A key practical note: hotel transfers are not included. That means you should budget time for getting yourself to Thong Krut Pier area. If you’re staying on Koh Samui, this is usually manageable by taxi, but it’s still on you to handle the route.

Once you’re there, the day moves quickly. You’ll be directed to your private longtail, and your captain handles the transport. Reviews also mention the check-in is easy to follow when you’re not local, which matters because the captain may speak basic English only.

Koh Tan Snorkeling: Fun If the Sea Conditions Let You

The tour’s first island stop is Koh Tan for snorkeling, if sea conditions allow it. You’ll use the snorkel mask and life jacket provided, then follow the captain to a snorkeling site.

Here’s the honest part: snorkel time is typically shorter than people hope. Some reviews describe around 30 to 35 minutes in the water. That’s enough to enjoy the clear-water feeling and see plenty of small, colorful fish, but it’s not a long, multi-hour reef session.

The important planning point is this: snorkeling at Koh Tan cannot be guaranteed. If the sea conditions are unsafe, the captain and operator can’t safely run the stop. When that happens, you should expect the tour to adjust so you can spend more time on Pig Island instead, even if you came specifically for the underwater part.

What you should bring for this stage is simple: swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. You’ll feel better if your first stop doesn’t turn into a scramble for dry clothes after the water time.

Koh Madsum (Pig Island): The 2.5 Hours That Make the Trip

If you want one reason to pick this tour, it’s Koh Madsum. This is where the vibe shifts from “island hopping” to pure relax-and-play.

You get about 2.5 hours on Koh Madsum for free time, swimming, and sightseeing. The beaches are white sand, and the water around the island can be very clear, with areas that are shallow enough for comfortable swimming. Reviews mention this as a big win, especially for families who want a calmer water experience rather than a rougher sea day.

Then there are the pigs. The pigs on Koh Madsum are friendly and used to people. You’ll likely be tempted to sit near them, watch them forage, and get pulled into that funny, low-stakes chaos when piglets start getting lively. You may also see pig food sold on the island if you want to feed them.

A couple of practical, non-fun considerations to keep in mind:

• The pigs and dogs live on the island and are cared for by a local family, and the tour operator is arranging the visit, not managing the animals day-to-day.
• Be careful with the pigs. If you get bitten, you might need rabies shots, so treat bites seriously and seek medical advice promptly.

Also, don’t expect the pigs to be a guaranteed photo-op every minute. Sometimes they’ll be curious, sometimes busy. That unpredictability is part of why this island feels authentic and not staged.

Shade, Seating, and a Place to Actually Rest

One reason this stops works even when you’re not into swimming is that Koh Madsum offers a lot of space to slow down. Reviews mention shade, seating, and the fact that you can hang out for hours without feeling like you’re constantly “doing” something.

If you end up skipping or reducing snorkeling due to sea conditions, those extra hours on the island can feel like a fair trade. You can stay in the shallows, play with the pigs, then come back to the sand when you need a break from sun.

The Longtail Boat Ride: Simple, Scenic, and Often Photo-Friendly

The boat ride is part of the charm. A longtail boat gives you a slower, more local feeling than speedier tours. You’re not tucked into a sealed cabin, and the breeze is half the experience.

You’ll also notice the biggest advantage of private transport: you’re not stuck waiting for other groups to finish. Several reviews highlight that having the boat just for your party made the day calmer, and it let people choose how long to stay at Pig Island or how to split time between snorkeling and beach time.

One more practical detail: photos are easy to get. Reviews mention captains taking pictures and helping out with photo angles during the ride. Even if your captain has basic English, those photo requests are easy to communicate.

Included vs Not Included: Don’t Get Caught at the Dock

Included items are straightforward:

• Private longtail boat tour
• Local captain
• Water
• Snorkel mask and life jacket

Not included:

• Hotel transfers
• Koh Mat Sum entry fee (50 THB per person)
• Food and drinks

That entry fee is small, but it’s the kind of thing that surprises people when they don’t know it’s extra. Bring cash so you can handle it smoothly.

Food is also not included, so you’ll want to decide what makes sense for you:

• Bring snacks and water if you like to control what you eat.
• Or plan to buy simple options on or near the islands if you prefer less packing.

Either way, bring sunscreen and a towel. You’ll thank yourself on the way back when you’re dry and not freezing in a wet bag situation.

Price and Value: About $93 for Two, Plus One Small Entry Fee

This tour is listed at $93 per group up to 2 for about 4 hours total. The duration label is a guideline, not a promise of constant activity. Some reviews say they finished in around 2.5 hours when the day ran fast and they had enough time on the island without needing extra snorkeling.

So is it worth it?

• If you value a private boat over a shared group tour, the price can feel fair, especially because you get a full experience: pigs, beach time, and snorkeling time when possible.
• If you only care about snorkeling and not Pig Island, you might feel it’s pricey since snorkeling time is limited and depends on conditions.
• If you’re set on Pig Island and you like the idea of a relaxed island hang, the value tends to land better because most of the time is spent where you actually want to be.

Also consider the extra Koh Mat Sum entry fee (50 THB per person). That doesn’t make the tour bad, it just means the real cost is slightly higher than the headline price.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a good match if you want:

• A private longtail boat experience
• A fun, friendly island visit centered on Koh Madsum
• Short snorkeling, not an all-day reef mission
• A day with flexible time on the island

On the other hand, the tour is not suitable for:

• Children under 2 years
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
• People prone to seasickness

If you’re on the fence because of snorkeling uncertainty, lean toward this tour anyway if Pig Island is high on your list. When Koh Tan snorkeling is unsafe, the plan can shift so you still get meaningful island time.

Tips That Make a Big Difference

A few small prep choices can turn this from fine to great:

• Bring cash for the 50 THB Koh Mat Sum entry fee and any snacks or pig food you decide on.
• Pack sunscreen and a towel. You’ll have sand and water, and you want to stay comfortable on the return ride.
• Wear swimwear you’re ready to keep on during the boat transfer.
• If you want fewer people on the island, consider taking an early slot. One review specifically recommends an 8am start to have the island to yourselves for the first stretch.
• Don’t rely on perfect English. Your captain has basic English, so keep your requests simple and use gestures when needed.

Should You Book This Koh Samui Pig Island + Snorkel Tour?

Book it if you’re looking for a private, relaxed day where Koh Madsum is the main event. This is a fun, easygoing way to see a side of Koh Samui that feels more personal than most “checklist” boat trips, and the pig time is genuinely the kind of memory you’ll talk about later.

Skip it if snorkeling is your top priority and you expect a long, guaranteed reef experience. Snorkeling at Koh Tan depends on sea conditions, and the time in the water is limited.

If you want the best of both worlds, think of this as a Pig Island trip with a snorkeling bonus when conditions allow. For many people, that trade feels exactly right.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the private longtail boat?

You meet at Naphat Tour near Thong Krut Pier. Arrive about 15 minutes before the start time.

Is snorkeling at Koh Tan guaranteed?

No. Snorkeling at Koh Tan depends on sea conditions that day. If it cannot be done safely, you may spend more time on Pig Island, and no partial refund is offered.

How long do we spend on Pig Island, Koh Madsum?

You get 2.5 hours on Koh Madsum for free time, sightseeing, and swimming.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a private longtail boat tour, a local captain, water, and snorkel mask plus a life jacket.

What extra cost should I expect at Koh Madsum?

There is an entry fee for Koh Mat Sum of 50 THB per person, which is not included.

Do I have a tour guide on the boat?

There is no separate guide. The captain handles transport and speaks basic English.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, food and drinks, sunscreen, and cash.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.