Ko Samui: Private Longtail Boat Tour to Koh Madsum & Koh Tan

Pig Island makes a memorable first impression. This half-day private longtail boat trip from Ko Samui pairs Koh Madsum, known as Pig Island, with the quieter waters of Koh Tan. I like the private boat and flexible pace, and I like that snorkeling gear, life jackets, and bottled water are included. The main tradeoff is simple: facilities are basic, the beach fee costs extra, and rough water can make the ride uncomfortable for anyone prone to seasickness.

You get around four to five hours on the water, with roughly two hours at each island. That gives you enough time to meet the friendly pigs, relax on the sand, and snorkel near Koh Tan without turning the day into a rushed island checklist. Just bring sun protection, a towel, snacks, and a waterproof bag, since this is a straightforward sea outing rather than a polished resort excursion.

Key things to know before booking

• Pig Island is the tour’s most unusual stop: Koh Madsum’s friendly pigs are the main attraction, and you can buy food and drinks on the island.
• The private boat gives you more control: You can enjoy the stops at your own pace instead of waiting around for a large group.
• Koh Tan is the better snorkeling stop: The clearest action is away from the shore, around the rocks where fish gather.
• Allow four to five hours: The schedule includes boat transfers of about 30, 30, and 40 minutes, plus two-hour island visits.
• Expect simple facilities: The toilet may be less than comfortable, so plan accordingly and pack only what you need.
• Some costs are extra: Hotel transfer, Thai lunch, kayaking, and the THB 50 beach fee may not be included in your chosen option.

Why this island pairing works

Ko Samui has no shortage of boat excursions, but this one keeps the plan focused. You visit two nearby islands, with enough time at each to do something different. Koh Tan provides the water activities, while Koh Madsum supplies the easygoing beach stop and the pigs.

I like that balance. A day spent only snorkeling can feel repetitive, especially if you are traveling with children or friends who prefer to stay dry. A day spent only on a beach can feel too passive. Here, you get coral, fish, sand, island views, and a memorable animal encounter in one compact outing.

The private format matters more than it might at first appear. Instead of joining a large boat and following a fixed rhythm, you have a smaller group and more say in how you use the time. You can linger at the beach, spend longer in the water, or move along when you have had enough sun.

Still, private does not mean luxurious. The boat is a traditional longtail, and the trip is exposed to the weather. You should expect an open-air ride, engine noise, spray, and direct sun. That is part of the charm, but it also means you need to prepare properly.

The longtail ride from Ko Samui

Your starting point depends on the option you choose. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available only with selected options, and pickup from villas on the mountain is limited to the main road. That detail matters if your accommodation is high on a hillside. Confirm your meeting point before the morning of the tour, and arrive 20 minutes early.

The route includes about 30 minutes by boat to Koh Tan. A second boat ride of around 30 minutes connects Koh Tan with Koh Madsum, followed by a final ride of about 40 minutes back toward Ko Samui. Those transfers add up to roughly 100 minutes on the water, so this is not a dockside excursion with only a quick boat hop.

I enjoy longtail boats because they make the journey part of the day. You feel the breeze, see the islands approach slowly, and get broad views across the Gulf of Thailand. The drawback is comfort. If you are prone to seasickness, this tour is specifically not recommended. Even confident swimmers should wear the provided life jacket when conditions call for it.

Keep your belongings in a waterproof bag. You may want your camera during the ride, but phones, towels, and spare clothes should be protected from spray. Wear swimwear beneath comfortable beach clothes so you can move from boat to beach without fuss.

Two hours around Koh Tan

Koh Tan is scheduled as the first major island stop, with about two hours to explore. The draw here is the turquoise water and snorkeling. You receive snorkeling equipment and a life jacket, which keeps the packing list short and makes the water portion easier to manage.

The most useful tip is to stay away from the immediate shore while snorkeling. Fish gather among the rocks farther out, so swimming only at the edge of the beach may leave you seeing less than you hoped. Follow the captain’s or guide’s instructions, stay within the suitable swimming area, and avoid touching marine life or plants.

The coral and fish make Koh Tan the more active part of the tour. I would use this stop early in the visit, while you still have energy for swimming. If you are not a strong swimmer, the life jacket is helpful, but you should still be comfortable entering the water and following directions.

You may also have time for kayaking, depending on the option you select. Kayaking is listed as an optional extra, along with a Thai lunch, so check the exact package before you assume either is part of the price. If lunch is not included, bring snacks. Bottled water is supplied, but one bottle may not be enough for a sunny half-day at sea.

Koh Tan is not presented as a full sightseeing island with a long list of attractions. Its value is the water itself. You come here to snorkel, paddle if included, enjoy the views, and slow down for a while. That simplicity works well if you want an easy island day, but it may feel limited if you expect a packed program.

Meeting the pigs on Koh Madsum

After Koh Tan, the boat heads to Koh Madsum, the island commonly called Pig Island. You have about two hours here, which is generous for a small beach stop. The pigs are friendly and are used to visitors, making this the most distinctive part of the outing.

A practical detail makes the encounter more enjoyable: food and drinks are available on the island, and you receive a free bottle of water when you arrive. Keep that bottle. The pigs like drinking from it, and it can become part of the fun rather than something you immediately throw away.

You should still treat the animals with care. Do not tease them, crowd them, or offer anything that has not been approved. Keep an eye on your belongings, too, since an island with animals and open beach areas is not the place to leave bags unattended.

Koh Madsum also gives you time to do nothing. Walk along the sand, sit in the sun, take photos, or cool off in the water. The island is a pleasant counterpoint to Koh Tan’s snorkeling stop, and the two-hour window means you do not have to rush through the pig encounter and leave immediately.

The weak point is the island’s basic infrastructure. One part of the experience is the toilet, and comfort may be limited. If you need facilities, use them before leaving Ko Samui when possible, and avoid bringing more luggage than you can keep dry and close.

What the private format is worth

At $57 per person, this tour is best judged by the boat arrangement rather than by the islands alone. Koh Madsum and Koh Tan are the main attractions, but many boat trips can reach similar waters. The extra value here comes from having a private longtail boat and avoiding the waiting time that often comes with a larger shared excursion.

That value grows if you are traveling as a small group and care about setting your own rhythm. You might want more time on Koh Madsum for photos, or you might prefer to leave the beach once the heat sets in. A private trip gives you more room to make those choices.

The price is less attractive if your priority is the lowest possible cost or if you do not care about privacy. You may also need to add the THB 50 beach fee per person, plus hotel transfer, lunch, and kayaking if those are not included in your selected option. Ask for the total cost before booking so the $57 headline price does not surprise you later.

For a four to five-hour private outing, the price is reasonable if the boat time and flexibility matter to you. I would not book it solely for a luxury feel. This is a practical island trip with a traditional boat, simple facilities, and a pleasant mix of swimming and beach time.

Food, water, and what to pack

The tour includes bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and a life jacket. Thai lunch and kayaking are optional, so bring snacks even if you expect to buy food on Koh Madsum. The island has food and drinks, but choices and timing can vary.

Pack light, but do not leave out the basics:

• Hat and sunscreen
• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• Towel
• Waterproof bag for your phone and wallet
• Camera
• Snacks and extra water
• Comfortable beachwear

Apply sunscreen before you leave, not after you are already on the boat. The sun reaches you from above and reflects off the water, so exposed shoulders, backs, and legs can burn quickly. Reapply when you can, while keeping sunscreen away from the sea as much as possible.

Do not litter. Do not touch coral, fish, other marine life, or plants. These rules are not decorative. The snorkeling stop depends on a healthy water environment, and careless contact can damage it.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this trip to couples, families with older children, and small groups of friends who want a private half-day on the water. It suits you if you like a relaxed schedule with a few clear highlights rather than a long list of stops.

The Pig Island visit is especially appealing if you enjoy unusual photo opportunities and casual beach time. The pigs are the reason many people remember Koh Madsum, while Koh Tan gives the day more substance for anyone who wants to snorkel.

You should think twice if you dislike boat rides, struggle with seasickness, or need highly comfortable facilities. The tour is also not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. Getting on and off a longtail boat and moving around beaches can be demanding.

This is not the right choice if you want a guided cultural tour, since a tour guide is not included. You get the islands, the boat, equipment, and basic practical support, but not a detailed spoken program about local history or ecology.

Timing, safety, and the return to Ko Samui

The entire outing lasts about four to five hours. The broad plan is Koh Tan first, Koh Madsum second, and then the return to Ko Samui. The listed timing allows two hours at each island, though actual conditions can affect boat travel and water activities.

Use the life jacket as instructed, especially during transfers and if the sea is choppy. Keep hydrated, watch your footing, and listen to the captain’s directions. A private boat offers flexibility, but it does not remove the need to respect weather and water conditions.

The final return ride takes about 40 minutes. Drop-off can be arranged at listed locations such as Kohtantour&transport, Ko Samui, and Koh Samui, while hotel return depends on the option you book. Check this carefully if you have a dinner reservation or another activity soon after the tour.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those terms are useful if your Ko Samui plans may shift, though you should still check the exact booking option selected.

My final call on this Pig Island boat trip

Book this tour if you want a private, easy island outing with two distinct stops. The strongest reasons are the flexible boat format, the friendly pigs of Koh Madsum, and snorkeling around Koh Tan’s rocky waters. The included equipment and bottled water keep the day simple.

Skip it if you need comfortable facilities, a full meal included, a detailed guide, or a calm ride with little exposure to the sea. For most suitable visitors, $57 per person is fair value, especially when privacy matters. Bring a waterproof bag, keep your free water bottle for the pigs, and save your best snorkeling time for the rocks away from shore.

FAQ

How long does the Ko Samui boat tour last?

The tour lasts about four to five hours, including the boat rides and island visits.

Which islands does the tour visit?

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

How long do you spend at each island?

The planned itinerary allows about two hours at Koh Tan and two hours at Koh Madsum.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select an option that provides the service. If you stay in a mountain villa, pickup is available on the main road only.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a life jacket are included.

Is lunch included?

Thai lunch is optional and is not included in every option. Kayaking is also listed as an optional extra.

Is there an additional beach fee?

Yes. A beach fee of THB 50 per person is not included.

Who should avoid this tour?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or people prone to seasickness.