kohsamui.tours – Pig Island Snorkeling Eco Tour by Speed Boat

An Honest Look at the Koh Samui Pig Island Snorkeling Eco Tour

If you’re planning a visit to Koh Samui and craving a mix of adventure, relaxation, and unique wildlife encounters, this Pig Island Snorkeling Eco Tour might catch your eye. Although we haven’t personally taken this trip, the detailed reviews, itinerary, and features paint a compelling picture of what to expect. It promises a fun day exploring unspoiled islands, snorkeling vibrant coral reefs, and hanging out with the famous woolly pigs—yes, pigs that swim!

What we love about this tour is its affordable price point—just over $60 per person—making it accessible for many. Plus, it offers a well-rounded experience with snorkeling, kayaking, a delicious Thai lunch, and plenty of time on quiet, untouched islands. The fact that it includes a pickup from Koh Samui adds extra convenience. The main drawback? Some travelers feel the experience might be a little basic, especially regarding the food and overall exclusivity. Still, if you’re after a laid-back, authentic day out with nature, this trip checks many boxes.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy adventure with a relaxed vibe, love snorkeling and wildlife encounters, and want to explore less commercialized islands. It’s ideal for those who appreciate value for money and prefer small group sizes, given the maximum of 12 travelers. If you’re looking for a packed, luxury experience, this might not be your top choice, but if you want an honest day immersed in natural beauty with friendly guides, this could be perfect.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $61.02, this tour offers good value considering the number of activities included.
• Unspoiled Islands: Koh Mudsum and Koh Tan boast pristine, quiet environments with no modern infrastructure—perfect for a peaceful escape.
• Wildlife Encounters: Meet the famous swimming woolly pigs on Koh Mudsum, a highlight that makes this trip truly memorable.
• Diverse Activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, and relaxing on white sandy beaches combine for a varied experience.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 12 travelers, ensuring personalized attention from guides.
• Potential for Simplicity: Some travelers found the food and overall experience somewhat underwhelming, so manage expectations accordingly.

What the Itinerary Looks Like in Practice

Pickup and Transfer: The day starts with an air-conditioned minibus collection from your hotel around 8:30 a.m., which is a major plus for convenience. This process is smooth, with the guide coordinating pickups in a friendly manner, ensuring everyone is accounted for before heading to the boat harbor in Thong Krut.

Koh Tan Exploration: Your first stop is Koh Tan, a small fishing village. Here, you’ll find calm waters and a vibrant coral reef teeming with marine life—ideal for snorkeling. The provided gear makes it easy to explore without extra cost. Reviewers mention the snorkeling here as a real highlight, thanks to the clear waters and diverse sea creatures.

Pig Island – Koh Mudsum: After a quick boat ride, you’ll arrive at Koh Mudsum, famous for its swimming woolly pigs. This uninhabited island feels like stepping back in time—no electricity or water, just white sand beaches and free-roaming pigs. Many reviews note that the pigs are surprisingly friendly, and the sight of them swimming and lounging on the beach is genuinely charming. You can also kayak, swim, or simply soak up the tranquil surroundings.

Lunch on the Beach: Around midday, the tour offers a traditional Thai meal served right on the beach, with stunning sea views. The food, described as tasty and filling, is a highlight for most, though a reviewer mentioned it was not exceptional. Still, sitting on the sand, watching pigs roam freely, adds a unique vibe that outweighs any minor shortcomings.

Return Journey: Around 2:30 p.m., the boat departs back to Koh Samui, with the return crossing offering scenic views of the islands and chances to spot sea turtles or other marine life. The journey takes about 30 minutes, and many mention how the scenery is truly memorable.

Drop-off and End of Day: By 3 p.m., you’ll be back at the starting point, with the minibus dropping you off at your hotel. The entire experience comfortably fits into a 4-5 hour window, making it an easy day trip.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic Island Experience: Unlike more commercial tours, this one emphasizes untouched islands. The lack of electricity or water on Koh Mudsum offers an authentic feel, perfect for travelers seeking a genuine escape.

Wildlife and Unique Encounters: The highlight for many is the woolly pigs, which are surprisingly friendly and fun to watch. Several reviewers mentioned the pigs swimming as a memorable highlight, adding a playful, almost surreal element to the trip.

Focus on Snorkeling and Water Activities: With free snorkeling gear and calm waters, exploring the reefs around Koh Tan is accessible and rewarding. Kayaking adds an extra layer of fun, giving you flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Value for Money: When you consider the inclusion of lunch, snorkeling gear, kayaking, insurance, and transportation, the overall cost feels reasonable. Many users have noted that this is one of the cheapest tours on Koh Samui, offering a good balance of activity and relaxation.

What Could Be Improved?

Food Quality: While the Thai lunch is generally considered tasty, a few reviews mention it wasn’t exceptional. If you’re expecting gourmet cuisine, you might be disappointed. However, the setting and the experience of dining on the beach often compensate for this.

Experience Depth: Some might find the tour a bit simplified or rushed, especially if they’re expecting a more luxurious or comprehensive experience. It’s designed for relaxed, family-friendly fun rather than high-end adventure.

Additional Fees: The Koh Mudsum entrance fee of 50 THB isn’t included, so budget for that extra cost. It’s a small fee but worth noting to avoid surprises.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits travelers looking for a relaxed, affordable day exploring unspoiled islands with plenty of underwater and wildlife encounters. If you love snorkeling, aren’t picky about gourmet food, and want to see something truly unique like swimming pigs, this trip is a fantastic choice. It’s also ideal for small groups, thanks to the maximum of 12 participants, making it easier to interact with guides and fellow travelers.

However, if you’re after a luxury experience or elaborate cuisine, you might prefer other options. This trip is best for those who value authenticity, affordability, and a good dose of nature over comfort or exclusivity.

The Sum Up

The Koh Samui Pig Island Eco Tour offers a wonderful balance between adventure and relaxation. For a reasonable price, you’ll snorkel vibrant reefs, kayak tranquil waters, and enjoy the novelty of swimming pigs on an unspoiled island. The small group setting and friendly guides add a personal touch that enhances the experience.

While the food might not impress gourmet enthusiasts, the stunning scenery, authentic island feel, and adorable pig encounters make this tour a memorable outing for many. It’s especially well-suited for those who want a straightforward, fun-filled day immersed in nature without breaking the bank.

If you’re after a laid-back adventure that combines marine exploration with a touch of wildlife magic, this trip is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your Koh Samui accommodation in an air-conditioned minibus.

What activities are part of the tour?
You’ll enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, and relaxing on the beaches of Koh Mudsum and Koh Tan.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is about 4 to 5 hours, from pickup around 8:30 a.m. to return by approximately 3 p.m.

Is there an additional fee for anything?
Yes, there is a 50 THB entrance fee for Koh Mudsum, which is not included in the tour price.

What’s the main highlight of the trip?
The swimming woolly pigs on Koh Mudsum are the star attraction, often described as a fun and surprising sight.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the relaxed, family-friendly activities suggest it’s suitable, especially given the small group size and gentle water activities.

What is the lunch like?
A traditional Thai meal served on the beach, generally considered tasty, though not gourmet.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Based on reviews, guides are attentive, friendly, and helpful, making the experience more enjoyable.

How’s the snorkeling?
Many travelers find the coral reefs around Koh Tan stunning, with calm seas making it easy to see diverse marine life.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations due to bad weather are also handled with rescheduling options or refunds.