Pig Island(Koh Mudsum) and Koh Tan Half Day Snorkeling Tour

Travelers considering a trip to Koh Samui often look for experiences that combine natural beauty, fun encounters, and a touch of local charm. This Pig Island (Koh Mudsum) and Koh Tan snorkeling tour promises just that—a half-day escape filled with relaxed beach time, colorful marine life, and the adorable spectacle of swimming pigs. While it offers a unique combo of island hopping and snorkeling, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to see if it fits your travel style.

What we love about this tour is the chance to relax on pristine beaches, interact with friendly pigs, and snorkel in clear waters—all at a reasonable price of around $62 per person. The experience is well-suited for those who want a taste of island life without a full-day commitment. However, some travelers have found the snorkeling disappointing, which is worth considering if snorkeling is your main goal. This tour is best for relaxed explorers, animal lovers, and families wanting a scenic, easy-going day out.

Key Points

• Authentic encounters: Swimming with pigs on Koh Mudsum is a highlight for many travelers.
• Beautiful scenery: The beaches and waters of Koh Tan offer perfect photo opportunities.
• Well-organized logistics: Round-trip transfers, guides, and meals make for a smooth experience.
• Mixed reviews on snorkeling: Some find the snorkeling spot underwhelming, which might influence your expectations.
• Flexible options: Departure times at 08:00 and 13:00 allow you to choose what suits your schedule.
• Affordable price point: At $62, the tour provides a balanced mix of activities and relaxation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What the Tour Offers: A Breakdown of the Experience

The Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with a hotel pick-up, usually scheduled 10 minutes before your selected departure time—either 08:00 or 13:00. This shared transfer means your pickup could be early or slightly late, so it’s best to be punctual and ready. Once onboard, you’ll head out to Koh Mudsum (Pig Island), known for its adorable swimming pigs. This stop is very much the star of the show, especially for animal lovers. The chance to interact with the pigs, watch them paddle around the shallow waters, and maybe even snap some memorable photos makes this a playful highlight.

After some time on Pig Island, you’ll move on to Koh Tan, which is all about tranquility and natural beauty. Here, the waters are typically crystal-clear, perfect for snorkeling. The tour provides a snorkeling mask and life jacket, making the activity accessible even for beginners. While some visitors, like one reviewer, found the snorkeling disappointing, others appreciated the opportunity to see marine life in a quiet setting. It’s worth noting that one traveler mentioned that the snorkeling spot was “very disappointing,” so if snorkeling is your main focus, you might want to manage expectations.

Beach Time & Meals

On Koh Mudsum, you’ll enjoy unspoiled beaches, ideal for relaxing and taking photos. The sands are soft, and the waters inviting. The tour includes a delicious Thai meal—lunch for the morning session or dinner for the afternoon. Guests have appreciated the careful packing of lunches and the staff’s friendliness, as one reviewer noted, especially when they had to leave early for a ferry.

Additional Activities

Along With swimming pigs and snorkeling, some versions of this tour include optional activities like kayaking, adding to the fun. You may also find some free time to explore or simply soak up the sun. The guide, who speaks English and Thai, is generally praised for being knowledgeable and helpful, adding value to the experience by answering questions and sharing local insights.

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Duration and Timing

The tour lasts roughly half a day, with return times at either 15:00 or 20:00, depending on your departure. The afternoon session typically wraps up around 19:30. This flexible timing makes it easier to fit into your broader travel plans, whether you’re planning a relaxed morning or an early afternoon adventure.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Feedback

Reviews reveal a mixed but generally positive outlook. A GetYourGuide traveler from April 2025 rated the trip 5 out of 5, calling it a “brilliant day out”—highlighting the friendly staff and enjoyable boat ride. Conversely, another traveler, also via GetYourGuide, gave a 2-star review, citing disappointment with the snorkeling spot, emphasizing that “if you want to try snorkeling, don’t do this activity.” This suggests that while snorkelers hoping for vibrant marine life might be let down, those seeking a fun, relaxed day with animals and scenic beaches will find much to enjoy.

One reviewer named Anna raved about the snorkeling experience as “amazing”, though she noted that Koh Mudsum was quite busy, which can take away from the peaceful vibe. She also appreciated the kayaking included, which added extra value, and praised the staff for making her meal arrangements when she had to leave early.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Transportation and Group Size

Since this is a shared transfer, expect your pickup to be either early or slightly delayed. The benefit here is convenience—no need to organize your own transport—and the group size usually keeps the experience intimate enough to enjoy meaningful interactions. The guides are friendly and bilingual, which enhances the overall experience.

Price and Value

At $62 per person, this tour strikes a good balance—covering transportation, guides, meals, and activities. While the snorkeling may not wow everyone, the overall value lies in the unique encounter with the pigs, the scenic beaches, and the hassle-free logistics. For families, animal lovers, or travelers wanting a mix of relaxing and engaging activities, this price point offers decent value.

Who Is It Best For?

This tour suits families with children aged 4 and above, animal enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a laid-back day outdoors. It’s less ideal for serious snorkelers expecting vibrant coral and marine biodiversity, given some reviews’ comments on the snorkeling spot. Pregnant women, those with serious medical conditions, and individuals with mobility issues should note the tour’s restrictions and physical activities involved.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a fun, family-friendly outing that combines adorable animal encounters, scenic beaches, and light snorkeling, this tour will serve you well. It’s a great way to enjoy Koh Samui’s natural beauty without the need for full-day commitments or complex planning. The included meals and guides make it an accessible, straightforward choice for those seeking relaxed exploration.

However, if your main goal is vibrant marine life or top-tier snorkeling, you might find this tour somewhat underwhelming. The reviews suggest that, while the boat ride and pig interaction are memorable, the snorkeling spot isn’t the highlight for everyone. Still, the friendliness of the guides and the peaceful surroundings add real charm.

For a balanced, enjoyable day that offers a mix of animal fun, beach time, and light adventure, this tour hits the right notes. Just keep your expectations in check regarding snorkeling, and you’ll likely come away with some wonderful memories.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for young children?
Yes, children aged 4 and above can participate, with the tour designed to be family-friendly. Still, consider your child’s comfort with boats and water activities.

What should I bring?
Bring a change of clothes, cash for personal expenses, and sun protection like sunscreen and hats.

Are meals included?
Yes, a Thai meal is provided—lunch for the morning session and dinner for the afternoon.

Can I snorkel if I’ve never done it before?
Yes, snorkeling equipment (mask and life jacket) is provided, making it accessible for beginners. Just keep in mind some reviews found the snorkeling spot less impressive.

What if I have medical conditions?
The tour is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, epilepsy, heart disease, pregnancy, or disabilities. Check with your doctor if unsure.

What’s the best time to book?
Book at least 24 hours in advance to secure your spot and enjoy the flexibility of the “reserve & pay later” option.

Is there an option to customize the experience?
This is a group tour with set itineraries, so customization options are limited.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about half a day, with return times around 15:00 or 20:00, depending on your chosen departure.

In essence, this Pig Island & Koh Tan snorkeling tour offers a relaxed, family-friendly experience with charming animal encounters and scenic beaches at a reasonable price. While snorkeling may not be the main highlight for some, the overall vibe, good guides, and peaceful setting make it a worthwhile choice for many travelers seeking a taste of Koh Samui’s simpler pleasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: