Koh Samui: Private Longtail Boat to Pig Island with Snorkel

Travelers exploring Koh Samui often look for unique ways to enjoy its natural beauty and playful local attractions. This private longtail boat tour to Pig Island (Koh Madsum) and Koh Tan offers just that—an intimate, flexible way to spend part of your holiday in Thailand. With enthusiastic reviews and a focus on authentic experiences, this trip promises memorable moments with friendly pigs, colorful fish, and pristine beaches.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the private boat gives you the freedom to customize your day, without having to stick to rigid group schedules. Second, the interaction with adorable pigs on Koh Madsum is both heartwarming and hilarious. Third, the snorkeling at Koh Tan offers a lively underwater scene perfect for both beginners and experienced swimmers. One potential consideration? The sea conditions can influence snorkeling availability and transfer times, so flexibility and patience are key.

This tour is perfect for those seeking a relaxed, personalized adventure—families, couples, or groups wanting a taste of local charm away from the usual crowds.

Key Points

• Private Experience: Enjoy the comfort and flexibility of a boat just for your group.
• Authentic Encounters: Play with the friendly pigs and support local Thai boat captains.
• Beautiful Beaches: Relax and swim at untouched, turquoise-hued beaches.
• Vibrant Underwater Life: Snorkel in clear waters, discovering a variety of colorful fish and coral.
• Flexible Itinerary: Customize your time on each island, with options to extend or shorten your stay.
• Value for Money: A personalized tour that offers more intimate moments compared to large group excursions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Koh Samui Adventure: What to Expect

This tour offers a genuine slice of island life, with a private longtail boat as your vessel and a local Thai captain steering the way. Starting from Koh Samui, you’ll head to two nearby islands—Koh Tan and Koh Madsum—each with its own charm and surprises. The entire experience lasts around four hours, giving plenty of time to relax, explore, and soak up the scenery.

The Journey Begins: Koh Tan for Snorkeling

If sea conditions are favorable, your first stop will be Koh Tan. Here, the focus is on snorkeling—a highlight for many guests. The crew provides gear, and many reviewers note the vibrant aquatic life, with lots of colorful fish and coral. One guest mentioned that their captain threw in fish food to enhance the underwater experience, making it easier to spot the local marine life. Expect shallow waters, calm conditions, and plenty of opportunities to float above lively fish schools.

However, snorkeling is weather-dependent, and some reviews mention that water visibility can vary. If conditions are poor, the tour might skip snorkeling or spend more time on Pig Island instead. The flexibility of the guide and captain is key here, so be prepared for slight schedule adjustments.

Visiting Pig Island: Koh Madsum

Next, you’ll arrive at Koh Madsum, affectionately called Pig Island. It’s a picture-perfect spot with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The main attraction? The friendly pig population—some reviews describe them as adorable, curious, and surprisingly well-behaved, although a few mention that larger pigs can be a little pushy.

Reviews highlight how long guests get to spend interacting with the pigs, feeding them, or just relaxing on the beach. One guest shared, “We stroked the baby pigs for a very long time,” and others loved seeing the piglets zoom around freely. The owner of the pigs and dogs lives on the island, which adds an authentic, community-driven touch to the experience. Be mindful that if pigs do bite, rabies shots might be necessary, but most interactions are playful and gentle.

Guests also appreciate the lively atmosphere—some describe the pigs as entertaining, chasing each other or enjoying the attention, adding a fun, heartwarming element to your day. The island has basic amenities, including food and drinks, making it a relaxing stop.

Additional Highlights and Practical Details

The tour is completely private, meaning your group can linger at each location as long as you wish. Many reviewers, like one who said, “We had the whole thing to ourselves,” note this as a significant advantage over larger, crowded tours. The flexibility allows you to spend more time feeding pigs or snorkeling, depending on what excites you most.

The length of the tour—4 hours—strikes a good balance; enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The boat ride itself is often described as a scenic, authentic Thai experience—crisp waves, gentle breezes, and the chance to enjoy the coastal scenery.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Experience of the Guides

Most reviews praise the friendly, attentive nature of the local captains. Though their English might be basic, guests commonly mention how helpful and cheerful they are. One reviewer even noted that the captain threw fish into the water to entertain guests during snorkeling, which created a lively underwater scene.

Some mention minor communication hiccups, such as the captain trying to bring them back earlier than expected or not speaking much English. Still, this doesn’t detract from the overall experience—it’s part of the charm of a more authentic, less commercial trip.

Considering the Price and Value

Compared to big group tours, this private experience offers superior value—more personalized time, fewer crowds, and the ability to tailor your schedule. Guests frequently point out how worth the cost it is, especially if you value privacy and flexibility.

However, some mention that the cost might seem high if you’re only interested in Pig Island for a short time or prefer a quick, more budget-friendly trip. The key is appreciating the value of exclusivity and the chance to customize your day.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring essentials: Sunglasses, swimwear, towels, sunscreen, cash (for snacks or extras).
• Prepare for the weather: Thailand’s weather can be unpredictable; pack a waterproof bag if you plan to snorkel or get wet.
• Early bookings: The most popular time slots fill up quickly, especially the early morning, which tends to be quieter.
• Be respectful: Pigs and dogs live on the island and are owned by a local family. Treat them kindly, and avoid chasing or feeding them aggressively.
• Snorkeling conditions: If you’re eager to snorkel, plan for the possibility of weather impacting visibility. You might find some days better than others.
• Flexibility matters: Be open to schedule adjustments—your captain will do their best to accommodate weather or sea conditions.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who appreciate personalized adventures over crowded group tours. Families with kids (who love animals and shallow waters), couples seeking a romantic yet relaxed day, or groups wanting authentic local interactions will find it particularly appealing. If you’re keen on feeding pigs, snorkeling in clear waters, and having control over your schedule, this trip checks all the boxes.

It’s also ideal for those who want to support local Thai boat operators while enjoying a genuinely Thai experience away from touristy hustle. Just remember, it’s not suited for pregnant women, children under 2, or anyone prone to seasickness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The total tour lasts about 4 hours, giving enough time for each stop and some flexibility to extend your stay at either island.

Is snorkeling guaranteed?
Snorkeling at Koh Tan depends on sea conditions, which can vary. If weather isn’t favorable, the guide may skip snorkeling or spend more time on Pig Island instead.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, towels, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash for extras, and a waterproof bag if you plan to snorkel or get wet.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 2 or pregnant women. Kids who love animals and shallow waters should enjoy the experience, but check with the provider if you have specific concerns.

Can I customize my schedule?
Yes, since it’s a private tour, you can decide how much time to spend at each island, making it very flexible.

What language does the captain speak?
The captain speaks basic English, so while communication might be simple, most guests find it sufficient for the trip.

Final Thoughts

This private longtail boat tour to Pig Island and Koh Tan delivers a mixture of fun, relaxation, and authenticity. The chance to interact with adorable pigs on a quiet island, combined with snorkeling in clear waters, makes for a memorable day in Koh Samui. The ability to customize your experience, coupled with the friendly guides and stunning scenery, provides great value for those wanting a more intimate adventure.

It’s best suited for travelers who prioritize privacy and flexibility, and who enjoy a laid-back pace with opportunities for playful animal encounters and underwater exploration. If you’re after a genuine Thai experience that supports local communities while avoiding large crowds, this tour is definitely worth considering.

In summary, this tour offers a personalized, relaxed day out on the water that blends wildlife interactions with vibrant marine life—perfect for those looking to make authentic memories in Thailand. Whether you’re a couple, family, or group of friends, it’s an experience that balances fun, comfort, and cultural charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: