Koh Madsum and Koh Tan Snorkeling Trip By Speedboat From Koh Samui

This review explores a popular day trip that takes you from Koh Samui to explore two stunning islands, Koh Madsum and Koh Tan. While we haven’t personally been, we’ve gathered a clear picture of what travelers experience, from tranquil beaches to vibrant reefs and tasty Thai cuisine.

What we love about this tour:
First, the opportunity for snorkeling over colorful reefs on relatively unspoiled islands offers a genuine escape from crowded tourist spots. Second, the all-inclusive nature, including hotel transfers, snorkeling gear, kayaking, and a Thai lunch, makes it a seamless experience. Lastly, the affordable price point of around $54 per person delivers solid value, especially considering the transfers and activities included.

However, a notable consideration is the length of travel and group size, which can impact the overall experience. This tour often involves a fair bit of time in transit, especially for those outside the immediate pickup zones, and it operates best with a minimum of 10 participants.

This trip will appeal most to travelers who want a well-organized day of beach, snorkeling, and relaxed island time without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. If you enjoy aquatic activities, good food, and straightforward logistics, this could be a great fit.

Key Points

• Unspoiled Islands: The trip focuses on Koh Madsum and Koh Tan, which are less crowded and more laid-back than other tourist spots.
• Snorkeling & Kayaking: Comfortable gear and equipment are provided, making it easy to enjoy the reefs and calm waters.
• All-inclusive Package: Transfers, meals, snorkeling gear, and activities are included, offering good value.
• Flexible Options: Available as a morning or sunset tour, catering to different preferences.
• Group Size & Booking: Tours run with a minimum of 10 people; booking in advance is recommended.
• Additional Costs: A small admission fee (50 THB) applies, plus optional extra transfers for remote areas.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Pickup and Transfer

The tour kicks off early in the morning with hotel pick-up from key locations such as Lamai, Chaweng, Bangpor, Maenam, Bophut, and Bangrak. The convenience of hotel transfers means you don’t have to worry about navigating or finding meeting points, which is often a big plus for travelers eager to relax from the start.

Once picked up, you’ll board a speedboat from Tong Grood, a short 15-minute cruise that gets you to the islands quickly, giving you more time to enjoy the day. For those on the sunset version, the timing shifts slightly, with pickups around 2:00 pm.

First Stop: Koh Tan

Your first stop is Koh Tan, just a quick boat ride away. Here, the main highlight is snorkeling over vibrant coral reefs and swimming in calm, clear waters. Reviewers mention that the reef is full of diverse fish and that the snorkeling time—typically around 45 minutes—is ample for a good look at marine life.

Some guests, like Kirsty, enjoyed the variety of activities, including kayaking and simply floating on the water. The shallow waters make it very manageable whether you’re a novice or experienced snorkeler. The calmness of Koh Tan’s waters means you’ll spend less time fighting currents, making it ideal for families or those new to snorkeling.

Second Stop: Koh Madsum

Next, the boat heads to Koh Madsum—famous for its striking white sand beaches and relaxed atmosphere. This island offers the chance for kayaking, swimming, or just lounging on the sands. Reviewers have appreciated the laid-back vibe, with one mentioning pigs returning to Pig Island (a nearby attraction) and the crew’s efforts to provide a memorable experience.

A standout feature here is the lunch served on the beach: a freshly cooked Thai meal with soft drinks and fruit. According to reviews, the meal is plentiful, tasty, and well-presented, adding value to the overall package. Many guests have also enjoyed the time to swim, sunbathe, or paddle around on kayaks supplied by the tour.

Optional Activities & Relaxation

The flexibility of the tour allows guests to choose between relaxing on the sands, kayaking, or snorkeling again before heading back. The crew is typically helpful, assisting with gear and ensuring everyone feels comfortable.

Return Journey

By around 2:30 pm (or 6:30 pm for the sunset tour), the boat departs for Koh Samui. The transfer back is straightforward, with most guests arriving at their hotels by 2:45 pm or 6:45 pm, depending on the tour.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour offers great value considering the cost of the transfers, snorkeling gear, kayak, and meals. The price of approximately $54 per person covers most essentials, with only a small additional fee (50 THB) for the island entrance.

Included are hotel transfers from several popular areas, snorkeling masks and life jackets, and a Thai meal with soft drinks and fruit. You’ll also have access to sunbeds and kayaks, making it a relaxing and active day.

On the flip side, there are extra transfer charges if you’re staying outside the main pickup zones, such as Nathon, Taling Ngam, or Lipanoi, which could add around 700 Baht per way.

Experiences That Enhance the Trip

Guests mention how organized and friendly the crew is, with staff doing their best to make the day enjoyable. The snorkel and kayak equipment are generally praised for being in good condition, and the meal quality is often highlighted as a pleasant surprise at this price point.

Possible Drawbacks

Some reviewers note that the timing can be tight, especially on the morning tour, with about 40 minutes allocated for snorkeling—enough for a quick peek but not an in-depth exploration. Others point out that the longer transit times—sometimes over two hours in a vehicle—can reduce the time spent on the islands.

Plus, due to the minimum group size requirement, cancellations can occur if the tour doesn’t meet the 10-person threshold, which might be frustrating for spontaneous bookings.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

A few review snippets provide real flavor to what you might experience:

• “We spent 3 hours on Pig Island which included kayaking and a delicious lunch,” mentions one guest, emphasizing the value of combining activities with a good meal.
• Another reviewer appreciated the coral reefs, stating, “There were loads of fish to see and the coral is amazing,” making it clear that snorkeling here really can be rewarding.
• A negative review pointed out delays and the length of the vehicle transfers, highlighting that if you’re expecting quick island hopping, this might not be your best choice.

These insights show that while the trip offers excellent value, a relaxed attitude towards timing and transit is key for maximum enjoyment.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits travelers who want a balanced mix of water activities and relaxation without breaking the bank. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a day of snorkeling, beach lounging, and good food—all organized for you.

It’s especially good for families, couples, or solo travelers who prefer a structured yet flexible day out. The inclusion of kayak and snorkeling gear makes it beginner-friendly, while the scenic beaches and coral reefs appeal to nature lovers.

However, those seeking a more immersive or extended snorkeling experience might find the allotted time a little limited.

The Final Word

This Koh Madsum and Koh Tan snorkeling trip offers a solid value proposition for anyone eager to explore some of Koh Samui’s quieter islands. The combination of easy logistics, scenic spots, and a tasty Thai lunch makes it a practical choice for a full day’s adventure.

The relaxed pace lets you unwind and enjoy the natural beauty without feeling rushed, though it’s worth being mindful of the transit times and the group size minimums. For budget-conscious travelers who want to sample the islands’ best bits without the hassle of solo planning, this trip hits many marks.

In the end, if you’re dreaming of sun, sand, and snorkeling, and don’t mind a few hours on a boat, this tour could be a highlight of your Koh Samui visit.

FAQ

How early do I need to book this tour?
Most travelers book about 10 days in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot.

What are the pickup times?
The morning tour starts with hotel pickups from 8:30 am to 9:00 am, while the sunset tour begins around 2:00 pm.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 4-11 can join, but those with pregnancy, high blood pressure, heart, or bone issues are advised against it.

How long is the snorkeling time?
You’ll typically get around 40-45 minutes per snorkeling session, which is enough to see the reefs but not for lengthy exploring.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, a small admission fee of 50 THB applies, and extra transfer charges may be added for distant pickup points.

What gear is provided?
Snorkeling masks, life jackets, and kayaks are included, all generally in good condition based on reviewer feedback.

Is transportation comfortable?
The transfers are via air-conditioned minivans or vehicles, with most travelers finding them quite comfortable.

Can I do this tour if I don’t snorkel?
Absolutely, you can relax on the beaches, kayak, or simply enjoy the scenery and a good meal.

What if the weather is bad?
The activity requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

This Koh Madsum and Koh Tan snorkeling trip provides a well-rounded, enjoyable day for those wanting to experience some of Koh Samui’s quieter islands, with practical arrangements that keep things simple and fun.