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

Koh Madsum and Koh Tan Snorkeling Trip By Speedboat From Koh Samui: A Detailed Look

If you’re searching for a relaxing day on tranquil islands close to Koh Samui, the Koh Madsum and Koh Tan snorkeling trip offers a blend of gentle adventure, scenic beauty, and authentic Thai hospitality. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itineraries paint a picture of a well-rounded experience that many travelers find worthwhile.

What instantly appeals are the unspoiled beaches with crystal-clear waters, the chance to snorkel over vibrant reefs, and the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Thai lunch on a quiet island. The price point of about $56 per person makes it an accessible option for those seeking a full, multi-layered day outdoors, especially with included transfers from key Koh Samui hotels. However, it’s worth noting that the tour involves a relatively early start, and the group size is capped, which can influence the vibe.

This trip is best suited for those who love nature, snorkeling, and beach relaxation, and who value hassle-free arrangements. If you’re after a busy, adrenaline-packed day, or prefer private tours, this might not hit the mark. But for those eager to explore the calmer side of Koh Samui’s surroundings, it’s an excellent choice.

Key Points

• Unspoiled islands: Experience the quiet beauty of Koh Madsum and Koh Tan, away from crowded tourist spots.
• Snorkeling & kayaking: Enjoy the chance to see vibrant reefs and paddle in calm waters with provided gear.
• Authentic Thai lunch: Savor a cooked-to-order meal with soft drinks on Koh Madsum.
• Convenient transfers: Hotel pickup from key areas makes the experience smooth and stress-free.
• Group size: Tour accommodates up to 30 travelers, balancing personal attention with a social vibe.
• Value for money: Includes gear, lunch, insurance, and water activities at a reasonable price.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

The day begins early around 8:30am, with hotel pickups from popular areas like Lamai, Chaweng, Bangpor, Maenam, Bophut, and Bangrak. This flexibility suits most travelers, offering the convenience of being collected from your accommodation without navigating to a specific meeting point.

The first stop is Thong Krut Beach, where the group boards a speedboat around 9am. The boat ride to Koh Tan takes roughly 15 minutes, setting the tone for a breezy, scenic journey. From reviews, the boat rides are generally smooth, and guests often appreciate the quick transit that leaves plenty of time for activities.

Once on Koh Tan, you’re encouraged to snorkel over the white sands and coral reefs. The snorkel masks and life jackets are included, making this accessible even for beginners. As one reviewer highlighted, there are loads of fish and amazing coral, which is more than enough to keep snorkeling enthusiasts engaged for around 40 minutes.

Next, the group travels to Koh Madsum, known for its relaxed atmosphere and white sandy beaches. Many reviews mention the joy of swimming, relaxing on sunbeds, or exploring the shoreline. During this stop, guests can kayak, take in the views, or just unwind. The inclusion of sunbeds and kayaks adds a layer of comfort and activity variety.

Around midday, the group gathers on Koh Madsum for a delicious Thai lunch. The meal is cooked fresh and served with soft drinks and fresh fruit, providing a taste of local flavors amid stunning scenery. Guests often praise the quality and generous portions, with one reviewer noting the “really great meal and experience.”

The last part of the trip offers optional activities—more snorkeling, kayaking, or simple beach relaxation—before heading back to the pier around 2:30-3pm. The whole trip lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, comfortably filling a day with scenic exploration, fun, and delicious food.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Snorkeling over vibrant reefs is a major highlight, with many travelers noting the abundance of colorful fish and coral. The equipment provided appears to be adequate, and the shallow waters make it suitable for beginners. The small admission charge of 50 THB is a minor fee for access to the islands’ natural beauty, and it’s a worthwhile expense for the experience.

Kayaking and swimming are included, giving a more interactive component to the day. The peaceful beaches allow for plenty of sunbathing and relaxing—something many reviews emphasize as a major draw.

The Thai lunch on Koh Madsum is consistently praised for its quality. Being cooked fresh and served with soft drinks and fruits, it offers a genuine taste of local cuisine without the fuss of dining out in busy restaurants.

Transfers are seamless and flexible, with pickups from major areas like Lamai, Chaweng, and Maenam. This can save a lot of time and stress, especially for travelers staying in different parts of Koh Samui.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the experience scores well for value and scenery, some reviews highlight longer transit times—about 2.5 hours of travel in total—mainly due to transfers and boat rides. This can be tiring, especially on a hot day.

Another point to keep in mind is that the group size can go up to 30 travelers, which might feel a bit crowded for those who prefer intimate small-group experiences. Plus, some travelers expressed disappointment with the pig island stop, noting that the pigs are constantly feeding and the environment feels a bit chaotic. If you’re not excited about pig interactions, this part might be less appealing.

The admission fee of 50 THB per person is small but an extra expense to factor in. Also, if you’re arriving by cruise or large boat, this trip might not be suitable, as it requires a minimum of 10 participants to run.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Based on reviews, the crew is generally friendly and helpful, with many mentioning the good service and caring guides. One reviewer appreciated the “loads of fish to see” during snorkeling and the fact that the time allocated for snorkeling was more than enough. The quality of the lunch and the relaxing beach time on Koh Madsum are frequently praised, making it clear that the trip balances activity with downtime.

Some travelers also mentioned that the trip is well-organized, but others pointed out that waiting times can be longer than expected—such as a two-hour delay for pickup or transfer to the pier—so patience may be necessary.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This snorkeling trip offers a solid value for those eager to explore Koh Samui’s quieter islands. With a mix of snorkeling, kayaking, scenic beaches, and a hearty Thai lunch, it caters well to travelers looking for a laid-back, nature-centric day.

It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy water activities but are okay with some transit time and a group setting. The focus on natural beauty and simplicity makes it less ideal for those craving luxury or private arrangements but perfect for budget-conscious adventurers eager for authentic experiences.

In short, if you’re after a day of relaxed exploration in a peaceful environment, this tour could be the highlight of your Koh Samui stay.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel transfers from various areas, snorkeling masks and life jackets, kayaking, a Thai lunch with soft drinks and fresh fruit, accident insurance, and sunbeds for relaxing on the beach.

How long does the trip last?
It lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, starting around 8:30am with pickups, and returning by mid-afternoon.

Are the beaches suitable for children?
Yes, children between 4-11 years can participate with a child ticket. The shallow waters and gentle beaches make it suitable for younger travelers, though supervision is recommended.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or those with health issues?
Guests with high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases are advised against joining, as the trip involves boat rides and outdoor activities.

What is the main activity?
Snorkeling over reefs and exploring the beaches of Koh Tan and Koh Madsum are the core activities. Kayaking is also included for more hands-on fun.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start. Refunds are processed if canceled in time, but last-minute cancellations won’t be refunded.

Is it suitable for large groups or cruise travelers?
The tour requires a minimum of 10 participants and is capped at 30, so it might not be ideal for very large groups or cruise ship arrivals.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The tour starts at Jumpow Kitchen, with pickups arranged from major Koh Samui areas, making it convenient for most travelers staying nearby.

To sum it up, this snorkeling trip combines fantastic natural scenery with easy, enjoyable activities that suit a wide range of travelers. It’s a budget-friendly way to see some of Koh Samui’s quieter islands, and with thoughtful organization and friendly staff, it promises a memorable day on the water—especially if you love relaxing on beaches, snorkeling in reefs, and indulging in authentic Thai food.