Koh Samui: Koh Madsum, Koh Tan & Koh Rap by Longtail Boat

Discovering Koh Samui’s Hidden Islands: A Longtail Boat Adventure

Travelers looking for a unique blend of quiet beaches, vibrant underwater life, and playful animal encounters will find this Koh Samui island-hopping tour by longtail boat quite appealing. It promises a relaxed pace, personalized experience, and a chance to escape the busy tourist spots.

What we love about this experience is the personalized private group setting, the chance to snorkel around colorful reefs, and the chance to visit Koh Rap, home to pigs and deer. The only potential downside is the rougher waters during the channel crossing, which some might find a bit nerve-wracking if prone to seasickness.

This tour is best suited for travelers seeking a less commercialized, more intimate day on the water, especially those who enjoy snorkeling, animals, and stunning scenery. Families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a flexible, all-inclusive half-day adventure will also appreciate its straightforward and well-organized nature.

Key Points

• Private, flexible experience with a dedicated guide and boat
• Excellent snorkeling opportunities in clear waters full of tropical fish and coral
• Visit to Koh Rap, a quiet island with pigs and deer, offering a unique animal encounter
• Comfortable transportation from anywhere on Koh Samui, including optional hotel pickup
• Casual, relaxed pace suitable for most ages, but not recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility issues
• Cost-effective for a personalized experience with multiple island stops

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

This tour offers a thoughtfully structured plan, making sure you get the most out of your half-day adventure without feeling rushed. Starting from your hotel pickup — which is available for most locations on Koh Samui — you’ll board a private longtail boat, setting off on a 40-minute ride to your first stop.

Koh Madsum, affectionately known as Pig Island, is the first highlight. As one reviewer noted, “There were sooo many pigs on the beach and out back eating food,” making it a fun stop for animal lovers and families alike. The pigs are friendly and playful, often mingling with visitors, but travelers should come prepared with flip flops due to sharp coral and pig poop on the beach. A bar is available for drinks, so you can relax while watching the pigs wander around.

Next, the boat heads to Koh Rap, a true hidden gem. This island feels like your own private paradise, where you can relax on white sandy beaches and enjoy the tranquility. Reviewers mention that “apart from staff, we were the only people on the island,” which adds to the feeling of exclusivity. Visitors often mention the adorable puppy and the chance to take romantic photos at sunset, thanks to the captain’s knack for capturing beautiful moments.

The third stop is Koh Tan, renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and colorful marine life. Snorkeling here is a highlight, with many reviewers remarking on the crystal-clear waters and abundance of tropical fish and coral. The experience of floating over reefs with giant clams and schools of fish is described as both relaxing and mesmerizing.

The tour wraps up with a return ride on the boat, and a transfer back to your accommodation, completing a well-rounded, authentic island-hopping experience.

The Experience of a Private Longtail Boat

The advantage of booking a private group tour is the flexibility and comfort it provides. Unlike crowded speedboats, this trip uses a large wooden longtail boat, which feels more authentic and less hurried. A notable detail from reviews is the knowledgeable guides and captains who prioritize safety and smooth sailing — “the boat driver was magnificent,” as one guest put it.

The boat rides are about 40 minutes between islands, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Keep in mind, the water crossings can be quite wet, and guests mention getting “very wet” — but in warm weather, this adds to the fun. Bringing a waterproof bag for your valuables and camera is highly recommended.

What’s Included and What to Bring

The tour provides a private longtail boat with a dedicated captain, hotel pickup (if applicable), and the flexibility to tailor your day. You will need to bring essentials such as a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water.

While the tour is designed for most, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or guests with mobility issues. The experience emphasizes an informal, relaxed vibe rather than structured activities, which enhances the spontaneous nature of island visits.

Pricing and Value

Considering the personalized nature of the tour, the price offers excellent value. You get a private boat, multiple stops, snorkel gear, and flexible timing all packed into a 5-hour window. Plus, the option to reserve now and pay later adds convenience for travelers with flexible plans.

The inclusion of hotel pickup (depending on location) saves extra hassle, and the opportunity to skip the crowds at the popular spots makes this a worthwhile choice, especially for those wanting a more genuine experience.

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Authentic Experiences from Real Travelers

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly and skilled guides, who go out of their way to make the trip special. One guest from the UK shared, “The captain suggested Koh Rap first due to the wind, which was thoughtful and made the crossing smoother.” Others appreciated how quiet and uncrowded the islands felt, with one commenting, “We were the only people on Koh Rap, which was fantastic.”

Snorkeling is often mentioned as a major highlight, with guests noting the vivid coral reefs and colorful fish, and stating they enjoyed “floating among giant clams and tropical fish.” The pig encounters, with plenty of playful piglets and relaxed wild pigs, add a fun and unexpected animal encounter that’s not typical on most tours.

Final Thoughts

This Koh Samui island-hopping trip by longtail boat offers an authentic, flexible way to explore some of the region’s quieter, less commercialized islands. It’s perfect for travelers who value personalized service, underwater adventures, and unique animal experiences.

The tour’s relaxed pace, stunning scenery, and knowledgeable guides make it a worthwhile choice for anyone wanting a half-day escape from the crowds. It balances adventure with comfort, allowing you to truly feel like you’re discovering Thailand’s hidden gems.

If you’re after a private, well-organized day on the water with plenty of snorkeling and animal encounters, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s a fantastic way to see Koh Madsum, Koh Tan, and Koh Rap in one go, with the added bonus of a personal touch that larger tours can’t match.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 5 hours, including pickup, boat rides, and island stops.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, if you’re staying at certain locations on Koh Samui, the tour offers a private pickup from your hotel or villa.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water. Waterproof bags for valuables are recommended due to the wet boat rides.

Can I snorkel at each island?
Yes, snorkeling is included at Koh Tan and generally available at the other stops, with clear waters full of tropical fish and coral.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, but keep in mind the boat rides can be wet, and the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women or guests with mobility issues.

Are meals or drinks included?
No, but there are bars on some islands where you can purchase drinks and snacks at your own expense.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and book with the option to pay later.

What’s the capacity of the boat?
The boat is suited for private groups, providing a comfortable and intimate experience, not a large crowd.

To sum it up, this private longtail boat tour from Koh Samui offers a relaxed, genuine, and memorable way to explore the region’s quieter islands. With stunning snorkeling, animal encounters, and personalized service, it’s a fantastic choice for those wanting a more authentic Thai island experience. Perfect for adventurous families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a flexible, off-the-beaten-path day.

You can check availability for your dates here: