Luxury Floating Bar and Snorkeling at Koh Madsum

If you’re considering a day trip from Koh Samui to Koh Madsum, this luxury floating bar and snorkeling tour offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and fun. While some travelers cherish the scenic cruise and stunning island views, others have found the snorkeling experience less vibrant than expected.

What we do love about this trip is the convenience of hotel pickup, the stylish two-story boat complete with a fully stocked bar, and the delicious buffet lunch—all making it a comfortable, enjoyable day. The opportunity to unwind with cocktails, dance to a live DJ, and meet the friendly resident pigs on Pig Island are definite highlights. However, some reviewers noted that the snorkeling conditions can be disappointing due to coral damage and limited marine life, which is something to keep in mind if snorkeling is your main goal.

This tour is perfect for families, couples, and groups wanting a mix of relaxation and adventure without breaking the bank. If you’re after a lively atmosphere on the water with options for active water sports at extra cost, it might be worth considering.

Key Points

• Comfortable, stylish boat with a bar and live DJ makes for a lively atmosphere.
• Well-organized transfers ensure ease of access from your hotel.
• Food is praised for being good and plentiful, with options catering to dietary needs.
• Snorkeling has mixed reviews; coral damage and limited fish sightings have been noted.
• Extra water sports like jet skiing and banana boats are available at an additional cost.
• The tour’s 7-hour duration balances sightseeing, activities, and relaxation.

An In-Depth Look at the Koh Madsum Floating Bar and Snorkeling Experience

The Booking and Arrival Process

Booking this tour generally requires planning about a month in advance—most travelers book around 36 days ahead—indicating its popularity. The experience kicks off at around 9:00 am with hotel pickups from Koh Samui, which makes it a hassle-free start. The included transfer service means you won’t need to worry about navigating to the pier yourself, which is a big plus for those unfamiliar with the area.

Once at the pier, you’ll board a custom-made, two-story boat. The vessel is described as stylish and well-equipped, with a fully stocked bar, live DJ, and ample space to relax or dance. This floating party vibe is apparent from the start, creating an atmosphere that balances fun with comfort, especially with the included buffet lunch that is generally considered satisfying.

The Cruise to Koh Madsum

The journey itself offers beautiful views, perfect for taking photos and getting a feel for the surrounding waters. Travelers tend to find this part of the trip relaxing and scenic, setting the tone for the day ahead. The boat’s design and crew’s friendliness help foster a lively, welcoming environment.

Koh Madsum and Pig Island

The first stop is Koh Madsum, famously known as Pig Island. Here, the friendly resident pigs often greet visitors on the sandy shores. As one reviewer described, it’s a “beautiful serene trip,” and the pigs are a hit among families and animal lovers. The island’s beaches are pristine, and there’s plenty of space to sunbathe or take photos with the pigs.

Snorkeling and Water Activities

After a relaxing period on the beach, the tour offers snorkeling equipment for exploring the crystal-clear waters. However, a common criticism—especially from Tina_G—is that the snorkeling was less impressive due to dead coral and limited fish sightings. She mentions, “the snorkeling was so depressing!!! Dead coral! We saw maybe 10 fish.” This suggests that if snorkeling is your priority, you might find this stop underwhelming compared to other destinations with richer marine life.

For those seeking more active water fun, options like jet skis, banana boats, and donut rides are available at an extra THB 1,200, which could be a worthwhile splurge for adrenaline junkies. Reviewers note that these rides add a fun, energetic dimension to the trip, although they are not included in the base price.

Food and Drinks

The buffet lunch is noted as a positive aspect, with some reviewers mentioning it as “good” and feeling it offers great value. During the cruise, a fully stocked bar keeps drinks flowing, and you’re encouraged to sip cocktails while enjoying the scenery or lounging on the deck.

The Atmosphere and Group Dynamics

While the boat is designed for fun, some travelers found it more laid-back than lively. HUGH_C describes it as a “beautiful serene trip” with “wonderful hosts,” and appreciated the not overcrowded environment, which allows ample space to move around and relax. Conversely, Tina_G’s comment about napping suggests not everyone was in party mode—some just wanted to unwind.

Duration and Overall Value

The entire experience lasts around 7 hours, a good length that balances time on the water with beach time. At approximately $97 per person, the price point seems reasonable given the included hotel transfers, buffet lunch, snorkeling gear, and insurance. That said, the extra costs for water sports are an added expense to consider if you want more thrills.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing some peace of mind. Weather-related cancellations are handled smoothly, with the option to reschedule or get a full refund. The group size is capped at 45 travelers, which helps maintain a comfortable, less crowded environment.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This trip is ideal if you’re after a comfortable, social day on the water with good food, a lively boat atmosphere, and the chance to see Pig Island. It works well for families, couples, or small groups looking for a mix of relaxation and light adventure. However, if snorkeling and marine life are your top priorities, you might want to consider other options or prepare for a potentially underwhelming underwater experience.

Summary of the Experience

You’ll love the stylish boat, fun atmosphere, and delicious food. The scenic cruise and friendly pigs on Koh Madsum make for memorable moments. The water sports at extra cost add excitement, but the snorkeling might disappoint those expecting vibrant reefs. It’s a well-rounded tour offering a nice blend of everything, depending on what you’re seeking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel, making it easy to start your day without logistics stress.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, from pickup to return, providing plenty of time for activities and relaxation.

How much does extra water sports cost?
Jet ski, banana boat, and donut rides are available for an additional THB 1,200 each, giving you options for more active fun.

Is snorkeling worth it on this trip?
Reviews indicate that while snorkeling is included, the coral has been damaged, and marine life sightings are limited. If snorkeling is your main goal, consider other tours.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, children aged 3 to 10 have their own tickets, and kids under three can join for free.

What’s the food like?
The buffet lunch is generally praised for being good and satisfying, with dietary requirements accommodated.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour date. Weather cancellations will be rescheduled or refunded.

What’s the group size?
A maximum of 45 travelers ensures a comfortable experience, though it can feel lively or relaxed depending on the group.

Is this tour suitable for large cruise ship travelers?
No, this experience is not recommended for those arriving by cruise ship or large boats.

Final Thoughts

This Koh Madsum floating bar and snorkeling trip offers a balanced day of scenic cruising, beach time, and lively social atmosphere. The comfort of the boat, delicious buffet, and friendly vibe make it a good value for those wanting a mix of relaxation and fun.

However, the snorkeling conditions might not satisfy everyone, especially those seeking vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. The availability of water sports at extra cost adds some adrenaline, but keep in mind the overall experience leans more towards enjoying the scenery, the company, and the good food.

In essence, if you’re after a casual, enjoyable day with options for active pursuits and a lively boat scene, this tour could be a great pick. For travelers with higher expectations for underwater life, exploring other options might be advisable.

Whether you’re celebrating a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or just looking for a relaxed day on the water, this tour delivers a memorable experience — with some caveats worth noting beforehand.