Ko Samui: Private Longtail Boat Tour to Koh Madsum & Koh Tan

Koh Madsum’s friendly pigs are the star here, but the real treat is having a private longtail boat for two small islands in one half-day. You can spend about two hours on Koh Tan, snorkel in clear water, then relax on Koh Madsum’s beach with the pigs nearby. I especially like the easy island pairing and the freedom to avoid a crowded group schedule.

The tour includes snorkeling equipment and bottled water, which keeps the packing list short. It also offers hotel pickup when selected. The main catch is that lunch, kayaking, transfers in some options, and the THB 50 beach fee are extra, while the basic facilities on Pig Island may be rough.

Key points at a glance

• Pig Island gives you a playful beach stop: Koh Madsum is known for its friendly pigs, which may drink from the supplied water bottle.
• A private boat lets you set the pace: You avoid waiting around for a large group and can enjoy the stops at a more relaxed rhythm.
• Koh Tan is the snorkeling stop: Plan to move away from the shore, where fish gather among the rocks.
• The outing lasts four to five hours: The boat rides and two island visits create a manageable half-day from Ko Samui.
• Several costs sit outside the headline price: Lunch, kayaking, optional transfers, and the THB 50 beach fee are not included.
• The sea ride needs a little preparation: Comfortable beachwear, sunscreen, a towel, and a waterproof bag will make the day easier.

Two islands, one lively half-day

This trip works because Koh Tan and Koh Madsum offer different kinds of island time. Koh Tan is the more water-focused stop, with snorkeling around rocky areas and time to enjoy its turquoise sea. Koh Madsum is the lighter, more playful finale, where the famous pigs share the beach with sunbathers.

At $57 per person, the price is easiest to justify when you are traveling with friends, family, or a partner who values privacy. You are paying for a private longtail boat rather than simply a seat on a shared outing. That matters because the boat schedule does not have to feel as rigid.

I would not book this expecting a remote-island expedition or a full-day marine adventure. This is a short, approachable trip with roughly two hours at each island and boat rides between them. It gives you a taste of the Gulf of Thailand without taking over your entire day.

The overall rating is 4.3 from 45 ratings, which fits the nature of the outing: the pigs, private format, and snorkeling are strong attractions, while basic facilities and extra charges require realistic expectations.

Leaving Ko Samui by longtail boat

Your starting point depends on the option you choose. If hotel pickup is included, the operator can collect you from your accommodation, but people staying in mountain villas should expect pickup on the main road rather than at the villa itself.

You should arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure. That small buffer is useful for finding the right departure spot, sorting your belongings, and getting settled before the boat leaves.

The ride to the first island is listed as about 30 minutes. A longtail boat gives you an open-air view of the Gulf and a more traditional feel than a covered speedboat. It also means you should protect your phone and camera from spray, and keep loose items in a waterproof bag.

The boat is private, but the activity does not include a tour guide. You will have the boat captain and the operator’s arrangements, yet you should not expect a long stream of historical or ecological commentary. If you prefer independent time on the beach and in the water, that is a plus. If you want detailed interpretation, it is a limitation.

Koh Tan: two hours for water and shore time

Koh Tan is scheduled first, with about two hours to use as you wish within the planned activities. The main draw is snorkeling in clear water, with coral and fish found around the rocky areas.

One useful tip is to avoid staying right at the beach edge when snorkeling. The fish are described as gathering farther from shore, among the rocks, so you may see more by moving out into the designated water area with your life jacket and equipment.

The tour provides snorkeling gear and a life jacket. You should still bring your own mask if you have one you trust, but the included equipment makes this easier for casual snorkelers who do not want to pack extra gear.

Koh Tan also gives you time to sit back and enjoy the island setting. The two-hour window is long enough for a water activity followed by a pause on shore, though your exact balance of snorkeling and beach time may depend on sea conditions and the captain’s instructions.

This is not the place to touch coral, fish, plants, or any other marine life. Keeping your hands off the reef protects it and avoids the kind of careless behavior that quickly damages shallow water sites. Follow instructions around the boat and in the water, especially if conditions change.

For people prone to seasickness, the boat ride may be the hardest part of the trip. The sea crossing is not described as difficult, but a longtail boat is open and exposed to movement. If motion makes you unwell, this activity may not be a good match.

Koh Madsum and the friendly pigs

After Koh Tan, the boat ride to Koh Madsum takes about another 30 minutes. You then have around two hours to enjoy Koh Madsum, also called Pig Island.

The pigs are the reason most people choose this route. They are a memorable sight on the beach, and the supplied water bottle can become part of the fun. One especially practical tip is to keep that bottle after you arrive. You can refill it, and the pigs are fond of drinking from it.

Food and drinks are available on the island if you need them, but they are not part of the included package. Bring snacks anyway, particularly if you prefer to control what you eat or if your timing does not line up with the available food.

The island is best approached as a casual beach stop, not a polished resort. You can relax on the sunlit shore, watch the pigs, take photographs, and enjoy the views. Keep your distance when an animal needs space, and do not feed or handle wildlife unless the local setup clearly permits it.

Basic facilities may be disappointing. A recent rating specifically points to the toilet as a weak spot, so you should adjust expectations before arriving. This is one reason to use the facilities before leaving Ko Samui and to pack tissues or hand sanitizer if those are part of your usual beach kit. The tour data does not promise extensive amenities, and Pig Island is more about the setting and animals than comfort.

Koh Madsum can feel more social than Koh Tan because the pigs draw attention and the beach is the main focus. Still, the private boat makes the timing more comfortable. You are not tied to a large party’s every movement, and you can make the most of the stop without spending the whole day on the island.

What the private format is really worth

The private setup is the strongest practical reason to choose this tour. On a shared boat, you usually accept the group’s pace. Here, the boat is reserved for your private group, so the day can feel less like a checklist.

That does not mean you can ignore the planned timing. The advertised schedule still allows roughly two hours at Koh Tan, two hours at Koh Madsum, and about 30 minutes for the main boat legs, followed by a longer ride back. The complete outing runs about four to five hours.

The value improves when several people share the cost. At $57 per person, the tour is not the cheapest way to reach two nearby islands, but it includes the private boat, water, snorkeling gear, and life jackets. For a small group that wants privacy, this can be a fair half-day price.

You need to budget for the extras. Thai lunch and kayaking are optional. Hotel transfer may also be optional depending on your booking choice, and the beach fee is THB 50 per person. These costs are modest compared with the main price, but they still matter when comparing this with other island outings.

The private format is particularly useful if your group includes people who want different levels of activity. One person can snorkel while another spends more time on the beach. You can also avoid the frustration of waiting for a large group to finish lunch or return to the boat.

Lunch, kayaking, and the return to Ko Samui

Lunch and kayaking are available as optional additions, according to the tour details. They are not included in the $57 price, so check the selected option and confirm the cost before you set out.

The schedule places a cove, lunch, and kayaking after the snorkeling portion in the practical flow of the day. That gives you a chance to switch from water activity to a slower break. If you choose these extras, bring a little patience because food service and equipment use can affect the timing.

The ride back is listed as about 40 minutes, followed by drop-off at one of three locations connected with Kohtantour&transport, Ko Samui, or Koh Samui. Since drop-off choices can vary, check your selected option rather than assuming the boat will take you directly to your hotel.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only when that option is selected. Mountain villa accommodations receive pickup on the main road, not necessarily at the property entrance. That detail can save you a frustrating wait in the wrong place.

What to pack for a more comfortable boat day

You should arrive in comfortable beachwear and bring a change of clothes. Even if you spend most of your time on shore, the boat ride and snorkeling can leave you wet.

Pack these basics:

• Hat and sunscreen
• Swimwear and a towel
• Camera in a waterproof bag
• Snacks
• Drinking water
• Dry clothes for the return
• A waterproof pouch for phone, wallet, and room key

Bottled water is included, but bringing extra water is sensible, especially in the sun. The island stops are designed for beach time, and staying hydrated will make the afternoon more pleasant.

Apply sunscreen before boarding, then reapply as needed. You should also avoid littering and leave plants and marine life alone. These instructions are simple, but they matter in shallow coral areas and on small islands where waste and damage are harder to manage.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or people prone to seasickness. A longtail boat requires getting on and off at island stops, and the outing includes water activity. If any of those conditions apply to you, choose a land-based Ko Samui activity instead.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this outing to couples, families with older children, and small groups who want a private sea trip without giving up a full day. The combination of snorkeling, beaches, and pigs gives you plenty of variety in four to five hours.

It also suits people who like a simple plan. You do not need to organize your own boat, find snorkeling equipment, or work out how to combine Koh Tan with Koh Madsum. The core pieces are arranged, and optional lunch or kayaking lets you decide how much more to add.

This may not suit anyone seeking luxury facilities, a polished resort-style beach, or a heavily guided cultural tour. There is no tour guide included, Pig Island has basic toilets, and several useful extras cost more.

Families should think about the boat ride and the island access rather than focusing only on the pigs. The animal encounter is fun, but you still need sunscreen, water, beach shoes or comfortable footwear, and a plan for keeping belongings dry.

Should you book this private island tour?

Book it if you want a manageable half-day from Ko Samui, especially if a private boat and flexible pace matter to you. Koh Tan supplies the snorkeling, while Koh Madsum supplies the unusual pig encounter and relaxed beach time.

Skip it if you dislike boat movement, need strong accessibility support, or expect high-end facilities. Also add the beach fee, transfer choice, lunch, and kayaking to your real budget before comparing prices.

For most small groups, the private format makes $57 per person reasonable. Keep your expectations practical, pack for heat and spray, and treat Pig Island as a rustic beach stop rather than a luxury resort. That is the best way to enjoy what this trip does well.

FAQ

How long does the Ko Samui island tour last?

The tour lasts about four to five hours. The planned schedule includes boat rides of roughly 30 minutes, a two-hour visit to Koh Tan, another 30-minute boat ride, a two-hour visit to Koh Madsum, and about 40 minutes for the return ride.

Is this a private boat tour?

Yes. The experience uses a private longtail boat and is offered for a private group.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select that option. If you stay in a villa on the mountain, pickup is provided on the main road only.

What is included in the price?

The included services are a private longtail boat, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and a life jacket. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only with the selected transfer option.

Does the tour include lunch and kayaking?

No. Thai lunch and kayaking are optional extras, so they are not included in the basic tour price.

Is there an entrance or beach fee?

Yes. A beach fee of THB 50 per person is not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water. Comfortable beachwear, a change of clothes, and a waterproof bag for your belongings are also recommended.