A private longtail to pig heaven is a good plan. You get two island stops near Koh Samui, with Pig Island at the center of the day, plus time to swim and snorkel at Koh Tan. I also like that the setup is private, so your group can move at its own pace instead of doing the usual clock-punching tour.

The big thing to keep in mind is that the snorkeling quality can vary. One guest described Koh Tan water that was not very clear, so I’d treat snorkeling here as a fun add-on rather than a guarantee of Instagram-level visibility.

You’ll be out for about 4 hours, with two roughly 2-hour blocks. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and even beach chairs are included, but there’s no guide on the tour, so it helps if you’re comfortable being self-directed.

Key Things I Think Make This Trip Worth Considering

• A true private longtail experience just for your group
• Two island stops in one half-day with room to linger
• Snorkeling gear + life jacket included, plus beach chairs
• Pig Island (Koh Madsun) is the main event for photos and relaxing
• Koh Tan admission may cost extra, while the second island is free
• Optional kayaking and lunch if you want to add time at Koh Tan

Private Longtail Flow: What Your Half-Day On the Water Feels Like

This is the kind of trip that feels simple on purpose. You start with transportation options from Koh Samui, then hop onto a longtail boat for short hops between islands. Because it’s private, you’re not stuck waiting while other people argue about where to take photos. You can keep things calm: swim when you feel like it, take breaks when you don’t.

The boat ride to Koh Tan is short, about 7–10 minutes, so you’re not losing most of your time to travel. After that, the day opens up at a relaxed island pace. That matters, because a half-day tour can either feel rushed—or feel like a real break. This one is built to feel like a beach day with water time, not a marathon.

Also, the tour ends back at the start point. Your meeting point is listed as CXC4+76H, 4170, Tambon Taling Ngam, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand, so plan to be there a little early, especially if you’re driving yourself.

Price of $67.78: Where the Value Really Comes From

At about $67.78 per person, the question isn’t just the sticker price—it’s what you’re getting without extra hassle. This package includes a lot of the stuff that usually adds up on island tours.

Here’s what you can count on as included:

• Life jacket
• Snorkeling equipment
• Accident insurance
• Beach chair
• Bottled water
• All entrance fees included (with one important exception noted below)

The pricing also makes sense if you plan to do the trip as a private boat rather than joining a larger group. The private part is the value driver: fewer delays, less crowd pressure, and a more flexible pace.

One possible cost surprise is that the first stop, Koh Tan, lists an admission ticket not included. The second island (Koh Madsun / Ko Mat Sum) lists admission ticket free. So part of the “value math” is how you handle Koh Tan’s admission fee on the day.

Koh Tan Stop: 2 Hours of Snorkel Time and Island Rest

Koh Tan is your first swim stop, with about 2 hours on the island. If you booked with pickup, you’ll be moved from your hotel area to the pier, then you’ll depart by longtail boat. The travel leg is brief, and once you arrive, you’re mainly there to relax and enjoy the water.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you’ll also have life jackets for extra comfort. That makes this easier for people who don’t want to shop for gear or arrange rentals. You can also add kayaking at Koh Tan as an optional activity, and lunch at Koh Tan is also listed as optional if you want to turn this into a longer-feeling island break.

Now for the realism. One written experience called out that the snorkeling at Koh Tan wasn’t very clear, with fish that were grey and small. That doesn’t mean you’ll have the same result—water conditions can change—but it does suggest you should keep expectations flexible. If your top priority is crystal-clear visibility, you might feel disappointed. If your priority is getting in the water and having a beachy day, the setup still works.

Practical advice for Koh Tan

• Wear sunscreen before you start and bring a towel for after your swim.
• If the water looks less clear, focus on the act of snorkeling and enjoy the shoreline time too.
• If you want kayaking or lunch, treat it as optional time management—there’s no endless day here, so decide early.

Pig Island (Koh Madsun): Pigs, Photos, and a Beach That Can Steal the Show

After Koh Tan, you head to the island also called Koh Madsun (listed as Ko Mat Sum in one place). This is the “pig island” stop, and it’s exactly what it sounds like: pigs are there waiting to greet visitors. You can take pictures, relax on the island, and spend the full 2 hours there at your own pace.

In a positive note from a German-language feedback, the highlight was very clearly the pigs, plus the island itself. That message described Koh Madsun as a genuinely beautiful beach, with pigs as the headline moment.

That said, one other experience called the second stop a bit disappointing, saying there was not much there beyond the pigs. I’d file that under expectations management. If you want a long list of activities—markets, big viewpoint walks, guided interpretive stops—this isn’t that kind of island. It’s simple: pigs, photos, sun, and a place to unwind.

How to enjoy Koh Madsun more

• Come ready to spend time on a beach. This isn’t a “run to ten attractions” kind of stop.
• Lean into the photo moments early, so you’re not scrambling when you’re tired.
• Be gentle around animals. Even if they seem relaxed, treat them like they’re part of the experience, not props.

Why the Short Longtail Ride Matters More Than You’d Think

Longtail boats are charming, but they also affect comfort and timing. Here, the rides are short and purposeful. The move to Koh Tan is about 7–10 minutes, which helps keep the day from feeling like constant boat time.

Also, you’re covered in basic safety basics. The tour includes life jackets, so you can enjoy the ride without worrying about whether you’ll have proper gear. And because beach chairs and bottled water are included, you’re not stuck improvising comfort once you reach shore.

It’s a small detail, but it changes the feel of the day. When comfort is handled, you spend your energy on the experience instead of logistics.

Snorkeling Reality Check: Your Best Day Plan

This trip includes snorkeling equipment, but the tour isn’t selling snorkeling as a guaranteed showpiece of clear, colorful underwater life. One review complained that visibility was poor at Koh Tan. Another set of feedback still rated the day highly, largely because the boat experience and the pig island made up for it.

So here’s my balanced take. Snorkeling is absolutely part of the plan, but you should treat it as “time in the water” rather than a must-win hunt for perfect reef photos.

The trip also requires good weather. If weather is bad, the experience can be rescheduled or refunded. That’s a reminder that nature sets the terms—especially for water clarity and sea conditions.

If snorkeling is your #1 priority

• Be ready with a flexible mindset. If the water looks dull, shift focus to swimming and island downtime.
• If you’re adding optional activities like kayaking, don’t leave it until the last minute. Short islands mean short decision windows.

No Guide on This Tour: Freedom With a Tiny Learning Curve

A guide is not included. For some people, that sounds like a negative. For others, it’s the whole point.

The positive side is freedom. With private time, you don’t have to wait for an explanation or follow a scripted route. You can swim, take photos of pigs, and relax without feeling like you’re on a tight leash.

The downside is you’ll need to be your own organizer. You’ll handle your own pacing, keep track of return times, and manage whatever you want to do on the islands. That’s not hard, but it is different from tours where someone is constantly checking on the group.

In practice, this works best when you have:

• A comfortable group who can self-manage
• People who just want the experience of two islands and don’t need a lecture
• Basic comfort with snorkeling gear and water time

If you want a guided narration or structured activity on land, you might prefer a different style of tour.

Who This Private Pig Island and Koh Tan Trip Fits Best

This is a good fit if you want a private half-day with two distinct vibes: Koh Tan for water time, Koh Madsun for the pig-and-beach factor.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

• Want your own longtail boat for your group
• Care more about the day’s atmosphere than a detailed program
• Like animal-photo moments and beach downtime
• Prefer tours that include gear, safety items, and simple comforts like chairs and water

You might skip it if you:

• Need consistently clear snorkeling to feel satisfied
• Expect a second island with lots of developed activities beyond pigs and relaxing
• Want a guide telling you what to do at every step

Should You Book Pig Island & Koh Tan?

I’d book this trip if you’re the type of person who likes a simple plan: hop on a private longtail, get in the water, then spend your time where the main story is pigs and beach time. The included snorkel gear, life jacket, beach chairs, bottled water, and accident insurance make it feel more complete than many bare-bones half-day tours.

I’d be careful if snorkeling visibility is your top goal. Koh Tan conditions can be hit-or-miss, and one account described poor clarity. You’ll still have a fun day if you’re flexible and let the pig island do the heavy lifting.

One more reason to feel comfortable making a decision: the experience depends on weather and can be offered on another date or refunded if conditions are poor. If you’re traveling near the edge of the monsoon or you see rough seas ahead, this matters.

If your ideal Samui day is private time, water time, and a silly grin worthy pig island stop, this one earns its place on your shortlist.

FAQ

How long is the private longtail trip?

It lasts about 4 hours (approx.).

Is it private or shared with other people?

It’s private. Only your group participates.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Pickup is offered only if you book with transfer. Otherwise, you’ll use the meeting point.

Where do the tours start and end?

The activity starts at CXC4+76H, 4170, Tambon Taling Ngam, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84140, Thailand. It ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I get snorkeling equipment and a life jacket?

Yes. Life jackets and snorkeling equipment are included.

Is admission included for both islands?

Koh Tan lists admission ticket not included. The second stop, Koh Madsun (Ko Mat Sum), lists admission ticket free.

Is there a guide on the tour?

No guide is included.

Is kayaking included?

Kayaking at Koh Tan is optional, not automatically included.

Is lunch included?

Lunch at Koh Tan is optional.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.