Pigs, snorkels, and turquoise water in one run. This private longtail boat outing is a smart way to see two islands in a half-day: you get time on Pig Island (Koh Madsum) plus snorkeling and sailing-style water time around Koh Tan. I especially like the mix of beach relaxation and water play, and I also like that the tour is paced for a private group instead of a rushed conveyor belt. One real drawback to note: the toilet on Pig Island can be pretty rough.

You’ll start with a short boat ride, then settle into a classic island rhythm—hang on a small stretch of paradise, snorkel when the water is clear and calm, and then enjoy the ride between stops. The tour is about 4 to 5 hours total, and it runs best if you’re ready to get salty, sun-kissed, and mildly sandy without expecting full resort comforts.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Pig Island time is the main event: expect close-up, friendly pigs when you arrive on Koh Madsum
• Koh Tan is for water lovers: you’ll spend about 2 hours there, with snorkeling included
• Snorkel well away from shore: fish and rocks are where the action is, not right at the sand
• You’ll get the tools, but not the towels: snorkeling gear and life jackets are included, towel is on you
• Private means less waiting: you can keep the pacing without sitting around with strangers
• Plan for basic facilities: one toilet stop on Pig Island may not be your favorite moment

Ko Samui to Pig Island and Koh Tan: Why This Private Route Works

If you’re staying on Ko Samui and want a half-day that feels like a mini island getaway, this tour hits the right buttons. You’re not just cruising past the coastline. You’re actually going ashore on Koh Madsum and spending substantial time on Koh Tan—which is where the water clarity and snorkeling usually make the biggest impression.

The private format is also key. Even when you book a small group, you’re not stuck waiting for the slowest person, the most indecisive photo taker, or the group that keeps the captain circling. The pacing tends to feel smoother and more natural, especially for a 4 to 5 hour tour where time matters.

One more reason this route works: the itinerary is built around short boat legs between islands. That keeps the day moving and reduces the time you spend only sitting. You’re basically trading travel boredom for beach and reef time.

The Boat Ride Rhythm: Getting From Stop to Stop Without Losing the Day

The day follows a simple rhythm. You’ll start with pickup (if you choose that option), then you’ll head to the water. After that, you’ll do a first river boat ride (about 30 minutes) before reaching Koh Tan. There’s another 30-minute boat leg before you move on to Koh Madsum, then a final longer return leg (about 40 minutes) after Koh Madsum.

This matters because it sets expectations. You’re not doing a full-day expedition. So you’ll enjoy the stops most if you show up ready to move: sunscreen on early, swimwear under clothes, and a waterproof bag for your phone and camera.

Also, if you’re in the hill/villa areas: pickup is only on the main road. That’s not a complaint—just a practical heads-up so you don’t expect a door-to-door ride.

Koh Tan for 2 Hours: Turquoise Water Time That Actually Feels Relaxed

Koh Tan is where the tour becomes more than just “shore sightseeing.” You’ll have about 2 hours to explore the area and enjoy the water. This is also the stop where snorkeling fits naturally into the plan.

I like that you get a solid chunk of time instead of a quick in-and-out stop. It gives you room to settle in, decide whether you want a slow beach moment first, and then move toward the snorkeling when you’re ready.

One practical note: the tour includes bottled water, plus you’ll have life jackets provided. That means you can focus on comfort and enjoying the day, rather than worrying about what gear you forgot.

Snorkeling on Koh Tan: How to See Fish (and Not Just Splash Around)

Snorkeling is the big ticket for many people here, and you’ll get snorkeling equipment as part of the package. The trick is where you put your effort. A useful tip from the experience: stay away from the shore when you snorkel. That’s where the fish tend to be hiding among rocks and underwater structure, not right in the shallow water line.

So here’s how I’d approach it. When you put your head underwater, look for the rocky areas rather than the sandy shallows. Let yourself float and adjust calmly instead of kicking hard and chasing every wave. If you rush, you tend to cloud the water and spend more energy than you need.

Also follow the basic marine rules you’ll be given: don’t touch marine life. If you keep a respectful distance, you’ll get a better look and you’ll protect the reef.

If you’re the kind of snorkeler who loves a clear view, Koh Tan is the better moment in the day. The schedule gives you time to do it right.

Koh Madsum (Pig Island) for About 2 Hours: Beaches and Friendly Faces

Koh Madsum is known as Pig Island, and the name isn’t just marketing. When you land, you’ll likely see pigs quickly, and they’re famously friendly in the sense that they approach calmly and act like they’ve been expecting visitors.

A small but memorable detail: when you arrive, you get a free bottle of water. Keep it. The pigs seem to enjoy drinking from it, and doing that turns a simple beach stop into a goofy photo moment you’ll actually remember later. The key is to handle it responsibly and keep things tidy.

You’ll also find food and drinks available on the island. That helps you avoid the common mid-tour problem of getting hungry at the exact moment your energy dips. If you want a snack or something refreshing, this stop is built for that.

The beach time itself is a big part of the experience. You can relax on the shore, take photos, and just enjoy the view. This is the segment where you can do the classic island thing: stop planning for a few minutes and let the day slow down.

The one downside I’d call out clearly is facilities. The toilet situation on Pig Island can be a letdown, based on at least one firsthand experience. Pack smart: if you’re sensitive to basic bathrooms, bring what you need so you’re not stressed.

The Optional Lunch and Kayaking Add-On: Worth It or Skip It?

Food and water are part of the day, and you can also add extras depending on what’s offered. Thai lunch and kayaking are listed as optional. The tour doesn’t include them by default, so you’ll want to decide based on your own travel style.

Here’s my practical take. If you want more activity and don’t mind adding cost, the optional kayaking can be a fun way to extend the water time at a slower, closer-to-the-surface pace. If you’re mainly there for snorkeling and beach lounging, you might be happier keeping things simple and just using the on-island food options when you reach Koh Madsum.

Since this is a half-day, you don’t want to overpack your schedule. The tour already has enough highlights. Pick the add-ons that match your energy level that day.

What’s Included vs. What You Provide

This tour is pretty clear about what you get, and that’s a good sign. In the included list, you’ll find:

• Private longtail boat
• Bottle water
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jacket
• Hotel pickup and drop-off only if you select that option

You’ll need to provide other basics. Bring:

• Hat
• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Camera
• Snacks (if you like having control over food)
• Sunscreen
• Water (staying hydrated is part of the plan)

Also plan for a waterproof bag for your belongings. You’ll be on and off boats and in the water. Phones and cameras do not fare well in accidental splashes.

One more rule that’s worth internalizing early: don’t litter, don’t touch marine life, and don’t touch plants. It’s simple, but it makes the island look better for the next visitor and protects the reef.

Price and Value: Is $57 Fair for This Private Longtail Day?

At $57 per person for a 4 to 5 hour private outing, the value mostly comes down to two things: privacy and how much you actually use the snorkeling and beach time.

A private longtail usually costs more than shared options, but you’re paying for flexibility and less waiting. If you’re traveling as a couple or a small group, this can feel like a solid deal because the boat is reserved for you. If you’re traveling solo, it may feel like you’re paying a premium for the privacy component, unless you’re okay buying the experience rather than optimizing the price.

What helps the price feel reasonable is that snorkeling gear and life jackets are included. A lot of tours nickel-and-dime you for basics like that. Here, the essentials are already in the package.

The beach fee is separate: THB 50 per person. That’s not crazy money, but it’s still a cost you should mentally account for so you’re not surprised at the island.

Overall: for the combination of Koh Tan water time plus Koh Madsum beach time—on a private longtail—that $57 price can be fair, especially if your goal is to actually enjoy the islands rather than just check boxes.

Timing, Pacing, and Who This Tour Fits Best

The full duration is 4 to 5 hours. That’s long enough to feel like you did something real, but short enough that you don’t lose the entire day to logistics.

The private group format can be a big win if you:

• Want to snorkel at your own comfort level
• Prefer fewer delays and less waiting
• Like having the time to relax between water activities

Who should skip it or think twice:

• Pregnant women
• People with mobility impairments
• People prone to seasickness

That’s not just policy language. Longtail boats and short rides over water can be uncomfortable for some bodies and stomachs. If seasickness is your thing, consider ginger, motion strategies, and ask yourself honestly whether you can handle the ride.

If you’re a comfortable swimmer and you want a half-day of beach plus reef time, this tour lines up nicely with that.

The Return Trip: What to Do With the Last Boat Leg

After Koh Madsum, you’ll do the final 40-minute river boat return and then drop off at three locations (including Kohtantour & transport and Ko Samui areas). The point of this is to keep the day efficient and wrap it before you’re exhausted.

For the ride back, I’d plan to cool down and rehydrate. Use the last stretch to rinse your expectations down to earth: you got your island time, you saw the reef (if you snorkeled well away from shore), and you had a genuinely different stop with Pig Island.

If you’re heading back to your beach plans afterward, keep some flexibility. You might be sandy. You might also be sun-kissed enough that a quick shower becomes your best friend.

Should You Book This Private Longtail Boat Tour?

Book it if you want a compact island day that mixes Koh Tan snorkeling with genuine beach time on Koh Madsum, and you’re the type who values private pacing. The combo is the selling point: you get both water action and a unique island experience with friendly pigs, plus you’re on the water long enough to feel like it’s more than a quick photo stop.

Skip it if bathrooms and basic facilities really bother you, because the toilet situation on Pig Island can be poor. Also skip if you’re prone to seasickness or you’re dealing with mobility limitations that make boat rides hard.

If you do book: come prepared with sunscreen, bring a waterproof bag, and remember the snorkeling tip—go farther from shore to find the fish around the rocks. With a little planning, this becomes a memorable half-day on Ko Samui’s island neighbors, not just another boat outing.

FAQ

How long is the Ko Samui private longtail boat tour?

The tour lasts about 4 to 5 hours total.

What is the price per person?

The price is listed as $57 per person.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a life jacket are included.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select the option. If you’re staying in villas on the mountain, pickup is on the main road only.

Do I have to pay a beach fee?

Yes. There is a beach fee of THB 50 per person.

Is Thai lunch or kayaking included?

No. Thai lunch and kayaking are optional and not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, snacks (if you want), sunscreen, and water. A waterproof bag is also recommended for your belongings.

What time should I arrive?

Be there about 20 minutes before the start time.

Who isn’t this tour suitable for?

It isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or people prone to seasickness.