Pigs, snorkels, and a speedboat in one trip. This tour is built for quick fun: you fly across the water on a modern speedboat to Koh Madsum (Pig Island), then wrap it up with snorkeling gear, lunch, and hotel pickup. Two big wins for me are the photo-and-petting time with piglets and the fact that lunch is handled for you.

One thing to plan for: it’s weather-dependent, and timing can stretch a bit depending on where you’re picked up and how choppy the sea is. If the day runs long, you’ll still get good value, but don’t expect a perfect 3–4 hour bubble.

Key things to know before you go

• Real half-day flow: speedboat out, pigs first, snorkeling second, then lunch.
• Lunch is included: you’re not hunting for food after you get sandy and salty.
• Pig Island fee may be extra: entrance on Pig Island can cost THB 50 per person.
• Shallow snorkeling style: fins aren’t provided for the short Pig Island snorkeling; ask what’s used for your session.
• Crew energy matters: guides like Alex and Superman get praised for keeping things moving and making photos easy.

Pig Island Tour basics: what kind of day this is

This isn’t a long, throw-everything-in buffet of islands. It’s a tight loop built around three moments: pigs, swimming/snorkeling, and lunch. The speedboat part is a key reason it feels like a proper tour instead of a ferry day. You’ll also get round-trip hotel transfer by A/C minivan, which removes most of the stress for a half-day plan.

The pig portion is obviously the headline, but it’s not only about looking. The island time is built for hanging out, taking photos, and petting piglets. Then you get a different vibe on the next stop, where snorkeling is the focus and you’re swimming near coral and reef fish.

If you’re the type who wants just one perfect beach chair moment, you might feel the schedule is a bit “go-go-go.” But if you want variety without a full-day commitment, this fits well.

Price and value: what $58.70 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At about $58.70 per person, the value is strong because a lot is included up front: hotel pickup/return, a buffet-style lunch, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, life jacket, and travel insurance. You also get an English guide and a professional crew, plus a “new modern speed boat” mentioned in the tour setup.

The one clear extra to keep in mind is the Pig Island entrance fee: THB 50. That fee isn’t included in the price, so you should expect it as a small add-on when you arrive.

Here’s how I’d frame the cost: you’re paying for convenience and timing. If you tried to piece this together yourself, you’d still spend on transport, a boat, and a guide to coordinate stops. This tour bundles it into one straightforward outing.

Pickup and the speedboat rhythm: why timing can feel different

You’ll likely get picked up from a hotel in Koh Samui, then transferred to the pier area. A couple of practical notes from how this operates in real life:

• The pier can be farther than you’d expect from central areas, so plan for some ride time before the boat.
• Your total time can land closer to 4–5 hours than 3–4, depending on pickup location and sea conditions.

Also, you’re on a shared group schedule with a maximum of 50 travelers, so there can be a small wait at the start as the group gathers. Once you’re on the boat, the pace is faster and more fun.

The best mindset: treat it like a well-run half-day outing, not like a precise timed appointment. You’ll still be back for dinner, but don’t be surprised if the day runs toward the longer end.

Stop 1: Ko Mat Sum (Pig Island) and the cuteness factor

Ko Mat Sum—often called Pig Island—is the main reason people book this tour. You’ll have about one hour on the island. That’s long enough to get photos, watch piglets wander close, and enjoy a relaxed beach-and-sun setup.

What I like about this stop is that it’s not just “look from afar.” The tour experience is built around interaction: you can pet the pigs and piglets and take pictures while you’re there.

There’s also a reality check worth saying out loud: Pig Island can be emotionally mixed. The animals are very present and close, and the environment can show signs of heavy tourism impact. The tour experience can still be memorable, but it’s smart to be mindful—don’t encourage rough handling, and follow any guide instructions about how to behave around the animals.

If you’re going with kids, this is where the “wow” happens. Reviews consistently call out how great it is for families, including younger kids who enjoy boat rides and animal time. For adults, it’s still fun, just make sure you’re okay with how tourist-heavy this island can feel.

Stop 2: Koh Tan snorkeling—what to expect and how to prepare

After Pig Island, you move to Koh Tan, and this is where the tour shifts from animal time to underwater time. The snorkeling slot is about one hour.

A few practical details to set expectations:

• Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll have life jackets.
• Because this is a short, shallower style of snorkeling, fins may not be provided for this Pig Island portion. If you want fins, you’ll want to ask in advance or listen closely to what’s issued for your specific session.
• Visibility can vary. When water is calmer, you’ll likely spot more fish detail. When it’s not, you may see lots of movement but slightly less crystal clarity.

One review mentions that people were not always told to avoid standing or touching the coral reef. That’s a key practical reminder for you: keep your feet off coral, don’t grab reef, and move slowly in the water. Snorkeling is nicer for you and better for the reef.

Also, bring your own expectations about what “good snorkeling” means here. You’ll see tropical fish, and it can be genuinely fun, but it’s not presented as deep-offshore diving. If you want a major coral show, this is more of a casual reef encounter.

Stop 3: Ko Taen Coral Beach lunch with a view

Lunch happens at Ko Taen Coral Beach (at the coral beach restaurant). You get about one hour for food and beach time.

What makes this stop valuable is that it breaks the day up after snorkeling. Food is included as a buffet-style lunch, and there’s a lot of on-and-off beach rhythm so you’re not trapped inside a restaurant for the whole hour.

From the way people describe it, the lunch tends to hit the practical notes: it’s filling, it’s easy, and it’s good timing. Some folks call it delicious, others say it’s “edible,” but the more consistent theme is that it avoids the hassle of finding a meal after water activities.

If you’re sensitive to spicy Thai food, it’s still usually manageable—just load up on the basics first and watch what you grab.

The crew: where the experience actually feels smooth

A huge part of why this tour gets high marks is the people running it. Guides are praised for being friendly, funny, and organized. Names that come up in real experiences include Alex and Superman. You’ll also hear mentions of hosts like Joe (Biden) and staff who help with photos.

Look for these moments during your day:

• Someone checks in so you don’t miss the boat.
• Photo help is offered, especially for pig interactions and group shots.
• They manage the small chaos of getting people on and off the speedboat.

This matters because the itinerary has multiple steps. A good crew turns it from a “schedule on paper” into a day that feels like it’s running on rails.

What to bring (this is the stuff you’ll actually use)

The tour info is simple about what to pack: sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel. And based on how the experience plays out, I’d treat that as the minimum.

Add one more practical item: a change of clothes if you plan to get in the water fully. One of the more useful critiques was that you might want to arrive prepared to dry off, because not everyone gets what they expect in terms of towels and extras.

Also, wear swim-ready clothing. If you’re in a hurry, at least make sure you can go from boat to water without your outfit becoming a soggy problem.

Who should book this Pig Island tour?

This works best for:

• Families who want animal fun plus water time without planning anything.
• Couples doing Koh Samui for the first time and wanting an efficient half-day.
• People who like guided logistics—pickup, boat coordination, lunch, and gear handled.

You might skip it if:

• You want to spend a long time on one beach instead of rotating stops.
• You’re very bothered by how tourism affects animal areas (Pig Island can be emotionally complicated).
• You expect high-end snorkeling with perfect visibility every time.

The sweet spot is a fun day with variety, where you don’t have to organize transport or meals.

Should you book: my honest recommendation

Book it if you want a well-run half-day that mixes the headline attraction (pigs up close) with real beach time and snorkeling, all wrapped in hotel pickup and lunch.

Skip it or at least set careful expectations if you’re mainly chasing snorkeling glory. This is more about convenience and a fun experience than guaranteed show-stopping underwater conditions.

If you decide to go, the smartest move is simple: arrive ready to handle variable sea conditions, follow reef rules closely, and bring a towel and spare clothes so you’re comfortable from boat to beach and back.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Pig Island tour with speedboat and snorkeling?

The duration is listed as about 4 to 5 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $58.70 per person.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Round trip hotel transfer by A/C minivan is included, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included as a buffet on Koh Tan / Ko Taen Coral Beach Restaurant, with a beach view.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with a life jacket and bottled water.

Are fins included?

Fins are not provided for the short Pig Island snorkeling because it’s shallow. Fins are used on trips to other locations (not this specific short snorkeling setup).

Is there an extra entrance fee for Pig Island?

Yes. The Pig Island entrance fee is THB 50 per person, and it is not included.

Do I need good weather for this tour?

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

Is travel insurance included?

Yes. Travel insurance is included.

Are cruise ship passengers accepted?

No. Travelers arriving by cruise ship are not accepted.