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

Pig Island makes this island trip memorable. I like the private longtail boat, which lets you set a more relaxed pace, and I like the mix of friendly pigs, snorkeling, beaches, and turquoise water at Koh Tan. The four to five hour schedule gives you two hours at each island without turning the day into a rushed photo stop.

The main drawback is simple: facilities are basic, and the beach fee, lunch, kayaking, and hotel transfer may cost extra. People prone to seasickness should also think twice, since the boat ride can be lively and the tour is not suitable for anyone with mobility limitations or pregnant women.

Key points to know before you go

• Koh Madsum is the star attraction: The island is better known as Pig Island, where friendly pigs roam near the beach and may drink from the free water bottle provided on arrival.
• Koh Tan gives the tour its water time: You have about two hours for snorkeling, beach time, and views over clear Gulf waters.
• A private boat changes the pace: You are not tied to a large group’s schedule, which is useful if you want to linger, snorkel, or return without waiting around.
• The basic price is $57 per person: Water, snorkeling gear, a life jacket, and private boat service are included, but a THB 50 beach fee may apply.
• The full outing takes four to five hours: Boat transfers account for about 100 minutes in total, so the actual island time is valuable and fairly well balanced.
• Bring your own comfort kit: Sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, snacks, water, and a waterproof bag will make the trip easier.

Why this private boat trip works well

Ko Samui has no shortage of boat outings, but this one has a clear appeal: it combines two nearby islands with two very different personalities. Koh Tan is mainly about water, snorkeling, and quiet island views. Koh Madsum is the playful stop, thanks to the pigs that have made the beach famous.

I like that this is a private group experience rather than a standard large-boat excursion. You can travel with your own party and avoid waiting for strangers at every stop. One booking described the private format as useful for moving at its own pace instead of hanging around for long periods.

The tour costs $57 per person, which is fair if you value privacy and already plan to spend half a day on the water. The price includes the longtail boat, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and life jackets. It does not include a Thai lunch, kayaking, a THB 50 beach fee, or hotel transfer unless you choose an option that includes transport.

That means the headline price is not quite the final cost for everyone. Still, the private boat is the feature that makes the value work. If you are traveling with family or friends, splitting a private experience can be more appealing than paying for a crowded outing with a fixed routine.

Setting off from Ko Samui

Pickup depends on the option you select. If hotel transfer is included, collection and return are provided, but anyone staying in villas on the mountain should note the special rule: pickup is available on the main road only.

You should arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure. That small buffer matters on a boat trip, since the day has several moving parts and a late start can cut into your island time.

The first and last parts of the outing are boat transfers. The listed schedule gives about 30 minutes to the first stop, another 30 minutes between the islands, and about 40 minutes on the return. The boat is described as a private longtail boat, so you get the traditional Thai design and open-air feel rather than an enclosed ferry cabin.

That is part of the fun, but it also means you should prepare for sun, spray, and motion. Wear comfortable beach clothes and bring a change of clothes. Keep cameras, phones, and other valuables in a waterproof bag.

Two hours around Koh Tan

Koh Tan is scheduled first, with roughly two hours to explore. This is the more water-focused part of the trip, with snorkeling in clear water and the chance to see coral reefs and fish around the rocky areas.

The most useful snorkeling advice is to stay away from the immediate shore. The fish are found among the rocks farther out, so floating right beside the beach may not show you much. A life jacket is included, as is snorkeling equipment, which keeps you from having to rent the basic gear separately.

I like the way Koh Tan sets up the day. You begin with swimming and snorkeling before the strongest part of the afternoon sun, then have the livelier Pig Island visit afterward. The schedule gives enough time to enjoy the water without pretending that this is a full-day marine expedition.

You should treat the coral and marine life carefully. Touching fish, coral, or plants is not allowed, and that rule is worth taking seriously. The attraction is seeing the underwater world in its natural setting, not handling it.

If you are not a confident swimmer, the included life jacket is helpful, but the tour is still not designed for people with mobility impairments. Anyone who finds boat movement uncomfortable should also consider seasickness before booking.

The short ride to Koh Madsum

After Koh Tan, the boat runs for about 30 minutes to Koh Madsum. This transfer gives you time to dry off, take in the island views, and prepare for a completely different kind of stop.

Koh Madsum is widely called Pig Island, and the pigs are the reason many people choose this tour. They are described as friendly and comfortable around people. You might see them near the beach and can offer water from the bottle supplied when you arrive.

One especially useful tip is to keep that bottle. The pigs enjoy drinking from it, and it becomes a simple way to get closer without bringing food or trying to touch the animals. You should still respect their space and follow any instructions from the boat crew.

The island also has food and drinks if you need them. That helps if you skip the optional Thai lunch, but you should still pack snacks because the included package only promises bottled water. The supplied information does not give a full menu or meal price, so do not assume lunch is part of the $57 cost.

Two hours on Pig Island

You have about two hours at Koh Madsum, which is enough time to enjoy the beach, see the pigs, take photos, and relax. The sun-kissed shore is the main setting here, so this is the place to slow down rather than chase another activity every few minutes.

A toilet is available, but facilities are not a major strength. One booking specifically praised the island while warning that the toilet was not good. I would keep expectations modest and bring the practical items that make a basic beach stop easier, including tissues, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.

Koh Madsum can feel more social and playful than Koh Tan. The pigs give the visit a memorable hook, but the island is still a beach stop first. If you want soft sand, sea views, and an easy break after snorkeling, the two-hour stay works well. If you expect polished resort facilities, a full wildlife experience, or extensive sightseeing, you may find it limited.

There is also an optional kayaking and lunch element associated with the Koh Madsum portion. Since both are listed as extra, check the selected option and cost before you commit. Kayaking may be appealing if you want more activity, while lunch makes sense if you prefer not to carry snacks or rely on island food.

Returning by longtail boat

The return trip takes about 40 minutes, according to the schedule. By this point, you may be wet, sun-warmed, and ready for a quieter ride back to Samui.

The boat returns to one of three listed drop-off locations: Kohtantour&transport, Ko Samui, or Koh Samui. The repeated Samui listings suggest you should confirm the precise return point when booking, especially if you have an afternoon reservation or onward transport.

The private format is most useful here. You do not have to match the mood of a large group, and the captain can keep the trip focused on your own party’s timing within the tour’s planned route. It does not mean the boat can ignore weather, safety, or fixed island access rules, but it does remove much of the usual waiting.

What the $57 price really covers

At $57 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see a beach near Ko Samui. You are paying for a private longtail boat and a two-island route, not just a ride to Pig Island.

The included items are practical:

• Private longtail boat
• Bottled water
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jacket

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select that option. Hotel transfer is otherwise extra. A THB 50 beach fee per person is also not included, and Thai lunch and kayaking are optional extras.

I consider the price reasonable for a couple, family, or group of friends that wants privacy. It is less compelling if you are alone and mainly want a quick look at the pigs, since the per-person cost can feel high once extras are added. The four to five hour duration is also a good fit for people who want a half-day outing rather than giving up an entire day on the Gulf.

The free cancellation policy adds useful flexibility: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Ko Samui plans depend on weather or changing hotel arrangements.

What to pack for a better island day

The basic packing list is not glamorous, but it is exactly what you need. Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, snacks, and water.

Apply sunscreen before you leave, then reapply during the day. An open longtail boat and exposed beaches offer little relief from the sun. A waterproof bag is important for phones, wallets, and dry clothes, since spray and wet equipment are part of the setting.

I would also bring:

• A change of clothes
• Extra drinking water
• Small personal toiletries for the basic toilet facilities
• A secure bag that can be kept dry
• Sand-friendly footwear if you prefer more protection than bare feet

Do not litter, touch marine life, or handle plants. These are simple rules, but the islands are more enjoyable when you treat them as living places rather than props for photos.

Who should book this outing?

I think this tour suits people who want a manageable island trip with several types of activity packed into one morning or afternoon. Families with older children, couples, and small groups of friends should appreciate the private boat and flexible feel.

It is particularly good for you if:

• You want to see Koh Madsum without committing to a full-day cruise
• You enjoy snorkeling but also want a beach break
• You prefer a private boat to a large shared group
• You like unusual animal encounters and easy photo opportunities
• You are comfortable with sun, open water, and basic island facilities

It is a weaker match if your priority is luxury service, quiet beaches with no other activity, or a polished toilet and dining setup. Pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, and people prone to seasickness should not book this experience.

The tour does not list a guide as included. You receive a captain and the boat service, but you should not expect a dedicated guide giving a detailed commentary throughout the day. That is fine if you mainly want transport, snorkeling, and time on the islands. It matters more if you want natural history, cultural background, or close supervision.

Should you book the Koh Madsum and Koh Tan tour?

I would book it if you want the private-boat advantage, a friendly-pig encounter, and a short snorkeling trip without spending a full day at sea. The schedule is well balanced, and the option to move at your own pace makes the $57 price easier to justify for a small group.

Before paying, check four things: the exact pickup point, the beach fee, the cost of hotel transfer, and the price of optional lunch and kayaking. Pack for heat and wet clothes, and do not expect more than basic facilities on Koh Madsum.

Choose this tour for a relaxed mix of water, beach, and animal encounters. Skip it if boat motion bothers you or if you need accessible facilities. For the right kind of day, Pig Island is a charming stop, and Koh Tan adds enough snorkeling time to make the trip feel like more than a quick photo visit.

FAQ

How long does the Koh Madsum and Koh Tan tour last?

The experience lasts about four to five hours. The schedule includes around two hours at Koh Tan, two hours at Koh Madsum, and boat transfers between Ko Samui and the islands.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

How early should I arrive?

You should be at the meeting point 20 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The tour uses a private longtail boat for a private group.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a life jacket are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Thai lunch is optional and is not included in the basic package. Snacks and water are recommended.

Is kayaking included?

No. Kayaking is listed as an optional extra.

Is there an entrance or beach fee?

A beach fee of THB 50 per person is not included in the tour price.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available.