Koh Samui: Pig Island & Koh Tan Snorkeling by Speed boat is a lively adventure that takes you beyond the typical beach resort. For just $46 per person, you get about four hours of exploring some of the most charming and scenic spots in the south of Koh Samui. Guided by friendly, knowledgeable locals, this tour offers a mix of fun, relaxation, and a glimpse into local island life.

What we love about this experience is how personal and flexible it feels. First, starting from a private pier means a smooth, hassle-free beginning that sets a relaxed tone. Second, the stops at Pig Island and Koh Tan showcase some of the island’s most memorable sights — from adorable pigs wandering freely to vibrant coral reefs bursting with marine life.

A potential consideration? The snorkeling location can sometimes be murky, depending on the weather, which may limit underwater visibility. But this doesn’t seem to dampen most travelers’ spirits, who praise the guides’ helpfulness and the overall value of the trip.

This kind of tour suits those looking for a light, scenic escape rather than a full-day marathon. If you enjoy meeting wildlife, floating over colorful fish, and tasting local flavors in a casual setting, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

Authentic Experience: Visit charming Pig Island and snorkel in clear waters at Koh Tan.
Value for Money: $46 covers transport, guides, snorkeling gear, and a tasty lunch.
Personalized Service: Small groups or private options ensure a tailored, relaxed adventure.
Guided by Friendly Experts: Guides like Joe and Cola are praised for their helpfulness and humor.
Flexible Itinerary: Well-paced stops with plenty of time at each location for photos, swimming, and relaxing.
Memorable Wildlife & Views: Pig island’s free-roaming pigs and scenic coastal vistas make for great photos and stories.

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An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

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Starting Off: Comfortable Pickup & Private Pier

The tour kicks off with a pick-up from your accommodation in air-conditioned comfort, which we find makes a huge difference in the tropical heat. The company uses multiple pickup points across Koh Samui, ensuring flexibility. Depending on your hotel’s location, the transfer can take from 40 to 50 minutes, but it’s worth it for a smooth start.

Once at the private pier, the speedboat awaits — a key feature that sets this tour apart. Unlike larger, crowded boats, the smaller vessel offers a more personal and cozy vibe, making for a quicker, smoother departure from the mainland. This approach minimizes waiting around and gets you on the water quickly.

First Stop: Koh Madsum – Pig Island

The highlight for most travelers is Pig Island, known locally as Koh Madsum. The pigs here are surprisingly well looked after, and the chance to play with these friendly creatures is a real treat. As one reviewer noted, “the pigs are gorgeous and so well looked after,” and another highlighted the “adorable piglets” that make for delightful photos.

You’ll have about an hour here, where you can relax on the beach, take photos, or simply enjoy observing the pigs wandering freely. The pigs are quite accustomed to visitors, so you can feed them with pig food (available for purchase), but drinking the scene in is often just as rewarding as trying to get close.

Authentic and unpretentious, Pig Island has a laid-back charm that appeals to families, animal lovers, or anyone wanting a break from the usual tourist spots. The guides are clear about safety, especially around piglets and mothers, which makes the visit enjoyable without any stress.

Snorkeling at Koh Tan

Next, the boat heads to Koh Tan, a small island known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. Expect about an hour of snorkeling — enough to see a variety of colorful fish and coral reefs.

Many reviews mention that the snorkeling conditions can vary. For example, one reviewer said, “we swam out quite far past the murky water but then it became clear,” which shows how weather and water conditions can influence visibility. Still, most found the experience worthwhile, with one person observing “lots of fish and coral,” despite some murkiness.

The guides provide snorkel gear and are attentive to safety, which is reassuring if you’re new to snorkeling. You might want to bring your own water shoes, as some reviews suggest paying extra for them, and a few mention the importance of wearing shoes to avoid standing on sea urchins.

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Lunch and Relaxation on Koh Tan

After snorkeling, the boat stops on Koh Tan for a simple yet tasty buffet lunch. The meal includes rice, vegetables, chicken, and vegetarian options, with some reviews mentioning a “great buffet” and “delicious food,” making this a genuine local experience rather than a touristy feast.

While the beach here could benefit from some cleanup, most travelers appreciate the relaxed pace and the chance to unwind on deck chairs amid scenic views. One reviewer even noted the “impressive views,” perfect for photos, and suggested bringing extra bottled water to share with pigs or for personal refreshment.

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The Return Journey

The trip wraps up with the boat returning to the pier for your transfer back to your hotel. Most reviews praise the professional guides, like Joe and Cola, who are appreciated for their helpfulness and humor. They ensure everyone gets enough time at each location and often take photos for travelers, adding personal touches that enhance the experience.

The entire tour lasts about four hours, making it a perfect half-day escape—not too rushed, with just enough time to enjoy each stop fully.

Why This Tour Works Well

The reviews consistently mention friendly guides, beautiful scenery, and great value. The inclusion of snorkeling, wildlife interaction, and a local lunch offers a well-rounded snapshot of Koh Samui’s southern charm without overloading your day.

The ability to customize or opt for private groups makes it flexible for families, couples, or small groups wanting a quieter or more personalized experience. Plus, the small group size or private options ensure a more intimate connection with the guides and less time waiting around.

Possible Drawbacks

While most travelers are happy with the snorkeling, some mention the water quality can be murky due to weather or water conditions. It’s not a dive deep into marine biology, but if you’re after colorful fish and coral, you’ll likely be satisfied. Also, the ethical considerations of Pig Island are worth thinking about — pigs are well cared for, but some travelers question the environmental impact of tourism there.

Who Should Book This?

If you’re curious about local island life, love animals, or want a scenic, laid-back day in Koh Samui, this tour fits perfectly. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate good guides, value authentic experiences, and don’t mind a bit of unpredictability with weather or water clarity. Families, animal lovers, and snorkelers will find plenty to enjoy, and the delicious, simple lunch adds to the overall value.

FAQ Section

Is pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from many Koh Samui locations, with exact times confirmed via WhatsApp or email after booking.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 4 hours, including transportation, boat trips, stops, and lunch.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a flexible option.

Is snorkeling suitable for beginners?
Most reviews indicate guides provide snorkels and masks, and safety instructions are given. Even those who are not confident swimmers rated it positively.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, towel, sunscreen, and clothes suitable for swimming and relaxing on the beach.

Are children allowed?
Children over 120 cm in height are considered adults for pricing. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.

Is food included?
Yes, a buffet lunch is provided, with vegetarian options available. Reviews praise the quality and variety.

Are the pigs on Pig Island ethical?
Most reviews mention the pigs are well looked after, but some travelers are cautious about the environmental impact. The guides clarify safety and animal interaction rules.

What’s the water condition like?
Water clarity can vary based on weather—some days are murky, but many reviews say it’s still worth snorkeling for the fish and coral.

Final Thoughts

This half-day Koh Samui adventure offers a delightful mix of wildlife, underwater beauty, and scenic relaxation. The friendly guides and good value make it a standout choice for travelers looking to explore beyond the typical beaches. It’s a time-efficient, family-friendly, and authentically Thai experience that balances fun and relaxation.

While it might not satisfy the hardened snorkelers craving pristine reefs, most find the mixture of wildlife encounters, scenic views, and local cuisine more than enough to make it a memorable outing. The small-group or private tour options also help keep the experience intimate and flexible.

In the end, if you’re after a light, engaging, and reasonably priced way to see some of Koh Samui’s best spots — especially Pig Island and Koh Tan — this tour is worth considering. Pack your sense of adventure, some extra bottled water, and a camera, and you’re set for a memorable half-day in Thailand’s Gulf.