Pig Island ,Snorkeling, Private Long Tail Boat (Local Thai Experience)

Discovering Koh Samui’s Hidden Gems: Pig Island, Snorkeling, and a Private Long-Tail Boat Trip

If you’re looking for a private and authentic way to explore Koh Samui’s coastal charms, this tour offers a thoughtful mix of snorkeling, cultural experience, and simply having fun with the island’s famous pigs. For about $111 per group (up to two people), you get around six hours of personalized adventure, starting from Thong Krut Pier in the south of Koh Samui. Your day will include a peaceful boat ride on a traditional Thai long-tail boat, some snorkeling at Koh Tan, and a memorable visit to Pig Island, where rescued pigs wade in the white sands of Koh Madsum.

What stands out for us are the private boat experience—no crowds rushing past—and the chance to interact directly with the pigs on Koh Madsum, a unique highlight that appeals to animal lovers and those craving genuine local encounters. Plus, the inclusion of snorkel gear and bottled water makes this a hassle-free outing. One thing to keep in mind: getting on and off the boat can be a little tricky, especially if mobility is limited, and weather conditions can impact the ride, so be prepared for some splashes.

This tour is perfect for travelers who value personalized experiences over crowded tours, and who enjoy a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities to explore at your leisure. If you’re looking for a memorable day that combines natural beauty with a touch of local life, this trip might be just what you need. It’s also well-suited for those who want a more traditional Thai experience away from speedboats and large groups.

Key Points

• Private Long-Tail Boat: Offers an authentic, intimate way to explore Koh Samui’s waters, avoiding large crowds.
• Snorkeling at Koh Tan: A chance to see marine life and coral reefs, though conditions can vary depending on weather and season.
• Pig Interaction: Unique opportunity to meet rescued pigs on Koh Madsum, a highlight for animal lovers.
• Flexible Itinerary: Feel free to stay longer or shorter at each stop, especially with the private boat.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes hotel pickup, bottled water, and snorkeling gear, making the day easier to enjoy.
• Weather Considerations: Rough seas can make for a splashy ride, so packing appropriate clothing and being flexible is wise.

An In-Depth Look at the Koh Samui Private Tour Experience

Starting Point: Thong Krut Pier

Your adventure begins at Thong Krut Pier, a quiet spot on the southern coast of Koh Samui. It’s an area that’s less crowded than the busy beaches of Chaweng or Lamai, offering a peaceful start to your day. Many reviews highlight the stunning views and relaxed vibe here, with some mentioning the beachside restaurants as perfect spots for a quick coffee or snack before heading out.

Koh Tan: The Coral Reef Spot

Your boat departs from Thong Krut and heads to Koh Tan, a small, relatively untouched island only accessible by boat. The ride is typically about an hour long, offering a chance to enjoy the traditional Thai long-tail boat experience—bamboo poles, wooden decks, and a slow, scenic cruise. Snorkel gear is provided, and many travelers find Koh Tan ideal for coral exploration and spotting tropical fish.

From several reviews, we learn that the coral reefs might not be as vibrant as in the past, especially at this time of year. One reviewer mentioned that “the reef was completely dead and overrun with travelers,” and another rated snorkeling as a mere 1/10. That said, many still enjoyed the experience, appreciating the tranquility and the chance to see marine life in their natural environment.

Koh Madsum: The Pig Island

The real star of this trip is Koh Madsum, home to rescued pigs that roam freely on the white sandy beaches. The highlight is simply walking along the shore, feeding the pigs, and sharing some genuine animal encounters. Several travelers raved about this part of the trip, with one calling it “the luckiest pigs in the world,” and describing it as a “great day with excellent service.”

The pigs are surprisingly friendly, and many reviews mention their joy at being able to interact directly—a refreshing change from typical touristy photo ops. Keep in mind, wear reef shoes as the beach can be stony, and take some snacks or treats to feed the pigs.

The Snorkeling Experience

While snorkeling is included, some reviews point out that water clarity can be affected by the rainy season and high tourist traffic. One reviewer rated the snorkeling as only 1/10, noting that the coral was largely dead. This highlights the importance of managing expectations: it’s more about the experience of being in the water and enjoying the small marine life rather than a vibrant coral reef spectacle.

The Private Boat: A Personal Touch

Having your own long-tail boat makes all the difference. Several reviews mention the friendly, relaxed captain and the proactive communication from the tour operator. The privacy allows you to linger at each stop, take photos, or just soak in the scenery without feeling rushed.

However, travelers should note that getting on and off the boat can be challenging, especially if the seas are choppy. The boat uses a ladder, which can be unstable, and you might get wet—so pack accordingly. Some reviewers enjoyed the authenticity of this experience, describing it as “more genuine” than speedboat tours, but others noted it’s not suitable for those with limited mobility.

Logistics and Duration

This is a half-day trip of about six hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off—though only if you select the package with transportation. The itinerary is flexible, but weather can impact timing and comfort—rough seas might make the ride bumpier and wetter.

The cost covers snorkel gear, bottled water, accident insurance, and the traditional Thai long-tail boat. There’s a small additional fee (THB50) for Pig Island. Some reviews mention the price as good value, especially considering the private experience, while others point out that the boat ride can be rough if the weather isn’t perfect.

Authenticity and Cultural Flavor

This tour offers a genuine taste of local life—traveling on a traditional long-tail boat is a far cry from the tourist-heavy speedboats. The trip’s slow pace, the quiet pier, and the informal atmosphere add to that feeling of stepping into something more authentic. The local guide’s friendly demeanor is often praised, making the experience more engaging and personal, unlike larger, more impersonal tours.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you’re craving personalized, relaxed, and culturally immersive activities. It suits travelers who aren’t bothered by some physical activity (getting on and off boats) or unpredictable weather. Animal lovers will especially appreciate the chance to interact with the pigs, and snorkelers who want a quiet spot away from crowded beaches will find Koh Tan suitable.

It’s less suitable for travelers expecting vibrant coral reefs or without mobility, as some found the boat boarding challenging. Also, those seeking a luxury or all-inclusive tour might find this experience more rustic and unrefined—but that’s part of its charm.

Final Thoughts

This private long-tail boat trip around Koh Samui offers a thoughtful mix of marine exploration and authentic Thai coastal life. You’ll appreciate the personalized service, the chance to relax and explore at your own pace, and the delightful surprise of meeting the resident pigs. While snorkeling conditions can vary, the overall experience is often praised for its value and genuine local flavor.

If you’re someone who enjoys small group or private adventures, appreciates traditional boats, and wants a memorable day out, this tour is a strong contender. It’s especially suited to those craving authenticity and peaceful scenery over the crowds, with a dash of playful animal encounters.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, if you choose the package that includes transportation, you’ll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel, with most pickups scheduled in the morning.

What should I bring for snorkeling?
Snorkeling gear is provided, but bringing reef shoes is recommended, especially for Pig Island’s stony beaches. Also, pack sun protection, water, and a towel.

How rough can the boat ride get?
Sea conditions can impact the ride—some reviews mention getting quite wet and experiencing a bumpy journey, especially if the weather isn’t calm. Be prepared for splashes and possibly some seasickness.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with limited mobility?
While children who are comfortable on boats may enjoy it, getting on and off the boat can be tricky and involve some physical effort. People with mobility issues should consider this carefully.

How long are the stops at each location?
The itinerary usually allocates about an hour at Koh Tan and about two hours at Pig Island, but you’re free to stay longer or leave earlier, thanks to the private boat.

Is the coral reef worth seeing?
The reef at Koh Tan might not be as vibrant as in the past, and some reviews mention it being mostly dead or overrun with travelers. The experience is more about the environment and less about spectacular coral.

This tour offers a personal, authentic exploration of Koh Samui’s waters, with the chance to enjoy quiet snorkeling spots and playful pig encounters. It’s perfect for travelers who value local experiences over big crowds and are happy to accept some weather variability and physical challenge for a memorable day.