Pigs and coral in the same trip. This private half-day outing pairs snorkeling gear with a local long-tail boat and real time on Koh Madsum (Pig Island), where rescued pigs share a white-sand beach just off the Koh Samui coast. I especially like the small, private setup—less waiting, more control over your pace. I also like that you get a proper reef stop at Koh Tan first, so the day isn’t only about the pigs.

One thing to plan for: the boat ride can get choppy, wet, and a bit bouncy, with an entry/exit ladder that’s not ideal if you’re limited on mobility.

Key Things That Matter on This Pig Island Snorkeling Trip

• Private long-tail boat for your group means no cram-and-wait feeling.
• Koh Tan (Coral Island) snorkel time comes first, before Pig Island.
• Pig Island admission fee applies (THB 50 per person), even though the rest is included.
• You’ll get snorkeling equipment and bottled water plus a safety-focused setup (accident insurance).
• Bring reef shoes: shallow coral and the stony beach surface can be rough on bare feet.
• Expect uneven sea conditions at times—you may get thoroughly wet depending on weather.

The Private Long-Tail Idea: Why This Feels More Local

This isn’t a massive speedboat day with strangers packed in tight. You hire a traditional Thai long-tail boat for your group, then you go to a snorkel spot and later to Pig Island without the constant regrouping and schedule juggling that comes with big tours.

The vibe is simple: ride like locals, snorkel when you’re there, then slow down on the beach with the pigs. A few people also mention that the operator team (notably Tony) communicates well and coordinates timing, even around cruise schedules, which helps a lot if you’re on a fixed day.

Still, long-tail boats are part of the charm and part of the risk. If the water is rough, you’ll feel it, and you’ll likely get wet.

Thong Krut Pier: A Small Start With Real Island Flavor

Your day typically starts at Thong Krut Pier on the south side of Koh Samui. There’s a short window of time here—think about grabbing a quick drink, doing a bathroom stop, or just watching the boats come and go.

This matters more than you’d think. When you’re about to go snorkeling and then hop onto a small island, you want to leave the pier feeling ready: water handled, sunscreen on, and your camera stashed where it won’t take a dunk.

Also, the pier area is known for beachside restaurants and local Thai food spots, so it’s not a dead industrial starting point. If you get there early, you can usually make the wait feel easy instead of annoying.

Koh Tan Snorkel Stop: Reef Time, but Read the Water Carefully

The first real sea stop is Koh Tan (the Coral Island side), reached by boat. The idea here is straightforward: get about an hour of snorkeling with coral and fish, using the included snorkeling gear.

Here’s the part I want you to take seriously: snorkeling quality can swing. Some days bring clear views and coral-and-fish variety. Other days mean cloudy water, less lively coral, and a snorkel spot that feels busy because fish get attracted by feeding.

If you land on a day with reduced visibility, don’t assume you did something wrong. It can be seasonal and weather-driven. Your best move is practical:

• Go for relaxed, short sweeps of the area rather than trying to “hunt” one perfect patch.
• Keep expectations flexible on coral condition.
• If the water looks murky, enjoy the fish you can spot and don’t force it.

Pig Island (Koh Madsum): The Pigs Are the Point

After snorkeling, the tour heads to Koh Madsum, commonly called Pig Island. This is a small island with a white-sand beach and a resident population of rescued pigs.

Most people book this part because they want that unusual, memorable moment: pigs walking around like they own the place, and you having time to interact, walk the beach area, and enjoy the island atmosphere. In practice, the experience can feel like a mix of animal encounter and beach break.

Two balanced notes to keep you grounded:

1. It can be very popular, so the beach isn’t always calm.
2. Condition of the island matters. Some people note trash around the area, while others feel the pigs are well cared for.

If you care about animal-friendly travel, I’d approach it politely and calmly. Don’t rush the pigs, don’t throw food unless it’s clearly part of the normal experience, and keep your attention on good behavior—this is a place built around rescued animals, not a carnival.

Also, plan on spending a real chunk of time here (around two hours in the schedule). That’s enough for beach wandering, pig time, and some time to just watch the water.

Snorkeling Gear, Wet Boat Rides, and Reef-Safe Footwear

Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll also get bottled water as part of the tour setup. There’s even accident insurance, which matters when you’re bouncing around on open water.

But the real “gear” upgrade I recommend isn’t a snorkel. It’s reef shoes.

Here’s why, based on what people experience at Koh Tan and on Pig Island:

• Coral can be shallow in places, and bare feet can pay the price.
• Pig Island’s shoreline can be more stony than fluffy sand, so you’ll want protection for walking and getting in/out.

On top of that, the long-tail boat ride can be surprisingly wet. People repeatedly mention getting soaked—sometimes because the sea is choppy, sometimes because long-tail boats splash more than you’d expect.

So pack like you’re going out on a small boat:

• Quick-dry clothes or a dry change if you can.
• A waterproof phone pouch if you use your phone for photos.
• A towel you don’t mind losing to saltwater.

Timing and Transfers: How a 6-Hour Day Really Works

The tour duration is listed at about 6 hours, but the day can feel longer or shorter depending on sea conditions and how time stacks at each stop.

Pickup is often offered, and many people mention a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle for the transfer. The most common pattern is a hotel transfer to Thong Krut Pier, then return back to the starting point area after the boat portion.

Just know the day is built around sea travel. That means:

• You can’t treat it like a land-based tour with smooth timing.
• If weather is rough, you may get a wet ride, and sometimes the pace can change.

Also, language support can be limited in the moment. Some people mention that the boat driver/captain may be friendly but not speak much English. The operator side (Tony) may handle communication in advance and confirm details so you feel less lost once you arrive at the pier.

Price and Value for Two: Is $113.57 Worth It?

The price is listed as $113.57 per group (up to 2). That’s important: you’re not paying per person the way many group tours do. If you’re traveling as a couple or a small unit, the private setup is a big part of the value.

What you’re getting for that price:

• A private long-tail boat (listed as about four hours of boat time)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Bottled water
• Accident insurance
• An ice box
• A structured half-day plan that includes time for pigs and time for snorkeling

Not included:

• Lunch
• Pig Island admission fee: THB 50 per person

One practical value note: there’s no lunch included, but you might find small food/drink options once you’re on Pig Island. If you snack easily, plan on buying something there or eating before/after. If you need a real meal, you’ll want to handle food timing on your own.

Overall, this is good value when you want privacy, you don’t want the big-boat crowd feeling, and you’re okay with the long-tail boat’s splash factor.

Who Should Book This Pig Island Tour (and Who Might Think Twice)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A private experience on Koh Samui without being stuck waiting for a large group
• The combo of snorkeling at Koh Tan plus a beach-and-pigs stop at Koh Madsum
• A more local boat style than the big tourist craft

It might be less ideal if:

• You’re very sensitive to rough water and motion (choppy seas can mean a thoroughly wet ride)
• You’re worried about steps/ladder entry and exit on small boats
• Your snorkeling priority is pristine reef—some days have cloudy water or less coral life

If you’re traveling with kids, this can work well because the pigs are the obvious highlight. Just bring reef-safe footwear and expect that the boat ride is part adventure, part splashes.

Should You Book Pig Island Snorkeling on a Private Long-Tail Boat?

I’d book this if your dream day is simple: snorkel first, then hit Pig Island for pig-beach time, with privacy and no big-tour crush. The included snorkeling gear, accident insurance, bottled water, and the private long-tail boat make the $113.57 group price feel reasonable—especially for couples.

I’d pause before booking if you know you won’t handle wet, choppy water well, or if mobility is a concern due to the ladder-style entry. In that case, you may want a different boat setup or to adjust expectations.

If you do book, go in ready: reef shoes, sunscreen, a waterproof phone pouch, and flexible snorkeling expectations based on real sea conditions.

FAQ

How much does the Pig Island snorkeling private long-tail boat tour cost?

It’s $113.57 per group, up to 2 people.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 6 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered and described as complimentary in the experience overview, but the tour also notes that pickup is not included for a meet-our-captain-at-the-pier package. If you choose pickup, you’ll be taken to Thong Krut Pier and returned afterward.

What snorkeling equipment is provided?

You get snorkeling equipment included, along with bottled water and an ice box.

Do I need to pay an admission fee for Pig Island?

Yes. Pig Island admission is not included, and it’s listed as THB 50 per person.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

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