Pig Island makes this boat day different. I love how Koh Madsum earns its Pig Island nickname, with friendly pigs right on the shore, plus the day also delivers real snorkeling time with Koh Tan’s clear water and coral areas. One drawback to plan around, the toilet situation on the island stop can be rough.

This is the kind of trip that feels more personal than big-group hopping. You get a private longtail boat for 4 to 5 hours, so you can set a calmer pace, spend real time on the beaches, and not feel like you’re waiting around.

Still, it is a longtail boat and the water can be choppy. It is not a fit if you are pregnant, have mobility challenges, or you get seasick easily.

Key highlights before you go

• Pig Island landing at Koh Madsum with pigs that are used to people, and a memorable water-bottle moment
• Koh Tan reef snorkeling where you get better fish action when you stay farther from the shoreline
• Pristine beach time on sun-kissed sands, with downtime built into the schedule
• Optional kayaking and Thai lunch if you choose to add it during the day
• Private boat pacing so you are not stuck in a rigid group rhythm

Why Pig Island and Koh Tan are a smart combo

The best part of this tour is the pairing. Koh Madsum, also known as Pig Island, gives you a playful, beachy stop that is easy to enjoy. Then Koh Tan brings you back to why people come to this coastline in the first place, clear water, coral areas, and snorkeling that feels like you are floating over a living reef.

That mix is worth it even if you are not a hardcore snorkeler. Pig Island is about atmosphere, photos, and sand time. Koh Tan is about the water, seeing fish around rocks, and feeling that classic Gulf of Thailand light.

Also, the private setup helps you get more out of both. You can linger where it feels good and cut time where it does not.

The private longtail boat setup, and how it shapes your day

A longtail boat is a very specific kind of travel. It is open-air, you feel the breeze, and you get the kind of island views you do not get from a motorized speedboat. With a private boat, you are not sharing space with a crowd, so it feels less hectic and more like your own half-day island plan.

The tour runs about 4 to 5 hours, and it is built around short transfers by river boat segments plus two longer island visits. That matters because it keeps the day active without constantly moving every few minutes.

One practical point: bring a waterproof bag for your phone and valuables. You will likely get splashes on a day like this, and you do not want to risk ruining camera gear right before your snorkeling window.

Koh Tan: turquoise water, reef snorkeling, and staying off the shore

Koh Tan is where the water show happens. You spend around 2 hours here, and the plan is snorkeling in clear areas where coral and fish are most interesting near rocky spots rather than right at the beach edge.

Here is the tip that made a difference in real-world experience: if you want fish, stay away from the shore. Fish tend to hang around the rocks and drop-offs, while the shallower, near-beach zone is usually less lively for snorkeling.

Snorkeling gear is included, including the mask and equipment, plus a life jacket for safety. That makes this tour easier if you do not already have gear, or if you just want to keep your packing simple.

You also have time to slow down. Even if you only do one snorkeling session, you still get a full stretch of beach and water time.

The little cove break: optional kayaking and lunch choices

After snorkeling, the day typically shifts into a relaxed cove moment. This is where you can add kayaking and a Thai lunch option, if that is part of your package.

I like this kind of structure because it gives you options without forcing you. You can stay in beach mode if that is your mood, or you can take the water with a short paddle if you want something active that is still low-stress.

Because kayaking and lunch are optional, it is worth thinking about your energy. If you snorkel well on Koh Tan, you might not need extra activity right away. If you want variety, add kayaking so your day has one more water-based highlight before you head to Pig Island.

Koh Madsum (Pig Island): beach time, friendly pigs, and what to do

Koh Madsum is the star by name, and it delivers a very distinct island vibe. You get about 2 hours there, which is enough time to do the real-world basics: swim if you want, lounge, and take photos without rushing.

The pigs are a big reason people remember this stop. They are described as very friendly, and the detail that sticks with me is the water-bottle habit. When you land, you get a free water bottle, and you should keep it so you can refill it. The pigs seem to love drinking from it, which turns a normal hydration moment into a silly, memorable interaction.

There is also typically food and drinks available on the island stop, so you are not stuck waiting for lunch later. Still, if you are picky about snacks, bring a few basics so you are covered.

The etiquette piece matters. Keep your hands to yourself and avoid touching things that should not be touched, including marine life and plants in the water. The tour notes also stress respect for local wildlife, so treat the pigs and their area like a shared space, not a petting zoo.

One note of caution: a past participant flagged that the toilet was not good. If bathroom comfort is high on your list, use facilities before you arrive, and go in with flexible expectations.

Getting to the islands: river boat segments and time planning

Between stops, you do short transfer segments by river boat. Expect around 30 minutes for the first leg, another 30 minutes between Koh Tan and Koh Madsum, and about 40 minutes on the final return segment.

Why does this matter? It turns the day into a rhythm. You are not stuck on the boat for hours straight, and you get a clear sense of when you will be back on land. It also helps you plan your hydration and sunscreen timing.

If you get motion-sensitive, remember that parts of the trip are on open water. It is not set up as a gentle, smooth ride. If you know you get queasy easily, this is one of those tours you should skip.

What’s included, what’s not, and where the real costs show up

The headline price is about $57 per person, and you should judge that based on what is already covered.

Included:

• Private longtail boat
• Hotel pickup and drop-off if you pick the option (the ride is coordinated based on your lodging)
• Bottle water
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jacket

Not included:

• Thai lunch and kayaking (optional)
• Tour guide (not included)
• Beach fee of THB 50 per person

That THB 50 beach fee is small, but it is real. If you want the day to feel fully seamless, budget it early so you are not surprised when you land.

Value-wise, the big win is having snorkeling equipment and safety gear handled for you, plus the boat is private. If you were to rent gear separately and then pay for a shared excursion, the math often gets less friendly fast.

The practical stuff that makes or breaks your comfort

This trip is mostly about water and beach time, so you can set yourself up for success with a few basics.

Bring:

• Swimwear (and ideally something to change into later)
• Towel
• Hat and sunscreen
• Camera (you will want it for both islands)
• Snacks, plus extra water if you run through it quickly

Pack smarter:

• Use a waterproof bag for your phone and valuables.
• Consider water shoes if you are concerned about rocky edges around snorkeling spots.

Also, follow the rules. The tour info notes that you should not litter and you should not touch marine life or plants. That protects the reef, keeps conditions safer, and makes the snorkeling area more enjoyable for everyone.

Who this tour suits best, and who should skip it

This is a great match if you want a private half-day that mixes beach time with real snorkeling. If you like the idea of seeing fish near rocky areas, and you also want a playful island stop with Pig Island energy, this format makes sense.

It is not a fit for:

• Pregnant women
• People with mobility impairments
• People prone to seasickness

Even if you are generally fine on boats, longtail rides can be bumpy. If you have even mild seasickness history, consider asking yourself honestly how you handle similar water conditions.

Price and logistics: making sure it feels worth it

At around $57 per person, the tour feels best for travelers who want privacy and included snorkeling gear. If you are the type who hates waiting for schedules, private boat time is where you feel it immediately.

Logistics are simple, but you should pay attention to pickup details. Pickup is available if you select the option, but if you are staying in villas up on the mountain, pickup is only on the main road. That is worth planning for so you do not lose time coordinating with your driver.

Also, the day starts with a clear expectation: be there 20 minutes before the start time. It makes the handoff smooth and prevents last-minute stress.

One more thing: a tour guide is not included. That can be totally fine if you are comfortable being self-directed with a captain guiding the boat route. If you specifically want someone to interpret the marine life or history, you might prefer a guided alternative.

Should you book the Koh Madsum and Koh Tan private longtail tour?

I think this is a strong choice if you want a private, short-and-sweet island day that gives you both sand time and snorkeling. Koh Madsum is a memorable stop thanks to the friendly pigs and the simple beach rhythm. Koh Tan is the practical payoff, clear water and reef snorkeling where you will see more fish when you avoid the immediate shoreline.

If you are sensitive to motion, this is the one to skip. And if bathroom comfort is a must, know that at least one participant flagged the toilet situation.

If you want a calm half-day with privacy, included snorkeling gear, and enough time to enjoy two very different islands, book it. Just bring sunscreen, plan for a bit of boat time, and keep that water bottle handy for the Pig Island moment.

FAQ

How long is the private longtail boat tour to Koh Madsum and Koh Tan?

The duration is about 4 to 5 hours.

What does the tour price include?

It includes a private longtail boat, bottle water, snorkeling equipment, life jacket, and hotel pickup and drop-off if you choose that option.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Do I need to pay a beach fee?

Yes. There is a beach fee of THB 50 per person.

Is kayaking or lunch included?

Thai lunch and kayaking are optional, and they are not included in the base package.

When should I arrive and what is the cancellation policy?

Please be there 20 minutes before the start time. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.