Pig Island is the surprise you remember. This private longtail boat day trip from Koh Samui takes you to the boar-filled island also known as Ko Mat Sum, plus a stop at Koh Tan along the way.

I really like the setup for a family or small group: you get a private boat, so you can leave when you want and you are not stuck to someone else’s timing. I also like that snorkeling mask and life jacket plus bottled water are included, so you can focus on the day instead of packing gear.

One big consideration: the island has a park fee (50 baht per person) and food and drinks are extra, plus some experiences depend on how the day feels at the beach, including cleanliness and crowd level. Also, your guide narration can be hit or miss, so ask questions early, especially about safe interactions with the pigs.

Key Things To Know Before You Go

• Private longtail = control of your timing, which helps you avoid the busiest moments
• Wild boars are the main event, and it pays to ask your guide what to do around them
• Koh Tan is the snorkeling stop, with clear, calm water that is ideal for an easy swim
• Snorkeling quality can vary, so keep expectations flexible and enjoy the overall outing
• Budget extra cash, park fee is 50 baht per person, plus the beach bar sells food and drinks

Private Longtail Boat From Koh Samui, What You’re Really Paying For

At $123.34 per group (up to 5 people), this is not a cheap outing, but it is also not trying to pretend it is “just another boat tour.” You are paying for a private longtail boat experience with hotel transfer options and a half-day timeline, roughly 4 hours total.

For me, the value comes from two things. First, private boat time means you spend less of the trip waiting around. Second, half-day is long enough to get the “big hit” (Pig Island and swimming) without losing a full day to boats, heat, and logistics.

If you are traveling as a small group, it also helps you divide costs in a way that makes sense. If you are solo or a couple, it can feel pricier, so I’d only do it if you really want the private timing, not just “see Pig Island.”

Where You Start at Thong Krut Pier, and How Pickup Works

The meeting point is Thong Krut Pier 79, in Koh Samui. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you can plan your next meal or beach stop without a complicated reroute.

Pickup is offered as a hotel transfer option, and the tour includes a mobile ticket. That is convenient, but it also means the day can shift based on how your pickup is scheduled. One thing I’d do is be ready to confirm timing the day before, so you do not miss the boat because breakfast ran long.

Also note this is not recommended for cruise ship or large boat arrivals, so if you are building a day from a port call, check that the timing really fits the pier setup.

The Route at a Glance: Ko Samui, Koh Tan, Ko Mat Sum, Thong Krut Beach

This is a simple route, but the order matters because it shapes how relaxed the day feels. The itinerary follows four main points:

1. Ko Samui (start)
2. Koh Tan (snorkeling and water time)
3. Ko Mat Sum (Pig Island)
4. Thong Krut Beach (wrap-up and return)

Even though it is only about four hours, you still get that classic island-day rhythm: ride out, switch to water time, then spend a chunk of time on the island itself before heading back.

Koh Tan Stop: Clear, Calm Water and Snorkeling Mask Included

Koh Tan is your water break, and it’s where the included snorkeling gear matters most. You get a snorkeling mask and life jacket, plus drinking water is included, so you can keep the packing list short.

The water around this stop is described as clear and calm, and that is exactly what you want for an easy snorkel. You do not need to be a scuba pro here. It’s the kind of snorkeling that works when you want to see reef and fish without fighting strong currents.

A fair heads-up: snorkeling quality can be mixed depending on conditions on the day. So my advice is to treat this as a bonus swim and reef look, not a guarantee of perfect visibility. If the water is good, you will love it. If it is not as clear, you still have the main attraction later.

Pig Island (Ko Mat Sum): Wild Boars, Beach Time, and the Reality of Crowds

This is the whole reason you book. Pig Island is also known as Ko Madsum and Ko Mat Sum on some schedules, but the vibe is the same: sandy beach time plus wild boars as the main characters.

Here’s what I like about the experience when it goes well:

• The boars roam freely, so you get that unusual up-close feeling
• You can spend real time relaxing, exploring, and swimming on the island
• The island environment includes some lush interior and nearby mangrove areas, so it feels more than just a single photo spot

And here’s what to plan for, because it can affect your comfort. The island area can get touristy, and some people report the beach feeling dirty and smelly. That does not erase the experience, but it does mean you should go in with a flexible, practical mindset. Bring wipes or a small towel if you are prone to getting bothered by beach mess, and set expectations that this is a living island, not a hotel lagoon.

Also, there is a safety and behavior angle. At least one group expected their guide to clearly explain what to do around the pigs, including warning about the possibility that pigs might bite. So do yourself a favor: before you step too close, ask your captain or guide, in plain language, what is safe. Keep a respectful distance, avoid cornering boars, and do not reach in for photos if your guide says not to.

One more helpful note from the overall experience pattern: the private timing often helps. People like the idea of getting to Pig Island before it gets busy, then leaving when they feel ready. That can make the difference between “fun and weird” and “fun but chaotic.”

Swimming, Exploring, and Simple Eco-Style Options on the Island

Once you are on Pig Island, your time is flexible enough to mix chill and light exploration. You can relax on the white sandy beach, and you may also find ways to move along the shore.

If you enjoy spotting wildlife, this place has that added appeal. You might see birds and monitor lizards while you are moving around, and the island is also described as having mangrove forests and a lush interior.

Could you expect a full “eco adventure” with guided conservation work? That depends on your day and the setup, but the key point is that you can create your own low-key exploration while still enjoying a beach day. It is more Thai “island wander” than structured activity menu.

Food and Drinks: Plan for the Beach Bar, Not an All-Inclusive Meal

Food and drinks are not included. On the island, you can order from a local beach bar, but expect that to be at your own cost.

This matters for two reasons:

1. You do not want a surprise at the end of a great island session when you realize the package does not cover meals.
2. Ordering food locally keeps the outing feeling authentic and casual, instead of turning it into a rushed restaurant run.

If you get motion sick easily, this is also the time to keep food simple. The boat ride plus beach time can be a lot for some people, so a light snack before you depart can help.

Budget Checklist: The 50 Baht Park Fee and Other Extras

Two extra costs are clearly part of the deal:

• Park fee: 50 baht per person (not included)
• Food and drinks from the beach bar (not included)

That park fee catches people because it is small, but it adds up quickly in a family group. I’d bring enough cash so you can handle it without scrambling. If you are budgeting, think of the $123.34 as your boat-day core cost, then add park fee plus whatever you want for meals and drinks.

What Private Usually Means, and Why It Can Make the Day Better

This is a private tour, meaning only your group participates. In practice, that usually translates to fewer interruptions and less waiting.

One of the most praised elements is the early arrival feel and the ability to choose when to leave. That kind of control is not a small perk on an island that can get busy. It also helps families because kids can swim when they want and take breaks when they need them.

That said, private does not automatically guarantee your guide will be super chatty. One common downside in the overall feedback pattern is that some guides provide limited commentary and may not fully cover practical safety like warning about pig behavior. Your best move is simple: ask your guide for quick, direct info early in the day. A good question can turn a merely okay boat day into a memorable one.

Timing and Comfort: Half-Day Rhythm on a Longtail

The boat transfer is traditional longtail style, and the ride is part of the fun. The water is described as calm around these stops, which usually means a more comfortable trip than windy open-water routes.

You still want to dress for bright sun and salt air. Longtail boat days tend to mean you are in motion and exposed. Also, bring something practical for your belongings, because beach time is wet time.

For health and comfort, this tour does not recommend participation if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases. If any of those apply, I’d skip this specific activity and choose a more gentle option.

Who This Trip Fits Best, and Who Should Skip It

This is a strong match for:

• Families with children who want a fun, unusual island animal encounter
• Small groups that value private timing over big crowds
• People who like easy snorkeling and relaxed beach time

It is less ideal if:

• You dislike animal encounters that involve close proximity, even with respectful behavior
• You are easily bothered by crowded beach conditions or cleanliness issues
• You need very detailed guidance and safety explanations without asking

If you are the type who loves “learning as you go,” you might want to arrive with a few basic questions ready. The island is pretty straightforward, but safety with pigs is the one topic where clarity matters.

Tips to Make This Pig Island Day Run Smoothly

Here are practical moves that help, based on the most common pain points and the most celebrated parts of the day:

• Ask about pig safety right away. If your guide does not volunteer info, ask directly what is safe and what is not.
• Bring cash for the park fee. It is 50 baht per person, and it’s easy to forget until you are at the beach.
• Pack for a beach that might not be spotless. Bring wipes, and rinse-friendly essentials if you get bothered by smell or grime.
• Use your private timing. If you can reach Pig Island earlier than the main wave, take that advantage and shorten your time if crowds get uncomfortable.
• Keep snorkeling expectations flexible. The mask is included and conditions are often calm, but reef visibility can shift.

And one more tip: if you want narration, prompt it. A private captain and guide may vary in how much they talk, so your tone can guide the day. Simple questions like what to watch for in the water or where to walk on the island can get you better value.

Should You Book Pig Island Private Longtail Boat Trip From Koh Samui?

I’d book it if you want a half-day that feels different from the usual temple and market loop. Pig Island is an oddball experience in the best way: wild boars, sandy beach time, and a short snorkeling stop on the way back.

I would not book it if you are seeking a pristine, low-stress beach day with a lot of structured guidance. Some parts of the experience can be let down by cleanliness or crowd pressure, and your guide may or may not provide much explanation on safety around the pigs.

If you do book, go in prepared: budget for the park fee, ask about pig behavior, and treat Koh Tan snorkeling as a bonus. Do that, and this trip has a good chance of being exactly the kind of quirky, memorable Thai outing you came for.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Thong Krut Pier 79 in Koh Samui and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the Pig Island private boat trip?

The duration is about 4 hours.

What is the group size and price?

The price is $123.34 per group, for up to 5 people. This is a private tour, so only your group participates.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered as a hotel transfer option.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes accident insurance, a hotel transfer option, a life jacket, a snorkeling mask, and drinking water.

What costs extra during the day?

A park fee of 50 baht per person is not included, and food and drinks are also not included. You can order food and drinks at a local beach bar at your own cost.

What stops are included on the itinerary?

The route includes Ko Samui, Koh Tan, Ko Mat Sum (Pig Island), and Thong Krut Beach.

Who should not join this tour?

It is not recommended for guests who are pregnant or who have high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases.

What if the weather is bad or you need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.