Pigs, snorkels, and a long-tail boat. This half-day outing mixes Koh Tan snorkeling with Koh Madsum Pig Island for a very Thai, hands-on day at sea. You get to avoid the big-speedboat crowd and move at your own pace with a private boat and local-style stops.

I like the simple value here. Snorkel gear and a dedicated private traditional long-tail boat are included, plus bottled water and an ice box, which keeps the day feeling easy instead of rushed.

One drawback to plan for: you can get quite wet, and boarding uses a ladder, which can be tricky if you have mobility limits or rough-water worries.

Key highlights I’d plan around

• Private long-tail boat means less waiting and more control over your day
• Koh Tan snorkeling is the first stop, usually where you’ll get your best fish-and-coral viewing
• Koh Madsum Pig Island gives you time on a white-sand beach with rescued pigs
• Hotel pickup may be offered, but if not, you meet at Thong Krut Pier
• Admission for Pig Island is extra at THB 50 per person, so budget that in

Why Pig Island feels different from a normal tour

This trip stands out because it does not feel like a factory outing. The private long-tail boat takes just your group to the snorkel spot first, then over to the pig beach, so you are not stuck with a rigid “everyone at once” rhythm.

I also like the mix of moods. You start with water time, then switch to a slower beach moment where pigs are the main event. It gives your brain a break from constant sightseeing, which is rare on half-day tours.

Price and logistics, and whether it’s worth it

At about $113.57 per group for up to 2, you’re paying for privacy, not just access to Pig Island. For two people, that can be good value compared with paying more for shared tours that cram everyone onto speedboats.

That said, this is one of those tours where “value” depends on conditions and expectations. If the sea is rough, you may get soaked and the boat ride can feel more intense than you planned. If you’re a serious snorkeler chasing pristine reef, you may find the snorkeling spot hit-or-miss on visibility and coral health.

Where you start: Thong Krut Pier and optional pickup

The tour generally starts and ends at Thong Krut Pier on the south coast of Koh Samui. If pickup is offered for your booking, you’ll be collected and dropped off back at your hotel area.

If you are meeting at the pier, you’ll likely want to arrive early enough to settle your gear and confirm you’re on the right boat. The pier area also has beachy options for a quick snack before departure, which is handy because lunch is not included.

Stop 1 Thong Krut: quick pier time before you head out

Thong Krut is where the day kicks off. Expect a short pause before the boat portion begins, and use it to get organized: sunscreen, reef-friendly footwear, and your phone secured.

I like this first stop because it helps you transition from land mode to sea mode without feeling like you rushed out the door. It also means you are not scrambling to find the meeting place at the last second, which is where vacations often go sideways.

Stop 2 Koh Tan snorkeling: coral island, fish, and real visibility

Your first real action stop is Koh Tan, a small island reachable only by boat. This is where snorkeling happens first, with snorkeling gear included.

Here’s the practical truth: snorkeling quality can vary. Some people describe seeing coral and fish clearly, while others report reduced visibility or coral that is not doing great. Even in good conditions, you should plan for “fun snorkel” rather than “scuba-level wow.”

What helps your snorkeling odds

• Bring or wear reef shoes. Multiple accounts suggest the seafloor can be rocky or sharp in spots.
• If the water looks slightly unclear at the surface, give it a minute. Visibility can shift a bit around the boat drifting point.
• Keep expectations flexible. You’re snorkeling from a small island stop, not a resort reef platform.

Stop 3 Koh Madsum (Pig Island): rescued pigs and a white-sand beach

Koh Madsum, commonly called Pig Island, is the main attraction. The schedule gives you about 2 hours here, which is long enough to walk the beach, relax, and spend time with the pigs.

This is also where you should understand the tone of the experience. Many people love how direct it feels, including time to interact and enjoy pig antics on the sand. At the same time, some reviewers note the island can be crowded and there may be rubbish around, which makes the setting feel less perfect than the postcard photos.

The Pig Island part you should budget for

Pig Island admission is not included. You’ll pay THB 50 per person when you’re there.

How to make the most of pig time

• Go slowly. If you rush, you miss the best moments where pigs roam and you get that relaxed beach-vibe.
• If you want photos, take a few before and after you get into the sand. The light can change quickly over white sand.
• Expect a lively scene when it’s busy. If you prefer quiet, aim for timing where you arrive earlier or later in the day if you can control that.

Private long-tail boat, and the comfort tradeoffs

This tour uses a private traditional Thai long-tail boat for about 4 hours within the overall ~6-hour experience window. It is a real, local-style ride, not a modern enclosed speedboat.

I like the “local feel” because it changes the entire vibe of the day. The boat trip becomes part of the attraction, and you are less stuck waiting for other groups.

But here’s the key consideration: long-tail boats can be wet rides. Several accounts warn you should expect splashing, and one mentions the boat can feel choppy. Getting on and off can involve an unstable ladder, and you may need some help if you have balance or mobility issues.

How I’d prep so the wet part feels fun, not stressful

• Wear swimwear you do not mind getting saltwater on.
• Bring a small dry bag for your phone and paper essentials.
• Wear footwear you trust for getting on and off the boat.
• If you get seasick, consider taking precautions ahead of time.

What’s included, and what you’ll need to handle yourself

This tour includes:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Bottled water
• Ice box
• Private long-tail boat time (listed as about 4 hours)
• Accident insurance

Not included:

• Lunch
• Pig Island admission (THB 50 per person)
• Pickup is not included for certain meet-at-pier packages, so confirm which option you selected.

One small comfort note from how the day is described: there is often a beach bar option on the pig beach, so you might be able to buy drinks or simple food there. Since lunch is not included in the tour price, plan to grab something on your own before or during your Pig Island time.

Snorkeling and animal ethics, a balanced reality check

If you care about animals, you’ll probably feel two things at once on this tour. On the plus side, Pig Island is described as a place for rescued pigs, and many people say the pigs looked healthy and well cared for.

On the harder side, a few accounts mention rubbish and the general “visitor impact” feeling when it gets crowded. I’d treat this as a responsibility moment, not just a cute stop. Keep your interaction gentle, follow staff instructions, and do not add to mess.

If you are coming for wildlife photography or serious reef snorkeling, you should set a realistic baseline. The snorkeling can be fun, but it may not deliver a pristine reef experience every day.

Who this tour is best for

I think this works especially well for:

• Couples or small friend groups who want privacy and do not want to be herded
• Travelers who like local transport and want the long-tail boat experience
• Families with older kids who can handle splashes and boat boarding steps

It may be less ideal if:

• You have limited mobility or struggle with boarding ladders
• You are prone to seasickness and want a calmer ride
• You expect coral that looks like a top-tier dive site. This is more of a “snorkel-and-smile” outing.

Should you book this Pig Island snorkeling private long-tail boat?

I’d book it if you want a half-day that feels personal and local, with Pig Island as the highlight and snorkeling as a bonus. The private boat choice tends to be what people remember most, especially because it avoids the big-group scramble.

I would hesitate if your top priority is high-visibility reef snorkeling or if you are uncomfortable with getting wet and handling boat boarding. If you fit into the “water time plus pig-beach time” category, you’ll probably enjoy this one a lot.

One final practical tip: pack for wet conditions even if the forecast looks fine. Long-tail boat days have a way of doing what they want with the weather.

FAQ

How long is the Pig Island private long-tail boat snorkeling trip?

The experience is listed as about 6 hours total, with roughly 4 hours on the private boat portion.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Thong Krut Pier 79, Koh Samui and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered for some bookings, but it is not included for the meet-the-captain-at-the-pier package. Your confirmation should tell you which option applies.

What snorkeling is included?

You get snorkeling equipment, and you’ll snorkel at Koh Tan as part of the route.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so plan on snacks or buying food on your own during the day.

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

Yes. Pig Island admission at Koh Madsum is listed as THB 50 per person and is not included in the price.

What kind of boat is used?

You’ll ride on a private traditional Thai long-tail boat.

How many people can be in the group?

The price is per group for up to 2 people.

What should I bring to stay comfortable?

Bring reef or beach shoes if you have them, expect to get wet, and pack sunscreen. Snorkeling gear and bottled water are provided.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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