Koh Tan and Pig Island in one private loop. This is a private longtail trip in Koh Samui with flexible time on both islands, built for swimming, snorkeling, and that goofy pig-photo moment. I like the simple structure: two island stops with a short boat hop between them, plus bottled water and snorkel gear so you can keep moving without fuss.

My favorite part is the “yours, not theirs” feel. With a private group, you set the pace at Koh Tan and then linger on Pig Island as long as you want within the overall schedule. I also really appreciate that the trip includes life jackets and snorkeling equipment, and that entrance fees are handled (with one important exception at Koh Tan).

One possible drawback: snorkeling and beach conditions can vary, and Pig Island is exactly what it sounds like. If you’re hoping for crystal-clear water everywhere or a spotless beach, plan for reality, bring shoes or swim protection, and treat the pig area as a fun, slightly chaotic experience.

Key Things I’d Cling To Before You Book

• Private longtail boat for your group so the day runs on your timing, not a herd schedule
• Snorkeling gear + life jacket included, which makes the trip easier than most add-on tours
• Koh Tan time is on the clock, about 2 hours, with snorkeling and optional extras
• Pig Island (Ko Mat Sum / Koh Madsun) is the photo-and-beach stop, with pigs right there
• Entrance fees covered, but Koh Tan’s admission is not (Pig Island is listed as free)

What You Really Get: Koh Tan and Pig Island by Private Longtail

This tour is designed as a short, satisfying island day. You get a longtail boat day that links Koh Tan and Pig Island (also called Ko Mat Sum or Koh Madsun), with enough time at each place to swim, snorkel, and take breaks instead of feeling like you’re just passing through.

The private setup matters more than it sounds. A regular group cruise often turns into: arrive, line up, snorkel for a few minutes, move on fast. Here, you’re not sharing your rhythm with strangers. That’s handy if your group has mixed comfort levels in the water, or if one person just wants beach time while others snorkel.

Also, the included items lower your mental load. You get bottled water, a beach chair, and the basic gear for snorkeling. That’s a quiet quality-of-life win on an island day where you don’t want to spend energy tracking down rentals.

Private Boat Time Means You Can Match the Day to Your Group

The trip runs about 4 hours total (approx.). Within that, you’re looking at two main island blocks of about 2 hours each, with a quick longtail ride between stops. The boat ride itself is short, described as about 7 to 10 minutes between the piers.

That timing is great for groups who want an easy day without getting dragged into a whole-day schedule. It’s also ideal if you’re doing other Samui things later—dinner, a market stop, or an evening view. You’re not committing your entire day to the water.

One more practical point: there’s no guide included. That doesn’t make the day “bad,” but it does change the vibe. You’ll likely swim and explore more at your own pace. If you’re the type who likes a person explaining what you’re seeing underwater or pointing out the best tide spot, you might want to bring your own plan (or add a separate snorkeling guide experience on another day).

Koh Tan Stop: Snorkeling, Optional Kayaking, and Island Downtime

Koh Tan is the first stop. You’ll transfer from your hotel to the pier if you booked the pickup option, then head out by longtail. Once you arrive, you get about 2 hours of island time.

Koh Tan is where the snorkeling action happens. You’re provided snorkeling equipment and you can spend time in the water as long as you want within that window. You can also choose optional extras here, including kayaking and lunch (listed as optional).

Two things to keep in mind at Koh Tan:

First, admission isn’t included for this stop. That means you may pay a separate entrance fee on arrival or at the island site, depending on how it’s collected. The good news is the rest of the experience includes entrance fees overall, so it looks like Koh Tan is the only carve-out.

Second, water clarity can be a hit-or-miss variable. One sharp review called out snorkeling water that wasn’t transparent, with gray, small fish that were hard to spot. I wouldn’t let that scare you off, but I would set your expectations: Koh Tan can be fun, yet you should be prepared for conditions that aren’t postcard-perfect.

Pig Island (Ko Mat Sum / Koh Madsun): Pigs, Photos, and a Short Beach Escape

After Koh Tan, the plan shifts to Ko Mat Sum, commonly known as Pig Island (and also referenced as Koh Madsun). This is the stop most people remember, mostly because it delivers exactly the core concept: pigs waiting to greet you and a beach island vibe for relaxing.

You’ll have about 2 hours here. The focus is clear: take pictures, watch the pigs do their thing, and unwind. Admission for this second stop is listed as free, which helps with value because you’re not paying another island fee on top.

Here’s what matters in real-world terms. Pig Island can be lively and a little messy by nature. One review specifically mentioned pigs and that they poo, which is not surprising when you’re sharing space with animals. If that kind of thing bothers you, you’ll want to keep your distance from pig hangout areas and avoid stepping where pigs roam.

Also, don’t build your expectations around finding a fancy beach setup. One review described the second stop as a bit disappointing due to not much being there besides the pigs. That doesn’t mean it’s “bad.” It just means Pig Island is more about the animals and simple beach time than about amenities or scenery that needs lots of imagination.

Snorkeling Reality Check: How to Make the Most of the Water Time

Snorkeling is included, and that’s a big deal for value. But based on feedback patterns, the underwater experience depends heavily on conditions. One negative point called out low visibility and small, gray fish. Another positive point still described the overall day as great when combined with the boat and pig stop.

So here’s how to make snorkeling work for you even if visibility isn’t amazing:

• Go with a flexible mindset. Even with lower visibility, you can still enjoy being in the water, spotting what you can, and having a fun swim session.
• Don’t treat snorkeling like a single outcome. Pair it with time on the beach after you check the water. That way, the day stays enjoyable either way.
• Use the included equipment. If the gear is new to you, do a quick fit check before you get too far out.

If your top priority is seeing the best underwater life possible, you might consider pairing this with another snorkeling plan on a different day. But if your goal is an easy island outing with snorkeling as part of the package, this trip makes sense.

Cost and Value: Why This Private Cruise Can Be a Good Deal

At $67.78 per person, this isn’t a bargain if you compare it to a cheap ferry ticket. But it’s also not trying to be. The price is paying for a few real things:

• Private longtail experience for your group (not shared with other groups)
• Round-trip transportation via transfer if you select it
• Snorkeling equipment and life jacket
• Accident insurance
• Entrance fees included overall, with the Koh Tan admission noted as not included
• Bottled water and a beach chair
• Optional add-ons at Koh Tan (kayaking and lunch)

That package structure is where the value lives. When you have private time on a longtail boat plus gear plus insurance, you’re less likely to end up paying a pile of extras after you arrive.

One practical value tip: if your hotel is outside the easiest pickup zones, double-check whether pickup is actually included in your booking. The tour data says transfers are only provided if booked with transfer, and that can make the day smoother or more complicated depending on where you start.

Logistics That Matter: Pickup, Timing, and Where the Day Ends

This trip is built for simplicity, with a clear start and finish. Your start point is listed as CXC4+76H, 4170, Tambon Taling Ngam, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84140, Thailand. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

The tour also includes bottled water, and life jackets and snorkel gear are part of the deal. So you’re not juggling rentals, at least not for the basic snorkeling setup.

One more scheduling detail: booking patterns show it’s commonly booked about 13 days in advance on average. Since cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time (and weather can cause changes), you can book with some flexibility—but I still recommend reserving ahead if you’re traveling in busier periods. Private boat slots can tighten up.

Who Should Book Pig Island & Koh Tan (and Who Might Not Love It)

I’d steer you toward this private cruise if:

• You want two islands in one short outing without a big time commitment
• Your group likes a mix of water time and island hanging
• You’re excited about the pig experience and want the private setup for photos and pacing
• You prefer a “go, relax, repeat” day over a highly guided, lecture-style tour

You might want to think twice if:

• Your main goal is maximum underwater clarity every time, rain or shine. The snorkeling can vary in quality.
• You dislike animal areas where mess can happen naturally.
• You expect a full guide explaining what to see. This experience lists no guide.

It’s also a good match for most people who can swim and do basic snorkeling. The tour info says most travelers can participate, and it’s near public transportation, which helps if you’re not using the transfer option.

Should You Book This Private Longtail Trip?

I’d book it if you’re chasing the combo of easy snorkeling plus a very specific, fun destination. Koh Tan gives you water time, and Pig Island gives you the main event: pigs right there and beach lounging built around that oddball joy.

But I wouldn’t book it expecting a perfectly curated, high-amenity island resort day. One island is the snorkeling stop with a separate admission fee noted, and the other is the pig-and-simpler-beach stop where the animals are the attraction, not luxury.

If you go in with that mindset, it’s a smart, time-efficient use of a half-day in Koh Samui, especially for groups that want to move at their own speed.

FAQ

How long is the private trip?

It’s about 4 hours (approx.), with around 2 hours at each island.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity with only your group participating.

Does the price include snorkeling equipment and life jackets?

Yes. Life jackets and snorkeling equipment are included.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and round-trip transfer are included only if you book with transfer.

Is there a guide during the tour?

No. A guide is not included.

Are entrance fees included?

Entrance fees are included overall, but Koh Tan admission is not included. The Pig Island stop (Ko Mat Sum) is listed as admission free.

Is lunch or kayaking included?

Lunch at Koh Tan and kayaking at Koh Tan are listed as optional.

What 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. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you want, tell me where you’re staying in Koh Samui and your group size. I can help you think through whether pickup is worth it and how to time this with the rest of your day.