Ko Samui: Private Longtail Boat Tour to Koh Madsum & Koh Tan

Pig Island is a pig party with soft sand. This private longtail boat day pairs Koh Madsum (Pig Island) with snorkeling-ready Koh Tan water, so you get both beach “wow” and underwater time in one stretch.

I like that it’s paced for a small private group, with short boat hops between stops instead of long bus journeys and awkward waiting. I also like the simple value feel: a private longtail, snorkeling gear, and life jackets are included, plus bottled water.

One possible drawback to plan for: the beach-stop facilities at Pig Island can be pretty basic, and if toilets are a deal-breaker for you, go in with low expectations and plan ahead.

Key things to know before you go

• Pig-friendly Koh Madsum landing: pigs are part of the experience, and you’ll get a water bottle on arrival
• Koh Tan snorkeling strategy: the best fish viewing tends to be farther from the shore around rocks
• Private longtail pacing: you can spend your time on the beach and in the water without waiting around
• Included snorkeling kit: you won’t have to track down fins/masks before you go
• Optional add-ons: Thai lunch and kayaking may be available, but they are not included in the base price

What this private longtail tour is really like

This is a 4–5 hour private longtail boat outing in Thailand’s Gulf of Thailand, built around two island personalities. Koh Tan is the water-and-snorkel side, while Koh Madsum (Pig Island) is the sand-and-sun side, with pigs adding a quirky, memorable touch.

The best part is how the boat time feels like part of the fun, not a chore. You move in short legs by river boat and longtail-style hopping between stops, so you’re not stuck staring at a schedule all day—you’re out there enjoying sea air.

Pig Island (Koh Madsum): pigs, sand, and a practical heads-up

Koh Madsum is famous enough that people basically call it Pig Island for a reason. When you arrive, you spend a couple hours on the beach, and the pigs are a big part of the scene—friendly, curious, and very used to visitors.

Here’s a detail worth remembering: you typically get a water bottle when you land. Keep it. The pigs seem to love sipping from it, and having that bottle makes the moment feel extra personal instead of like you’re just watching from a distance. There’s usually food and drinks available on-site too, which helps if you want to snack without rushing back onto the boat.

The beach time here isn’t just about photos. It’s also where you’ll likely reset after snorkeling and before heading out again—shade under your hat, a slow swim if conditions allow, and enough time to actually enjoy the island vibe instead of treating it like a quick stop.

One note on comfort: the toilet situation here can be less than ideal. If that matters to you, plan ahead by using facilities before you get settled and bring what you need (like tissues or a small wrap bag for personal items).

Koh Tan snorkeling: how to get more fish and less shore-watching

After you cross over, Koh Tan becomes the star. You’ll spend about two hours at this stop, and it’s built for snorkeling over clear water and coral areas.

The key tip is simple: don’t camp right on the shoreline. The fish tend to be more interesting farther out among rocks, so when you snorkel, give yourself a little space and float where the reefy bits are. If you’re new to snorkeling, take it slowly—use the life jacket the tour provides and adjust how far you swim based on comfort.

What you’ll appreciate is that snorkeling equipment is included (so you’re not paying extra or hunting for rental gear). You also get a life jacket, which makes it easier for you to focus on breathing, movement, and enjoying the water rather than worrying about flotation.

Also, follow the rules around marine life and plants. No touching marine life. No touching plants. That’s not just for ethics—it’s how you keep coral and sea life healthy, and it helps you enjoy the reef as it is.

Timing and route: why the boat legs feel smoother than you expect

The rhythm of the day is built around several short boat legs:

• A short river boat stretch (about 30 minutes)
• Time on Koh Tan (about 2 hours)
• Another river boat stretch (about 30 minutes)
• Time on Koh Madsum (about 2 hours)
• Final river boat stretch (about 40 minutes)
• Multiple drop-off options back toward Koh Samui and surrounding areas

Why this matters: it keeps the day moving. Instead of one huge transit that eats most of your energy, you get movement breaks, island breaks, and water breaks. That’s especially helpful if you don’t want your vacation to feel like a checklist.

It’s also a good fit for people who like structure but hate rigid pacing. Even though it’s a private tour, it still runs on a clear loop, so you’re not left wondering how long you’ll be waiting for the next stop.

Price and value: $57 per person for a private longtail day

At about $57 per person for a private longtail boat tour, the value comes from what’s included, not just the headline price.

You get:

• Private longtail boat
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jacket
• Bottled water
• Hotel pickup and drop-off if that option is selected
• Beach-side time on both Koh Tan and Koh Madsum

That makes a big difference compared to tours where you pay extra for masks, transport, or the boat itself. If snorkeling gear would otherwise cost you locally, the included kit helps this feel like a more straightforward deal.

The one “watch the total” factor is the beach fee of THB 50 per person. That’s small, but it can affect your final cost if you’re doing a tight budget. Also, Thai lunch and kayaking are optional extras (and not included), so decide ahead of time whether you want to add them.

If you’re traveling as a pair or small group, the private format usually feels worth it because you spend less time waiting and more time using the water and beach time efficiently.

What’s included vs what you might add later

This tour keeps the essentials covered, then lets you choose what to tack on.

Included base items:

• Snorkeling gear and life jackets
• Bottled water
• Private longtail boat
• Hotel pickup/drop-off if you selected it

Not included:

• Thai lunch (optional)
• Kayaking (optional)
• Tour guide
• Beach fee (THB 50 per person)

In real life, that means the experience can be either simple and focused or slightly more “activity heavy” if you add lunch and kayaking. If you prefer a cleaner plan with fewer extras, you can likely keep it to snorkeling plus beach time.

If you like doing multiple things, kayaking can be a nice add-on after snorkeling and before you settle back into beach mode.

Getting picked up (and where “mountain villas” change things)

Pickup is optional, and it’s helpful if you don’t want to wrangle transport on your own. The one practical catch: if you’re staying in villas up on the mountain, the pickup may only happen on the main road.

What I’d do: look up where you’ll be meeting before the tour day. If your lodging is up a steep road, plan for a short walk or a more convenient handoff point. It’ll save stress and make the start of your day feel easy.

The tour also asks that you arrive 20 minutes before the start time. That’s a smart buffer on islands—cars and boats can run on local timing, and you’ll want time to get your basics sorted.

What to pack (and what to avoid) for a smooth day

Because this is a water-focused tour, your packing list should be boring and practical. Bring:

• Swimwear
• Hat
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• Snacks (if you want extra energy between stops)
• Water
• A waterproof bag for your belongings

You’ll also want to think about comfort between stops. You’ll likely be switching between boat, beach, and water, so having a change of clothes can feel like a small luxury.

And keep the rules in mind:

• Don’t litter
• Don’t touch marine life
• Don’t touch plants

These rules protect the island and the reef, and they also help keep the vibe friendly and low-conflict.

Who this private Koh Tan & Pig Island trip fits best

This tour fits best if you want a compact, fun day that mixes beach time with snorkeling. It’s also a strong match for people who value privacy and don’t want to share a boat schedule with a larger crowd.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• You want an easy snorkeling option with gear included
• You like quirky animal moments (Pigs on Koh Madsum are part of the appeal)
• You prefer your day structured but not rushed

It may be a poor fit if:

• You’re pregnant
• You have mobility impairments
• You’re prone to seasickness

Longtail boats and open water can be bouncy. If you’re even a little sensitive to motion, take that seriously.

Should you book Koh Madsum and Koh Tan on a private longtail?

I’d book this if your ideal day includes two different island moods: Koh Tan for clear-water snorkeling and Koh Madsum for relaxed beach time with pig-company. The included snorkeling gear, life jackets, and the private boat format make it feel like a solid deal for $57 per person—especially if you’d otherwise pay separately for snorkeling setup and transport.

I wouldn’t rush to book if you’re very sensitive to boat movement, need excellent toilet facilities, or want a formal guided experience (since a tour guide is not included in the base package). In those cases, you might feel happier choosing a different format.

If you’re flexible, pack smart, and you treat this as a fun water-and-beach day (not a museum tour), it’s a great way to see two island sides of Samui’s gulf waters in one go.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 4 to 5 hours.

What’s included in the price?

The private longtail boat, snorkeling equipment, life jacket, bottled water, and hotel pickup and drop-off if you select that option are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included as part of the tour.

Are kayaking and Thai lunch included?

No. Thai lunch and kayaking are optional extras.

Is there an extra beach fee?

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

Is pickup available from hotels?

Pickup is optional. If you’re staying in villas on the mountain, pickup is done on the main road only.