Koh Samui: Pig Island & Koh Tan Speedboat Tour with Lunch

Friendly pigs and clear snorkeling in one morning. This tour strings together Pig Island and Koh Tan from Koh Samui, with a speedboat ride, snorkeling gear, pig feeding, and a real lunch break that keeps the day feeling full but not exhausting. I like how the plan is timed around a morning schedule, so you get water time while the conditions can still be good. I also like the practical setup: hotel pickup options, an English-speaking guide, plus water, soft drinks, and snacks so you are not scrambling for basics.

The main thing to think about is the speedboat itself. If the sea is choppy, the ride can feel bouncy, and that can be tough for kids or anyone who does not handle motion well.

Key takeaways before you go

• Hotel pickup and drop-off are built in from most central Samui areas, so you spend less time figuring out transportation.
• Koh Tan snorkeling gets you a guided stop and photo moments, with time to swim in clear water if visibility is good.
• Pig feeding on Pig Island is a quick, memorable interaction that feels like a playful Thai version of the Bahamas.
• Kayaking time at Koh Madsum adds variety beyond beach-and-snorkel.
• Lunch on the island is included with water and soft drinks, so you avoid the usual island-sticker-price problem.
• Snorkeling gear and life jackets are provided, but fins may not always be included, so plan for what you need.

Price and what you actually get for $47

At about $47 per person for a roughly 5-hour tour, the value comes from the full package, not just the boat ride. You are paying for the early pickup, the guide, transportation by speedboat, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and even basic accident insurance and first aid kit coverage.

Here is what that means for you in real-life terms:

• If you tried to DIY this, you would still need a boat, snorkeling gear, a plan for Pig Island, and transportation back to your hotel.
• The included lunch and drinks help you avoid a common trap on island tours: paying extra for food and then feeling rushed to fit it all in.

Two cost notes to keep your budget honest. There is an admission fee of 50 THB per person that is not included, and if your hotel is in certain areas farther out, there is an extra transfer charge of 700 THB per person per way.

Getting picked up: the easiest part if you’re close to the main road

This tour is designed around hotel pickup and drop-off. Pickup is available for hotels in a long list of Samui areas: Lamai, Butterfly Garden, Chaweng, Bangpor, Maenam, Bophut, Cheongmon, and Bangrak. The practical detail that matters: pickup is usually from your hotel near the main road.

If your hotel is up on the hill, you will likely need to go to a nearby meeting point or another hotel lobby closer to the route.

Pickup timing is also worth paying attention to. The pickup window starts between 07:40 and 08:30, and the operator confirms your exact time by email. Show up at the lobby about 10 minutes early. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, you may be marked a no-show once the vehicle moves on.

Thong Krut Pier and the safety briefing you should take seriously

Your morning begins at Ko Samui, then you head to Thong Krut Pier. There is a brief visit and a safety briefing that runs about 30 minutes.

Even if you’ve been on boats before, this is the right moment to:

• put your stuff in order (you will be wearing a life jacket later),
• ask quick questions about snorkeling timing and gear,
• confirm where to meet once you get off the boat.

It is also where you should mentally prepare for the speedboat ride, because this tour leans into the thrill factor.

Speedboat ride: fast, fun, and sometimes bumpy

You get a 30-minute speedboat leg from the pier out to the islands, and another 30 minutes back later.

If you get motion sickness easily, take that seriously. This is not a slow ferry. One of the best-useful takeaways from real-world feedback is simple: if the water is rough, the boat can feel like it is slamming over waves. For families, that means you should think twice about bringing very young kids if the forecast looks unsettled.

Practical move: bring a bottle of water, keep your eye on the horizon if you can, and skip the heavy breakfast if you get queasy.

Koh Taen: the snorkeling stop with a photo-and-swim rhythm

Koh Taen is where you settle in for about 45 minutes. The flow is:

• a quick photo stop and guided moments,
• then swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear water if conditions line up,
• plus scenic views on the way that help break up the day.

Why this stop works: it is timed early enough that you are not exhausted yet. You get a clean shot at snorkeling before the rest of the day becomes a string of beach time and activities.

What to watch for: snorkeling quality can shift with weather. If visibility is strong, you can expect vibrant marine life. If it is not, you might still see fish, but the view can feel less sharp. So come with flexible expectations and focus on enjoying the water time either way.

Gear note: snorkeling equipment is included and you will also wear a life jacket. That said, one detail to keep in mind is that you may not get fins. If you use fins for comfort or for better swimming control, consider bringing your own if you know you’ll want them.

Ko Madsum (Pig Island): feeding pigs, swimming, and kayaking

After Koh Taen, you move to Ko Madsum, the tour’s Pig Island stop, with about 75 minutes of time. This is the playful part of the day and usually the moment people remember most.

On Pig Island, you can:

• walk around and explore,
• swim and do snorkeling again,
• take time for kayaking,
• and, yes, feed the friendly pigs.

The reason this stop feels different from a typical island beach is the interaction. Feeding pigs turns a beach day into something you can actually participate in. It is also a change of pace from just floating in the water.

A few practical tips so you get the most from the time:

• Wear water-friendly footwear if you have it, because you’ll be moving between dock, beach, and pig areas.
• Keep your valuables sealed. You are doing water activities back-to-back.
• Be ready to follow the guide’s cues. On pig islands, the flow is as important as the fun.

Snorkeling here can be hit-or-miss with visibility depending on the day. When the water is clearer, you’ll appreciate the underwater scenery much more. When it’s hazier, plan to enjoy the experience anyway and use snorkeling as a bonus, not the whole goal.

Lunch at Thong Krut Pier: included food that keeps momentum

On the way back, you return to Thong Krut Pier for about 1 hour, and that’s where you get lunch plus some sightseeing and a walk.

The value of included lunch is underrated. After speedboat time and water time, it is easy to feel hungry fast, and then island food can be a stress. Here, lunch is part of the package, along with water, soft drinks, snack, and refreshments.

Realistically, you should treat lunch as fuel, not a gourmet event. But the included meal is often satisfying because it is served before you get back to your hotel and you avoid the late-day scramble.

Who this tour is best for

This tour is a good fit when you want:

• a short, active day (about 5 hours),
• both snorkeling and an offbeat experience (Pig Island),
• and an organized plan with transfers so you can avoid logistics.

It is a strong option for families, couples, solo travelers, and groups, especially if you want a mix of water time and a memorable interaction.

Who should think twice:

• Anyone who is pregnant or has certain health concerns like high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases is not recommended.
• The tour is also not suitable for people with back problems, heart problems, or over 70.
• If you are prone to motion sickness or sensitive to choppy water, consider your comfort level with a speedboat ride.

Small details that can make or break the day

These are the things I’d plan around before you go, because they affect how smooth the experience feels.

Pickup accuracy matters. The tour can move on quickly. Be at the lobby at least 10 minutes early.

Water time is real, not just a stop. You get multiple active periods: swimming and snorkeling at Koh Taen, then more water activities plus pig feeding and kayaking at Ko Madsum.

Snorkeling quality depends on the day. When visibility is good, it can be a highlight. When it isn’t, you can still enjoy fish life, but your expectations should be flexible.

Fins might not be included. You’ll have mask and snorkel equipment, and there is life jacket support. If fins are your comfort tool, bring them if you own them.

Should you book this Pig Island and Koh Tan speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a time-efficient island day with real activities: snorkeling, pigs, kayaking, and an included lunch, all wrapped up with pickup and drop-off.

Skip or rethink if you:

• dislike fast boats or get motion sick,
• need a more relaxed pace,
• or you are in a category where the tour is not recommended due to health and mobility concerns.

If you go in with the right mindset, this is the kind of tour that feels like you got more than one trip in a single morning: beach time, underwater time, and a goofy-sweet Pig Island moment that you can’t easily replicate on your own.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Koh Samui Pig Island and Koh Tan tour?

The tour lasts about 5 hours total.

What’s included in the price?

It includes hotel pickup and drop-off (from listed Samui areas), an English-speaking tour guide, Thai lunch plus water and soft drinks, snack and refreshments, snorkeling equipment, and a life jacket. It also includes accident insurance and a first aid kit.

Is the admission fee included?

No. There is an admission fee of 50 THB per person that is not included.

What extra transfer costs could apply?

If you are in certain areas such as Nathon, Taling Ngam, Pagka, Lipanoi, or Lipayai, there is an extra charge of 700 Baht per person per way.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is available for hotels in Lamai, Butterfly Garden, Chaweng, Bangpor, Maenam, Bophut, Cheongmon, and Bangrak. Pickup is usually near the main road, and if you stay on a hill, you may need to meet at a nearby hotel or meeting point.

What time does pickup usually start?

Pickup starts between 07:40 a.m. and 08:30 a.m. The operator confirms the exact pickup time by email.

What snorkeling and safety gear do I get?

You’ll receive snorkeling equipment and a life jacket as part of the tour gear.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

The tour is not recommended for pregnant women and is not suitable for people with back problems, heart problems, or those over 70. It’s also not recommended for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases.

What is the cancellation policy?

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