Pig Island (Koh Mudsum) and Koh Tan Tour with Meal from Koh Samui

Planning a half-day escape from Koh Samui? This Pig Island and Koh Tan tour offers a bit of everything—snorkeling among tropical fish, playful pigs, and stunning coastal scenery. While it’s not a full-day expedition, it packs enough fun to make it worth your while, especially if you’re after a relaxed yet lively experience on the water.

What we really like about this tour is its friendly guide, the chance to hang out with adorable pigs, and the value for money considering the included transfers, meal, and snorkeling gear. That said, the snorkeling spot has drawn some mixed reviews due to sea grass and limited fish, so it’s worth considering if snorkeling is your main focus. This tour works best for those who enjoy animal encounters, scenic views, and a laid-back vibe—perfect for families, couple getaways, or solo travelers looking for a balanced mix of activity and relaxation.

Good To Know

• Accessible and convenient: Hotel pickup and drop-off make this a hassle-free experience.
• Diverse activities: Snorkeling, pig interaction, hiking, kayaking, and beach lounging.
• Great value: Price includes transfers, meals, and snorkeling equipment.
• Limited snorkeling options: Some reviews mention sea grass affecting the fish visibility.
• Animal interaction: Pigs are friendly, and the guides are knowledgeable and caring.
• Shorter duration: Expect a 6-hour trip, perfect for a half-day adventure.

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Convenient Pickup and Transportation

From the start, this tour aims to make your life easier with hotel pickup in Koh Samui. If you’re staying in a hillier or less accessible area, the guide might ask you to meet at a nearby point—something to keep in mind when planning your day. The round-trip transfer is included, which means no worries about arranging your own transport, saving time and effort.

Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Stop 1: Koh Samui Pickup

The journey begins with a roughly one-hour pickup from your hotel. Reviews mention that the guides are friendly and professional, ensuring you’re comfortable right from the start. The early start (depending on your chosen time slot) gets you out on the water without feeling rushed, allowing you plenty of time for each activity.

Stop 2: Snorkeling at Koh Tan

Next, you’ll head to Koh Tan for about 45 minutes of snorkeling. Here, you can expect to see vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish. However, some travelers noted that the snorkeling area has quite a bit of sea grass, which can make spotting fish more challenging. One reviewer mentioned, “too much sea grass not any fish,” but others still enjoyed floating above the reefs and exploring the marine life.

Having snorkel gear included is a bonus—no need to rent equipment elsewhere—and it’s ideal for beginners or those who want to try snorkeling without extra hassle. Keep in mind that the visibility and marine life can vary day to day, so don’t set your expectations too high if fish sightings are sparse.

Stop 3: Madsum Island and Pig Encounters

The highlight for many guests is Madsum Island, often called “Pig Island” due to the friendly pigs that roam freely. You’ll spend about three hours here, which includes a chance to play with the pigs, feed them (for THB50 onsite), hike to a viewpoint, kayak, or simply relax on the beach.

Multiple reviews echo how interactive and adorable the pigs are. One guest shared, “lots of baby pigs running around which you can stroke,” making it a delightful experience for animal lovers. The island fee is modest at THB50—payable on the spot—and is well worth the fun, especially if you’re into animal encounters.

Many travelers find the island’s scenery charming and the atmosphere laid-back, perfect for a casual lunch or just unwinding. The included meal is generally praised as good value, with options for lunch or dinner, depending on the tour time.

The Experience: What’s the Real Value?

This tour strikes a balance between active and relaxing moments. The group size is limited to around 45 travelers, fostering a more intimate atmosphere, and the guide’s knowledge was appreciated—reviewers mention friendly, well-coordinated crews who explained activities well.

While snorkeling is a significant part of the itinerary, some travelers found the marine life disappointing due to sea grass interference. However, the scenic views, animal interactions, and beach time more than make up for it.

Practical Details and Tips

• Cost: At $51.88 per person, this tour offers good value, considering all included elements—transfers, snorkeling gear, meals, and island fees.
• Duration: At approximately 6 hours, it’s ideal for a half-day outing, fitting comfortably into a busy travel schedule.
• What to bring: Towels, spare clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, and cash for on-site fees.
• Accessibility: The tour isn’t suitable for children under 1 year or seniors over 70, mainly due to activity levels and mobility considerations.
• Weather contingency: The tour is weather-dependent, with a full refund or rescheduling available if canceled due to poor conditions.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Many reviewers highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the guides. One said, “Everything explained really well,” and appreciated the well-organized nature of the trip. The guides also seem attentive to the animals, with some even warning guests not to leave their belongings unattended—pigs are quite curious!

The reviews also reveal a common theme: this trip is most enjoyed by those who appreciate a casual, animal-friendly, scenic experience rather than a high-octane adventure. The snorkeling, while charming, may not thrill everyone, especially if marine life is sparse or sea grass dominates the reef.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers seeking a relaxed half-day filled with playful animals, scenic views, and gentle water activities. It’s perfect for families, animal lovers, or anyone who appreciates a laid-back vibe with meaningful interactions. If snorkeling is your main goal and you’re picky about marine life, consider that the reef might not meet your expectations, but the animal encounters and island scenery will still provide memorable moments.

The Sum Up

This Koh Samui tour offers excellent value for those wanting a combination of marine exploration, animal interaction, and stunning island scenery. The friendly guides and well-organized itinerary help make the experience smooth and enjoyable, especially for first-timers or those with limited time.

While snorkeling might not be the main highlight for everyone, the opportunity to hang out with the pigs, enjoy a tasty meal, and soak in Thai island views makes this a balanced, fun outing. It’s especially suitable for travelers seeking a relaxed, family-friendly adventure with plenty of memorable moments.

If you’re after a casual, authentic experience that combines nature, animals, and just enough activity, this tour ticks all those boxes without breaking the bank.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip pickup from most hotels in Koh Samui. If your hotel is on a hill or unpaved road, you’ll be asked to meet at the nearest accessible location.

How long does the tour last?
The total experience is approximately 6 hours, making it ideal for a relaxed half-day outing.

What activities are included?
Snorkeling, interaction with friendly pigs, hiking to a viewpoint, kayaking, and relaxing on the beach.

Are meals included?
Yes, a lunch or dinner is provided, depending on the scheduled tour time.

How much does the island fee cost?
The island fee for Madsum Island is THB50, payable on-site.

Is snorkeling suitable for beginners?
Yes, snorkeling gear is provided, but be aware that some reviews mention sea grass affecting visibility. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a gentle snorkel rather than expecting vibrant fish.

Can children participate?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s not suitable for children under 1 year old or seniors over 70.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, spare clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, and cash for any on-site expenses.

In essence, this tour offers an approachable way to explore Koh Samui’s nearby islands, meet friendly animals, and enjoy a scenic coastal escape—all without a hefty price tag. It’s sure to leave you with fun stories and some adorable pig selfies.