Koh Tan and Koh Mudsum Day Tour from Koh Samui

The pigs are the draw here: Koh Mudsum, better known as Pig Island, puts you face to face with free-roaming pigs on a small beach just a short boat ride from Samui. You can spend time by the water, take photos and, if you like, kayak or snorkel at nearby Koh Tan.

I like the short crossing, which keeps the trip manageable, and the mix of beach time, a snorkel stop and lunch makes a tidy half-day outing. The main trade-off is time: the island stop can run close to two hours, while snorkeling may be shorter than keen snorkelers want.

Quick points to know

• Pig Island is the main event: Koh Mudsum is small, and the pigs are its central attraction.
• The boat ride is brief: The crossing from Samui takes less than 20 minutes in typical conditions.
• Snorkeling is weather-dependent: Visibility and marine life can vary, so treat Koh Tan as a bonus rather than a guaranteed reef highlight.
• Plan for a long island stop: You may have time to relax, take photos, or kayak, but some visitors find there is little to do after meeting the pigs.
• Lunch and hotel transfers are included: Bring cash for the 50 THB Koh Mudsum admission fee and anything extra.
• Choose your boat style: Options include a shared speedboat, private speedboat and private longtail boat.

The appeal of Koh Mudsum’s beach pigs

Koh Mudsum offers a different sort of island outing from a day built around long swims or a packed sightseeing schedule. You come for a compact beach, shallow-looking coastal water and the chance to see pigs wandering around. For families, especially those with children, that unusual encounter can be the day’s highlight.

The setting is simple. There are places to sit and relax, and you may be able to buy a coffee or beer on the island. Kayaking is also mentioned as an option, though don’t assume it will be available or included in every package. Ask the operator when booking if kayaking is a priority.

The pigs are friendly enough to draw people close, but they are still animals. Keep a respectful distance, follow the guide’s instructions and don’t let a good photo become an excuse to crowd them. The island can also feel busy when several boats arrive around the same time. If you’re hoping for a quiet, untouched beach, this is not the best match.

A short ride from Samui, with less time lost in transit

The nearby location is a real advantage. The boat crossing to Koh Mudsum and Koh Tan is under 20 minutes, so much of your outing can be spent on the islands rather than in transit. A short crossing may also suit you better than a longer open-water trip if you’re prone to seasickness, though rough conditions can still make a speedboat ride uncomfortable.

The tour includes round-trip transfers from your hotel, followed by transport to the pier and the boat ride to the islands. The listed pickup time is 08:30, with the operator confirming your exact time in advance. The scheduled island departure is around 09:45, but schedules can shift with traffic and weather. Arrive at the confirmed pickup point 10 minutes early. Late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable.

There are three package types: a join-in speedboat, a private speedboat and a private longtail boat. The shared speedboat is the lower-cost option, while a private boat costs more and gives your party its own ride. The listed starting prices vary by package: the overall tour is advertised from $54.79, with package rates shown from $47.65 for a join-in speedboat, $99.25 for a private longtail and $396.99 for a private speedboat. Check the price for your date and group before booking.

Koh Mudsum: make the most of the island stop

The planned route gives Koh Mudsum about two hours, beginning with the boat ride from Samui. That is enough time to find the pigs, take photos and enjoy the beach without rushing. You may also have a chance to kayak or simply sit by the water.

The long stop is both the tour’s strength and its weak point. If your children are delighted by pigs, or you’re happy to slow down with a drink and a stretch of beach, the time can feel just right. If you’ve had your fill after half an hour, two hours may drag. There is not a long list of sights or activities to fill the gap.

Bring a towel and change of clothes. Boarding may involve stepping into shallow water, and the sand and sea can follow you back to the boat. Keep cash handy for the 50 THB admission charge to Koh Mudsum. Children under seven are exempt from this fee.

Lunch with a sea view, then the Koh Tan stop

Lunch is included, along with refreshments. The scheduled plan places a one-hour meal on Koh Mudsum at noon, followed by departure for Koh Tan around 13:00 and a return to Samui at about 14:30. The exact order and timing may vary. In some versions of the outing, lunch is served after the island visits near the pier, so follow the guide’s directions on the day.

The meal is a useful part of the package, not just a small snack between boat rides. The food is described as Thai, and a gluten-free meal has been provided for a child on at least one trip. If you have a dietary need, tell the operator before you go rather than relying on a last-minute request. Drinks are also offered during the trip, but bring cash if you expect to buy anything beyond what is included.

Koh Tan is the snorkeling stop. The tour provides a mask, and you can look for fish and coral along the coast. Conditions vary: some days bring fish close to the surface, while other days have poor visibility, cloudy water or stronger currents. Some snorkelers have found the marine life underwhelming, and the time in the water can feel short, often around 45 minutes to an hour.

That makes this a better choice for a casual splash and a look at the underwater scenery than for a dedicated snorkeling trip. If clear reef viewing is your top priority, consider a tour focused on a more extensive snorkel itinerary. Here, the pigs and beach time are the surest reason to go; Koh Tan adds variety but cannot guarantee clear water.

What the trip’s price buys you

The price covers more than the boat ride. Hotel transfers, a guide, insurance provided by the operator, a snorkeling mask, refreshments and lunch are included. That convenience matters on a half-day outing: you don’t need to arrange separate transport to the pier or find a meal after the island stops.

The value depends on what you want from the day. If the idea of seeing the pigs is a real draw, the included transport and meal make the trip straightforward. If you mainly want hours of snorkeling, the cost may feel high for a brief stop with variable visibility. You also pay the separate 50 THB island admission fee, and extra purchases on the island are not included.

A private boat may be worthwhile for a group that values privacy or control over its outing, but the price jump is substantial, especially for the private speedboat. The shared option is the practical starting point for most people. Before paying more for a private trip, confirm how much flexibility you’ll actually have over the schedule and stops.

Guides, comfort and weather

Clear instructions and friendly staff can make a short tour feel easy. Guides on this trip have been described as attentive and good at explaining safety steps. One guide called New has been singled out for being friendly, but guide assignments can change. On the other hand, a few trips have had rushed or unclear instructions, particularly around meeting times and boarding. Listen carefully, and confirm the return time and meeting point before you leave the boat.

The transfer and boat ride are usually short, but comfort is not guaranteed. One poor minibus suspension can make the road transfer unpleasant, and speedboats can feel rough in choppy water. If you’re sensitive to motion, take that into account and follow the operator’s safety guidance.

Weather deserves a serious look. Rain, wind and waves can affect snorkeling, boarding and the ride back. One account described a stormy trip with difficult conditions, a reminder that a sunny forecast is not a minor detail for an island outing. The activity is not recommended for pregnant people, anyone with impaired mobility, or anyone with certain medical conditions, including high blood pressure and epilepsy. If conditions look poor, contact the operator rather than assuming the schedule will proceed unchanged.

Pack swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a towel, a change of clothes and cash. Use the mobile voucher, and remember that it is valid only for the date and time booked. Changes are generally allowed until 24 hours before the activity, subject to the stated booking exclusions. A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, in local time.

Who should book this Koh Tan and Koh Mudsum tour?

This is a good fit if you want an easy island outing from Samui, like the idea of seeing pigs on the beach and are content with a relaxed pace. Families with children may find the pigs a memorable focus, while couples or friends can use the beach stop to unwind and the snorkel stop to break up the day.

It is less suitable if you want an uncrowded beach, a long snorkel session or a tightly packed itinerary. The tour’s best moments are simple: a short boat crossing, time on Koh Mudsum and lunch included. The weakest part is the uncertainty around snorkeling conditions and whether you’ll feel the island stop is too long.

Book it if Pig Island is the reason you’re going. Choose the shared speedboat for the lower-cost option, and consider a private boat only if its price makes sense for your group. If snorkeling is your main goal, compare it with a tour that gives more time in the water.

FAQ

How long is the boat ride from Koh Samui?

The ride to Koh Mudsum and Koh Tan takes less than 20 minutes, though actual travel time can depend on conditions.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch and refreshments are included. The scheduled plan places lunch on Koh Mudsum, though the order or location may vary.

Is the Koh Mudsum admission fee included?

No. The fee is 50 THB per person. Children under seven enter free.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a towel, a change of clothes and cash.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

A snorkeling mask is included. Visibility and marine life can vary with conditions.

What boat options can I book?

You can choose a join-in speedboat, a private speedboat or a private longtail boat.