Koh Samui: Pig Island & Koh Tan Snorkeling by Speed boat

Imagine a half-day escape that combines adorable pig encounters, vibrant marine life, and scenic island views—all in just four hours. That’s exactly what this Koh Samui speedboat tour offers, and from the positive reviews, it’s clear this trip hits the sweet spot for many travelers.

What we love about this experience is the mix of unique attractions: the chance to play with the pigs at Koh Madsum, an accessible snorkeling spot at Koh Tan, and the relaxed vibe of a scenic, buffet-style lunch. You get to see some of the best spots around Koh Samui without the hassle of organizing transport or boat rides yourself.

One thing to keep in mind is that the snorkeling conditions can vary—some reviews mention murky waters due to weather—so don’t expect perfect underwater visibility every time. Still, the overall value and fun factor make this a solid choice for those looking to tick off multiple highlights in one go.

This tour suits families, couples, or groups of friends who enjoy lively, social outings and are open to a bit of unpredictability. If you’re after a relaxing, all-in-one trip that offers cute animal encounters, snorkeling, and local flavors, this one’s for you.

Good To Know

• Balanced itinerary with time at pig island, snorkeling, and lunch
• Cost-effective at just $46 per person for four hours of activities
• Vibrant storytelling from guides like Joe and Cola, who boost the fun factor
• Good for all ages (children over 120cm) and those seeking authentic island hopping
• Scenic views and photo opportunities abound, especially at Koh Madsum and Koh Tan
• Flexible booking options including private groups and free cancellation

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Tour Experience

This tour kicks off with a convenient pick-up, often in a comfortable air-conditioned van, from numerous Koh Samui locations. The process is well-organized, with reviewers praising the timely collection and friendly drivers. Once at the pier, the small-group vibe continues on the speedboat—fast, smooth, and fun, with plenty of space for relaxing or taking photos.

The first stop at Koh Madsum is a highlight. Known as Pig Island, it’s an unexpectedly charming spot where adorable piglets wander freely on the beach. Several reviewers mention how well looked after the pigs are, and many suggest bringing extra pig food or snacks—“they love it,” as one reviewer advises. The pigs’ gentle nature and the relaxed beach setting make it a favorite, especially among those with kids or animal lovers.

Next, you’ll cruise over to Koh Tan for snorkeling. Here, the water quality can vary; some guests noted murky conditions, possibly due to weather. However, the reef is reportedly teeming with colorful fish, including clownfish you might recognize from Finding Nemo, and the experience of floating in clear waters with a snack or bread rolls from breakfast is plenty rewarding.

The last stop at Koh Tan offers a laid-back lunch. The buffet-style meal is straightforward but well-rated, with vegetarian options available. Reviewers often mention how tasty and plentiful the food is, making it an excellent way to refuel after swimming and exploring. The scenic backdrop of the island’s coast provides fantastic photo opportunities, especially with the deck chairs and swings available for relaxing.

Transportation and Timing

The trip is designed to be a seamless experience. Pickup times are flexible, and the entire tour lasts about four hours, making it manageable even for those with tight schedules. The speedboat ride itself is relatively quick—just a short 15-minute cruise between stops—meaning you spend most of your time enjoying the activities rather than traveling.

Guides and Service Quality

From reviews, guides like Joe and Cola stand out for their humor, professionalism, and helpfulness. They’re praised for taking pictures, answering questions, and making sure everyone feels safe and included. Many comment on the fun, lively atmosphere and the crew’s ability to handle unpredictable weather or minor hiccups with ease.

Value for Money

At $46, this tour offers quite a bit for the price. You get multiple island visits, snorkeling gear, bottled water, and a tasty lunch—all organized and guided by experienced staff. Many reviewers consider it excellent value, especially given the quality of the guides and the variety of activities packed into one trip.

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What Could Be Better?

The main consideration is weather-dependent snorkeling. Some guests found the waters murky, which isn’t unusual in tropical conditions, but it can affect underwater visibility. Also, the popularity of Pig Island means it can get busy, especially later in the day, so early bookings might help you avoid the crowds.

The Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pickup and Departure:
Your day begins with a pickup from your accommodation—more than 167 hotel options are available, ensuring convenience. The drive to the pier lasts between 40 to 50 minutes, depending on your location, and is usually smooth and comfortable.

Koh Madsum (Pig Island):
Once on the boat, the first destination is Koh Madsum. Expect around an hour here, with plenty of time to snap photos of the pigs, relax on the beach, and maybe even get some fun shots with piglets. Several reviewers mention how well-fed and happy the pigs look, making this an adorable highlight.

Koh Tan (Snorkeling & Lunch):
Afterward, the boat heads to Koh Tan, a popular snorkeling spot with clear waters and a vibrant marine ecosystem. Expect about an hour of snorkeling, during which you can see colorful fish and coral reefs. Some travelers noted they had to swim quite far to find the best visibility, so bringing waterproof shoes or fins could be helpful—though these are available for rent at an extra cost.

Lunch follows at Koh Tan, where a buffet with rice, chicken, vegetables, and vegetarian options awaits. Many reviews praise the quality and amount of food, along with the scenic views—perfect for resting after your water adventures.

Return and Drop-off:
About an hour after lunch, the boat heads back to the pier, where transfers to your hotel are arranged. The overall experience is designed to be relaxed, fun, and well-paced, with plenty of photo opportunities and downtime.

Authentic Experiences and Authentic Insights

Reviewers consistently mention the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, especially highlighting Joe and Cola’s helpfulness and humor. Many say they felt safe during snorkeling and appreciated the attention to detail—like offering cold towels and unlimited bottled water, which keeps everyone refreshed.

The pigs at Koh Madsum are often described as very well looked after, with one reviewer noting the importance of not disturbing mum pigs if piglets are nearby. This kind of genuine animal encounter sets the tour apart from more commercialized animal attractions.

Food quality also receives high praise. Guests note the buffet is tasty, plentiful, and offers vegetarian options—sometimes hard to find on shorter tours. The scenic setting, with swings, deck chairs, and panoramic views, adds a relaxed holiday vibe that many travelers seem to enjoy.

Additional Tips from Reviewers

• Bring extra bottled water, especially if you want to feed the pigs or stay hydrated during snorkeling.
• Arrive early or book ahead to beat larger crowds at Pig Island.
• Consider waterproof shoes or fins for snorkeling—some reviews mentioned the need to swim far to see more marine life.
• If you have dietary restrictions, specify them when booking; reviews mention they’re accommodated well.
• Early morning trips may be less crowded, as noted by a few guests.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who love animals, scenic island scenery, and vibrant marine life. Families with children over 120cm often find it especially fun and manageable, while couples and groups of friends will appreciate the lively guides and social atmosphere.

Those looking for a straightforward, value-packed day with varied activities will find this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for those who want to tick off the main highlights around Koh Samui without spending their whole day traveling or organizing logistics.

If your main goal is to snorkel in crystal-clear waters or take adorable photos with pigs, this trip delivers. For travelers seeking a mix of adventure, relaxation, and unique local encounters, it offers a well-rounded, enjoyable outing.

The Sum Up

This Koh Samui speedboat tour balances playful animal encounters, underwater exploration, and scenic relaxation into a compact, affordable package. With friendly guides like Joe and Cola, you’ll feel well looked after, making your time on the water both safe and fun. The inclusion of a tasty buffet lunch with scenic views ensures you won’t go hungry, and the variety of stops keeps the day engaging from start to finish.

While weather conditions can influence snorkeling clarity, many reviewers still found the marine life vibrant enough to make the experience worthwhile. The visit to Pig Island is a definite highlight—ideal for animal lovers and families eager for a memorable, light-hearted experience.

This tour offers excellent value for money, especially considering the number of activities, transport, and guides involved. It’s perfect for travelers who want a lively, authentic glimpse of Koh Samui’s best outdoor spots, with a good blend of adventure and relaxation.

If you’re after a fun, hassle-free way to explore the islands around Koh Samui and enjoy some cute animal moments, this trip is a great choice. It’s a lively, well-organized tour that packs in plenty of memorable sights and activities in just a few hours.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about four hours, including pickup, boat rides, stops, and lunch.

Is snorkeling suitable for beginners?
Yes, many guests found it accessible, but the water can be murky at times. Bringing fins or waterproof shoes might help, and guides are there to assist.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch?
Yes, the buffet offers vegetarian choices, and reviewers mention they were accommodated well.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), a towel, and waterproof clothing or shoes for snorkeling.

Can children join?
Children over 120cm in height are welcome and often enjoy the animal encounters and scenic views.

Is the tour suitable if I have mobility issues?
It’s not recommended for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments, as some activities involve walking and water.

What makes the trip good value?
The price includes multiple stops, a boat ride, snorkeling gear, lunch, bottled water, and the guidance of friendly, knowledgeable staff.

How busy does Pig Island get?
It can get quite busy later in the day, so early bookings or starting early might help you enjoy it more peacefully.

Is this a private tour?
It’s available as a private group, and you can customize your experience, making it ideal for families, friends, or couples wanting a more intimate outing.

In summary, this Koh Samui: Pig Island & Koh Tan Snorkeling by Speed Boat tour offers a lively, authentic experience packed with adorable animal encounters, vibrant marine life, and scenic island views—all at a reasonable price. It’s perfect for those looking to enjoy the highlights of Koh Samui in a relaxed, fun-filled manner.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby