Koh Tan and Pig Island Half-Day Tour by Speed Catamaran

Pig Island is the star of this half-day trip, but the catamaran is part of the fun: you get pigs on the beach, then a floating platform for swimming and water sports. It’s an unusual island pairing, with a distinctly playful feel.

I like two things here: the variety of activities keeps the day moving, and the crew’s care with families has been a real plus. The lunch buffet also gives you more than a quick snack between stops.

One thing to weigh: snorkeling can disappoint if visibility is poor or fish are scarce. Pick-up timing and communication have also been uneven, so confirm your transfer details before bed.

What to know before you go

• Pig Island is a close encounter: You can see pigs and piglets on the beach, and pig food has cost 50 baht in at least one case.
• Koh Tan may mean an offshore stop: The catamaran can anchor near the island for water activities rather than land on its beach.
• The boat is an activity hub: Kayaks, paddleboards, a clear kayak and a slide have all featured on board.
• Plan for a wet landing: Water at Pig Island can reach well above your knees when you step off the boat.
• Snorkeling is a bonus, not a guarantee: Fish, visibility and coral conditions vary.
• The listed starting price is $68.45: Judge the value by the boat, buffet, activities and transfers, not by snorkeling alone.

What the half-day trip is really about

This outing suits you if you want a cheerful change from Samui’s beaches without spending a full day at sea. Its appeal is the mix: a short island stop with animals, a second stop for water play, and lunch back on the boat.

The experience is less compelling if your main goal is pristine reef snorkeling or quiet time on an untouched beach. Pig Island can be crowded with pigs, people and dogs, while the snorkeling spot near Koh Tan may be murky or short on fish. Think of the water activities as the main event and snorkeling as one option among several.

The tour is sold as a half-day outing, with packages identified as Koh Mat Sum or Koh Madsum. Pig Island is also called Koh Madsum or Koh Mat Sum, so the different spellings point to the same stop. The Koh Tan part can be less straightforward: depending on the boat and conditions, you may stay offshore rather than go ashore.

Pig Island: pigs, shallow water and a quick visit

The first stop is often Pig Island, about 20 minutes by boat from the departure area, though the exact sequence can vary. The pigs are the reason most people come. You can watch them wander along the sand, see piglets, and, if you choose, feed them.

Pig food has been available for 50 baht. It’s a small extra to keep in mind, especially if you’re counting on the activity being entirely included. The pigs are described as relaxed and well fed, but this is still an animal encounter in a popular stop, not a quiet wildlife visit. Keep your expectations modest and follow the crew’s instructions around the animals.

The beach itself is not the prettiest part of the outing. It can be fun and different, but the attraction is the pigs more than a stretch of picture-perfect sand. If you have had your fill of photographs and animal-watching, you may be ready to return to the boat before the stop ends.

Pay attention to the landing. One visitor found the water nearly crotch-deep while stepping off, so shorts or clothes you can pull up are practical. Shoes may be collected before the boat trip, too. If that happens, you’ll want to know in advance and be comfortable walking barefoot on the island.

Koh Tan from the water, with a slide and paddleboards

After Pig Island, the catamaran heads toward Koh Tan. The stop is often centered on the water near the island rather than a landing on its beach. That distinction matters: if you are picturing a walk around Koh Tan, confirm the exact plan before booking.

Once anchored, you may have several ways to get into the sea. Kayaks, paddleboards, a clear kayak and a slide attached to the boat have all been part of the outing. This variety is a big strength. You can paddle, swim, slide or simply lounge on board, which gives the stop more to offer than a single snorkel session.

Snorkeling is the most variable activity. Some days bring a few fish; on others, visibility is poor and the coral area feels limited. Conditions can change with season and weather. If snorkeling is your chief reason for booking, this may not be the best choice. If you’re happy to spend most of your time swimming, paddling and playing from the boat, the stop is more likely to satisfy.

There is also a practical point for families: crew members have been praised for helping keep children safe and occupied during water activities. That can give parents a little room to relax, though you should still keep an eye on your own children and follow instructions.

Lunch aboard and time to slow down

Lunch is served on the boat, often after the water stop. The buffet has included rice, noodles, vegetables, curries, chicken and fruit. That range can make the meal feel substantial rather than an afterthought, and it’s useful when you’re hungry after swimming.

Dietary needs are worth checking directly when you book. One vegetarian guest found fewer suitable choices than expected, despite having notified the operator in advance. Rice and a vegetable stir-fry were available, but other dishes contained egg or chicken. Don’t assume a special meal will be prepared just because you have noted a requirement.

Drinking water and soft drinks have also been available on board, with options including Coke, Sprite and Fanta. One guest noted there were no sugar-free choices. If you have a specific drink or food need, bring a backup rather than counting on the buffet to cover it.

A useful part of the schedule is the chance to sit and rest after lunch. The day is active, but it need not feel rushed from one stop to the next. The afternoon departure has also appealed to people who prefer less heat and the chance to see sunset on the ride back, though sunset timing depends on the season and schedule.

The catamaran, crew and transfer trade-offs

The boat is a major part of the value. It has been described as spacious, comfortable and luxurious, with room to lounge between activities. A speed catamaran also makes the trip feel like an outing in its own right, rather than simply transport between two islands.

The crew is one of the stronger parts of the experience. They are often described as helpful, fun and attentive, and the food and family support have drawn particular praise. Sea-sickness tablets have been offered at check-in in at least one case, and that guest found the crossing smooth. If you are prone to motion sickness, ask about the conditions and available help before boarding.

The less dependable part is the land transfer. Pick-up times have shifted from what some passengers expected, and one account describes a late driver, waiting during other pickups, and a forgotten drop-off that added time. A comfortable van is helpful, but a half-day boat outing can take much longer door-to-door if transfers run poorly.

Confirm your pick-up time directly the night before, rather than relying only on an earlier voucher time. Keep the operator’s contact details handy, and allow a buffer after the stated end time if you have another plan. The tour has an instant-confirmation option and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity date, but that does not remove the need to verify the actual transfer arrangements.

Is $68.45 good value?

At a starting price of $68.45, this is best judged as a bundled day on the water. You are paying for a catamaran outing, Pig Island, a spread of water activities and lunch, with transfers included in some arrangements. If you make use of the slide, kayaks or paddleboards and enjoy the boat itself, the price can feel reasonable.

The value drops if you expect a long beach stay, a pristine reef or a carefully tailored meal. Pig Island is a novelty stop, and the Koh Tan snorkel area may not deliver much marine life. Transport delays can also eat into the time that makes a half-day trip convenient.

The overall rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 13 ratings for this experience, while the provider, Siam Scape Journeys, has 391 total reviews and an 81 percent good-review rate. Those figures suggest a generally positive operation, but they do not guarantee that every pick-up, meal or sea condition will match your expectations.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I’d shortlist this tour for families, couples and groups who want a fun, mixed-activity outing rather than a serious snorkeling expedition. Children may particularly enjoy seeing the pigs and using the slide, while adults can choose between paddling, swimming and taking a break on the boat.

It also works well if you want to see Pig Island without arranging a private boat. The guided group format gives you the main stops and activities in one package. On the other hand, if you value quiet beaches, reliable reef conditions or the freedom to set your own pace, a private longtail option may suit you better.

Before booking, be clear about your priorities. If pigs, boat time, lunch and water play sound like a good half-day, this is a lively choice. If you’re booking mainly for Koh Tan’s shore or its snorkeling, check the precise itinerary first.

Should you book the Koh Tan and Pig Island tour?

Book it if you want an easy, sociable day with a memorable animal stop and plenty to do from the boat. The crew, lunch and range of activities are real strengths, and the experience can work especially well for families.

Skip it if you expect a pristine beach or dependable snorkeling. Confirm your pick-up time, ask whether the boat lands at Koh Tan or anchors offshore, and check dietary arrangements if you need a specific meal. Those three details will tell you more about the fit than the headline promise of two islands.

FAQ

How much does the tour cost?

The listed starting price is $68.45. The amount you pay may depend on the package and booking details.

How long is the tour?

It is sold as a half-day tour. Land transfers can add time, and some trips have taken longer than expected because of pickup or drop-off delays.

Does the tour land on Koh Tan?

Not necessarily. The catamaran may anchor near Koh Tan for snorkeling and water activities instead of landing on the island.

What activities are available near Koh Tan?

Activities have included snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, a clear kayak and a slide attached to the boat. Availability and sea conditions can vary.

Is food included?

Lunch is served aboard and has included rice, noodles, vegetables, curries, chicken and fruit. If you have dietary requirements, confirm suitable options directly before the trip.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date, using the destination’s local time.