Pig and Tan Island Snorkeling Tour by Speedboat From Koh Samui

Pig Island is the novelty, but the best day here is the combination: a speedboat ride from Koh Samui, a reef stop at Koh Tan, then time to swim, eat, or meet the pigs on Koh Mat Sum. It’s a compact island outing, not a long cruise.

I like two things in particular: hotel pickup is included from much of Koh Samui, and the package covers lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear, so you have fewer extras to arrange. The pigs add a playful twist to a beach day, while Koh Tan gives you a reason to bring a mask.

The main trade-off is time. Pig Island gets about 90 minutes in the planned schedule, and the speedboat can feel rough if the sea is choppy. The lunch is intended for the island, but it may be served back at the pier instead.

At a glance

• Two islands, two different stops: Snorkel or kayak near Koh Tan, then swim, relax, or spend time with the pigs on Koh Mat Sum.
• About 40 minutes at Koh Tan: The stop is short, so have your mask ready and use the time in the water rather than sorting out your gear.
• Around 90 minutes on Pig Island: Enough for a beach break and a look at the pigs, but not a long, unhurried island stay.
• Lunch and basic gear are included: Expect a Thai lunch, water, soft drinks, snacks, snorkeling equipment, and a life jacket.
• Transfers cover many main areas: Pickup is included from several Koh Samui districts, with an extra charge for some farther locations.
• The boat ride can be bumpy: Speed is part of the appeal, but rough water may make the ride uncomfortable.

Koh Tan first: a short snorkel stop

The day begins with a shared pickup from your hotel or a nearby meeting point, followed by a speedboat ride to Koh Tan. The listed crossing takes about 15 minutes. Pickup time is confirmed in advance, and shared transfers can run early or late, so be ready before the time the operator gives you.

Koh Tan is the first proper activity stop. You have about 40 minutes for snorkeling or kayaking, with snorkeling gear and a life jacket supplied. The short window makes this a good first taste of the water, rather than a full reef expedition.

The water can be clear, but conditions are not guaranteed. Some days bring better visibility than others, and one account of the trip described murky water. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations flexible: the tour offers a convenient reef stop, not a promise of perfect visibility or a particular marine-life sighting.

Bring a towel and swimwear, and put your mask on before the boat reaches the stop if you can. With only 40 minutes, every minute spent getting organized is a minute less in the water. If you prefer kayaking, the itinerary lists it as an option, though it does not specify whether kayak use carries an extra fee.

Koh Mat Sum: pigs, beach time, and lunch

After Koh Tan, the boat heads to Koh Mat Sum, widely known as Pig Island. The planned stop is about an hour and a half. You can feed and see the pigs, swim, kayak, or simply take a break on the beach. That mix makes the island more than a quick photo stop, though the clock does limit how long you can linger.

The pigs are the unusual draw, especially for families and anyone who likes a little silliness with their seaside day. They are also the reason this island can feel more playful than secluded. If you are hoping for a quiet, empty beach, the animal visit and shared-tour setting may not fit that mood.

Use the time as you prefer. You might spend a little while with the pigs, cool off in the sea, then sit down for lunch. One useful detail: the planned meal is on the island, but the serving location can change. On at least one trip, lunch was served at the boarding pier after the island visit, so treat the island lunch as the plan, not a guarantee.

The meal is described as Thai lunch, with water, soft drinks, snacks, and refreshments included. The food has been a strong point for some people on this trip, but the operator does not give a fixed menu here. If you have dietary needs, ask before booking rather than assuming a particular dish will be available.

There is also a 50 baht per-person admission fee that is not included in the package. Keep a little cash handy for that and for personal purchases. Tips and other personal expenses are also outside the package price.

The speedboat ride: quick, fun, and sometimes rough

The boat is a practical way to reach both islands in a half-day outing. The listed crossings are about 15 minutes each, so the travel time is short compared with spending the day on a ferry or arranging separate transport. For many people, the speed and sea views are part of the fun.

That speed has a downside when the sea is rough. A fast boat can hit bumps, and the ride may feel jarring, especially if you are sensitive to motion or simply want a calm cruise. Sea conditions also affect the schedule, so the order or timing of stops can change.

The operator provides life jackets and a first aid kit. If you have high blood pressure, epilepsy, heart disease, asthma, another serious medical condition, or are pregnant, the activity is not recommended. It is also not recommended for people with disabilities, according to the tour information. If any of these points apply, ask the operator about your situation before paying.

What the day costs, and what the price covers

The package price is shown from US$44.65, while the experience summary gives a starting price of US$49.15. Prices can vary by date or package, so check the total shown for your booking before you commit. The value is strongest if you want a guided, shared trip with transport, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear handled together.

A private boat would offer more control over pace and time, but this is not that kind of outing. You share the transfer and follow a set schedule. In return, you avoid arranging separate transport to the pier and do not need to source basic snorkeling equipment or lunch yourself.

Hotel transfer is included from Lamai, Butterfly Garden, Chaweng, Bangpor, Maenam, Bophut, Cheongmon, and Bangrak. Hotels on hillsides may require you to meet the driver at a nearby hotel or designated point. Pickup from Nathon, Taling Ngam, Pagka, Lipanoi, and Lipayai carries an extra charge of 700 baht per person each way, a substantial addition to a low headline fare.

The package includes an English-speaking guide, operator-provided insurance, lunch, water and soft drinks, snacks, snorkeling equipment, a life jacket, and a first aid kit. It does not include the 50 baht admission fee, tips, or personal expenses. Confirm the transfer zone and any extra costs before booking so the advertised price does not surprise you later.

Timing and practical details to check

The listed departure is 08:30, with a return time of 14:45. The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking, and shared transfers can arrive early or late. Enter your hotel name and address at checkout, then follow the operator’s confirmed instructions. If you are asked to meet at a nearby location, arrive there at least 10 minutes before the departure time.

A day on the water depends on weather and sea conditions. The schedule may change, and the tour can be canceled in rare cases if the operator cannot run it. If that happens, the operator says it will offer another date, an alternative tour, or a full refund.

Children aged 4 to 9 qualify for a child ticket. The voucher is valid only for the date and time selected. Changes are allowed up to 24 hours before the activity starts, subject to the stated booking restrictions, and cancellation at least 24 hours ahead qualifies for a full refund.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This is a good fit if you want a straightforward island outing and value having transport, food, and snorkel gear bundled together. Families may like the short crossings and the chance to see the pigs; couples and solo visitors can get a beach break without planning a private boat. Groups who want a little activity followed by time to relax should find the format easy to follow.

It is less suitable if you want hours at each island, a slow boat ride, or a snorkeling-focused excursion with a long time in the water. The itinerary gives you around 40 minutes at Koh Tan and 90 minutes at Pig Island, with time also needed for transfers and boarding. If your priority is unhurried snorkeling, compare this with a longer trip before choosing.

The operator is Siam Scape Journeys. The strongest signs of a well-run day are the included pickup and the guided, all-in-one format, though the experience can still vary with timing, weather, and where lunch is served. The planned schedule is useful for setting expectations, but keep a little room for changes.

Should you book the Pig and Tan Island tour?

Book it if you want a lively half-day that pairs a brief snorkel stop with a distinctly unusual beach visit. The included transfer, meal, drinks, and equipment make the price easier to judge, especially if your hotel is in one of the covered pickup areas. Go for the pigs and the relaxed island mix, not for an extended reef session.

Think twice if rough water would spoil your day, if you need a guaranteed lunch setting, or if you want more than 90 minutes on Pig Island. Before paying, confirm your pickup area, the final price, and the current timing. That small bit of checking can make this a simple, enjoyable outing rather than a day spent watching the clock.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The listed schedule starts at 08:30 and returns at about 14:45. Exact pickup and return times are confirmed after booking, and the schedule may change with weather and traffic conditions.

How much time is planned at Koh Tan?

The Koh Tan stop is planned for about 40 minutes, with time for snorkeling or kayaking.

How long do you stay on Pig Island?

The planned stop at Koh Mat Sum is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The timing may change depending on conditions.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is included from Lamai, Butterfly Garden, Chaweng, Bangpor, Maenam, Bophut, Cheongmon, and Bangrak. Some hotels on hillsides may require you to meet at a nearby hotel or designated point.

Is there an extra charge for some pickup areas?

Yes. Pickup from Nathon, Taling Ngam, Pagka, Lipanoi, or Lipayai costs an extra 700 baht per person each way.

What food and drinks are included?

The package includes a Thai lunch, water, soft drinks, snacks, and refreshments. The meal is planned for the island, but it may be served at the boarding pier instead.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a life jacket are included.

Is the Pig Island admission fee included?

No. The admission fee is 50 baht per person and is paid separately.

What is the child ticket age range?

A child ticket is for children aged 4 to 9.

Who is advised not to take this activity?

The activity is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, epilepsy, heart disease, asthma, other serious medical conditions, pregnant women, or people with disabilities.