Ko Samui: Private Longtail Boat Tour to Koh Madsum & Koh Tan

Koh Madsum is the star here, thanks to its famously friendly pigs that wander along the beach and enjoy a drink from a water bottle. The private longtail boat also gives you time on Koh Tan’s clear waters, where you can snorkel around rocky areas and look for fish among the coral.

I like the private schedule, since you are not tied to a large group’s pace. I also like the simple combination of beach time, snorkeling, and island views in one half-day trip. The trade-off is that there is no tour guide included, and Koh Madsum charges a THB 50 beach fee. Facilities can be basic, including the toilet.

Key points

• Pig Island has friendly pigs: Keep the provided water bottle so you can refill it for the pigs.
• Private means more control: You can set the pace with your boat captain instead of waiting for a large group.
• Koh Tan is best for snorkeling: Stay away from the immediate shore, where fish gather around the rocks.
• The trip lasts four to five hours: Plan on roughly two hours at each island, plus boat transfers.
• Lunch and kayaking cost extra: These are optional, so check your selected package before booking.
• Hotel pickup is not automatic: Transfer service depends on the option you choose, and mountain villas receive pickup on the main road only.

Why Koh Madsum and Koh Tan Make a Good Half-Day

This tour gives you two very different island stops without taking up an entire day. Koh Madsum, also called Pig Island, is the playful stop. Koh Tan is the quieter water-and-snorkeling stop.

That mix works well if you want more than a beach transfer but less than a full-day cruise. You can swim, snorkel, take photographs, sit in the sun, and return to Ko Samui with much of the afternoon or evening still free.

The advertised price is $57 per person. For that amount, you get a private longtail boat, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and bottled water. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only with selected options, so compare the booking choices carefully. At this price, the value is strongest for couples, families, or small groups who want their own boat and do not want to spend the day with strangers.

The price does not include the THB 50 beach fee at Koh Madsum. Thai lunch and kayaking are optional extras. Since there is no guide included, this is more of a private boat outing than a guided cultural tour. You are paying for transport, access to two islands, and flexibility rather than a running commentary.

Setting Out by Private Longtail Boat

The boat ride to Koh Tan takes about 30 minutes. Longtail boats are part of the character of the Gulf of Thailand, but they are open, exposed, and more affected by wind and waves than a larger vessel. If you are prone to seasickness, this may not be the right trip for you.

A private boat makes the ride easier to enjoy because your group can use the time without fitting into a crowded schedule. Bring a waterproof bag for phones, wallets, and cameras. Even on a calm day, spray can reach the seating area.

The meeting instructions ask you to arrive 20 minutes before departure. That is sensible advice. Give yourself time to find the correct meeting point, sort out your belongings, and get settled before the boat leaves.

Pickup depends on the option you book. If hotel transfer is included, the service can make the morning much simpler. If you stay in a villa on the mountain, pickup is available on the main road only, not necessarily at your door.

Two Hours Around Koh Tan

Koh Tan is the first main stop, with about two hours set aside for the island. The focus here is the water. You can snorkel with the supplied equipment and look for fish and coral around the rocky areas.

The useful tip is to avoid staying right at the shore if you want to see marine life. Fish tend to gather around the rocks farther out, so your best chance comes from following the boat captain’s instructions and swimming where the water is suitable.

You receive a life jacket, which is useful even if you are a confident swimmer. Snorkeling conditions can change, and the flotation aid also lets you spend more time looking down without tiring as quickly.

This stop is best approached with realistic expectations. The tour promises clear water and coral reefs, but it does not promise a large reef system or professional marine interpretation. You might see fish and coral in the snorkeling area, but visibility depends on weather, water conditions, and the exact spot chosen that day.

Two hours is enough for a relaxed swim and some time on shore. If you want a long snorkeling session, you may find the schedule a little short. If you prefer a mix of swimming, photographs, and resting, the timing should feel comfortable.

The Longtail Ride to Koh Madsum

After Koh Tan, you return to the boat for another 30-minute ride. The boat then continues to Koh Madsum, with roughly two hours for the visit.

The ride is part of the appeal. A longtail boat keeps you close to the water, and you get broad views of the surrounding islands as you move between stops. It is less polished than a large tour boat, but it feels more connected to the setting.

Keep your camera protected and your sunscreen handy. The sun can be strong on the open boat, and shade may be limited. A hat, swimwear, towel, and spare clothes all belong in your day bag.

Meeting the Pigs on Pig Island

Koh Madsum is the memorable stop for many people because pigs roam near the beach. They are known for being friendly, and you can offer them water from the bottle provided when you arrive.

Keep that bottle instead of throwing it away. You can refill it and use it to give the pigs a drink, creating one of the more unusual photo opportunities on a Ko Samui excursion. Use care around the animals, follow local instructions, and do not turn the visit into a chase. The pigs may be friendly, but they are still animals.

There are food and drinks available on the island if you need them, but these are not listed among the included items. Bring snacks and water so you are not dependent on buying something during the stop.

Koh Madsum is also a place to slow down. After snorkeling, you can sit on the beach, swim, take photographs, or simply enjoy the island view. The sand and sea are the main draw, while the pigs provide the unusual twist.

Facilities are basic. The toilet has been described as poor, so set your expectations accordingly. This is a rustic beach stop, not a resort-style island facility.

The THB 50 beach fee is also extra. It is a small charge, but you should carry enough Thai baht or confirm how payment is handled before you arrive.

Lunch and Kayaking Are Optional

Some versions of the outing include the option to add Thai lunch and kayaking. These extras can turn a short island visit into a more complete day at the beach, but they are not part of the basic package.

The practical advantage of keeping lunch optional is flexibility. You can choose the lower-cost version if you already have plans after the tour, or add food and kayaking if you want to stay active and avoid organizing lunch elsewhere.

Do not assume lunch is included simply because the tour lasts four to five hours. Check the option you select. The same applies to kayaking and hotel transfer.

What Private Really Means Here

The private group format is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing. With your own boat, your group can enjoy the stops without being folded into a large crowd’s timetable.

That does not mean every part of the day is completely customizable. The stated plan allows about two hours at Koh Tan, two hours at Koh Madsum, and set travel times between them. Still, a private boat should give you more breathing room than a large shared trip.

The boat captain is your key contact during the outing. A guide is not included, so do not book this expecting detailed explanations about local culture, marine life, or island history. The captain can direct the boat and help with the practical side of the stops, but this is not presented as a guided educational tour.

That distinction matters. I would choose this trip if I wanted a simple, private day on the water. I would choose a different product if I wanted a naturalist, a formal guide, or detailed commentary throughout the journey.

What to Pack for Comfort

Pack lightly, but bring the items that protect you from sun, spray, and wet clothes.

• Hat and high-factor sunscreen
• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• Towel
• Waterproof bag for electronics and documents
• Camera or phone in a protective case
• Snacks
• Drinking water
• Cash for the beach fee and possible food or drinks

Apply sunscreen before boarding. You may be able to reapply during the day, but it is easier to start protected. Stay hydrated, especially if you spend time snorkeling and sitting in direct sun.

Respect the islands by carrying rubbish back or placing it in the proper bins. Do not touch marine life or plants. Coral can be damaged easily, and animals should not be handled for photographs.

Comfortable beachwear is the sensible choice. Shoes that can cope with wet surfaces may also help, though specific footwear is not listed as required.

Who Should Book This Boat Trip?

This outing suits people who want a straightforward island day with a private boat and a manageable time commitment. Couples can enjoy the freedom of their own schedule, while families may appreciate not having to coordinate with a large group.

It also suits first-time visitors who want to see Pig Island without giving up a full day. You get the headline attraction at Koh Madsum, a snorkeling stop at Koh Tan, and a boat ride between them.

The tour is less suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, and anyone prone to seasickness. The open longtail boat and island landings require a reasonable level of comfort with movement, wet conditions, and uneven beach access.

If your priority is polished service, modern facilities, or a detailed guided program, keep looking. The basic toilet, extra charges, and lack of an included guide may disappoint you.

If your priority is a private boat, relaxed beach time, snorkeling, and a chance to meet friendly pigs, the setup is much more appealing.

Timing, Pickup, and Cancellation

The full outing takes about four to five hours. The planned boat movements total about 100 minutes, with about four hours allocated to the two island visits, so the exact duration can vary by the selected option and the day’s schedule.

There are three listed drop-off points connected with Kohtantour&transport, Ko Samui, and Koh Samui. Confirm your preferred drop-off when booking, especially if you are arranging another activity afterward.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional. Mountain villa pickup is limited to the main road, which can add a short walk or transfer for some people.

You need to arrive 20 minutes before the start time. The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve-now, pay-later booking is available. Those terms are useful if your Ko Samui plans may shift.

Should You Book the Koh Madsum and Koh Tan Tour?

Book it if you want a private, easy-to-follow half-day on the water, with Pig Island’s pigs as the main novelty and Koh Tan’s snorkeling as the active part. The $57 price is reasonable when you value having your own boat and the flexibility that comes with it.

Before paying, check four things: hotel transfer, lunch, kayaking, and the beach fee. Bring water, a waterproof bag, and a change of clothes. Keep the bottle for the pigs, and do not expect luxury facilities or a formal guide.

For a private group that wants beach time, snorkeling, and a memorable animal encounter, this is a practical choice. For anyone seeking a fully guided marine tour or a polished island resort experience, it is too basic.

FAQ

How long does the Koh Madsum and Koh Tan tour last?

The tour lasts about four to five hours. The planned schedule includes roughly 30 minutes by boat to Koh Tan, two hours there, 30 minutes by boat to Koh Madsum, two hours there, and about 40 minutes for the return boat ride.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select an option that provides the service. If you stay in a mountain villa, pickup is available on the main road only.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. The activity is offered for a private group, using a private longtail boat.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, a life jacket, and bottled water are included.

Are lunch and kayaking included?

No. Thai lunch and kayaking are optional extras. Check the specific option you choose when booking.

How much is the beach fee at Koh Madsum?

The beach fee is THB 50 per person and is not included in the tour price.