Koh Samui: Pig Island & Koh Tan Speedboat Tour with Lunch

Pig Island gives this Koh Samui trip its odd, memorable twist: you can walk onto a beach, meet friendly pigs, and feed them before swimming or kayaking nearby. I like the mix of wildlife, water, and beach time, especially since you are not stuck doing only one activity.

I also like the practical setup. Hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, drinks, snacks, lunch, a guide, and accident insurance are included for $47 per person. The main things to consider are rough speedboat rides and snorkeling that may be less impressive when the water is cloudy. Fins are not supplied, so bring your own if you have them.

• Pig Island is Koh Madsum: Feed friendly pigs, then choose between swimming, kayaking, walking, or relaxing on the beach.
• Koh Tan comes first: The 45-minute stop includes snorkeling, swimming, photos, and views from the boat.
• The ride is fast but can be bumpy: One report describes the boat hitting waves hard, especially on a rough day.
• Lunch timing needs checking: The schedule places lunch at Thong Krut Pier after returning from the islands, while the tour description places it on Pig Island.
• Transfers cover much of Koh Samui: Pickup is available from several main hotel areas, with a 700-baht-per-person, per-way surcharge for some western and southern locations.

Why Pig Island makes this five-hour trip different

Many island trips from Koh Samui promise sand, sea, and snorkeling. This one adds pigs. On Koh Madsum, better known as Pig Island, you get a chance to feed friendly pigs near the beach. It is a simple idea, but it gives the outing a clear personality and makes the stop especially appealing for families.

I would treat the pigs as one part of the stop, not the whole reason to book. You can also walk, swim, snorkel, kayak, or simply sit by the water. That choice matters because conditions may not suit every activity on every day.

The tour costs $47 per person and lasts about five hours. For that price, you get hotel transportation in covered areas, a speedboat ride, a guide, Thai food, water, a soft drink, snacks, snorkeling equipment, and a life jacket. You also get accident insurance and access to a first aid kit.

That is a fair package for a short island outing, particularly if you value convenience. Booking separate transport to the pier, boat seats, equipment, and food would take more planning. The value is weaker if you want a long snorkeling session or a quiet, independent beach day, since the stops are shared and tightly timed.

From your hotel to Thong Krut Pier

Pickup begins between 7:40 and 8:30 in the morning. The exact time is sent by email, so check your inbox before the tour and meet your driver in the hotel lobby at least ten minutes early.

Pickup is offered from hotels in Lamai, Chaweng, Bangpor, Maenam, Bophut, Cheongmon, Bangrak, and near the Butterfly Garden. If your hotel sits up a hill, you may need to meet the vehicle at a nearby hotel or meeting point.

The listed pickup service does not cover every part of Koh Samui at the same price. Hotels in Nathon, Taling Ngam, Pagka, Lipanoi, or Lipayai incur an extra 700 baht per person each way. That can change the value quickly for a couple or family, so check your location before paying.

At Thong Krut Pier, allow about 30 minutes for the visit, safety briefing, and preparation. This is where the guide explains the boat trip and equipment. Use the time to ask about the sea conditions and the order of activities. The schedule can change when weather or water conditions require it.

The boat leaves from the pier for a ride of about 30 minutes. A speedboat saves time compared with a slower vessel, but you should expect movement. The ride may feel like a small roller coaster when the sea is choppy. Children can join from age four, but the boat is not a good match for every child on a rough day.

Koh Tan brings the first water stop

The first island stop is Koh Tan, reached after roughly half an hour on the speedboat. You have about 45 minutes here for a guided visit, photographs, swimming, snorkeling, and views from the water.

This stop works as a quick introduction to the sea around the islands. You can put on the supplied mask and snorkel, look for fish, and see the underwater area close to the boat. The water may be clear enough for good fish viewing, but visibility is not guaranteed. A recent trip had attractive fish even though the weather was not ideal, while another had poor visibility at the snorkeling site.

That contrast is worth keeping in mind. Snorkeling quality depends heavily on weather and water conditions, not just the destination name. If snorkeling is the main reason you are booking, keep your expectations moderate. Bring your own fins if you want them, since fins are not provided. The supplied equipment includes snorkeling gear and a life jacket.

Forty-five minutes goes by fast. You will not have time for an extended swim, a long beach walk, and a relaxed snorkeling session. I would choose one main goal here, then use any remaining time for photos or a short swim.

Pig Island offers more than pig feeding

After Koh Tan, the boat continues to Koh Madsum, or Pig Island. The schedule allows about 75 minutes, making this the longest stop of the day.

The pigs are the main attraction. You may feed them under the guide’s direction and watch them around the beach. This is a fun, unusual encounter, but you should follow the guide’s instructions and keep the animals and your own belongings in mind. The appeal is the setting as much as the animals: a beach stop with pigs is a far different scene from a standard snorkeling excursion.

You can also swim in the clear water, snorkel, kayak, walk, or rest on the sand. This flexibility is one of the tour’s best features. A child who has had enough time in the boat can play by the shore, while an adult can take a kayak or look around the water.

Do not expect 75 minutes to feel like a full beach day. Time is shared among several choices, and the guide needs to keep the group moving. Still, the stop is long enough to make a quick visit worthwhile. I would feed the pigs first, then decide how much time to give swimming or kayaking.

The schedule and description differ slightly on lunch. The main description presents lunch on Pig Island, while the detailed timing places lunch at Thong Krut Pier after the return boat ride. Confirm the exact lunch location with Oh-Hoo before departure if eating on the island matters to you. Either way, Thai food, water, a soft drink, snacks, and refreshments are included.

The return ride and included Thai meal

After Pig Island, the speedboat takes about 30 minutes to return. The ride gives you another chance to see the Gulf of Thailand from the water, but it is also when tired passengers may notice the motion most.

At Thong Krut Pier, the schedule allows about one hour for lunch, sightseeing, and a walk before you return to Koh Samui. Since the day lasts about five hours, this final stop helps keep the outing from feeling like a rush from boat to hotel.

The included Thai lunch adds useful value. You do not need to search for food during a short island trip, and the meal gives you a proper break after the water activities. The food is described as generous and tasty, though the exact menu is not specified. If you have dietary needs, ask the operator before booking rather than assuming the meal can be adjusted.

The transfer then takes you back to your hotel. Remember that the advertised pickup and return coverage applies to listed areas, while some distant parts of the island require the extra charge.

What the $47 price really covers

At $47 per person, this is priced as a convenient half-day package rather than a private charter. You are paying for transport from your hotel, a guided boat trip, two island stops, water activities, food, and basic safety support.

The strongest value comes from combining several costs into one booking:

• Hotel pickup and return in covered Koh Samui areas
• English or Thai-speaking guide
• Speedboat transport
• Snorkeling equipment and life jacket
• Thai lunch, water, soft drink, snacks, and refreshments
• Accident insurance and first aid kit

The 50-baht admission fee is not included. It is small, but you should carry Thai baht for it. The extra 700-baht transfer fee can be much more significant, especially since it applies per person and per direction for certain areas.

I would book this if you want a simple, organized outing and do not want to arrange a pier transfer. I would compare other options if you want a private boat, a long snorkeling session, or more control over how long you stay at each island.

Rough water, age limits, and physical demands

This is not a good choice for everyone. Pregnant people, those with back problems, heart problems, high blood pressure, or bone conditions are advised not to join. The activity is also listed as unsuitable for people over 70.

The speedboat is the main physical concern. A rough ride can be uncomfortable even before you reach the islands. One account specifically warns that children may find the boat unpleasant when it hits the waves. If your child is four to ten years old, the child ticket applies, but age alone does not guarantee that the ride will suit them.

Swimming and snorkeling require comfort in the water. Kayaking is optional, and you can relax instead, but the trip still involves getting on and off a speedboat and moving around at the pier and islands.

Weather matters twice: it affects the boat ride and the water visibility. Good conditions can bring clear water and enjoyable fish viewing. Poor conditions can mean a rough crossing and less rewarding snorkeling. The operator may cancel if needed and offer another date, an alternative tour, or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this island combination

I think this tour fits families with older children who enjoy animals and water, couples looking for a short outing, and solo visitors who want a ready-made island experience. Pig Island gives the day a fun focus, while Koh Tan adds a more traditional snorkeling stop.

It also suits anyone staying in one of the covered hotel areas. The included transfer removes the need to find your own way to Thong Krut Pier, which is a real benefit on a five-hour schedule.

You may want another kind of trip if you dislike speedboats, have health restrictions, or want a peaceful day with no fixed schedule. Snorkeling specialists may find the 45-minute Koh Tan stop too short, especially if the water is cloudy. The lack of fins is another small but relevant limitation.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and cash for the 50-baht admission fee. If you own comfortable snorkeling fins, pack them. Most importantly, read the pickup email closely and arrive early, since arriving more than ten minutes late can mean missing the vehicle.

Should you book this Koh Samui boat trip?

Book it if you want a well-packed half-day with hotel transport, two island stops, pigs, snorkeling, kayaking, and lunch at a reasonable price. The friendly pigs on Koh Madsum are the memorable feature, and the included food and equipment keep planning simple.

Skip it if your priority is calm travel, a private boat, or serious snorkeling. The ride can be rough, fins are not included, and visibility may be poor in unsettled weather. Before booking, confirm the pickup charge for your hotel and ask where lunch will be served, since the timing information gives two different locations.

FAQ

How long does the Koh Tan and Pig Island tour last?

The tour lasts about five hours, including the boat rides, island stops, lunch, and transfers.

What islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Koh Tan and Koh Madsum, also called Pig Island, from Koh Samui.

Can I feed the pigs on Pig Island?

Yes. Feeding the friendly pigs is one of the main activities at Koh Madsum.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a life jacket are included. Fins are not provided.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Thai lunch, water, a soft drink, snacks, and refreshments are included. The detailed timing places lunch at Thong Krut Pier, while the general description places it on Pig Island, so confirm the location with the operator.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and return are included for hotels in Lamai, the Butterfly Garden area, Chaweng, Bangpor, Maenam, Bophut, Cheongmon, and Bangrak. Pickup is from the hotel or a nearby main-road location.

Is there an extra transfer charge?

Yes. Hotels in Nathon, Taling Ngam, Pagka, Lipanoi, or Lipayai require an extra 700 baht per person each way.

What time does hotel pickup begin?

Pickup begins between 7:40 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. The exact time is confirmed by email.

Can children join the tour?

Yes. The child ticket is for children aged four to ten. Rough seas may make the speedboat ride uncomfortable for some children.

Who should not join this activity?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant people, people with back, heart, or bone problems, people with high blood pressure, or people over 70.