Two islands, one longtail, and pigs too. This private cruise is interesting because it keeps things low-effort: you get transport to the pier, snorkeling equipment, and a boat setup just for your group. I like the included snorkeling kit and life jackets, but you should know one potential snag: snorkeling visibility can be hit-or-miss depending on conditions, and Pig Island can be more about animals than amenities.

You’ll spend about two hours at each stop, with plenty of room to go at your own speed. Koh Tan gives you the water time, while Koh Madsun (Pig Island) is all about hanging out, taking pictures, and dealing with the reality that pigs are… pigs. The main drawback to consider is that the second island can feel basic, and the beach shoreline experience can vary.

If you want a straightforward half-day outing with private-group flexibility and you don’t mind that nature (and pigs) are unpredictable, this is an easy choice on Koh Samui.

Key things to know before you go

• Private longtail means just your group: you’re not sharing the boat with strangers.
• Snorkeling gear and life jackets are included: you can travel light.
• Koh Tan is for water time first: expect swim-and-snorkel focus, not a guided tour.
• Pig Island is a photo-and-pause stop: pigs are the headline; beach comfort can be variable.
• No guide on the tour: you’ll manage your own pace and exploration.
• Timing is tight but balanced: two hours at each island in a ~4-hour outing.

Private Longtail on Koh Samui: What That Really Changes

This is a true private setup, so you and your party are the only people on the longtail boat. In practical terms, that matters more than it sounds. You don’t have to squeeze yourself into someone else’s pace, and you’re less likely to feel rushed when you want one more swim or an extra round of snorkeling.

Your day is also built around simplicity: you’re taken to the pier, then you’re off to the islands. You’re not doing a puzzle of meeting points, multiple boat transfers, or long waits. You’re basically buying time on the water—and getting the gear so you’re not hunting for rentals.

One small planning note: there’s no guide included. That’s not bad; it just means you should be comfortable managing your own snorkeling flow and island downtime. If you want a storyteller pointing out marine life or giving a history lesson, you’ll need to find that elsewhere.

The Koh Tan Stop: Short Boat Ride, Big Swim Time

Your first island is Koh Tan (often spelled like Koh Tan on listings), and the structure is straightforward. After hotel pickup if you booked it, you transfer to the pier and then head out by longtail boat. The ride itself is quick—about 7 to 10 minutes—so you’re not spending half your time commuting.

You get around two hours on Koh Tan, which is enough time to:

• snorkel (if conditions are good)
• swim and float
• take a slower break when you’re done with the water

Two things to keep your expectations grounded. First, snorkeling quality depends on what the water is doing that day. One unhappy experience called out poor visibility and small, gray fish—so if you’re the type who needs crystal-clear water, build in flexibility. Second, your time at Koh Tan is the part that needs you to pay attention to comfort: water shoes (if you use them), sun protection, and knowing when to pull yourself out for a breather.

There are also optional add-ons while you’re there. The tour description lists kayaking at Koh Tan (optional) and lunch at Koh Tan (optional). If those matter to you, confirm what’s actually included with your booking, since optional items can sometimes be offered as extras rather than automatically included.

Pig Island (Koh Madsun / Ko Mat Sum): Pigs, Pictures, and Real-Life Mess

The second stop is the island near Koh Tan often called Pig Island, with the name shown as Koh Madsun / Ko Mat Sum / Koh Madsun depending on how it’s displayed. This is where the energy changes. You’re not just there to swim—you’re there for the pigs.

The setup is simple: you arrive, you’ll see many pigs waiting around, and you can take photos or relax on the island at your own pace. The tone is playful, and it’s easy to see why animal lovers would rate this as a highlight.

But here’s the real-world consideration: pigs come with pig behavior, including the mess factor. One sharply negative review complained about pigs pooping right there on the island. Even if your day is gentler, it’s smart to plan for the possibility that you’ll be standing close to animals in a place where hygiene isn’t sterile.

Also, shore conditions can affect your mood. Another review mentioned the water at the beach not looking great. So even though it’s called Pig Island (and the pigs are the draw), the beachside experience isn’t guaranteed to be postcard-perfect every time.

The good news: admission for this stop is listed as free in the stop details. And since you’re on a private outing, you can spend more (or less) time there depending on how you feel.

Snorkeling, Gear, and Safety: The Stuff You Don’t Want to Scrimp On

One of the biggest value points here is that you’re not paying extra just to get in the water. The included items list:

• life jacket
• snorkeling equipment
• beach chair
• bottled water
• accident insurance

That’s a practical bundle. If you’ve ever gone on island tours and then realized you needed to rent gear at the last second, you’ll appreciate the included snorkeling kit. Life jackets are also a comfort factor on longtails, where you may not want to think too hard about safety logistics.

Accident insurance is another quiet win. It won’t turn a day into a safety lecture, but it helps you feel like the operator has covered the basics.

The one thing you should keep in mind is what’s not included: a guide. That means you’ll want to be confident about how you snorkel, how you manage your gear, and how you handle changing conditions (like a choppier moment when you’re headed back).

Timing That Works: How to Fit 2 Stops into a Half-Day

The total duration is about 4 hours (approx.), and it’s organized as roughly two hours on Koh Tan and two hours on Pig Island. The short boat ride between stops helps a lot—again, this is not a full-day marathon.

This timing is great for:

• first-timers who don’t want a whole day away from the rest of your Koh Samui plans
• couples and groups who want water time without turning it into a long logistics project
• travelers who prefer a few solid experiences over a dozen rushed stops

The trade-off is that you can’t treat this like a slow, all-day beach hangout. If you want hours of one specific activity, prioritize the island that matches your vibe. For most people, that’s Koh Tan for snorkeling and swim time, and Pig Island for the animal experience and photos.

Price and Value: Is $67.78 a Fair Deal?

At $67.78 per person, the price lands in the “simple half-day outing” category. What pushes the value upward is what you’re getting included: private roundtrip transport (only if booked for your pickup), snorkeling equipment, life jackets, bottled water, beach chair, and accident insurance. Entrance fees are also listed as included, though there’s a small inconsistency: the Koh Tan stop notes an admission ticket not included, while the inclusions say entrance fees are included.

So here’s my practical advice: when you book, check exactly what’s covered for Koh Tan in your specific confirmation. If admission turns out to be extra, it’s still not likely to ruin the budget—but it could change the math.

Even with that caveat, the core value is clear. You’re paying for a private-group boat day that covers:

• getting to the pier and back
• two island stops
• gear for snorkeling
• basic comfort items

You’re not paying for a guide, and you’re not paying for a premium, high-structure experience. Think of it as a water-and-pig day where you control the pacing.

Who Should Book This Private Longtail Trip?

This tour is a strong match if you:

• want a private longtail boat experience without a long time commitment
• care most about swimming and snorkeling rather than a guided program
• like animal-focused stops and don’t mind pigs being part of the messier reality
• travel with family or friends and want everyone to move at their own pace

It may be less ideal if you:

• need consistently clear snorkeling water (conditions can vary)
• hate basic island setups and want a more developed beach experience
• expect a guide to explain what you’re seeing (a guide is not included)

Practical Tips So Your Day Feels Smooth

Because this is a self-paced private outing, your comfort choices matter. A few smart moves:

• Plan your snorkeling timing early or mid-stop if you’re picky about visibility. Water clarity can change during the day.
• Wear footwear you’re okay getting a bit dirty on Pig Island, since it’s an animal environment.
• Bring a plan for photos that doesn’t require you to crowd pigs too much. You’ll get better shots with a calm pace.
• If you’re considering optional kayaking or lunch at Koh Tan, confirm whether it’s arranged by the operator as an add-on or included in the base price.

And remember: the point of this trip isn’t a polished sightseeing route. It’s time on a longtail boat with two very different island moods—one marine, one animal.

Should You Book Pig Island & Koh Tan?

Book it if you want a relaxed, private half-day with snorkeling gear included and a fun animal stop that leans into what you came for: pigs on Pig Island and water time at Koh Tan. The private-group setup and included safety/comfort items make it feel easy.

Skip it (or consider another option) if your top priority is consistently spectacular snorkeling or a pristine, developed beach on the second island. This is the kind of tour where nature and animal reality shape the experience more than scripted perfection.

If you’re flexible, comfortable without a guide, and excited by the concept of a pig island day paired with Koh Tan water time, it’s a solid value on Koh Samui.

FAQ

How long is the private longtail trip?

It runs for about 4 hours (approx.), including time on both islands.

Do I get pickup from my hotel?

Pickup is offered if you book the transfer. If you don’t book transfer, you’ll be directed to the meeting point.

Which islands are included?

You visit Koh Tan first and then Koh Madsun (Pig Island), also referred to as Ko Mat Sum.

Is there a guide on the tour?

No guide is included.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

You’ll have use of snorkeling equipment, plus a life jacket.

Is kayaking available at Koh Tan?

Kayaking at Koh Tan is listed as optional.

Is lunch included?

Lunch at Koh Tan is listed as optional.

Are entrance tickets included?

Entrance fee coverage is listed as included overall, but the Koh Tan stop notes an admission ticket not included. For the Pig Island stop, admission is listed as free. Check your booking details for Koh Tan specifically.

Is accident insurance included?

Yes, accident insurance is included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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