Pigs and snorkeling, with your own boat. This trip pairs the comfort of a private longtail boat with local Thai captain service and a real highlight: Koh Mat Sum (Pig Island), where pigs roam right by the beach and you get serious chill time in clear, shallow water. My favorite part is how flexible it feels once you’re on the water. The one catch: snorkeling at Koh Tan depends on sea conditions, and that stop can’t be guaranteed.

You’ll start near Thong Krut Pier, ride out to two nearby islands, and get provided masks and life jackets. You don’t need a fancy itinerary brain—just sunscreen, swimwear, and cash for the Koh Mat Sum entry fee.

Key Things I’d Watch For Before You Go

• Snorkeling is conditional: Koh Tan depends on sea conditions, and there’s no partial refund if it’s unsafe.
• Koh Mat Sum entry fee is extra: 50 THB per person is not included.
• Captain-only service: there’s no guide on the boat beyond basic English from the captain.
• Pigs are local, not a show: they’re cared for by a local family, and you should treat them gently.
• Time on the island is the main event: you get a long free block to relax, swim, and play.

Private Longtail Boat Pickup Near Thong Krut Pier

This tour runs out of Surat Thani Province (Koh Samui area), with the meeting point set at Naphat Tour near Thong Krut Pier. You’ll want to arrive about 15 minutes early so you can get checked in and transferred to your boat without stress. There’s no hotel pickup here, so plan on getting to the pier by taxi or your own transport.

What makes this setup worth it is the private format. You’re not waiting for a bus, corralling a mixed crowd, or sharing limited snorkeling gear. You have your own longtail boat and a local captain handling the water time. The boat ride itself is part of the fun, and the staff at the pier make it pretty smooth: people get directed right away to the correct boat.

One practical note: your captain speaks basic English, and that’s the reality here. It’s usually enough for safety and timing, but if you want lots of commentary about what you’re seeing, you’ll need to rely on the setting and your own curiosity rather than a guided lecture.

How the Boat Schedules the Day (And Why It Feels Flexible)

The overall duration is listed as 4 hours. In practice, you may finish earlier depending on conditions and how the day flows—some trips run fast enough that you’ll still have plenty of time for the main stops.

You’re also getting more freedom than you might expect because it’s private. Your itinerary includes transport legs and a set chunk of island time, but the captain can often help you tailor the balance between snorkeling and pig time. If you decide you want more beach time, the private boat setup makes that easier than on a group tour where everyone has to stick to one rhythm.

Weather matters. Thailand rain can happen without warning, and sea conditions can change quickly. The operator states schedules may differ due to weather and water safety, and if conditions are deemed unsafe, you can reschedule or receive a full refund. That’s reassuring, especially when snorkeling is involved.

Stop 1: Koh Tan Snorkel, If the Sea Lets You

The day often starts by heading toward Koh Tan first—assuming the sea conditions allow for it. If snorkeling is available, you’ll go to a snorkeling site, use the provided mask, and get a life jacket for the water. The goal is colorful fish and coral areas, and the water experience is treated like the bonus add-on to the main island visit.

Two things to calibrate your expectations:

• Snorkeling here is not guaranteed. If visibility or sea conditions aren’t safe, that stop may be skipped.
• Even when snorkeling works, visibility can vary. Some people find it just fine for spotting fish and enjoying the water, while others note it’s not the best snorkeling they’ve ever seen.

A fun detail from people who’ve done this: the captain may add fish-attracting behavior at the snorkeling spot. That can make the water feel more lively, especially if fish are active near the surface.

If snorkeling gets canceled due to conditions, you’ll usually shift more time to Koh Mat Sum. That’s a good trade for many visitors, because pigs and beach time are the core reason most people book this.

Stop 2: Koh Mat Sum (Pig Island) and the White-Sand Beach

Next comes Koh Mat Sum, also known as Pig Island. You get about 2.5 hours there, which is the right amount of time for what this island is best at: relaxed swimming, pig interactions, and photos without rushing.

The island is famous because the pigs are on the beach. You’re not just watching from a distance; you can play, hang out, and get that cheeky pig vibe up close. The water around the island is described as shallow and clear, making it easier to wade and swim compared with places where you need to push into deeper water right away. That shallow setup also helps families feel more comfortable in the water (as long as you’re watching kids closely).

You’ll also find plenty of shade and seating on the island, which matters in the Koh Samui sun. Many visitors appreciate that there’s food and drinks available on-site, and you can even buy pig food if you want to feed the pigs. If you do that, keep it gentle and don’t overdo it—just enough to enjoy the interaction.

Important: Pig Island Is a Living Place

Here’s the part you should take seriously: the pigs and dogs live on the island and belong to a local family. They take care of the animals, and your tour is an arrangement to visit—not a rescue animal attraction. That means you should treat the pigs with respect and stick to safe, calm behavior.

Also, there’s a safety warning worth noting: if a pig bites you, you might need rabies shots. It’s not meant to scare you, but it is a real health consideration. Keep distance if an animal seems pushy, avoid sudden movements, and wash up afterward.

What the Swim Time Feels Like (More Than Just Photos)

On this kind of day, it’s easy to think you’re booking a cute animal encounter. That’s part of it, but the reason people talk about this trip so warmly is the pacing once you’re on Koh Mat Sum.

You’re not forced into a tight, timed routine. You can spend time swimming, then hang out, then play with pigs for a bit, then return to the water. That shuffle between beach and water makes the 2.5-hour free block feel longer in a good way.

You’ll also get a longtail boat return experience after your island time. The ride back feels less like a transfer and more like a decompress moment.

If you want photos, the private boat helps. You get opportunities to snap pictures from the water without jockeying for space with strangers. Some captains also take photos for you during the day, which is a nice bonus if you don’t want to worry about your phone while you’re enjoying the ride and water time.

Snorkeling vs. Pig Time: How to Choose Your Priority

Here’s the practical way to think about this tour: it’s not a pure snorkeling expedition. Snorkeling is included, but it’s secondary to the Pig Island experience.

So ask yourself what you want from Koh Samui:

• If you want a fun, different island afternoon with swimming and the famous pigs as the centerpiece, this fits well.
• If you’re booking mainly for top-tier snorkeling, you might feel slightly let down if Koh Tan conditions aren’t great or if visibility is limited.

That trade-off is exactly why a private format works. If snorkeling is poor or skipped, you’re still set up with a long, relaxing beach stop. For many people, that’s the best kind of plan.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For

The price shown is $93 per group for up to 2 people, with a private longtail boat and local captain. On paper, it can feel high if you only think about transport plus snorkeling. But the value shifts when you consider what’s actually included and what you gain from privacy.

You’re paying for:

• A private boat experience rather than a shared group ride
• Captain transport to two nearby islands
• Mask and life jacket provided
• Water included
• A meaningful block of free time on Koh Mat Sum

And there are a couple of add-ons you should budget for:

• Koh Mat Sum entry fee: 50 THB per person (not included)
• Food and drinks (not included), though people often report food and drinks available on the island
• Koh Samui transfers: not included, so you handle getting to Thong Krut Pier

A fair mindset is this: if Pig Island is your top goal, the price makes sense because you’re booking a full afternoon built around that. If your top goal is snorkeling only, you might decide it’s better to book a different snorkeling-focused option.

Who This Tour Suits (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a great match if you want:

• A private boat day that’s still short and easy
• A playful, memorable island experience with pigs
• Time to swim and relax without a strict schedule

It’s not suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, people prone to seasickness, or anyone who needs a fully accessible setup. If any of those apply, it’s worth skipping this one for safety and comfort.

Also, if sea conditions often make you uncomfortable, keep in mind snorkeling depends on water conditions anyway. You might get more beach time, but you still need to be okay with the boat ride.

Practical Checklist So Your Day Goes Smooth

Here’s what to bring, based on what’s listed and what makes real life easier on a boat:

• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Food and drinks (recommended)
• Cash (especially for the Koh Mat Sum entry fee and anything you buy on the island)

One small but important point: the tour states snorkeling at Koh Tan can’t be guaranteed. So pack like you might snorkel, but also like you’ll be mostly in beach mode.

Should You Book This Private Pig Island and Snorkel Tour?

Yes, if Pig Island is the reason you’re coming to Koh Samui and you want privacy without spending all day on the water. This is a fun, light, Thailand-style outing: a short boat ride, a long beach window, and pigs you can actually interact with while you cool off in clear, shallow water.

Book it especially if you value flexible timing. The private format makes it easier to linger on the island, and some captains are willing to let you adjust your balance between snorkeling and beach time.

Skip it or look for another option if your priority is guaranteed snorkeling or peak reef conditions. Koh Tan snorkeling can be affected by sea conditions, and when that happens, you’re shifting your time to Pig Island instead.

Best move if you care about fewer people

If you can, pick an earlier departure time. Getting there before the island gets crowded makes photos easier and keeps the pig-beach experience more relaxed.

In short: for a unique, heart-warming, low-stress island day with a private longtail boat, this one earns its reputation.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the boat?

You’ll meet at Naphat Tour near Thong Krut Pier. Plan to arrive about 15 minutes before the start time.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included, so you’ll need your own way to reach Thong Krut Pier.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 4 hours. Starting times vary, and some days may run shorter depending on conditions.

Is snorkeling at Koh Tan guaranteed?

No. Snorkeling at Koh Tan depends on sea conditions, and it can’t be guaranteed. If conditions aren’t safe, there’s no partial refund.

How much free time do you get on Koh Mat Sum?

You get about 2.5 hours on Koh Mat Sum (Pig Island) for visiting, free time, sightseeing, and swimming.

What’s included in the price?

Included: private longtail boat tour, local captain, water, and snorkel mask plus life jacket.

What extra costs should I expect?

Koh Mat Sum entry fee is not included (50 THB per person). Food and drinks are also not included by the tour package.

Do I need to pay for food on the island?

Food and drinks are not included in the tour price. However, food and drinks are available on the island.

Is there a guide on the boat?

There is no tour guide on the boat. Your captain handles transport and speaks basic English.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

It’s not suitable for children under 2 years, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, people prone to seasickness, or anyone who needs wheelchair accessibility.

You Might Also Enjoy

Krabi kayaking and swimming clongrood TourExperience Bangkok with typical Thai tuk-tukFloating and Railway Market (Optional Waterfall): Private TourAo Nang: Hong Islands Tour by Speedboat or Longtail Boat