Two islands, one efficient day. This Koh Samui speedboat trip targets Koh Tan reefs for snorkeling and then shifts gears to Koh Madsum for beach time on Pig Island, with the heavy lifting handled for you. I like the round-trip hotel pickup across much of the island, and I also like that you’re fed with a Thai lunch plus soft drinks instead of scrambling for food.

The only real caution is that this is a timed outing, so the snorkeling at Koh Tan can feel short, and snorkeling quality can vary depending on day and conditions—especially if you’re expecting tons of fish.

Key things to know before you go

• Hotel pickup covers most major areas (and costs extra if you’re outside the list)
• Snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t have to pack mask and life jacket
• Koh Tan is the reef focus, with a shorter stop that’s better for one solid swim than an all-day session
• Koh Madsum is for beach time and photos, with pigs wandering around the island
• Admission fee applies for Koh Tan (Koh Madsum is listed as free), so bring a little cash

How this Koh Tan and Pig Island trip actually feels

This tour is built for people who want a smooth day out without planning. You start with pickup from many popular Koh Samui areas, then roll to the port and head out by speedboat. The schedule is straightforward: snorkel first, relax second, eat somewhere in the middle, then return to your hotel.

At its best, it hits a sweet spot. You get reef time at Koh Tan and a very different vibe at Koh Madsum. One stop is all about checking out underwater coral; the other is about stretching out on sand, taking photos, and watching the semi-wild pigs stroll around. It’s not trying to be a back-to-back snorkeling marathon, and you’ll feel that in the way the stops are paced.

The day also has a practical side. Life jacket and snorkeling mask are included, and lunch is provided. You’re less likely to burn time on logistics, which matters when the whole outing is about 6 to 7 hours total.

Price and what you really get for $60.34

For about $60.34 per person, you’re paying for the boat trip, the guided day structure, and the extras that usually add up fast on island tours: hotel transfer, snorkeling mask, life jacket, and a Thai set-menu lunch with soft drinks and fruit.

A couple costs can change the final total:

• Admission fee is not included for Koh Tan: 50 THB per person
• If your pickup area isn’t on the included list, there’s an extra 700 THB per person, per way for certain areas (Nathon, Taling Ngam, Pagka, Lipanoi, Lipayai)

So if you’re staying in a covered pickup zone like Chaweng, Lamai, or Bophut, this usually reads as good value. If you’re outside that zone, the add-on can narrow the savings. Still, you get a full day of transport plus a packaged experience, not just a boat rental.

The 10:00am start: timing that shapes your snorkeling

The tour kicks off at 10:00am. That’s a nice middle ground: late enough that you’re not dragging yourself out before breakfast, early enough that you still have time to enjoy both islands.

But timing matters for snorkeling. Koh Tan is listed as about a 2-hour stop, which sounds generous until you factor in boarding, gearing up, getting to a good entry spot, and sharing space with other swimmers. This is where expectations should be matched to the format: think a focused snorkel session rather than endless time in the water.

Also, the day depends on good conditions. The operator notes it requires good weather. If the day gets canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. If you want to minimize risk, plan this early in your Koh Samui stay so you have backup options.

Stop 1: Koh Tan and the reef-focused 2-hour window

Koh Tan is where the itinerary points you for the reef. It’s about 15 km off the mainland and roughly 5 km south of Koh Samui, part of the broader Samui archipelago. The pitch is simple: coral reefs and a chance to swim and snorkel.

Here’s the realistic takeaway. You’ll get time to snorkel, but it’s a short stop, and snorkeling success can vary. Some days will feel fishier and clearer; other days will be more about spotting coral structure and enjoying the water rather than expecting a highlight-reel of schools.

If you want better odds:

• Plan to be ready to gear up fast when you arrive
• Don’t treat the first minute as your only chance—move and check a couple spots if the water looks calmer in one area
• If you’re new to snorkeling, take the first moments to get your breathing and buoyancy right so you don’t spend the best parts fighting the gear

One more point worth knowing: group dynamics can affect comfort. The tour lists a maximum size of 30 travelers, but the exact boat load can feel crowded on busy departures. If you’re sensitive to shoulder-to-shoulder water time, ask the operator ahead of time about the boat setup or group count for your date.

Stop 2: Koh Madsum (Pig Island) and why it’s different

Then the day shifts to Koh Madsum, also called Pig Island. This is the island-hopping change of pace. Instead of reef hunting, you get a longer free-time stretch of about 4 hours to relax, take photos, and enjoy the beach.

Koh Madsum is known for a stretch of sand and clear water, and the big character of the place is the semi-wild pigs that roam around the shore. This part of the day tends to be fun even if your snorkeling isn’t perfect, because you can still enjoy the atmosphere: beach photos, casual swims, and watching pigs wander near the coastline.

A key consideration: snorkeling here can be less predictable depending on where you’re dropped off and how deep the water is near entry. The format gives you time to swim, snorkel if conditions allow, and enjoy the shore—but it’s also very much a hangout stop. If your main goal is hardcore snorkeling for hours, you may end up wishing Koh Tan had more time and Koh Madsum had less.

So I’d treat Pig Island as:

• Beach + wildlife watching + casual water time
• A bonus for snorkeling, not the whole event

If you want the best experience, get in where it feels easier and safer to enter, then snorkel only when the water depth and visibility make sense. Ask the crew where they see people enjoying the water if you’re unsure.

The speedboat ride: quick, scenic, and sometimes eventful

The transport is part of what you’re paying for. This trip uses a speedboat and the ride is described as quick. That usually means you spend less time bouncing on waves and more time getting to the islands.

It’s also a good moment to look around. The route across the Gulf of Thailand gives you open-water views, and on some outings people have spotted dolphins while the boat is cruising. You can’t plan for it, but if you’re at the right side of the boat and the sea is calm, it’s worth keeping your eyes open.

Bring a bit of sun and wind protection. Even on a “short” ride, you can feel it on your face and shoulders.

Lunch and the simple reality of island food

Lunch is included as a Thai set menu, plus soft drinks (water and cola) and fresh fruit. This is a real value add. Otherwise, you’d be paying separately and you’d risk losing time looking for food once you’re out on the islands.

As for expectations, this is not a sit-down restaurant lunch. It’s designed to feed people efficiently so the schedule can keep moving. That’s fine if you’re hungry and want something straightforward. If you’re picky or hoping for gourmet flavors, keep it practical: eat what’s offered, then use the fruit and drinks to steady your energy.

Group size, boat type, and comfort on the day

The operator sets a maximum of 30 travelers, which is reasonably small for a full-day island tour. Still, boat seating and crowding can shift depending on the departure.

One thing to watch for is boat type and how crowded it feels once everyone boards. I’d plan on a busy day vibe, especially in peak season. If you hate tight spaces or you want a calmer swim without bumping into people, you’ll likely enjoy choosing tours that focus on smaller boats or earlier departures on other days. For this specific trip, the best fit is people who want convenience and a balanced day over total personal space.

Who this tour is best for

This tour is a great match if you want:

• A one-day plan that covers both reef snorkeling and beach downtime
• Pickup and gear included, so you don’t spend your morning assembling supplies
• A fun add-on in Pig Island’s semi-wild pigs and photo opportunities

It’s also a solid choice for families with kids in the 4 to 11 age range, since the tour is built to keep moving while still giving a long beach block.

It may be less ideal if you’re:

• A reef-first snorkeler who wants lots of underwater time with high odds of seeing fish
• Someone who gets frustrated with crowds in the water
• Planning for long snorkeling sessions at the second island (Pig Island is more about hanging out)

Health-wise, it’s not recommended if you’re pregnant or have high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases. If you’re unsure, check with your doctor first. The speedboat ride also means you should be comfortable with a faster outing.

Should you book this Koh Tan and Koh Madsum snorkeling trip?

If your goal is a convenient, mixed day with Koh Tan reef time plus the fun factor of Pig Island, I think this is a smart booking. The strongest value is the package: pickup, mask and life jacket, lunch, and the two-stop structure that keeps the day from dragging.

I wouldn’t book it expecting the kind of long snorkeling day where you spend hours in one reef zone. Koh Tan is time-limited, and Koh Madsum is more about beach life and pig photos than guaranteed snorkeling depth wherever the boat drops you.

My practical advice: book it if you’re flexible and you like variety. Pass if you’re the type who only enjoys snorkel trips when the fish count is high and the water time feels endless.

FAQ

How long is the Koh Tan and Koh Madsum snorkeling trip?

The tour runs about 6 to 7 hours.

Is hotel pickup included, and where does it start from?

Pickup is included from Lamai, Butterfly Garden, Chaweng, Bangpor, Maenam, Bophut, Cheongmon, and Bangrak. Some areas cost extra.

What snorkeling gear do you get?

You get a snorkeling mask and a life jacket included with the tour.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You’ll get Thai set-menu lunch, plus soft drinks (water and cola) and fresh fruit.

Are island admission fees included?

Koh Tan admission is not included (50 THB per person). Koh Madsum admission is listed as free.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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