One short boat ride can make Koh Samui feel like a private world. This luxury longtail hop to Pig Island (Koh Mat Sum) and Koh Taen mixes close-up animal time with serious water play, all with a crew that keeps things moving. I especially love the onboard extras like fresh fruit, soft drinks, and premium snorkelling equipment.

The only real drawback to plan around is that this outing depends on good weather, and timing can shift if the first part of the day is choppy.

Key Points at a Glance

• Private group up to 6 means you’re not squeezed into a big boat experience.
• Pig Island (Koh Mat Sum / Koh Mad Som) focuses on time with the pigs on a smaller island setting.
• Koh Taen snorkeling includes premium snorkelling equipment and time in the water.
• Food and drinks onboard include a fruit platter plus soft drinks and water.
• Life jackets, first aid kit, and insurance are included for peace of mind.
• Koh Mad Sum admission THB50 per person is extra, even though most essentials are covered.

Luxury Longtail Meets Animal Island Fun

If you’ve ever wanted the classic longtail-boat vibe without the stress, this tour is built for you. You’re on a traditional style boat, but it’s set up like a proper day outing: comfortable ride time, a crew focused on your group, and gear that lets you get into the water without hunting around for rentals.

The big win is the mix. Pig Island is the main headline because it’s small, playful, and very easy to understand as soon as you arrive. Then Koh Taen adds the payoff for people who want more than just land time—clear water, coral areas, and the chance to see plenty of tropical fish.

My favorite part is how the day feels shaped around you, not around a schedule that only works for a crowd. Even with fixed stops, you’re given enough time to actually enjoy each moment: mingle with the pigs, then switch gears to snorkel (or just swim).

That said, keep expectations realistic. It’s about a half-day (about 4 hours), so you’re not going to “see everything” around Koh Samui. You’re picking a good slice, and getting the value from it.

Boat Comfort, Crew Care, and the Small Details That Matter

This is a private tour/activity, so only your group joins you. That sounds like marketing—until you feel what it means: less waiting, less noise, and more direct help when you need it.

Onboard, you get a package that makes a big difference in comfort:

• Life jackets and a first aid kit are provided.
• Insurance is included.
• You’ll have soft drinks and water during the outing.
• You get a fruit platter, which you can treat like a snack break without needing a restaurant stop.
• Towels for after swimming show up as part of the practical kit (handy if you want to stay comfortable for the ride back).

The crew is also part of the value. In past experiences, the guide team has shown genuine attention to both safety and fun—like knowing pig personalities and being able to explain which ones are friendly to interact with and which to avoid. Another guide has even been praised for taking photos during the trip, which is useful if you want something more than blurry phone shots.

One more practical bonus: the tour uses a mobile ticket, and pickup is offered. That helps turn this into a low-effort day, which matters when you’re trying to balance beach time, dinner plans, and travel around the island.

Stop-by-Stop: From Thong Krut to Pig Island and Koh Taen

This tour runs as a clean loop that starts and ends near the same area. You head to Thong Krut Pier on the southern coast of Koh Samui. From there, the day splits into three main phases: board up, Pig Island time, then snorkeling time, and back again.

Stop 1: Thong Krut Pier Check-In and Boarding

At Thong Krut Pier, you check in with the team and get onto your longtail boat. This is a straightforward start, but it sets the tone. You’re not doing a complicated transfer across the island, and you’re already positioned for smooth water time.

There’s also a short buffer built in at the start. That matters if you’re prone to arriving early, need a bathroom moment, or just want to get oriented before being out on the water.

Stop 2: Koh Mat Sum, Pig Island (About 1 hour 15 minutes)

This is your animal-focused stop. Koh Mat Sum—also called Koh Mad Som or Pig Island—is a small island where pigs roam freely, close enough that you can interact and feed them.

Here’s what makes this stop work so well:

• It’s easy to enjoy even if you’re not a snorkeling person.
• You can slow down. You’re not sprinting around an attraction.
• It’s interactive. You’re watching behavior, not just posing for a photo.

Some people love this portion so much they treat snorkeling as optional later. If you’re more in a relaxed mode—swimming a bit, hanging near a beach, watching the pigs—this island time fits that energy.

One tip that’s worth following: pay attention to how the guide advises pig interaction. In prior trips, guides have been able to explain which pigs are safe to approach and which ones to avoid. That keeps it fun and reduces the chance of stressful moments for you or for the animals.

One extra cost to know about: Koh Mad Sum admission is THB50 per person, which is not included in the main tour price.

Stop 3: Koh Taen Snorkelling Time (About 2 hours)

After Pig Island, the tour shifts from animal island to underwater viewing. Koh Taen is where you spend time in the water for snorkeling.

The expectation is clear and practical:

• You’ll have snorkelling equipment included (so you don’t need to rent).
• The waters around the island are described as crystal clear.
• You’re meant to look for coral areas and tropical fish.

Two realistic considerations:

1. Snorkeling is only “easy” if you’re comfortable being in the water for a stretch of time. You don’t need to be a pro, but you should feel okay with basic snorkeling.
2. Conditions can vary by day. That’s true of Koh Samui in general, and it’s exactly why weather matters for the trip.

If snorkeling isn’t your top priority, this stop still gives you options. The tour provides the gear, but you can spend the time swimming and enjoying the water depending on your comfort level.

Stop 4: Return Toward Thong Krut with a Sunset-Style Finish (About 30 minutes)

On the way back, the schedule includes cruising back to Koh Samui. If the timing lines up with late day light, you may catch a beautiful return. Even if sunset isn’t perfect, the ride back is a chance to decompress after the water time—especially since your tour ends back at/near the meeting point.

This matters because a lot of island tours leave you stuck with an awkward end where you still need to figure out how to get home. Here, the loop helps you plan dinner afterward.

Included vs. Extra Costs: Don’t Get Surprised

This tour does a good job of bundling the day’s essentials, which keeps your spending predictable.

Included:

• Fruit platter
• Soft drinks and water
• Premium snorkelling equipment
• Life jackets, first aid kit, and insurance
• Guide
• The itinerary includes the major stops at Thong Krut, Pig Island (Koh Mat Sum), and Koh Taen

Not included:

• Return transfer (pickup is offered, but return transport is not stated as included; it can be arranged)
• Lunch
• Koh Mad Sum admission: THB50 per person

My advice: if you want a truly smooth day, plan a simple meal strategy. Since lunch isn’t included, either eat before the tour or plan a post-tour meal. That way the half-day slot stays easy instead of turning into a hunt for food near the pier.

Value Check: $391 Per Group and What You’re Paying For

The price is $391.06 per group, up to 6 people, for about 4 hours. That pricing can feel high if you compare it to big group day cruises. But compare it to what you get: private access, onboard food and drinks, snorkel gear, safety gear, and a crew that handles your day end-to-end.

Here’s why it’s often good value:

• You’re splitting costs across a small group, not buying a seat on a crowded boat.
• You’re not paying separately for snorkelling equipment.
• Your comfort is supported with water, soft drinks, fruit, and basic safety items.
• You get the “wow factor” stops—Pig Island and Koh Taen—without extra logistics.

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, it may be less of a bargain. If you’ve got 3–6 people, it tends to feel more like a smart use of money because your boat time and gear are bundled.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is a strong match if you want a short, high-satisfaction day with minimal hassle.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if you:

• Love animals and want real interaction time at Pig Island.
• Want snorkeling that’s included without planning rentals.
• Prefer a smaller group setup with hands-on crew support.
• Want a half-day activity that leaves time for beaches and dinner afterward.

It can also work well for families with teens, since it’s not only about snorkeling. The Pig Island stop gives non-swimmers a full, interesting chunk of time too, and the onboard setup helps keep everything comfortable.

Should You Book the Private Pig Island & Koh Taen Tour?

I’d book it if your idea of a great Koh Samui day is a mix of easy fun and real access—Pig Island time plus snorkeling, done on a private luxury longtail with snacks, drinks, and gear handled for you.

I’d think twice if you:

• Hate water time and won’t use the snorkeling equipment at all.
• Need a guaranteed weather-proof outing (this tour requires good weather).
• Don’t want extra on-the-day fees like THB50 per person for Koh Mad Sum admission.

If you’re flexible, comfortable with the idea of a half-day, and traveling with up to 6 people, this is the kind of outing that feels worth it the moment you’re on the boat.

FAQ

How long is the Private Pig Island and Koh Taen tour?

It lasts about 4 hours.

What does the tour cost and how many people can go?

The price is $391.06 per group, up to 6 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Premium snorkelling equipment is included.

Do I need to pay extra at Pig Island (Koh Mad Sum)?

Yes. Koh Mad Sum admission costs THB50 per person and is not included in the tour price.

Is return transfer included?

Return transfer is not included, but it can be arranged. Pickup is offered.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience 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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