REVIEW · BOPHUT
Speed Boat Private Sunset Snorkeling and sightseeing from Samui
Book on Viator →Operated by Backpacker Samui Travel · Bookable on Viator
This is a private speedboat outing that mixes snorkeling with a proper Koh Samui sunset. You’ll bounce between islands for sea time, hang out on beaches, and let your guide handle the moving pieces so you can just enjoy the afternoon turning into evening.
What I like most is the freedom. It’s built for a small private group, so you’re not stuck following a rigid pack. Second, the snorkeling stops are well chosen: Koh Tan Bay gives you coral and fish time, and Koh Mudsum (Pig Island) is a classic beach-and-swim break that doesn’t require you to be a hardcore swimmer.
One thing to consider: this tour lives and dies by dock timing and crew communication. A couple of past bookings complained about pickup being delayed and communication at the pier being unclear (including limited English). It’s not a deal-breaker, but you should confirm exact meeting instructions before you go—especially if you’re traveling with kids.
In This Review
- Quick hits before you book
- Thong Krut Beach pickup at 1:00 pm: what that timing really means
- Koh Tan Bay snorkeling stop: coral and fish, without burning the whole afternoon
- Koh Rap Island (Koh Rap): a quieter island break with extra entrance fees
- Ko Mudsum / Pig Island: swimming, pigs, and the fee detail to double-check
- The sunset return over the Gulf of Thailand: why the last leg matters
- Price and value: $440 per group up to 5 people
- Included vs not included: what to budget beyond the base price
- The main risk: dock timing and communication (and how to protect your afternoon)
- Who this sunset snorkeling speedboat is best for
- Should you book this Samui private sunset snorkeling tour?
- FAQ
- What time does this tour start?
- How long is the experience?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- Which stops are included for snorkeling and sightseeing?
- Are entrance fees included for Koh Rap and Pig Island?
- How much are the entrance fees?
- Is there an option for dinner on the beach?
- What happens if weather is bad?
Quick hits before you book

- Private speedboat pace with quick hops between islands (you’re told each transfer is about 15–20 minutes).
- Koh Tan Bay snorkeling with coral and colorful fish, on a schedule that feels realistic.
- Koh Rap Island time for relaxed exploring on a smaller, less-visited island.
- Pig Island (Koh Mudsum) for beach time and swimming plus a chance to see the island’s famous residents.
- Sunset back on the water off the Gulf of Thailand, not just an afterthought ashore.
Thong Krut Beach pickup at 1:00 pm: what that timing really means

The tour starts at 1:00 pm, with hotel pickup that takes you to the pier at Thong Krut Beach. The planned schedule shows about an hour for pickup and getting to the dock (roughly 13:00 to 14:00), then you’re out on the speedboat for the island circuit.
This timing matters because it sets up two different moods: daylight snorkeling first, then sunset on the return. It’s a solid choice if you want an afternoon plan that doesn’t swallow your whole day. Just keep in mind the day still runs until about 6:30 pm once the return transfer happens.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Bophut
Koh Tan Bay snorkeling stop: coral and fish, without burning the whole afternoon

Your first island stop is Koh Tan Bay. You’ll arrive and spend about 50 minutes snorkeling and relaxing. This is the easygoing part of the itinerary: coral and fish are the main event, and the time block is long enough to actually get into a rhythm without feeling rushed.
Here’s what’s practical about this stop: it’s the one you’ll want to use your energy on. If you’re going to snorkel, this is where you should focus—clear water and reef life are the point, and the schedule is built around getting you back on the boat before you’re tired.
If you’re not a strong swimmer, you still have value here. A 50-minute window is enough to get your bearings, float safely where you can, and enjoy the scenery without committing to a marathon swim.
Koh Rap Island (Koh Rap): a quieter island break with extra entrance fees
Next up is Koh Rap, a small, lesser-known island near Koh Samui. You’re scheduled for about 1 hour there, with snorkeling and time to relax on the beaches and explore the nature around you.
Two notes that help you plan:
- The admission fee is not included for this stop.
- The pace is more “hang out” than “checklist,” so you can spend your hour how you like—snorkel briefly, then focus on beach time or shoreline wandering.
This stop is a nice contrast to Koh Tan. Koh Tan Bay is about reef time; Koh Rap is more about getting a slower island feeling before you head to the beach-and-swim portion later.
Ko Mudsum / Pig Island: swimming, pigs, and the fee detail to double-check

Your third stop is Ko Mudsum (Pig Island), also known as Pig Island. The schedule lists about 40 minutes on arrival, and this is the beach-friendly part of the tour. You can swim, relax, and enjoy the natural beach setting.
The island name is the hook, but don’t ignore the logistics: there’s an entrance fee that’s not included. The information you’re given has a small inconsistency—one note says 50 baht per person for Koh Mudsum, while the overall “not included” section lists 100 baht per person for Koh Rab and Pig Island. Before you go, I’d treat this as a reason to confirm the exact amount with the operator so you’re not surprised at the dock.
If you’re traveling with kids, this stop can be a winner because it turns “waiting around” into something fun. Just keep expectations realistic: you’re on an island, not in a theme park, and the experience is mostly nature + beach time.
The sunset return over the Gulf of Thailand: why the last leg matters

After Pig Island, you head back to Koh Samui. The schedule shows you’re boating back with sunset in mind, then doing a return transfer to your hotel.
This is where the private setup pays off. Being on a speedboat makes the timing feel tighter and more intentional than a land-based plan. You’ll also get a short 30-minute stop at Thong Krut Beach before you transfer back, which is enough time to regroup and get organized after being in the water.
Bring what you need for a comfortable sunset: a dry layer if it gets breezy, and basic reef-safe habits (you don’t want your day to end with sunscreen drama on the boat).
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Bophut
Price and value: $440 per group up to 5 people

The price is $440.05 per group for up to 5 people. That sounds steep if you think per-person first, but you should price it as a private boat day.
Quick math:
- If you book with a full group of 5, you’re around $88 per person.
- With 4 people, it’s closer to $110 per person.
- With 2 people, it’s about $220 per person.
So who gets the best value? People who can fill the boat. If you’re traveling as a couple, it can still be worth it if you really want the flexibility and private pacing. But if you’re solo or two people who don’t mind sharing a larger group, this is where another option might cost less.
Also remember: you’re paying for time savings and less hassle. A tour like this handles the movement between islands and keeps the day structured around snorkeling and sunset, which is exactly the stuff that can be annoying to DIY.
Included vs not included: what to budget beyond the base price

Included features you can plan around:
- Pickup offered and transfers from your hotel to Thong Krut Beach
- A private speedboat island circuit
- Mobile ticket
- Time for snorkeling and beach relaxation at each stop
Not included costs to budget:
- Entrance fees for Koh Rap and Pig Island are listed as 100 baht per person in one place.
- Another note specifically mentions 50 baht per person for Koh Mudsum.
Because of that mismatch, I’d treat it as “expect a small cash fee” and confirm the exact amount during booking.
Optional extra:
- There’s an option to choose a beach dinner setup for an additional cost. If you’re into the full Thai evening vibe, this can be a nice add-on—but only you can decide if it’s worth the extra spend for your group.
The main risk: dock timing and communication (and how to protect your afternoon)

Here’s the reality check. Even though this is positioned as a smooth, guide-managed tour, the weakest point can be the first handshake at the pier.
A couple of past bookings flagged problems like:
- pickup arriving late
- unclear communication from whoever meets you at the dock
- limited English from boat drivers
I can’t predict how it’ll go for your day. But I can tell you how to reduce stress. Before you leave, confirm:
- the exact dock/pier reference (Thong Krut is given, but you still want clarity on where to wait)
- the pickup window and what happens if the guide is late
- how you’ll identify the boat/crew
If you’re traveling with kids, I’d be extra strict about this. When your day depends on a meeting at the waterline, you want it to feel organized from minute one.
Who this sunset snorkeling speedboat is best for
This tour is a good match if you want:
- snorkeling + sunset without spending hours planning
- a private feeling (up to 5 people)
- a schedule that includes beach time, not just “get in the water and go”
It’s especially appealing if you enjoy a Thai island evening style: coral time first, then beaches, then sunset on the return.
It may be less ideal if:
- your group hates water activity and wants only dry sightseeing
- you’re very sensitive to delays and want a plan with zero potential friction
- you don’t want to handle small, on-the-spot entrance fees
Should you book this Samui private sunset snorkeling tour?
I’d book this if your top goal is a private speedboat sunset with two meaningful island stops—Koh Tan Bay for reef time and Pig Island for beach-and-swim fun. The structure is simple, the transfer pace is quick, and the day is built around a satisfying arc: afternoon water, then sunset.
I’d also book it with eyes open. Ask for crisp meeting instructions and be ready for a dock rendezvous that could be the only stressful part of the experience. If you do that, the rest of the day has a lot going for it.
If you can fill the boat (or you really value privacy), it’s a strong value. If you’re going solo or two people who want the cheapest option, you may get better pricing elsewhere.
FAQ
What time does this tour start?
The start time is 1:00 pm, with pickup arranged before you reach the pier.
How long is the experience?
It’s listed as about 4 hours, and the full plan includes pickup and return transfers that run longer in total.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Pickup is offered, and you’re transferred to the pier at Thong Krut Beach.
Which stops are included for snorkeling and sightseeing?
You visit Koh Tan Bay, Koh Rap, and Koh Mudsum (Pig Island), then return for sunset and transfer back to your hotel.
Are entrance fees included for Koh Rap and Pig Island?
No. The tour notes that admission fees are not included for Koh Rap and Pig Island.
How much are the entrance fees?
The information provided says 100 baht per person for Koh Rap & Pig Island, but it also mentions 50 baht per person for Koh Mudsum. Confirm the exact amount with the operator.
Is there an option for dinner on the beach?
Yes. A beach dinner option is available for an extra cost.
What happens if weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

































