Koh Samui: Pig Island & Koh Tan Snorkeling by Longtail Boat

Summary

Snorkeling coral reefs near Koh Tan and meeting the pigs of Koh Madsum

You’ll ride a traditional longtail boat from Samui, snorkel colorful reefs at Koh Tan with all gear included, then hang out with the famous pigs on Koh Madsum. Enjoy lunch right on the sand and take in those island views—it’s relaxed, playful, and honestly kind of unforgettable in its own way.

What’s the experience like?

You hear it before you see it—the longtail’s engine coughing out over the water, that low chug-chug echoing off the palms as we left Samui’s southern shore. Our guide, Nok, handed out towels and grinned at my attempt to pronounce “Koh Madsum”—she said I almost had it, but I could tell she was being nice. The salt air hit different out here, sharp and clean, with a bit of diesel mixed in. It was maybe twenty minutes before the water shifted from blue to that clear green you only get around these islands.

We stopped just off Koh Tan for snorkeling. I’m not an expert swimmer so I hesitated—Nok noticed and tossed me an extra life jacket without making a big deal of it. The reef really is something; there were these tiny electric-blue fish darting around my ankles, and someone behind me kept laughing through their snorkel (I think they saw a sea cucumber for the first time). The sun felt stronger on my back than I expected. After about an hour, we climbed back onto the boat—hair full of salt and sand everywhere, but nobody seemed to care.

Koh Madsum—Pig Island—was next. You can actually smell the pigs before you spot them rooting around in the sand. They’re friendlier than I thought; one nuzzled my hand looking for food while another just flopped down in the shade like he owned the place. Lunch was simple but good—rice, grilled chicken, watermelon—and we ate with our feet in the sand watching a couple of kids try to teach a pig to fetch (it didn’t work). There’s this lazy breeze that makes you want to stay longer than you should. Honestly, I still think about how quiet it felt once everyone settled into their own little patch of beach.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling and Pig Island visit

• Snorkel at coral reef near Koh Tan
• Visit Koh Matsum (Pig Island)
• Feed beach pigs and relax on beach

Top questions

How long does the Pig Island & snorkeling tour take?

The tour is a half-day experience departing from southern Samui by longtail boat.

Is lunch included on Pig Island?

Yes, lunch or dinner is included depending on your departure time.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No, all snorkeling equipment is provided as part of your booking.

Are life jackets available for non-swimmers?

Yes, life jackets are included for all guests regardless of swimming ability.

Can children join this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and families with children are welcome.

How do we get to Pig Island from Samui?

You travel by traditional longtail boat from southern Samui; public transport options are nearby if needed.

Will we interact with the pigs on Pig Island?

Yes, you can feed and ethically interact with the beach pigs at Koh Madsum (Pig Island).

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Pig Island (Koh Madsum), bottled water throughout, life jackets and towels for comfort and safety, full use of snorkeling equipment at Koh Tan’s reef, plus lunch or dinner served right on the island before heading back to Samui.