A snorkel day with pigs and coral. I really like the round-trip hotel pickup and the fact that snorkeling gear plus a Thai lunch are included, so you spend less time organizing and more time in the water and on the sand. One thing to keep in mind: the snorkeling time can feel a bit tight depending on crowding and how the day runs.

This is a straightforward Koh Samui day trip that runs on a simple rhythm: a speedboat cruise across the Gulf of Thailand, two island stops, then back for a hotel drop-off. You’ll get a coral-reef focused stop at Ko Taen (Koh Tan), then a longer beach-and-photo stop at Koh Madsum—also called Pig Island—where semi-wild pigs wander near the shoreline.

It’s not a “stay out all day doing only snorkeling” kind of tour. It’s more of a balanced mix: reefs in the morning, then beach breaks, plus included soft drinks and fresh fruit to keep the day feeling easy.

Key Things I’d Plan For Before You Go

• Pickup zones are covered, with extras for far-flung areas (most common Samui areas are included; some locations cost 700 THB per person per way).
• Two islands, two moods: Ko Taen for coral snorkeling (about 2 hours) and Koh Madsum/Pig Island for beach time (about 4 hours).
• Gear is included, but admission isn’t: you’ll get a snorkeling mask and life jacket, yet plan on a 50 THB per person admission fee.
• Pig Island is the main event for lounging and photos, while snorkeling may be more limited depending on where you can comfortably enter the water.
• Speedboat rides are quick, but boats can still feel crowded—max 30 overall, but your comfort may vary by departure load.

Koh Samui’s Koh Tan + Pig Island Route in Plain English

This trip is built for one day with minimal hassle. You start around 10:00 am, get picked up from select hotels around Koh Samui, then head to the port for a speedboat ride across the Gulf of Thailand. Your day is organized around two stops: Ko Taen (Koh Tan) first, then Koh Madsum (Pig Island).

The total time is about 6 to 7 hours, which is long enough to snorkel once properly and still enjoy a beach break on Pig Island. If your ideal day is “reef time plus a fun island vibe,” this tour fits that shape.

Pickup to Port: Where This Trip Saves You Time

One of the biggest practical wins is the included hotel transfer. Pickup is offered from Lamai, Butterfly Garden, Chaweng, Bangpor, Maenam, Bophut, Cheongmon, and Bangrak. If you’re staying outside those areas—like Nathon, Taling Ngam, Pagka, Lipanoi, or Lipayai—there’s an extra 700 THB per person per way.

This matters because snorkeling trips can start feeling stressful fast: figuring out taxis, finding the right dock, and arriving late can ruin the morning. Here, you get moved directly to the boat start, and you’re also dropped back at your hotel after the island hopping.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket and confirmation at booking. The meeting point area is described as near public transportation, but the easiest plan is still to follow your pickup time and not try to “self-navigate” to the port.

Stop 1: Koh Tan (Ko Taen) Snorkeling and Coral Reality Checks

Ko Taen is the reef-focused stop. It’s about 15 kilometers off the mainland and roughly 5 kilometers south of Koh Samui, part of the Samui island archipelago. The goal is clear: swim and snorkel over coral areas that are known in this region for good reef viewing.

Timing is usually the main variable here. The schedule lists about 2 hours at Koh Tan, which sounds good on paper. One caution from real-world experience: if your group ends up larger or the schedule compresses, that snorkeling window can feel short—especially if you want multiple slow swims instead of one quick pass.

What I like about this stop for most people is that it’s the “anchor” experience. You get snorkeling gear included, so you’re not spending the morning hunting for mask rentals, and you can just focus on getting comfortable in the water. If you’re hoping for buckets of fish and constant action, set expectations to match the reef setting: coral detail can be the star even when fish counts vary by day and conditions.

Stop 2: Koh Madsum / Pig Island for Beaches, Pigs, and Photos

Koh Madsum is where the day turns fun and relaxed. It’s listed with about 4 hours at the island, and it’s known for a stretch of sand plus clear water conditions when you find the right entry point.

The headline here is the pigs. They’re semi-wild and roam around the shoreline, which makes this stop feel more like a “play and photograph” island than a strict snorkeling location. You’ll have time to take pictures, relax, and enjoy the beach atmosphere at a slower pace than the reef stop.

About snorkeling: this is the part to handle thoughtfully. The tour description frames Koh Madsum as a place to snorkel and swim, but I’d treat it as optional rather than guaranteed “reef work.” In practice, you may find that the easiest swimming zone is not directly where you land, and some spots can be too shallow or awkward depending on where the boat docks and how the shoreline sits.

If you’re the kind of traveler who can switch gears—snorkel first, then spend the afternoon on sand and with silly pig photo ops—this is the best stop for you.

Lunch, Soft Drinks, and the Kind of Meal That Fits a Day Tour

You get a Thai set menu lunch included, plus soft drinks (water and cola) and fresh fruit. That’s a big deal on a day trip because food costs add up fast, and it’s usually nicer to eat somewhere organized rather than hunting for a restaurant between boat times.

The food is positioned as “tasty and quick,” not a slow dining experience. On busy tour days, that can mean the meal is less about culinary perfection and more about keeping everyone fueled for the next boat leg.

Still, I appreciate the simplicity: you’re not coordinating where to eat, you’re not carrying snacks, and you can focus on snorkeling and beach time.

Speedboat Time: Fast Rides, Big Views, and Motion on the Water

This trip uses a speedboat (not a long-tail style), so expect a lively ride across the Gulf of Thailand. The schedule is built around efficient travel between stops, which is one reason you can fit both islands into a single day.

The upside is momentum. You get scenic ocean views, the crossing doesn’t drag, and you stay on a clear timetable. The downside is boat comfort can be variable. Even with a maximum of 30 travelers, the speedboat can still feel busy, and that affects how quickly people get organized for snorkeling.

If you’re sensitive to motion, bring what you normally use for boat rides. Also, pack with the idea that your hands may be busy: sunscreen, water, and a dry layer for the ride back help a lot.

Price and Value: What $60.34 Really Buys You

At $60.34 per person, this tour is priced like a “do-it-all” day package. Here’s what you’re getting for that money:

• Round-trip hotel transfers from a wide set of pickup areas
• Snorkeling gear support (life jacket and snorkeling mask)
• Thai lunch plus soft drinks and fresh fruit
• Accident insurance
• A speedboat ride between two islands

Then there are the costs you should plan for:

• An admission fee of 50 THB per person is listed as not included
• If you’re picked up from certain areas, there’s an extra 700 THB per person per way

So is it worth it? For most people staying in the included pickup zones, yes—because the big hidden costs of independent island day trips are often transportation and gear. This tour wraps that up in one price.

If you’re already planning to rent gear and hire a boat separately, it might not feel like a bargain. But if you want a clear day plan and don’t want logistics eating your morning, the package structure is the value.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This trip is best for travelers who want:

• A reef-focused snorkeling stop plus a relaxed beach stop
• Included transfers and lunch, without planning every move
• A fun island theme (Pig Island) mixed into a standard Samui day

It may not be your best match if you:

• Want a long, uninterrupted snorkeling session all day
• Are very strict about snorkeling quality and fish abundance
• Prefer quieter boat rides and more spacious comfort

There are also clear health notes. The tour isn’t recommended if you’re pregnant, or if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases. It’s also noted as not recommended for guests arriving by cruise ship or large boat.

Should You Book Koh Tan + Koh Madsum (Pig Island)?

If your ideal Koh Samui day includes one meaningful snorkeling stop plus afternoon beach time, I’d say this is an easy yes. You get the structure handled for you: pickup, speedboat, gear support, and lunch, then back to your hotel.

I’d book with one mindset: this is not a “only snorkeling” day. Koh Tan is the reef priority, while Koh Madsum is where you should lean into beach relaxation and the Pig Island experience. If you go in expecting a balanced day—and you’re okay with snorkeling time that may feel limited—you’ll likely enjoy it.

FAQ

FAQ

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

The tour runs about 6 to 7 hours.

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 10:00 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup is included from Lamai, Butterfly Garden, Chaweng, Bangpor, Maenam, Bophut, Cheongmon, and Bangrak. If you need pickup from Nathon, Taling Ngam, Pagka, Lipanoi, or Lipayai, there is an extra 700 THB per person per way.

Does the tour include snorkeling gear?

Yes. Life jacket and snorkeling mask are included.

Is lunch included?

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

Do I need to pay an admission fee?

Yes. An admission fee of 50 THB per person is listed as not included.

Who shouldn’t join the tour?

The tour is not recommended for guests who are pregnant or who have high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases.

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