Koh Tan and Pig Island Half-Day Tour by Speed Catamaran

Pig Island is the hook here: you can step onto a small tropical island, meet its free-roaming pigs, then return to the speed catamaran for snorkeling and water toys at Koh Tan. It is an easy way to pack several South Sea pleasures into four hours.

I like the friendly crew and the choice between a morning departure and a sunset outing. I also like that hotel pickup, food, drinks, equipment, insurance, and island fees are bundled into the price. The catch is that Pig Island can be untidy, and snorkeling conditions may be poor if the sea is rough or the current is strong.

Key points before you book

• Pig Island comes first: Spend about 90 minutes on Koh Madsum meeting the island’s famous pigs and swimming from the beach.
• Koh Tan has several options: Snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, or use the catamaran’s water slide.
• The ride is short but active: Transportation is included in the four-hour total, so this is a compact outing rather than a full-day island cruise.
• Food and drinks are covered: Expect a light meal, seasonal fruit, drinking water, and soft drinks.
• Two departure times: Pick the morning if you have evening plans, or the later trip for sunset.
• Plan for a group: The boat can carry up to 45 people, so this is a social excursion rather than a private escape.

Pig Island gives the morning its character

The boat heads first to Koh Madsum, better known as Pig Island. The appeal is simple and slightly odd in the best way: you can swim in clear water, walk along the beach, and meet pigs that have become the island’s stars.

You get about one hour and 30 minutes here. That is enough time to see the animals, take photos, cool off in the sea, and enjoy the tropical setting without rushing from one activity to the next.

The pigs are friendly, but use common sense. The tour information warns that the larger pigs should not be stroked. Keep food away unless instructed otherwise, and give the animals room. Dogs are also present on the island, and food may be available for them, but you should follow the crew’s directions rather than feeding animals on your own.

Pig Island is not a polished theme park. That is part of its charm, but it also creates the main drawback. Animal waste can be noticeable around the island, and the facilities may not always be in good shape. One practical account reported dirty conditions and a problem with the women’s toilet, including a lack of toilet paper and hand-washing supplies.

I would bring hand sanitizer, tissues, and sandals that you do not mind getting wet or sandy. Do not expect a pristine beach club. Think of Koh Madsum as a rustic stop with a memorable animal encounter and pleasant swimming.

Koh Tan adds water time and variety

After Pig Island, the catamaran continues to Koh Tan. You have roughly one hour here, with several ways to use it.

Snorkeling is the main draw. Equipment is supplied, so you do not need to bring your own mask or fins. The surrounding water can offer coral and marine life, but conditions matter. Strong current or poor visibility can reduce the quality of the experience, and wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

That uncertainty is worth taking seriously. If you are booking mainly for perfect snorkeling, you may be disappointed on a windy or cloudy day. If you see the snorkeling as one part of a broader outing, the tour offers better value because you can switch to other activities.

The boat also carries kayaks, paddleboards, and a slide. These extras make Koh Tan more appealing for children and for anyone who prefers playing on the water to looking below it. You can paddle in calmer water, take a turn on the slide, or simply remain on the catamaran and enjoy the ride.

The one-hour stop goes quickly. You will not have time for a long, leisurely session with every activity. Decide in advance what matters most to you. If snorkeling conditions are good, use the time in the water. If the sea is not cooperating, the kayak, paddleboard, and slide give you alternatives.

The speed catamaran changes the pace

A power catamaran lets the group cover both islands in a half-day. That matters on Koh Samui, where a longer boat excursion can consume most of your day.

The faster ride is part of the experience, not just transport. You get open-water views and a more energetic crossing than you would on a slow ferry. At the same time, a speedboat-style trip can feel lively when the sea is choppy. Anyone prone to motion sickness should prepare carefully, though no specific motion-sickness provision is listed.

Transportation time is included in the four-hour duration. The actual time on the islands is about two and a half hours, leaving the rest for transfers and movement between stops. That is a fair structure for a short excursion, but it helps set expectations. You are not getting four full hours on beaches and reefs.

The boat can accommodate up to 45 people. That is a moderate group size, but the atmosphere will depend on the day’s booking level. You should expect shared equipment, a communal schedule, and limited flexibility at each stop. If you want privacy or a custom route, this is not the right format.

Food, drinks, and equipment make the price easier to judge

At $73.04 per person, the tour is not the cheapest way to reach the islands, but the package includes several costs that can add up separately. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Koh Samui are available, along with snorkeling gear, kayaking, paddleboarding, the slide, island entrance fees, insurance, and an English or Thai-speaking crew.

You also receive a light breakfast or light meal, seasonal fruit, drinking water, and soft drinks. This is useful because the outing falls across a meal period for many people. You can pack extra snacks if you need more food, but the included meal keeps the tour from feeling bare-bones.

Do not book this expecting a floating bar. Alcohol is not listed among the included drinks, and you should not assume it will be available to buy onboard. The focus is on swimming, snorkeling, and family-friendly activities.

Dietary restrictions can be accommodated, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals. You should provide that information when booking so the crew can prepare.

The most important value question is what you would otherwise pay for transfers and equipment. If you are staying away from the departure point, hotel transport adds real convenience. If you already have snorkeling gear and a private transfer, the bundled price may feel less attractive.

Morning or sunset: choose the right four hours

The tour offers two time slots. A morning departure works well if you have dinner plans, nightlife, or another activity later in the day. It also leaves room for a quiet evening after a busy outing.

The later departure is designed for sunset views. That can make the return crossing more atmospheric, especially if you enjoy being on the water at the end of the day. The tradeoff is less flexibility afterward, and sunset quality depends on weather and cloud cover.

Think about the kind of day you want. The morning option is practical and efficient. The later option is better if the boat ride and changing light are part of the attraction.

What the crew adds to the experience

The crew includes the captain, guides, and boat staff, with English and Thai spoken onboard. The strongest praise focuses on the team’s friendly, fun approach. That matters on a group boat, where clear instructions and a good mood can make the short schedule feel relaxed rather than hurried.

You should still expect a set program. The crew needs to move everyone between the two islands, organize equipment, and keep the boat on time. Friendly service does not mean a private guide who can redesign the day around your preferences.

The practical quality of the outing will also depend on the condition of the facilities and equipment that day. The tour includes insurance and professional staff, but you remain responsible for following safety instructions, especially around the slide, water sports, and animals.

Who will enjoy this half-day trip most

I would recommend this outing to families with children aged 4 to 10, couples who want a short island adventure, and solo visitors who like joining a social group. The mix of pigs, swimming, snorkeling, and a boat slide gives you more variety than a simple beach transfer.

It also suits people with limited time on Koh Samui. You can see two islands without giving up an entire day. The morning option works especially well if your schedule is tight.

It is less suitable for anyone seeking solitude, untouched beaches, or serious reef time. Pig Island can be busy and messy, and the snorkeling window at Koh Tan is brief. The maximum group size of 45 also means you should not expect a quiet, private boat.

The operator advises that people aged 75 or older should not join. Insurance excludes people with breathing difficulties, those aged 75 and above, and children aged 0 to 3. The activity is also not suitable for people with disabilities or mobility limitations according to the supplied conditions. It cannot accommodate visitors arriving by cruise ship or large boat, since the timing does not fit cruise schedules.

Small details that can save you trouble

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available from Koh Samui, but changing hotels costs an extra 200 Thai baht per person. Confirm your pickup details carefully, especially if you are moving between accommodations.

The listed meeting point is Ao Bang Kao in Na Mueang, Koh Samui. The activity ends back at that meeting point, unless your arranged transfer takes you to your hotel.

Wear swim clothing under your regular clothes, and pack sunscreen, a hat, dry clothes, tissues, and hand sanitizer. Since the stop at Pig Island is rustic, do not rely on every toilet or wash station being fully stocked.

Keep valuables to a minimum. You will be moving between a boat, a beach, and water activities, and the tour does not list a dedicated storage service.

Bad weather can cancel the trip. In that case, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not refundable.

Is the $73.04 price fair?

For a four-hour outing, $73.04 is reasonable if you want convenience and variety. Transfers, equipment, food, soft drinks, entrance fees, and insurance are included, so you are not constantly paying small extras once onboard.

The price is harder to justify if your priority is a long snorkeling session. You receive about one hour at Koh Tan, and sea conditions may limit visibility. You are paying for the whole combination: fast boat transport, two islands, animals, water toys, food, and a guided group operation.

I see the tour as a good middle option. It gives you more structure and comfort than arranging a boat independently, but it is not a luxury cruise or a private island day. The value improves if you use the included transfer and equipment.

Should you book the Koh Tan and Pig Island tour?

Book it if you want an easy, lively half-day from Koh Samui with several activities packed into one trip. The pigs at Koh Madsum, the slide, and the choice of kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling give the outing broad appeal.

Skip it if you need spotless facilities, quiet beaches, or guaranteed clear water. Pig Island can be messy, the toilets may be unreliable, and snorkeling depends on the sea.

My practical choice would be the morning departure for a busy itinerary, or the later departure if sunset matters more than having a free evening. Bring your own tissues and sanitizer, keep your expectations realistic about snorkeling, and treat Pig Island as a rustic animal stop rather than a pristine resort. For the right kind of day, this is a fun and efficient introduction to two small islands south of Koh Samui.

FAQ

How long does the Koh Tan and Pig Island tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours, including transportation time between Koh Samui, the islands, and the return point.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Koh Madsum, commonly called Pig Island, and Koh Tan.

How much time is spent at Pig Island?

You have approximately one hour and 30 minutes at Koh Madsum.

What activities are available at Koh Tan?

You can snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, or use the water slide on the catamaran.

Are hotel transfers included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available from Koh Samui. Changing hotels costs an additional 200 Thai baht per person.

Is food included?

Yes. The tour includes a light breakfast or light meal, seasonal fruit, drinking water, and soft drinks. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options can be arranged.

Can children join the tour?

Children aged 4 to 10 can receive children’s tickets. Children aged 0 to 3 are excluded from the tour’s insurance coverage.