Longtail Boat to Pig Island: What the Trip Is Like

What is a Thai longtail boat?

A longtail is one of Thailand’s most recognisable forms of local transport. The name comes from the long drive shaft that runs behind the boat from the engine to the propeller.

The boats used around Koh Samui vary a lot. Some are very simple; others have been upgraded for tourism with:

• padded seating;
• cushions;
• canopy shade;
• cool boxes;
• drinks;
• speakers;
• ladders for swimming;
• decorative finishes.

So two tours both described as a “longtail boat trip” can feel quite different. Look at the photos of the boat itself if the listing provides them.

Why take a longtail to Pig Island?

Because Pig Island is close enough that you do not need a fast boat. From the southern side of Koh Samui, the journey to the Koh Tan and Koh Madsum area is short, which makes the longtail’s slower pace less of a drawback.

Instead, you get:

• a traditional Thai boat;
• an open-air ride;
• a smaller-scale trip;
• good photo opportunities;
• plenty of private-charter options.

For many visitors, the boat becomes part of the experience, not just transport.

What does the ride feel like?

On a calm day, the ride feels relaxed and scenic. You sit low enough to the water to notice the colour of the sea, watch the coastline fall away and see the neighbouring islands come closer. The boat is usually open at the sides, so there is plenty of airflow.

You also hear the engine. A longtail is not quiet: the traditional engine-and-shaft setup makes a distinctive sound, and people who expect a silent cruise may be surprised by how mechanical it feels. On a short route, most travellers do not find this a real problem.

Is a longtail boat comfortable?

It depends on both the boat and the sea. Some tourism longtails have:

• padded benches;
• cushions;
• shaded seating;
• wider decks;
• upgraded interiors.

Others are much more basic. Before booking, check:

• whether there is shade;
• whether seating is padded;
• whether you sit on a bench or on the deck;
• whether there is a ladder for swimming;
• whether there is a toilet;
• the maximum group size.

Do not assume a “luxury longtail” and a “local longtail” have the same setup.

Is the ride rough?

It can be. Longtails are relatively small, so you notice waves more than on a large boat. On calm water this is rarely a big issue; when the wind picks up, the ride can become bouncy and wet.

Traveller reviews of private Pig Island longtail trips show both sides: many describe smooth, relaxed rides, while others note that bad weather made the return journey much rougher. This is why the sea on the day matters more than the month alone.

Is a longtail good if you get seasick?

The route itself helps, because it is short: you are not spending hours travelling offshore. But a small boat moves more in chop.

If you are prone to motion sickness:

• sit near the middle of the boat;
• face forward;
• keep your eyes on the horizon;
• avoid a very heavy meal before departure;
• use your usual travel-sickness medication if appropriate for you.

If you know that even short small-boat rides make you miserable, a larger catamaran may be more comfortable. Several longtail listings, including the private charter featured above, say they are not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

How do you board a longtail boat?

This is a practical detail people often overlook. Depending on the departure point and the tide, boarding may mean:

• stepping down from a pier;
• climbing in from the beach;
• walking through shallow water;
• using a small ladder.

At Pig Island you may also get off close to the beach, not at a harbour. That is part of the experience, but it matters if someone in your group has limited mobility. Wear footwear that can get wet.

Will your feet get wet?

Quite possibly. Treat the trip as a beach-and-boat day and wear:

• sandals;
• water shoes;
• flip-flops;
• other simple footwear.

Do not wear expensive leather shoes or trainers you want to keep dry.

Is there shade on a longtail boat?

Often, but not always. Many tourist longtails have a canopy over at least part of the seating; some upgraded boats have generous shade, and others leave much of the boat exposed. Look carefully at the tour photos.

The tropical sun feels stronger on the water because light reflects off the sea. Even with a canopy, bring:

• a hat;
• sunglasses;
• sunscreen;
• a rash vest.

Is there a toilet?

Do not assume there is. Smaller traditional longtails may have no toilet at all, while larger upgraded boats may have better facilities. If this matters to you, confirm before booking.

For most people the short time on the boat makes this manageable, but families with young children should check carefully.

How many people fit on the boat?

Capacity varies. Some longtails are designed for a small family or private group; others carry more passengers.

For a private tour, the key question is not the legal maximum. Ask how many people can sit comfortably: a boat that feels spacious for four can feel very different with ten.

Private longtail or shared longtail?

Private longtail tours are especially common on the Pig Island route, and that is one of the strongest reasons to choose this boat type.

Private longtail

Best for:

• couples;
• families;
• groups of friends;
• flexible travellers.

Advantages:

• your own boat;
• more control over the pace;
• easier communication with the crew;
• no waiting for a large group;
• better for photography.

Depending on the operator, you may also be able to change the departure time or spend longer at one stop. The private longtail to Pig Island with snorkel is priced per boat, from $101 for up to two people, and runs about four hours (4.3/5 from more than 650 reviews). It has no hotel transfer: you make your own way to its base beside Thong Krut Pier.

Shared longtail

Best for:

• solo travellers;
• couples on a tighter budget;
• travellers who do not need flexibility.

Shared boats can still be enjoyable, but the day runs to a schedule. The shared longtail trip to Pig Island and Koh Tan with a viewpoint hike is the cheapest way onto a longtail, from $28 with hotel transfers and island fees included (4.3/5 from more than 750 reviews); lunch is not included. Our longtail boat tours page compares the options.

What is a typical longtail itinerary?

A common private Pig Island longtail route looks like this:

1. Hotel pickup, or making your own way to southern Koh Samui.
2. Board the longtail.
3. A short crossing to Koh Madsum or Koh Tan.
4. The Pig Island beach stop.
5. Snorkeling around Koh Tan.
6. Lunch or another stop on some tours.
7. Return to Koh Samui.

Some operators visit Koh Tan first and some visit Pig Island first. The order matters less than how much time you get at each stop. Our Pig Island and Koh Tan tour guide walks through the day step by step.

What happens at Pig Island?

Pig Island is Koh Madsum. You normally go ashore and have free time to:

• see the pigs;
• take photos;
• walk the beach;
• swim;
• relax.

The pigs roam around the visitor area and sometimes go into the shallow water, but do not expect a guaranteed “swim with pigs” performance: they are animals and behave differently from day to day. Landing costs 50 baht per person in cash, and outside food and drink, including the water carried on your boat, cannot be taken ashore.

For a fuller overview, read our Pig Island Koh Samui guide.

What happens at Koh Tan?

Koh Tan is the snorkeling part of the classic trip. The boat normally stops near a reef and you get into the water from the boat.

A typical tour provides:

• mask;
• snorkel;
• life jacket.

Some tours also include fins. If snorkeling matters to you, check how much time the tour spends at Koh Tan before booking. Our Koh Tan island guide covers the reef.

Is it easy to get back into the boat after snorkeling?

Usually, but the setup varies. Many tourism longtails use a ladder; others need a more basic climb. Check this if you:

• have knee problems;
• have limited upper-body strength;
• are travelling with older relatives;
• are uncomfortable climbing out of the water.

The crew can often help, but a longtail is still less accessible than a large modern boat with a wide swim platform.

Is longtail or speedboat better for Pig Island?

On this route, choose based on the experience, not speed. The islands are already close.

Choose a longtail if:

• you want atmosphere;
• you want a private tour;
• you like the traditional boat style;
• you want a relaxed pace;
• you are travelling as a family or small group.

Choose a speedboat if:

• you prefer a more structured tour;
• you want to move faster;
• your chosen itinerary includes more stops;
• you prefer a more modern boat.

A speedboat does not automatically make the trip better. The half-day speedboat trip to Pig Island and Koh Tan is the most-reviewed Pig Island tour we track (from $42, 4.5/5 from more than 5,500 reviews). For a dedicated comparison, read our speedboat vs longtail boat to Pig Island guide.

Longtail vs catamaran

These are further apart.

Longtail

Feels:

• local;
• intimate;
• simple;
• adventurous.

Catamaran

Feels:

• more spacious;
• more organised;
• more like a cruise;
• better suited to activities on board.

Some catamaran trips add:

• kayaks;
• paddleboards;
• slides;
• lunch;
• more deck space.

If you care about the traditional Thai boat, choose a longtail. If you care more about comfort and facilities on board, compare catamarans such as the Koh Madsum and Koh Tan speed catamaran tour (from $64, 4.5/5 from more than 100 reviews).

Is a private longtail worth paying for?

For groups, often yes. If four, five or six people are travelling together, compare the full charter price with the combined cost of individual shared tickets; the per-person difference may be smaller than you expect.

The benefits are particularly noticeable with children. You are not waiting for strangers to:

• finish snorkeling;
• take photos;
• return to the boat;
• finish lunch.

Your group sets the rhythm. Our private Pig Island tours page compares the charters.

How long does the tour take?

Private longtail itineraries commonly run around 4–5 hours, although some are longer. That normally gives enough time for:

• Pig Island;
• Koh Tan snorkeling;
• boat transfers;
• sometimes lunch or another swimming stop.

This is why the route works so well as a half-day trip.

Morning or afternoon longtail?

Both can be good.

Morning

Choose morning if you want:

• cooler temperatures;
• the afternoon free;
• an earlier start before the strongest heat.

Afternoon

Choose afternoon if you want:

• a relaxed morning;
• softer late-day light;
• sunset possibilities.

Some private operators offer more flexible departure times than shared tours.

What should you bring on the boat?

Keep your bag small. Bring:

• swimwear;
• towel;
• sunscreen;
• rash vest;
• hat;
• sunglasses;
• waterproof phone pouch;
• dry bag;
• drinking water;
• cash, including 50 baht per person for the landing fee;
• change of clothes.

Even if drinks are included, carrying your own water is sensible.

Will your things stay dry?

Not necessarily. Sea spray, wet swimmers and beach landings all give bags a chance to get wet. Use a dry bag for:

• your phone;
• your wallet;
• your passport, if you are carrying it;
• camera equipment;
• spare clothes.

A waterproof phone pouch is useful even if you do not plan to take the phone snorkeling.

Can you bring a camera?

Yes, and a longtail is particularly photogenic. Good subjects include:

• the bow of the boat;
• the Koh Samui coastline;
• the islands ahead;
• the Pig Island beach;
• the pigs;
• the snorkeling stops.

Keep expensive camera gear protected from spray.

Is it good for children?

For many families, yes. The crossing is short and the trip has several activities. Children may especially enjoy:

• the boat;
• the pigs;
• swimming;
• snorkeling.

But check:

• child life jackets;
• shade;
• the boarding method;
• toilet;
• minimum age.

A private boat is generally easier with small children than a tightly scheduled shared trip.

Is it good for older travellers?

Potentially. The short journey is an advantage; the boarding is the drawback.

If someone has limited mobility, ask the operator exactly how guests:

• board on Koh Samui;
• get off at Pig Island;
• get into and out of the water.

Do not rely only on the phrase “suitable for all ages.”

Is it safe?

A reputable operator should:

• provide life jackets;
• follow local marine requirements;
• make weather decisions based on conditions;
• maintain the boat;
• use an experienced captain.

The most important safety variable is the weather. If the captain decides the sea is unsuitable, accept the delay or cancellation: a private charter does not give you the right to demand a departure in unsafe conditions.

What happens if it rains?

Light rain does not automatically cancel a longtail trip. The bigger concerns are:

• wind;
• waves;
• thunderstorms;
• visibility.

Because the boat is open, even a short shower can make the ride feel very wet, so a small dry bag and a light cover for valuables are useful.

Best time of year for a longtail trip

For more dependable weather, late January through April is the easiest period. May to September can still have many suitable days, October is more variable, and November is usually the least predictable month for sea conditions around Koh Samui.

Whatever the season, check the conditions close to departure. Our best time to visit Pig Island guide has the month-by-month detail.

How to choose a good longtail tour

Look beyond the title. Check:

1. Photos of the boat itself
2. Private or shared
3. Maximum group size
4. Shade
5. Seating
6. Toilet availability
7. Snorkeling gear
8. Hotel transfers
9. Lunch
10. Island fees
11. Tour duration
12. Cancellation policy

The best longtail for you may not be the newest or most expensive one. It is the one whose setup matches your group.

Who should choose a longtail?

A longtail is particularly good for:

• couples;
• photographers;
• families;
• small groups;
• travellers who value atmosphere;
• people who want a private tour.

Who should choose another boat?

Consider a catamaran or larger boat if:

• you want more space;
• you strongly prefer a toilet;
• you have mobility concerns;
• you want lots of facilities on board.

Consider a speedboat if:

• you want to cover more distance;
• your itinerary has several stops;
• speed matters more than atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the longtail boat ride to Pig Island?

From southern Koh Samui the crossing is short, though a longtail takes longer than the roughly 15–20 minutes a speedboat needs, depending on conditions and the exact departure point.

Are Pig Island longtail tours private?

Many are, but not all. Check whether the booking is priced per group or per person.

Is a longtail boat comfortable?

It can be very comfortable on calm water, especially on upgraded boats with cushions and shade. In choppy conditions, the ride can feel bouncy.

Is there shade?

Many tourist longtails have a canopy, but how much of the boat it covers varies.

Is there a toilet?

Not always. Confirm with the operator if this matters to you.

Can children ride a longtail?

Yes on many tours, subject to the operator’s age and safety rules.

Is longtail better than speedboat?

For Pig Island, a longtail is better for atmosphere and private flexibility. A speedboat is better if you put speed and a more structured trip first.

Can you snorkel from a longtail?

Yes. Pig Island longtail tours commonly include a Koh Tan snorkeling stop.

Do you get wet on the boat?

You may. Sea spray and boarding from the beach are normal.

Is the trip suitable if I get seasick?

The route is short, which helps, but small boats move more in choppy water.

How long is the full tour?

Many private longtail tours take roughly 4–5 hours.

Should I book morning or afternoon?

Morning is the easiest default. Afternoon suits a relaxed schedule and later light.

The bottom line

A longtail boat is one of the best ways to visit Pig Island if you want the journey to feel like part of the day.

It is not the most polished option. It can be noisy, exposed and bouncy when the sea gets rough, but that is also what gives it character.

On the short Koh Samui → Koh Tan → Koh Madsum route, the slower speed is rarely a big drawback. You get the classic Thai boat, easy snorkeling, Pig Island and enough flexibility to keep the day relaxed.

For couples, families and small groups, a private longtail to Koh Tan and Pig Island is particularly worth comparing with the standard shared speedboat tours.

See our current Pig Island tours from Koh Samui to compare longtail, speedboat, private and shared options.