Pig Island & Koh Tan Tour: What to Expect on the Two-Island Trip

Why are Koh Tan and Pig Island usually combined?

Because they complement each other unusually well.

Pig Island on its own is a fun stop, but the main attraction is simple: you see the pigs, take photos, swim and spend some time on the beach. Koh Tan adds activity. The reef around Koh Tan gives the trip a proper snorkeling component and makes the outing feel more substantial.

Think of the route like this:

Koh Tan

• snorkeling;
• reef;
• swimming;
• kayaking on some tours.

Koh Madsum

• pigs;
• beach;
• photos;
• relaxed swimming.

The islands are close enough that combining them does not make for a long or tiring itinerary. Our Koh Tan island guide and Koh Madsum guide cover each island on its own.

What happens first?

That depends on the operator. Some tours visit Koh Tan first and Pig Island second; others reverse the order.

Do not choose a tour purely on stop order. Operators may change the sequence depending on:

• weather;
• tide;
• crowd levels;
• sea conditions;
• timing.

What matters more is how much time you get at each stop.

Step 1: Hotel pickup

Many shared tours begin with hotel pickup. Depending on where you stay, your pickup may be quite early, because the boats leave from southern Koh Samui.

If you are staying in:

• Chaweng;
• Bophut;
• Bangrak;
• Maenam;
• Lamai;
• Nathon;

the operator may group guests into transfer zones and collect people over 30–60 minutes. This means the whole outing can feel longer than the advertised boat itinerary.

Always tell apart activity duration and door-to-door duration. A four-hour boat tour may still take up five or six hours once transfers are included. The listing for the half-day speedboat trip to Pig Island and Koh Tan, for example, says around five hours in total including the hotel transfer and waiting time.

Step 2: Drive to southern Koh Samui

The road transfer takes you to the south coast. Thong Krut is one of the main departure areas for Koh Tan and Koh Madsum.

If you stay in Lamai, the transfer is relatively convenient. If you stay in Bophut or Maenam, the drive is longer: 40 to 50 minutes each way from the northern beaches.

The road transfer can take longer than the boat crossing, because Pig Island itself is very close to Koh Samui. Our guide to getting from Koh Samui to Koh Madsum has transfer times from each beach.

Step 3: Check-in and safety briefing

Before boarding, most organised tours give a short briefing. You may receive:

• a life jacket;
• snorkeling gear;
• instructions;
• a wristband or group marker;
• information about the route.

This is also the time to tell the crew if you:

• cannot swim;
• are nervous in open water;
• have mobility issues;
• have a child who needs a smaller life jacket;
• are prone to seasickness.

Do not wait until you are already in the water.

Step 4: Boat ride toward Koh Tan or Pig Island

The crossing from southern Koh Samui is short. Depending on the boat, expect roughly 15–20 minutes to the island area in normal conditions, longer by longtail.

That short journey is one of the biggest reasons the trip works so well for families: you are not sitting on a speedboat for an hour before anything happens.

What type of boat will you use?

There are three common formats.

Longtail boat

The most traditional option. Best for:

• private groups;
• atmosphere;
• couples;
• families who want flexibility.

A longtail feels more like part of the Thailand experience. The downside is that it is more exposed and can feel noisier or bumpier. Our longtail boat to Pig Island guide covers the ride in detail.

Speedboat

Common on organised shared tours. Best for:

• efficiency;
• larger groups;
• travellers who want a structured trip.

The ride is faster, although on such a short route that does not always make a big difference.

Catamaran

Some newer half-day tours use power catamarans. These can include:

• more deck space;
• kayaking;
• paddleboards;
• boat slides;
• refreshments;
• lunch.

They usually feel more like an activity cruise than a basic island transfer.

Step 5: Snorkeling at Koh Tan

Koh Tan is where the marine part of the trip begins. The boat normally stops near a shallow reef and passengers get into the water from the boat.

Half-day tours commonly allow about an hour here, although exact timing varies. You may see:

• tropical reef fish;
• coral;
• schools of small fish;
• sea cucumbers;
• other shallow-water marine life.

Visibility changes every day, so do not expect guaranteed crystal-clear water. Recent rain, wind, waves and tide all affect it.

Is the snorkeling good?

For a short, easy trip close to Koh Samui, yes. Koh Tan is particularly good for beginners and families because you do not need a long offshore transfer.

Keep expectations realistic, though. If snorkeling is the main purpose of your holiday and you want a whole day built around underwater sites, Koh Tao is the stronger choice. If you want some snorkeling plus Pig Island, Koh Tan is ideal. Our Koh Samui snorkeling comparison sets the options side by side.

Do you need to be a strong swimmer?

No, but basic water confidence helps. Life jackets are commonly provided.

If you are not confident:

• wear the life jacket;
• stay near the boat;
• tell the guide;
• do not swim away from the group.

You can also skip the snorkeling completely and stay on the boat.

What if you have children?

Many families enjoy this route because the snorkeling stop is only one part of the day. Children who do not want to snorkel still have Pig Island afterwards.

Check the tour’s rules before booking, especially:

• minimum age;
• children’s life jackets;
• boat shade;
• toilet;
• suitability for toddlers.

Some operators have restrictions for pregnant travellers, guests with back problems or certain medical conditions, particularly on faster boats.

Kayaking and paddleboarding

Some catamaran-style tours add:

• a kayak;
• a paddleboard;
• an inflatable slide;
• a swimming stop.

These extras can make the trip more fun for families and groups, but they also change how your time is divided. If your priority is snorkeling, check whether “one hour at Koh Tan” means one hour for snorkeling or one hour shared between several activities. On the Koh Madsum and Koh Tan speed catamaran tour, the hour at Koh Tan covers both snorkeling and kayaking (from $64, 4.5/5 from more than 100 reviews).

Step 6: Continue to Pig Island

After Koh Tan, the boat travels the short distance to Koh Madsum, the famous Pig Island and the part most people have been waiting for. You go ashore and usually have around an hour to explore.

What happens on Pig Island?

The stop is informal: you normally have free time, not a guided programme. You can:

• see the pigs;
• take photos;
• walk along the beach;
• swim;
• relax;
• buy refreshments if available.

Some pigs may come up to visitors; others may be sleeping or resting in the shade. Landing costs 50 baht per person, collected in cash on the beach, and outside food and drink are not allowed ashore.

Do the pigs really swim?

Sometimes. The pigs can go into the shallow water, which is where the “swimming pigs” description comes from, but it is not guaranteed. Do not expect an organised moment when the guide sends pigs into the sea for photos.

Think of it as a beach where pigs roam freely around the visitor area. If they go into the shallows while you are there, that is a bonus. Our swim with pigs guide goes into what you will and will not see.

How long do you need on Pig Island?

Around an hour is enough for most people. That gives you time to:

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

If you are expecting several hours of activities, you may find the island too simple. That is another reason the Koh Tan combination matters: Pig Island works best as one stop within a two-island trip.

Can you feed the pigs?

Follow the instructions given by the staff or your guide. Do not bring random food from your hotel. If feeding is permitted, use only suitable food provided or approved locally, and do not turn the visit into a competition to attract the animals.

Are the pigs safe?

They are used to visitors, but they are still animals. Give them space.

Do not:

• chase them;
• grab them;
• force them into the water;
• crowd sleeping animals;
• let small children approach unsupervised.

The best photos usually happen when you let the animals move on their own.

Step 7: Lunch or refreshments

This varies a lot. Some tours include:

• a Thai lunch;
• fruit;
• snacks;
• drinking water;
• soft drinks.

Others provide only basic refreshments. The half-day speedboat trip above includes a buffet lunch on Koh Tan, the speed catamaran a light meal on board, and a simple longtail tour may offer much less. Check the inclusions before booking, and do not assume “half-day tour” means food is included.

Step 8: Return to Koh Samui

After Pig Island, the boat heads back to the south coast, and shared-tour guests are transferred back to their hotels.

This is where the half-day format proves useful. A morning tour leaves much of your afternoon free; an afternoon tour leaves your morning open.

Morning tour vs afternoon tour

Both can work well.

Morning tour

Best for:

• families;
• travellers who like early starts;
• avoiding the strongest midday heat;
• keeping the afternoon free.

Afternoon tour

Best for:

• relaxed mornings;
• travellers who dislike early pickups;
• warmer late-day light;
• sunset trips.

Some operators run both. Check the actual pickup time, not just “morning” or “afternoon”: the speed catamaran, for example, picks up between 7:30 and 8:45 a.m. for its morning tour and between 1:00 and 2:15 p.m. for the afternoon one, depending on your hotel.

Shared tour vs private tour

This is one of the biggest choices.

Shared tour

Best for couples, solo travellers and smaller budgets.

Advantages: simple, transfers often included, all equipment organised, good value.

Downsides: a fixed schedule and more people.

Private tour

Best for families, groups, special occasions and travellers who want control.

Advantages: a flexible pace, your own boat, easier family logistics, and the chance to adjust stop times.

Downside: a higher upfront price.

For groups, always compare the total private-boat price with several individual shared tickets. The private longtail to Pig Island with snorkel is priced per boat, from $101 for up to two people (4.3/5 from more than 650 reviews); it has no hotel transfer, so you make your own way to Thong Krut. Our private Pig Island tours page compares the charters.

Longtail vs catamaran for this route

These are almost two different experiences.

Choose a longtail if:

• you want a traditional Thai boat;
• you prefer a smaller group;
• you want a private charter;
• the journey itself matters.

Choose a catamaran if:

• you want more space on board;
• you want kayaking or paddleboarding;
• you prefer a more modern boat;
• your group likes extra activities.

Neither is automatically better. The best choice depends on how you want to spend the half day.

How crowded is the tour?

Pig Island can be busy, with several tours arriving around the same time, and Koh Tan’s reef can also have several boats on it.

Crowds depend on:

• season;
• departure time;
• weather;
• holidays.

A private boat gives you more flexibility but does not make the islands private.

Is the trip suitable for people who get seasick?

It is one of the better options, because the boat journey is short. A small boat can still move a lot in choppy water, though.

If you are sensitive to motion:

• sit near the centre;
• face forward;
• avoid a heavy breakfast;
• use your usual motion-sickness medication if appropriate.

If the sea is unsafe, operators should not run the trip.

What happens in bad weather?

Possible outcomes include:

• a delayed departure;
• a changed itinerary;
• rescheduling;
• cancellation.

Do not judge conditions only by whether it is raining: wind and sea state matter more. A cloudy, lightly rainy day can still work, while a sunny but rough day may not. Our best time to visit Pig Island guide covers the seasons.

What should you bring?

Pack lightly. Bring:

• swimwear;
• towel;
• sunscreen;
• rash vest;
• hat;
• sunglasses;
• waterproof phone pouch;
• dry bag;
• cash in small notes, including 50 baht for the landing fee;
• change of clothes.

Most snorkeling tours provide the basic equipment.

What should you wear?

Wear swimwear under light clothing, with water-friendly footwear. You may need to:

• step into shallow water;
• climb onto a boat;
• move between wet and dry surfaces.

Avoid complicated footwear.

What is usually included?

Common inclusions are:

• boat;
• guide;
• life jacket;
• snorkeling gear;
• hotel transfers;
• water;
• fruit;
• insurance.

Some tours also include:

• lunch;
• kayak;
• paddleboard;
• slide;
• towels.

Always check the exact listing.

What may not be included?

Possible extras include:

• the island entrance fee (50 baht on Koh Madsum);
• pickup from certain hotel zones;
• alcohol;
• a private transfer;
• gratuities;
• specialty equipment.

Do not assume the cheapest visible price is the total.

Who should book this tour?

The Koh Tan and Pig Island route is especially good for:

• first-time Koh Samui visitors;
• families;
• couples;
• beginner snorkelers;
• travellers with only a few days;
• people who dislike long boat rides.

Who should choose something else?

Consider another trip if:

You mainly want snorkeling

Choose Koh Tao.

You mainly want scenery

Choose Ang Thong.

You dislike animal attractions

Skip Pig Island and choose a different island route.

You want a full beach day

Consider a private boat or another beach-focused itinerary. Our island trips from Koh Samui guide compares the alternatives.

Is the Pig Island + Koh Tan tour worth it?

For most first-time visitors, yes. Neither island is big or packed with things to do; the trip’s strength is variety without a long journey.

In half a day you can:

• ride a boat;
• snorkel;
• see reef fish;
• visit another island;
• meet the pigs;
• swim;
• relax on the beach.

That is a lot for relatively little travel time.

How to choose the right tour

Before booking, check these 10 things:

1. Does it include both Koh Tan and Koh Madsum?
2. How long is the total activity?
3. How much time is spent at each island?
4. What boat is used?
5. Shared or private?
6. Are hotel transfers included?
7. Is lunch included?
8. Are snorkeling equipment and life jackets included?
9. Are island fees included?
10. What is the weather cancellation policy?

These details matter much more than the words “premium” or “VIP.” Our which Pig Island tour is right for you guide compares the formats with prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pig Island and Koh Tan tour?

It is a two-island trip from Koh Samui that combines snorkeling around Koh Tan with a visit to Koh Madsum, better known as Pig Island.

How long does the tour take?

Most versions take roughly half a day, commonly around 4–6 hours depending on transfers and activities.

Which island has the pigs?

Koh Madsum. Koh Tan is the neighbouring snorkeling island.

Which island is best for snorkeling?

Koh Tan, where tours stop over a shallow reef.

How long do you spend on Pig Island?

Around an hour is common, although this varies by tour.

Do the pigs actually swim?

Sometimes they go into the shallows, but this is not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Usually on organised snorkeling tours, but check your booking.

Is lunch included?

Sometimes. Some tours include a full meal while simpler trips may provide only fruit or drinks.

Can children do the tour?

Many can, but operators have different age and safety rules.

Is the trip suitable for non-swimmers?

Yes. You can skip the snorkeling and still enjoy Pig Island.

Which is better, longtail or speedboat?

A longtail has more atmosphere; a speedboat is faster. Catamarans often offer more space on board and extra activities.

Is a private tour worth it?

It can be, especially for families and groups who value flexibility.

The bottom line

The Pig Island and Koh Tan tour is one of the most balanced half-day trips from Koh Samui. Koh Tan gives you the reef and snorkeling; Koh Madsum gives you the pigs, beach and photos. The islands are close enough together that you get both without spending hours travelling.

For most first-time visitors, the best approach is simple: choose a tour that includes both islands, check how much time you get at each stop, and pick the boat style that suits your group.

If you want simplicity, book a shared half-day tour such as the half-day speedboat trip, the most-reviewed Pig Island tour we track (from $42, 4.5/5 from more than 5,500 reviews). If you want more control, choose a private longtail. If you want more comfort on board and extra activities, compare catamaran options such as the speed catamaran tour.

See our current Pig Island and Koh Tan tours from Koh Samui to compare the main options.