Private Boat Tours from Koh Samui

Why book a private boat in Koh Samui?

Private boats are not only about luxury. What you gain is control over the day.

A shared tour may collect guests from several hotels, wait for late passengers, move everyone through the same schedule and keep fixed times at each stop. On a private charter, depending on the operator, you can usually choose:

• morning or afternoon;
• the departure time;
• the order of the islands;
• how long you snorkel;
• how long you stay on the beach;
• where you stop for lunch;
• when you come back.

The captain still makes the safety calls, but the day is much less rigid than on a shared boat.

Private Pig Island tours

Pig Island suits a private boat well because the crossing is short. Koh Madsum, the island the pigs live on, lies just south of Koh Samui, close to Koh Tan. A typical private itinerary runs like this:

1. departure from southern Koh Samui, usually Thong Krut;
2. snorkelling at Koh Tan;
3. Koh Madsum and the pigs;
4. beach time;
5. return to Koh Samui.

Some operators reverse the order. The route fits comfortably into a half-day charter. Our Pig Island and Koh Tan tour guide walks through each stop.

Why combine Pig Island with Koh Tan?

The two islands give you different things, and a private boat that visits only one can feel short.

Koh Madsum

Go for the pigs, the beach, photos and a swim in the shallows. The island charges 50 baht per person to land, in cash, and most private charters leave that fee out of the price.

Koh Tan

Go for snorkelling over the reef, swimming and the fish. Our Koh Tan island guide covers where the better reef is.

If you charter a boat to Pig Island alone, the day can feel thin unless beach time is all you want.

Private longtail boat

For the Pig Island route, a private longtail is often the best-value private option. You get a traditional Thai boat, a smaller scale, easy access to the southern islands, enough room for a family or small group, and plenty of say over the timing. Because Koh Tan and Koh Madsum are so close together, the slower speed hardly matters.

Our pick: the Private Longtail Boat to Pig Island with Snorkel (4.3/5 from 664 reviews) costs from $101 for up to two people, runs about four hours and includes the captain, snorkel masks, life jackets and drinking water. It has no hotel transfer, so you meet the boat on the south coast. If you want to be collected, the Pig Island Private Longtail Boat Tour (4.2/5 from 243 reviews) starts at $137 for up to two, with hotel pickup as an option or a meeting point at the pier. Both price extra passengers at checkout, so enter your full group to see the real total.

Who should choose a private longtail?

A private longtail suits couples, families, groups of friends, photographers, travellers who want a traditional Thai boat and anyone who dislikes large tours.

It suits you less if you want onboard facilities, a toilet, an air-conditioned cabin or a long trip across open water.

What is a longtail boat like?

Longtails vary a lot. Some are very simple wooden boats; others have been fitted out for visitors with padded seats, cushions, a canopy for shade, a boarding ladder, a cool box with drinks and sometimes a Bluetooth speaker.

Look at the actual photos of the boat on the listing, and do not assume every “private longtail” is the same. Our longtail boat guide covers the ride, boarding and shade in more detail.

Private speedboat

A private speedboat helps when you want to cover more distance. Compared with a longtail you get faster transfers, a more efficient day with several stops, the range to reach islands farther out, and on some boats more seats.

For a simple Pig Island and Koh Tan trip, a speedboat can be more boat than you need. It starts to make sense when you add stops or want a wider island-hopping day.

Our pick: the Half-Day Private Speedboat Trip to Pig Island costs from $380 for up to seven people and includes a private hotel transfer, snorkelling gear, bottled water and soft drinks; lunch and the 50 baht island fee are extra. It shows 4.6/5 from only 9 reviews, so read them before you book. For a longer private route with lunch, the fee and hotel transfers included, the Private Koh Samui Secret Islands Boat Trip (4.8/5 from 33 reviews) starts at $248 for up to two.

Who should choose a private speedboat?

A private speedboat suits larger groups, families short on time, itineraries with several stops, and travellers who would rather spend the day at the islands than on slow crossings.

Private catamaran

Private catamarans sit between a simple boat charter and a luxury yacht. They usually give you more deck space, shaded seating, a toilet, an area to eat, a steadier platform and more room to move around together. Some also carry paddleboards, kayaks and snorkelling gear, or add a sunset cruise and food.

They suit larger families or groups who care about comfort. GetYourGuide has no private catamaran charter from Koh Samui at the moment, so you would book one directly with a local operator. If you want the catamaran comfort without chartering the whole boat, the shared Koh Madsum & Koh Tan Speed Catamaran Tour (4.5/5 from 107 reviews) costs from $64 per person and includes hotel transfers, a light meal, kayaks, a paddleboard and the Pig Island fee.

Private yacht

A yacht charter is a different kind of day. Choose one if you want luxury, you are celebrating something, you want a full-day or sunset cruise with dining on board, or the boat itself is part of the plan.

For an ordinary Pig Island trip a yacht is unnecessary: you are paying for the vessel and the service, and a day on Koh Madsum needs neither. There is no private yacht charter on GetYourGuide for this route, so yachts are booked directly with charter companies on Koh Samui.

Half-day vs full-day private charter

Half-day

A half-day suits Pig Island and Koh Tan, couples, families and short stays. It is usually enough for the classic southern-island route; the private longtail above runs about four hours.

Full-day

A full day suits a bigger itinerary: more snorkelling, several beaches, a lunch stop, sunset or a slower pace.

Do not book a full day because it sounds like more. For Pig Island and Koh Tan alone, half a day is often enough. Our half-day guide to the Pig Island and Koh Tan route shows how the hours divide.

Morning vs afternoon private charter

Private boats usually give you more choice of departure time.

Morning

A morning charter suits families, early risers and anyone who wants the cooler hours and a free afternoon.

Afternoon

An afternoon charter suits slow mornings, softer late-day light and a possible sunset, and sometimes meets fewer of the large group boats.

If avoiding crowds matters, ask the operator which slot they recommend.

Is private more expensive?

In total, usually yes. Per person, the gap shrinks quickly as the group grows, because shared tours are priced per seat and private longtails per boat.

Always compare the shared ticket price multiplied by the number of people in your group against the private charter total. Then add transfers, the island fee, lunch and any extras to both sides. Our Pig Island tour prices guide runs those totals for two, four and seven people, and the private versus group comparison covers the rest of that choice.

What is usually included?

Private charters vary much more than group tours. Depending on the listing, the price can include the boat, the captain, fuel, life jackets, snorkelling gear, water, fruit, insurance, a hotel transfer, lunch and towels.

Do not assume any of them. Read the listing’s inclusions line by line.

What may cost extra?

Common extras are the hotel transfer, the island entrance fee, lunch, drinks, extra passengers, overtime and any change to the set itinerary. Private does not mean all-inclusive.

Is hotel pickup included?

Sometimes. The $101 private longtail above has no transfer, the $137 one offers pickup as an option, and the private speedboat includes it. Charters without pickup ask you to meet at Thong Krut, another south-coast pier or a boarding point on the beach.

If you stay in Bophut or Chaweng, getting to the south coast adds a taxi in each direction, so put that in your comparison. Our guide to getting to Pig Island covers the piers and transfer times.

Can you customise the route?

Usually to some extent, but not every private tour is fully custom. Some operators sell a fixed private package, Koh Tan and Pig Island on a private boat for a set number of hours. Others give you more freedom.

Before booking, ask:

• Can we change the order of the stops?
• Can we snorkel for longer?
• Can we spend less time on Pig Island?
• Can we add sunset?
• Can we add lunch?

Can you avoid crowds?

Not completely. A private boat does not give you a private island: Pig Island is popular and other boats still arrive. Choosing your own departure time can help you miss the busiest group-tour hours, and that is one of the practical advantages of an afternoon charter.

Best private route for first-time visitors

For most first-time visitors, Koh Tan plus Pig Island. The crossing is short, the snorkelling is easy, you get beach time and the pigs, and it all fits into a half day without overcomplicating it.

Best private route for families

Again, Koh Tan plus Pig Island. Families gain from the short crossing, the flexible pace, not waiting for strangers and the mix of snorkelling and beach. A private longtail works especially well for families with several children; enter everyone at checkout, because the base price covers two.

Best private route for couples

A private longtail. You get privacy, a traditional boat, good photos and an easy half-day. A late return around sunset makes the trip feel more special, if the operator offers it.

Best private route for groups

Once the group gets larger, a private speedboat or a catamaran makes more sense, because a longtail has limited comfortable seating. For bigger parties, ask about seating, shade, a toilet and the maximum comfortable group size; the private speedboat above takes up to seven.

Best private route for snorkelling

If snorkelling is the priority, ask for more time at Koh Tan; a private charter usually lets you extend the reef stop. For a full day in the water, choose a route that goes farther than Koh Tan, such as the secret islands trip above. Our snorkelling guide compares the reefs.

Best private route for beach time

If beaches are the main draw, ask for a longer stop on Koh Madsum, an extra beach stop and a slower itinerary. Private suits you well if the short beach stops on group tours frustrate you.

Best private route for sunset

An afternoon charter can work well:

1. late departure;
2. Koh Tan;
3. Pig Island;
4. return around sunset.

Not every operator offers this, so ask before booking. Our Pig Island sunset tours page lists the shared sunset trips.

Which boat is best for seasickness?

The short Pig Island crossing helps, but small boats still move in chop. If seasickness worries you, a larger catamaran usually feels steadier, a private speedboat cuts the time on the water, and a longtail is fine in calm conditions. Boat size matters as much as privacy here.

Which boat is best for mobility issues?

This depends on how you board. Longtails can mean boarding from the beach, low steps or a ladder. Catamarans and larger boats can offer easier access. Ask the operator exactly how boarding works at each stop.

Which boat is best for toddlers?

A private boat helps because the timetable bends around naps and snacks. Check the minimum age, child-size life jackets, shade, toilet access and boarding. A larger boat can be more practical than a small longtail with a toddler.

Weather and private boats

Private charters still depend on safe sea conditions. Booking privately does not mean the captain will sail in any weather. Expect a delayed departure, a changed route, a new date or a cancellation when the sea is rough, and choose a tour with a clear weather policy.

Best time of year

For the most dependable weather around Koh Samui, late January through April is the easiest period. May through September can still work very well. October is more changeable, and November is usually the most difficult month, with the wettest weather and the roughest seas for small boats. Actual sea conditions on the day matter more than the calendar. Our best time to visit Pig Island guide goes month by month.

What should you bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a rash vest, a dry bag, a waterproof phone pouch, cash for the 50 baht island fee, water and a change of clothes. Pack lightly even on a private boat.

How to choose a private boat operator

Compare these before you book:

1. the actual boat;
2. the maximum group size;
3. the duration;
4. the route;
5. the inclusions;
6. the hotel transfer;
7. the snorkelling gear;
8. the fees;
9. the cancellation policy;
10. the reviews;
11. the weather policy.

Price alone is a poor way to choose.

Longtail vs speedboat vs catamaran

Longtail

Choose a longtail for a traditional boat, a small group, Pig Island and a relaxed pace.

Speedboat

Choose a speedboat for speed, more stops and a wider route.

Catamaran

Choose a catamaran for comfort, space, a larger group and facilities on board.

Our speedboat versus longtail guide compares the two smaller boats in more detail.

Is a private boat worth it?

Yes, if you value privacy, flexibility, no waiting and setting your own pace. Check the private price whenever there are four or more of you. For a solo traveller, a shared seat is usually the better deal: the Pig Island & Koh Tan Snorkeling by Speed boat costs from $42 per person with hotel transfers and lunch, and holds 4.5/5 from 5,602 reviews.

A simple decision guide

Couple

A private longtail.

Family of four

Price the private longtail first, with all four entered at checkout.

Group of six or more

A private speedboat.

Large group

A catamaran, booked directly with an operator.

Luxury trip

A yacht.

Budget traveller

A shared tour.

Frequently asked questions

Can you book a private boat to Pig Island?

Yes. Private longtail and speedboat charters to Koh Madsum and Koh Tan are bookable online, from $101 per boat for up to two people.

Is Koh Tan included?

The better private Pig Island routes include Koh Tan for snorkelling; check the itinerary on the listing.

How long is a private Pig Island tour?

Many run about half a day; the $101 private longtail runs about four hours.

Is private much more expensive?

It can be, but the cost per person falls as your group grows.

Are private charters priced per boat?

Many are, with a base price that covers a set number of people and extra passengers priced at checkout.

Is hotel pickup included?

Sometimes. Check the listing carefully.

Can you change the itinerary?

Usually to some extent, but not always.

Can a private tour avoid crowds?

It can use quieter times, but it cannot guarantee an empty island.

Which boat is best for families?

A private longtail for smaller families; a catamaran or speedboat for larger groups.

Which boat is best for couples?

A private longtail.

Is a private yacht necessary?

No. For Pig Island, a longtail is usually enough.

Can you book sunset?

Some private operators offer afternoon or sunset timing.

The bottom line

A private boat tour from Koh Samui does not have to mean a luxury yacht. For most travellers heading to Pig Island, the best private option is much simpler: a private longtail to Koh Tan and Koh Madsum. It gives you your own boat, your own pace, fewer people, easier family logistics and no waiting.

If your group is larger or you want more stops, price a private speedboat. If comfort and deck space matter more than a traditional boat, look at a catamaran. Choose by the size of your group and the day you want, and check the live price for your date, because charter prices change with the season. Compare our current private Pig Island tours or all Pig Island tours from Koh Samui side by side.