Koh Samui: Private Speedboat Tour to Koh Madsum and Koh Tan

Pig Island has an unusual welcome committee. This four-hour private island trip combines Koh Madsum’s friendly pigs with clear-water snorkeling around Koh Tan, making it a good choice when you want a short escape from Koh Samui without joining a large group. I like the freedom to visit each island at your own pace, and I like that hotel pickup, boat transport, snorkeling gear, life jackets, water, and insurance are included. The main point to weigh is the $269 per-person price, which is high for four hours, especially since lunch, a guide, towels, and the beach fee cost extra.

The outing is simple rather than polished. A friendly crew, a private boat, and flexible island time matter more here than a packed schedule of commentary or cultural stops. One practical warning: the transport is described as a speedboat in the trip details, while the included equipment lists a private longtail boat, so I would confirm the exact boat before paying.

Key points at a glance

• Pig Island is Koh Madsum: Expect photographs, beach time, and pigs that wander around waiting for visitors.
• Koh Tan gets the snorkeling time: About two hours are set aside for swimming among fish and corals.
• Private means flexible: You can explore and relax at your own pace instead of following a large group.
• The trip lasts four hours: This is a compact half-day outing, not a full island cruise with lunch.
• Hotel pickup is available across Koh Samui: Mountain villas may require you to meet the vehicle on the main road.
• Budget for extras: Bring cash for the 50 THB per-person beach maintenance fee, food, drinks, and personal spending.

A short boat ride from Koh Samui

The trip begins with pickup at your hotel, if you choose that option, followed by a transfer to the pier. You are asked to arrive at least 20 minutes before your booked time, which is sensible for a boat trip where a late arrival can affect the whole schedule.

The journey to the islands takes about 7 to 10 minutes by boat. That short crossing is one of the strongest practical features of the outing. You spend less time getting there and more time on Koh Madsum and Koh Tan, though a short ride also means this is not designed as a scenic open-sea cruise.

Pickup is available throughout Samui when booked. If your hotel or villa sits on a mountain road, you may need to come down to the main road for collection. That is worth checking before the day of departure, especially if you have luggage, young children, or mobility concerns.

The trip is sold as a private speedboat tour, but the inclusions refer to a private longtail boat. Those are different boat styles, with different levels of speed and comfort. I would ask the operator, AnyWhere tours, which boat will actually be used, how many people it holds, and whether the private arrangement applies only to your party.

Koh Madsum and its famous pigs

The first main stop is Koh Madsum, also called Pig Island. You have about two hours here for sightseeing and free time, which gives the stop more breathing room than a quick photo visit.

The pigs are the reason most people come. They are known for approaching tourists, creating the playful photo opportunity that gives the island its nickname. You can take pictures, relax on the sand, sunbathe, or walk around at your own pace.

That freedom is important. This is not presented as a guided wildlife encounter or a lesson about the island. You should treat the pigs with care, keep a sensible distance when needed, and follow any local instructions about feeding or touching them. The attraction is fun, but it is still an animal encounter, not a guaranteed performance.

Koh Madsum suits people who want an easy, lighthearted stop. Families may enjoy the pigs and open beach time, while couples can use the two hours for photographs and a swim. If you are seeking quiet beaches with no commercial activity, this may feel less appealing because the pigs are the main draw and the island is visited for that specific reason.

The 50 THB per-person beach maintenance fee is not included. It is a small charge compared with the total trip price, but it is one more reason to bring Thai cash. Food and drinks are also not included in the tour price.

Snorkeling around Koh Tan

After Koh Madsum, the boat heads to Koh Tan, where about two hours are allocated to sightseeing and snorkeling. The water is described as clear, with colorful fish and corals in the area in front of the island.

Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are provided. You should still bring your own mask if you already have one you trust, but the supplied gear makes this easier for casual swimmers who do not want to pack equipment. The water experience is the heart of the trip for anyone more interested in marine life than pig photos.

The schedule gives you useful time in the water rather than treating snorkeling as a ten-minute add-on. You can swim, look for fish and corals, then spend the remaining time resting or exploring near the shore. Conditions can vary by weather and sea state, so clear water is an aim of the outing, not a guarantee for every departure.

There is no guide included. That keeps the tour more private and relaxed, but you should not expect detailed explanations about the coral, fish, or local ecology. If you want a marine biology talk or close supervision in the water, this may not be the right format.

One practical strength is the clean split between the two islands. Koh Madsum supplies the unusual animal encounter and beach time. Koh Tan supplies the swimming and snorkeling. The stops feel different enough to keep a short tour from becoming repetitive.

What the private format really gives you

The private group setup is the biggest reason to consider this outing. You are not locked into another group’s shopping time, swimming pace, or photo stops. The schedule still follows the basic four-hour plan, but the experience allows more personal control at each island.

That flexibility is especially useful if your group includes people with different interests. One person can photograph the pigs while another rests on the beach. At Koh Tan, strong swimmers can spend more time snorkeling while others stay in shallower water or relax nearby.

The private format does not mean the trip includes a personal guide. A guide is specifically not included, so the crew’s role is mainly boat transport and support. The crew has been praised for being friendly, and that can make a short private outing feel much more comfortable, but you should not book this expecting a fully narrated tour.

There is also a difference between privacy and luxury. The price is $269 per person, and the tour lasts four hours. For a couple or small group that values privacy, direct hotel pickup, and control over the pace, the cost may be reasonable. For a solo visitor or budget-conscious pair, it is harder to justify when lunch and several basics are extra.

The value improves if you are traveling with people who would otherwise book separate seats on a shared excursion. The value drops if you mainly want transportation to the islands and do not care about having the boat to yourself.

A practical look at the four-hour schedule

The itinerary is compact:

• Hotel pickup and transfer to the pier, if selected
• Boat ride to the islands, roughly 7 to 10 minutes
• About two hours at Koh Madsum
• About two hours at Koh Tan for sightseeing and snorkeling
• Return boat ride to Samui
• Transfer back to your hotel or the stated drop-off point

This timing leaves little room for delays. If you spend extra time getting ready, arrive late, or encounter rough water, the island time could feel shorter. Arriving 20 minutes early is not just a formality. It helps protect the four hours you paid for.

The return drop-off information lists Koh Samui and Kohtantour&transport. If you need a specific hotel return, confirm it when booking. Pickup is optional, so the exact start and end arrangements depend on the option selected.

The short duration works well on a day when you have other plans. You could fit it between a relaxed morning and an evening meal, although you should leave extra time around the tour rather than scheduling something important immediately afterward.

What is included, and what is not

The included items cover the essentials for a short island trip:

• Private boat transport
• Bottled water
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jacket
• Full insurance
• Hotel pickup, if you book the pickup option

The exclusions matter more than they might first appear. Lunch and dinner are not included, and alcoholic drinks are not included. Towels are also left out, so pack your own. You may find food available at Koh Tan, and one particularly positive account praised the food there, but the tour does not promise a meal.

You also need to pay the 50 THB beach maintenance fee per person. Bring cash for that charge and for personal purchases. Snacks are a good idea, especially if you prefer not to rely on food being available at the island.

Pack swimwear, sandals, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, and a dry change of clothes. An insect repellent is also suggested. A camera or phone in a waterproof case will be useful around the pigs and in the water, but protect your electronics carefully.

The boat and transfer question

Transport is the one area where I would ask for clarification before booking. The main description calls this a private speedboat experience, while the inclusions say private longtail boat. A speedboat usually suggests a quicker, more open ride. A longtail boat suggests a more traditional Thai boat and a different onboard feel.

Neither is automatically better. A speedboat may suit you if you want the shortest crossing and a brisk trip. A longtail boat may appeal if you prefer a more local style of transport. What matters is knowing what you are paying for.

The land transfer has also drawn one fair criticism: the vehicle used for hotel pickup could be in better condition. That does not appear to have spoiled the overall outing, but it is a reminder that the private boat experience may be stronger than the road transfer.

If your villa is high in the hills, confirm the pickup point. A requirement to meet on the main road can be inconvenient, but it is common for large vehicles to avoid narrow or steep villa roads.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this tour to:

• Couples who want private beach and snorkeling time
• Families looking for an easy island outing with a memorable animal encounter
• Small groups who value control over the schedule
• People with only half a day available
• Visitors who want both snorkeling and a beach stop without booking a full-day cruise

I would be more cautious if you:

• Need a lower-cost excursion
• Want lunch and drinks included
• Expect a professional guide or marine-life commentary
• Prefer a full-day island trip with several stops
• Dislike paying extra beach fees
• Need guaranteed vehicle quality or a confirmed speedboat

The pigs are the tour’s most unusual feature, but Koh Tan is likely to be more satisfying if snorkeling is your main interest. If you only want to see Pig Island, a shorter and cheaper transfer might make more sense, if available.

How the experience is rated

The experience has a 4.6 rating from five reviews, with several five-star scores. The most consistent praise is simple: the outing feels enjoyable, the crew is friendly, and the private format lets you visit at your own pace.

That last point is important. A half-day island trip can feel rushed when every stop follows a strict group schedule. Here, the ability to set your own rhythm is a genuine benefit. The positive comments also point to tasty food available on Koh Tan, though that food is not part of the tour package.

The less favorable note concerns the quality of the pickup vehicle, not the islands or crew. I would treat that as a practical warning rather than a reason to reject the trip. Confirm your pickup arrangement and boat type, then judge the price based on how much privacy matters to you.

Should you book the Koh Madsum and Koh Tan tour?

Book it if you want a private, short island outing with two clear highlights: playful pigs on Koh Madsum and snorkeling around Koh Tan. The flexible pace, friendly crew, included equipment, and quick crossing make it an efficient choice from Koh Samui.

Think twice if $269 per person feels steep for four hours, or if you want meals, towels, a guide, and a polished vehicle included. Before booking, confirm whether your boat is a speedboat or longtail boat, check the mountain pickup rule, and set aside cash for the 50 THB beach fee.

For the right group, the private arrangement is the point. You are paying less for a long list of inclusions and more for a simple half-day escape that does not force you to follow strangers around.

FAQ

How long is the Koh Madsum and Koh Tan tour?

The tour lasts four hours, including the boat trip and transfers between the islands and Koh Samui.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is optional and can be booked for locations throughout Koh Samui. If your villa or hotel is on a mountain, you may need to meet the vehicle on the main road.

How much time is spent on each island?

The itinerary allows about two hours at Koh Madsum and about two hours at Koh Tan.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a life jacket are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and dinner are not included. Food may be available on Koh Tan, but you should bring snacks and cash for personal expenses.

Is a tour guide included?

No. A guide is not included, although the boat crew provides the trip’s transport and support.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, sandals, a camera, snacks, water, dry clothes, insect repellent, and cash. You should arrive at least 20 minutes before your booking time.