Ko Samui: Private Longtail Boat Tour to Koh Madsum & Koh Tan

Koh Madsum’s famous pigs are the star here. You can step onto the beach, watch them wander over, and even offer water from the bottle provided. I love the private longtail boat, which lets you set a more relaxed pace, and I like the useful mix of snorkeling, beach time, and island scenery rather than one rushed photo stop.

The main caution is comfort. This is a simple sea outing, not a polished resort excursion. Toilets can be poor, the sea may trouble people prone to seasickness, and a THB 50 beach fee is extra. Still, at $57 per person, the private boat can be good value if you want control over your half-day.

Key points to know before you book

• Pig Island is the playful highlight: Koh Madsum is home to friendly pigs that may come close to the water’s edge.
• A private boat gives you breathing room: You are not tied to a large group’s pace or forced to leave a favorite stop quickly.
• Koh Tan is the snorkeling stop: The clearest action may be away from the beach, around rocky areas where fish gather.
• The tour lasts four to five hours: Expect roughly two hours at each island, with boat rides between them.
• Lunch and kayaking cost extra: These are optional and are generally offered at a small cove after snorkeling.
• Facilities are basic: Bring your own snacks, water, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag for valuables.

Why the private longtail boat matters

A longtail boat is part of the experience, not simply transport. You hear the engine, feel the open air, and get broad views across the Gulf of Thailand as Koh Samui fades behind you. The ride is exposed, so you should expect sun, spray, and movement rather than a cool, enclosed cabin.

The private setup is the strongest reason to choose this trip over a cheaper shared boat. You can spend your two-hour island visits at a sensible pace, take photographs without a crowd pressing in, and avoid sitting around while a large group organizes itself. One useful account of the trip describes a captain who kept the outing running well and allowed the group to move at its own speed.

That flexibility has limits. The captain is not presented as a formal tour guide, and a guide is not included. If you want a steady stream of history, wildlife explanations, or cultural background, this is probably not the right format. The appeal is freedom, water, beaches, and a straightforward boat ride.

Pickup depends on the option you choose. If you stay in a mountain villa, pickup is available only from the main road, so do not assume the vehicle will climb to your door. You should arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure.

The 30-minute ride to Koh Tan

The first island stop is Koh Tan, reached after about 30 minutes by boat. This opening ride gives you time to settle in, put on your life jacket if needed, and protect your belongings from spray. Bottled water and snorkeling equipment are included, but I would still bring extra water for a hot day.

Koh Tan is the more active part of the outing. You have about two hours here for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing around the island’s turquoise water. The main draw is below the surface, where coral and fish give the stop more purpose than simply sitting on a beach.

One practical tip makes a real difference: stay away from the immediate shoreline when snorkeling. The fish may be easier to spot around rocks farther from the beach. That means you should be comfortable in open water and willing to follow the captain’s instructions. The provided life jacket is useful if you are not a confident swimmer.

The water can look calm while the boat is moving, but conditions are not guaranteed. People prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking. A hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel will make this section much easier, while a change of clothes helps after snorkeling.

You should also treat the reef area with care. Do not touch marine life or plants, and do not leave litter behind. The rules are simple, but they matter in a shallow coastal environment where careless contact can damage coral and disturb fish.

Two hours around Koh Tan

The two-hour stop is long enough to avoid a frantic in-and-out visit. You can snorkel first, then dry off and rest, or spend more time in the water if conditions suit you. Because the boat is private, you may have more say in how that time is used, though the captain remains responsible for safety.

Do not expect a full marine park program with several marked snorkeling sites. The information for this trip points to one main snorkeling experience around Koh Tan, with the quality depending on sea conditions and visibility. That is normal for a short island trip, and it is one reason to keep your expectations sensible.

The island views are part of the reward. From the boat and shore, you get a change of scene from Koh Samui’s developed areas. The water, rocky edges, and small beaches create a pleasant contrast, even if you are not a keen snorkeler.

After Koh Tan, you return to the boat for another ride of about 30 minutes. This is a useful pause between activities, but it also means the tour includes a fair amount of sitting in the sun. Keep your hat handy and reapply sunscreen rather than treating the first application as enough.

Koh Madsum and the friendly pigs

Koh Madsum, often called Pig Island, is the more memorable stop for many people. The beach visit lasts about two hours, giving you time to meet the pigs, take photographs, relax, and buy food or drinks if you want them.

The pigs are known for being friendly and may come close when water is available. A bottle is provided when you arrive, and you should keep it rather than throw it away. It can be refilled, and the pigs enjoy drinking from it. This small detail turns an ordinary beach stop into a more personal, amusing experience.

You should still give the animals space and follow local instructions. Friendly does not mean predictable, and it is best not to crowd them or treat the beach like a petting zoo. Keep your camera ready, but pay attention to where you step and where your belongings are placed.

Koh Madsum is also a place to slow down. After snorkeling, the beach offers an easy break from the water. You can sit in the sun, cool off in the sea, and take in the island views without needing to fill every minute with an activity.

The main drawback is the basic infrastructure. One particularly useful warning concerns the toilet, which may be in poor condition. If you need reliable facilities, use the bathroom before leaving Koh Samui and keep your expectations modest once you arrive.

Optional lunch and kayaking at the cove

An optional stop at a small cove may include Thai lunch and kayaking. These extras are not included in the listed price, so ask about the cost before ordering. They can make the outing feel more complete, but they are not essential to the core experience.

Kayaking gives you a gentler way to enjoy the water after snorkeling. If you are tired or do not want more activity, you can simply eat and rest instead. The private format should make it easier to decide how much energy you want to spend.

Food and drinks are also available on Koh Madsum, so you have more than one chance to buy refreshments. Even so, I would carry snacks. The tour specifically recommends bringing them, and a few simple provisions are useful if lunch timing does not suit you.

The $57 price does not include Thai lunch, kayaking, the THB 50 beach fee, or hotel transfer unless you select a transfer option. Add those costs before comparing this trip with a shared excursion. The value improves when two or more people share the private boat, especially if you care about setting your own pace.

For a solo visitor, the price may feel less attractive. For a couple, family, or small group, the privacy and flexible timing can make the extra cost reasonable. You are paying less for luxury than for control.

The ride back to Koh Samui

After Koh Madsum, the boat returns to Koh Samui in about 40 minutes. The return is longer than the earlier boat legs, so this is the time to cover up, drink water, and keep wet clothing contained.

Drop-off is available at three listed locations connected with Kohtantour and transport in Koh Samui. The exact arrangement depends on the option you book. If you add hotel pickup and drop-off, confirm the details before the day of the tour, especially if your accommodation sits uphill.

The full outing takes four to five hours. That makes it a useful half-day plan rather than a full-day commitment. You still have time afterward for a meal, a rest, or another Koh Samui activity.

What to bring for a more comfortable day

The supplied equipment covers the basics: a life jacket, snorkeling gear, and bottled water. You should bring the rest of what makes a hot boat trip manageable.

• Hat and sunscreen
• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• Towel
• Camera
• Snacks and extra water
• Waterproof bag for your phone and valuables

Apply sunscreen before you leave, not after your skin has already taken on the midday sun. A waterproof bag is especially useful on a longtail boat, where spray and wet equipment can make ordinary bags damp.

Wear comfortable beach clothing that you can move in. You will be boarding a boat, walking on a beach, and possibly snorkeling or kayaking. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, pregnant women, or people who often become seasick.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this outing to couples, families with older children, and small groups that want a private sea day without committing to a full-day cruise. It works particularly well if you like a blend of wildlife encounters, swimming, snorkeling, and quiet beach time.

It is also a good choice if you dislike rigid schedules. The private boat lets you enjoy the islands without the feel of a large organized group. The captain can help keep the day moving, but you should not expect a formal guide narrating every stop.

You may want to skip it if you need polished facilities, dislike small boats, or want a serious reef-focused snorkeling trip. The snorkeling is one part of a wider island outing, not the entire purpose. Likewise, Pig Island is fun and unusual, but the pigs are the attraction, not a reason to expect an untouched beach.

Booking flexibility and small practical details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule that suits your day on Koh Samui.

The activity is offered for private groups. Hotel transfer is optional, and mountain villa pickup takes place from the main road only. The beach fee is THB 50 per person, and the guide, lunch, kayaking, and transfer are not part of the base price unless selected or purchased separately.

The provider is AnyWhere tours. No guide name is supplied, so book this for the boat-and-island format rather than for a particular named guide.

Should you book the Koh Madsum and Koh Tan trip?

Book it if you want a manageable half-day on the water, friendly pigs, a chance to snorkel, and the freedom of a private longtail boat. The best feature is the combination of two different stops: Koh Tan gives you water activity, while Koh Madsum gives you relaxed beach time and the unusual Pig Island encounter.

Think twice if seasickness, limited toilets, or extra charges will spoil the day for you. For the right small group, $57 per person is a sensible price for a private boat and included snorkeling gear. Bring water, protect your belongings, accept the simple facilities, and you will get the most from this easygoing island outing.

FAQ

How long does the Koh Madsum and Koh Tan tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four to five hours, including boat rides and island visits.

Is the longtail boat private?

Yes. The activity uses a private longtail boat for a private group.

How much time do you spend at Koh Tan?

The planned visit to Koh Tan lasts about two hours.

How much time do you spend at Koh Madsum?

The planned visit to Koh Madsum lasts about two hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select that option. Pickup from mountain villas is available from the main road only.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, a life jacket, and bottled water are included.

Are lunch and kayaking included?

No. Thai lunch and kayaking are optional extras and are not included in the base price.

Is there an extra beach fee?

Yes. The beach fee is THB 50 per person.

Who should not join this activity?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or people prone to seasickness.