About this tour
When Ben from our team took this speedboat tour from Koh Samui, we found it a solid day out mixing wildlife spotting with island hopping and snorkeling. You're packed into a speedboat with other travellers heading to three stops: first up, watching wild dolphins from the boat, then New Beach (or Nang Kam in winter months) for a swim and buffet lunch, followed by snorkeling around Tan Island's coral and fish, and finishing at Pig Island where semi-tame pigs wade into the shallows. Five hours total, includes transfers from most beaches on the island.
Highlights
- Dolphins actually show up — we spotted a small pod gliding past the boat
- Buffet lunch beats packed sandwiches, decent spread considering the price
- Tan Island snorkeling delivered decent coral and schools of reef fish
- Pig Island delivers exactly what it promises — pigs in the sea is genuinely odd
- Included transfers cover the main beaches, no hassle arranging a ride
- Staff kept things moving without rushing through each stop
What to expect
You'll meet your group at one of several beach pickup points early morning and boat out via speedboat — expect 20–30 minutes of bouncing across choppy water to reach the first stop. Dolphin spotting is more passive watching than interactive; we saw them but you're not jumping in or chasing pods. New Beach is a genuine breather, maybe 45 minutes to swim and grab shade before the buffet arrives (fruit, curries, rice, simple but filling). Tan Island is where you get in the water with snorkel gear; the reefs are small-scale and fish are skittish but present. Pig Island is the novelty finale — pigs do genuinely wade out to meet the boat, though they're a bit indifferent to tourists after years of visits.
The pacing works because each stop offers something different, though the speedboat itself is cramped and the engine noise constant. Morning light is better for photos; afternoon can get hazy. The whole thing feels like a working tour operation rather than a luxury experience, which is fine if your expectations are set.
What travellers say
- Wild dolphins actually appear in their natural habitat
- Three distinct stops, each offering something different
- Snorkeling kit and lunch included, no hidden costs
- Transfers from major beaches simplify logistics
- Pig Island delivers quirky memory without feeling cruel
- Speedboat cramped and loud; not for motion-sensitive travellers
- Snorkeling reefs are modest, not dramatic
- Early start and full-day pace suits energetic types only
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This hits the marks if you want to see actual wildlife (dolphins and pigs) without the pretence of a high-end experience. Snorkeling gear and life jackets are included, buffet lunch saves you hunting for food, and transfers from most central beaches mean you don't need to arrange your own transport. Families with kids aged 5+ will find it manageable; toddlers aged 0–4 go free as long as they sit on a lap. Dietary requirements are catered for — just mention allergies when booking.
The speedboat is not comfortable if you're sensitive to motion or noise. It's not advised for anyone with spinal issues, cardiovascular concerns, or if you're pregnant. Early morning departure suits early risers; if you're a sleep-in type, you'll feel it. Weather matters — in monsoon season (roughly May–October) seas can be rougher. Bring a dry bag for phones and cameras; the company won't cover losses. Entrance fees aren't included, so budget a bit extra. The whole operation is fairly regimented; this isn't a small-group luxury tour. Don't expect pristine, empty beaches — you're sharing with other boat groups.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.