About this tour
When Lily from our BugBitten team ran this catamaran trip from Koh Samui, it was a solid half-day out on the water hitting Pig Island and Koh Tan. You're on a proper catamaran with AC downstairs, open deck up top, and the whole setup feels stable and well-organised. The pigs are the headline — they genuinely swim out to meet the boat — but the real draw is the snorkelling among colourful reef fish and the chance to paddle or kayak in quieter spots. It's a busy spot, especially high season, but the crew keeps things moving and the four-hour window feels just right for a morning or afternoon jaunt.
Highlights
- Pigs actually swim toward the boat — surreal and fun
- Snorkelling with painted groupers and reef fish, decent visibility
- Catamaran stable and spacious; not cramped like smaller boats
- Paddleboards and kayaks included, useful for exploring shallower bays
- Air-conditioned lower deck a relief between water time
- Crew professional and English-speaking; safety felt taken seriously
- Seasonal fruit and meal included — decent value for duration
What to expect
The day starts with a shared transfer pickup from your accommodation (timing varies based on pickup location). Once aboard, the catamaran heads out and makes for Pig Island first — Koh Moo — where the pigs are genuinely wading and swimming in the shallows. It's touristy and photo-heavy, but worth the novelty. You'll snorkel in this area and around Koh Tan, where the coral and fish life is respectable if not pristine; visibility depends on the season and weather.
Between snorkelling stints, you've got access to paddleboards and kayaks if you want to potter around quieter spots. The crew brings you back to the catamaran for rest, water, and a meal (curries, rice, simple fare — edible and filling). The pace is leisurely; there's no rushing. Expect other tour groups on the water and at the same snorkel sites. The whole experience is built for comfort and accessibility rather than hardcore adventure.
What travellers say
- Catamaran large and stable, not a white-knuckle ride
- Pigs genuinely swim; quirky and memorable despite tourism
- Snorkelling gear, life jackets, paddleboards all included upfront
- Crew professional and safety-conscious throughout
- Meal and water included; good value for half-day tour
- Open and AC deck options suit different heat preferences
- Busy sites; you'll share snorkel spots with other groups
- Snorkelling is pleasant but not exceptional quality
- Small on-site entrance fee (50 Baht) not flagged upfront
- Early pickups may clash with late nights out
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is an easy, low-impact way to see Pig Island without needing to be a strong swimmer or experienced snorkeller. The catamaran is roomy, the crew is attentive, and everything is included — snorkel gear, life jacket, food, even the paddleboards. Best for families with kids, older travellers, or anyone who wants a leisurely water morning without faffing about with private boats or risky speedies. The AC break is a genuine perk if you're heat-sensitive.
The sites are busy, especially November to February. The snorkelling is OK but not jaw-dropping — think tropical reef fish, not manta rays. The pigs are a gimmick and the novelty wears off fast (but that's the whole tour, so manage expectations). The meal is functional, not special. Early-morning pickups might clash with late-night drinking. Note: you'll pay a small entrance fee (50 Thai Baht) on-site; not a big deal but it's not in the initial quote. Not suitable if you're pregnant, have serious back or heart issues, or are very unsteady on boats. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. Four hours feels just right — longer and you'd be bored.
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.