About this tour
When Alex from our team booked this half-day snorkel from Koh Samui, we were after that proper local experience — and a private longtail boat ticked the box. You're heading out on the water for roughly six hours, stopping at Koh Tan for coral reef snorkeling, then pushing on to the white-sand beach at Koh Madsum (Pig Island), where semi-wild rescue pigs roam. It's a quieter vibe than the packed speedboat tours, though the boat itself is small and the crew keep things moving. The water's warm, the reef's intact, and the pigs are a genuine drawcard — just kept at arm's length, which is the deal.
Highlights
- Private longtail boat feels intimate; you're not herded with 40 others
- Koh Tan's coral reef alive and colorful, genuinely worth the snorkel
- Pig Island encounter — pigs are real, not staged, and fascinatingly unpredictable
- Crew hands over proper snorkeling kit and life jackets without fuss
- White-sand beach stretch gives you actual breathing room to relax
- Bottled water and ice box included keep you hydrated in the heat
- Thai longtail aesthetic — the boat itself is part of the experience
What to expect
You'll meet the captain at the pier (note: hotel pickup isn't included, so sort your own transport there). Once aboard the wooden longtail, the engine fires up and you're heading out into the Andaman — it's a real boat, not a tourist ferry. The ride to Koh Tan takes a bit, but the crew are attentive and the pace is relaxed. First stop is snorkeling: the coral's healthy, fish are present, and visibility is decent on a good day. You've got snorkeling gear provided, and the crew will brief you on depth and safety.
After an hour or so in the water, you're off to Pig Island. This is the photo moment. You beach on white sand, and there they are — rescued pigs hanging out on the shore. They're animals, not pets; they'll ignore you if you leave them be, but they can bolt or get territorial if provoked. Most people just wade, snap photos, and chill on the sand. The whole thing feels less manufactured than some Thai island tours, but also less polished. Bring a packed lunch — none's provided — and expect the crew to keep things moving to fit the six-hour window.
What travellers say
- Private longtail cuts the tourist-herd feeling; crew attentive and unhurried
- Koh Tan reef is genuinely healthy and teeming with fish
- Pig Island encounter feels authentic, not manufactured or staged
- All snorkel kit and safety gear provided; accident insurance included
- Thai boat experience itself — wooden hull, local captain, proper character
- Hotel-to-pier transfer not included; you organize and pay separately
- No lunch provided; pack food or buy beforehand
- Small boat can be choppy in rough seas; minimal shade onboard
- Pigs are wild animals; keep distance or risk unpredictable behavior
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
You're on a private boat, which means no cattle-herding and a more genuine Thai feel. The crew are respectful and safety-conscious. Snorkeling at Koh Tan is legitimate — reef's in decent shape and worth your time. Pig Island is a real thing, not a tourist trap, which appeals if you're after something less Hollywood. Accident insurance and equipment included take hassle out of the logistics. It suits anyone who can manage basic water confidence, though pregnant travellers and those with spinal injuries should skip this.
Hotel pickup is not included — you'll arrange and pay for your own transfer to the pier, which adds time and cost. Lunch isn't provided, so you pack or buy before you go. The pigs are genuinely unpredictable; they're not cuddly attractions, so manage your expectations if you're after a petting-zoo vibe. Six hours in the sun on a boat with no shade canopy can be intense; bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat. Small boat means choppier on windy days. Infants must sit on laps, which isn't ideal for long stretches. Peak season (November–February) will see more boats around, even if yours is private.
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.