About this tour
When Mia from our team took this half-day boat trip, we headed out on a traditional long tail from Thongkrut pier to explore two quiet islands off Koh Samui's southwest coast. The 20–30 minute ride lands you at Koh Mudsum—the so-called Pig Island—where a small herd of pigs roams the beach, and then Koh Tan, ringed by healthy coral and tropical fish. It's a stripped-back, low-key half day: swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, and watching the pigs potter about. The boat and guide are yours alone, which shapes the whole pace and feel.
Highlights
- Private long tail boat means you control the stop length and rhythm
- Pig Island's pigs are genuinely relaxed and approachable in shallow water
- Koh Tan's coral reef sits close to shore; snorkelling starts immediately
- Crystal-clear shallows perfect for non-confident swimmers and kids
- Quiet islands without the crowds you'd hit on Koh Samui tours
- Snorkel kit and life jackets included; no extra rental fees
- Guide narrates in English; explains the islands' ecology and pig backstory
What to expect
You'll meet your guide and boat at Thongkrut pier early morning or mid-morning depending on your booking. The long tail ride to Koh Mudsum is bumpy but brief—expect spray and a fair bit of engine noise. Once there, you'll wade ashore to meet the pigs; they're used to visitors and wander freely along the sand. Swimming and feeding (if you bring food) happens in waist-deep water. The island itself is basic: no shops, no shade except trees, no facilities. After an hour or so, the boat takes you to Koh Tan, where the real snorkelling unfolds. The reef is accessible from the beach in shallow water, and you'll spot parrotfish, damselfish, and anemones without needing to venture far out.
The pace is genuinely relaxed. Your guide won't rush you between islands, and if the snorkelling is good, you can stay longer. We found the whole vibe feels more like borrowing a mate's boat than joining a commercial tour. Water clarity depends on the season—we went in good conditions, but monsoon periods can churn things up.
What travellers say
- Private boat gives you the pace and flexibility—no herd mentality
- Pigs are surprisingly chilled and approachable in shallow water
- Snorkel kit included; reef accessible from shore in knee-deep water
- Genuinely quiet islands; feels uncrowded compared to main Samui tours
- English guide provides useful island history and reef ecology context
- Suitable for non-swimmers and families; depths stay shallow throughout
- No food or shops on islands; bring your own snacks and water
- Boat ride is rough and loud; poor fit for spinal or back issues
- Zero natural shade except trees; sunburn risk on calm, bright days
- Early start timing may not suit slow risers or jetlagged travellers
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 a proper escape from Samui's beach resorts. You're not sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with 40 other tourists, and the private boat setup means you can ask your guide to linger at the reef or skip Koh Tan altogether if the pigs have stolen your heart. Snorkel gear is included, so there's no upsell trap. The pigs are genuinely appealing—not stressed or aggressive—and kids usually find the whole thing a highlight. The coral on Koh Tan is in decent nick, and the fish life is solid for a half-day trip.
Food isn't included, so pack snacks or eat beforehand; there's nowhere to buy anything on either island. The boat ride is uncomfortable if you've got back problems or are pregnant (the operator warns against both). The islands have zero shade except under trees, so sunscreen and a hat are non-negotiable. Early starts mean you'll need to be up and ready early—late risers might find the timing annoying. Walking to the boat from the pier involves some uneven ground. The exclusions list mentions Koh Mudsum can be deselected, so confirm your itinerary when you book; some versions skip Pig Island entirely. Peak season (December–February) means more private boats in the water, though nowhere near the crowds you'd see on Samui itself.
strong sunscreen, hat, reef-safe sunscreen, snacks (no food on islands), dry bag, towel, light jacket for the boat ride.
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.