About this tour
When Mia from our team took this private speedboat out to Koh Madsum and Koh Tan, we found a genuine escape from Samui's busier beaches. The 4–5 hour tour hits smaller islands with clear water and decent snorkelling spots, and because it's a private charter, you set the pace. A good fit for couples or small groups after quiet beach time without the day-trip mill of crowded ferries. The crew handles the boat; you handle the snorkel gear and decide how long to linger.
Highlights
- Private charter means no joining a 40-person cattle boat
- Snorkelling gear included, reefs hold their colour
- Pig Island stop — quirky, sun-baked rock formation
- Turquoise shallows genuinely swimable and clear
- Flexible timing — no fixed schedule rushing you
- Small-group intimacy suits couples and families alike
- Life jackets and water supplied, basics covered
What to expect
You'll meet the crew at the boat launch, get briefed on safety, and head out to the islands at a proper clip. Koh Madsum and Koh Tan are quieter than the main Samui haunts — sandy patches, a few rocky outcrops, and stretches of water where you can actually see the reef. The snorkelling window is real: coral, small fish, decent visibility on clear days. Expect a mix of floating about, swimming to a second spot, maybe a quiet beach stop. The pace is yours — no rush back to port at a set time.
Truth: it's not pristine-resort-brochure territory. These are modest islands with a bit of character but without frilly infrastructure. The boat ride can be bouncy if the sea's up. There's no lunch included, so either pack food or eat light before heading out. Kids and older folks manage fine; the crew is used to families.
What travellers say
- Avoids crowded group boat experience entirely
- Snorkel gear supplied, reefs snorkellable
- Flexible schedule — you control the day
- Crew experienced with families and mixed ages
- Quieter islands, fewer tourists underfoot
- Premium price for private charter experience
- Lunch not included — can feel like oversight
- Rough seas possible; boat motion affects some
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
Private boat tours let you skip the noise of scheduled group ferries. Snorkelling here works — the reefs aren't dead, and the water stays clear enough to make it worthwhile. Families appreciate the flexibility: bring a pram for an infant, take your time at each stop, no clock ticking. The crew are practiced at managing mixed groups.
You're paying a premium for privacy — prices sit well above public-boat options. The islands themselves are modest; don't expect white-sand postcard beaches. Lunch isn't included, which can feel like a hidden gap if you're out 4–5 hours. Rough seas happen; it's not suitable for pregnant travellers or anyone with spinal issues. The boat ride itself can be bumpy. Bring sunscreen and a light rash vest — sun exposure is real and unforgiving on the water.
Life jackets and snorkel gear are supplied. Bring cash for food if you want to eat on an island (options are minimal). Peak season (Dec–Feb) books faster. Small groups only — that's the appeal.
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.