Koh Samui has plenty of boat days, but this one hits two different kinds of paradise fast. I like the mix of Pig Island fun and Koh Tan’s turquoise water, plus the private setup so you’re not stuck waiting on anyone else. The only real heads-up: the toilet situation can be very basic once you land.

You’ll spend part of the day cruising by longtail boat, then doing real time on the water for snorkeling and (optionally) kayaking and lunch. It’s a good value pick if you want variety in just 4–5 hours, but it’s not ideal if you’re prone to seasickness or you need mobility-friendly logistics.

Key highlights worth your time

• Private longtail boat pace: You set the rhythm instead of hanging around on a big group schedule.
• Koh Madsum = Pig Island: Friendly pigs, beach time, and a memorable moment once you land.
• Koh Taen stop with water time: A solid chunk of time on another beautiful coast before Pig Island.
• Snorkeling gear included: You get the equipment and a life jacket, so you can focus on the water.
• Fish near the rocks, not the shoreline: You’ll have a much better snorkeling experience if you stay off the shallows.
• Plan for basic facilities: One common complaint is the lack of decent toilets on the island stops.

Longtail Boat Meets Pig Island and Koh Tan

This tour is built around two iconic stops, and that’s the smart part. Koh Madsum (Pig Island) gives you the fun, character, and island chaos in a good way. Then Koh Tan turns the mood quieter with clear water, snorkeling, and wide views that feel like you’ve stepped off the map.

What makes it work so well is the flow. You don’t do “lots of stops with no time.” You get real time on the water and on the beach, then you head back with enough energy left to enjoy dinner later.

There’s also something practical here: it’s private. That means you can move at a human pace and spend less time waiting for other people’s swim speed or photo timing.

Price and What You’re Actually Getting for $57

At $57 per person for a private longtail boat experience, this is mostly about value through inclusions and time. You’re not just buying transport—you’re paying for the boat and the gear so you can actually do the water activities.

Here’s what’s included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (only if you select that option)
• Private longtail boat
• Bottle water
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jacket

And here’s what’s not included:

• Thai lunch and kayaking (listed as optional)
• A beach fee of THB 50 per person
• Hotel transfer (only if needed beyond the listed pickup options)
• A tour guide (not listed as included)

So the real value question is simple: if you’ll snorkel and enjoy a beach day with pig-photo energy and water time, the price makes sense. If you won’t snorkel, or you won’t care about Pig Island, then you’d probably get better value with a simpler beach-only outing.

Also note the duration: 4–5 hours. That’s short enough to fit into a beach day plan without sacrificing your whole afternoon.

How the Route Flows in 4–5 Hours (River Boat + Two Island Stops)

The day has a clear rhythm, and that matters when you’re on a boat in warm Gulf of Thailand weather.

Your itinerary follows this pattern:

• Pickup (optional) depending on where you’re staying
• A river boat segment of about 30 minutes
• Koh Taen visit for about 2 hours
• Another river boat segment of about 30 minutes
• Koh Madsum (Pig Island) visit for about 2 hours
• Final river boat segment of about 40 minutes
• Drop-off options including Koh Samui locations and Kohtantour&transport

Why this matters: that “river boat” time is likely how you get you from the mainland/starting area to the island zones. It’s not the main event, but it’s part of the overall travel. If you’re sensitive to motion, this is one of the times you should mentally prepare for, especially since seasickness-prone visitors aren’t recommended for this tour.

The upside is timing. You’re not rushed through the islands. You get two decent blocks of time: Koh Taen first, then Pig Island.

Koh Taen: Turquoise Water Time Before Pig Island

Your first major island visit is Koh Taen, with about 2 hours on the island.

This is a great placement in the itinerary. It works like a warm-up. You ease into the day, get your bearings, and enjoy the water before you switch to the more playful energy of Pig Island.

What you’ll likely focus on here:

• Beach and viewpoints
• Stopping for photos
• Getting your swim gear ready for later snorkeling

Koh Taen is all about the water look. If you’re the type who loves glassy views and quick dips, this stop is where you’ll do that first.

Pig Island (Koh Madsum): Pigs, Beach Time, and a Water Tip

Then comes the star of the show: Koh Madsum, often called Pig Island.

You’ll get about 2 hours here, and this is where the experience turns memorable in a very specific way. Pigs are part of the show, and they’re described as friendly. One useful detail I’d plan around: when you land, you get a free water bottle, and it can be worth keeping because you can refill it. Pigs seem especially drawn to water, and it turns into a quirky “oh wow, this is really happening” moment.

There’s also food and drinks on the island if you need them, which helps when you’re spending a chunk of time on a beach without wanting to think too hard.

One drawback you should take seriously: the toilet quality gets criticized. If you’re picky about facilities, treat this as a basic-infrastructure stop. Plan your timing, and don’t count on modern, comfortable restrooms.

Also, a quick but important rule: you should avoid touching plants and follow the guidance about marine life. That keeps the experience respectful and safer for you and the island.

Snorkeling and Coral Reefs: Where the Fish Are

Snorkeling is the heart of the water activities here, and the tour includes snorkeling equipment and a life jacket, which takes a lot of friction out of planning.

Here’s the practical tip that makes a big difference: when you get into the water, stay away from the shore. The fish tend to be out among the rocks rather than in the ultra-shallow edge water. If you hover right at the beach line, your odds of a great view drop.

You’re also looking at coral reefs, so treat this like nature viewing, not a “grab the coral” adventure. Touching marine life isn’t allowed, and that’s for good reason.

What to bring to make snorkeling smoother:

• Swimwear (easy change before and after)
• A hat
• Sunscreen already applied before you go
• A waterproof bag for your phone and small stuff

If you’re fair-skinned, you’ll want sunscreen done early. Boat days can fool you because you don’t always feel the burn until you’re back on land.

Optional Kayak Cove and Thai Lunch: Keep It Flexible

After snorkeling, you’ll head toward a smaller cove where you can spend time at your own pace. Kayaking and Thai lunch are listed as optional, so you can decide based on energy and how the water day feels.

One helpful way to think about this portion: it’s not the “main set-piece.” It’s the part of the tour that lets you slow down, take photos, and enjoy a calmer stretch of water compared to open snorkeling areas.

If you do choose kayaking, go into it with the expectation of a relaxed, short activity rather than a long workout. Bring your waterproof bag habits again here, and keep your phone secured.

And if you skip kayaking, you’re not stuck. You still get time at the cove and you’ll be able to cool off and regroup before heading back.

Boat Comfort, Safety Gear, and What to Pack

Because this is a longtail boat day, comfort comes down to what you wear and what you carry.

Good news: you’ll have life jackets and bottled water provided, and snorkeling gear is included. So you can avoid packing the basics.

What I suggest you bring (based on what you’re told and what makes sense on the day):

• Hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Snacks (optional, but useful)
• Sunscreen
• Water (even though water is provided, extra is smart)
• A change of clothes

Also keep these rules in mind:

• Don’t litter
• Don’t touch marine life
• Don’t touch plants

One more detail that helps: the tour notes that you should apply sunscreen before you start. Do it before you’re on the boat and before you’re shaded. Once you’re out there, reapplying can be a hassle.

Pickup, Drop-Off, and Meeting Time That Actually Works

This tour can include hotel pickup and drop-off if you choose that option. If you’re staying in villas on the mountain, pickup may be limited to the main road only. That’s a big one—don’t wait until the last minute to confirm how you’ll be collected.

Also, be there 20 minutes before the start time. Boat tours run on timing, and being early keeps you from feeling rushed.

Drop-offs include multiple Koh Samui options as well as a Kohtantour&transport stop, depending on what’s selected.

Who This Private Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a private group setup, which tends to work well for couples, small families, and anyone who wants a calmer schedule.

It’s a good fit if you:

• Want a mix of beach time and water activities
• Like snorkeling and want gear handled for you
• Enjoy oddball island moments like Pig Island pigs
• Prefer private pacing over a group bus-and-wait rhythm

It’s not suitable if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have mobility impairments
• Are prone to seasickness

That last one matters. Even if the water looks calm, a longtail and river-boat day can still be enough to set off nausea for sensitive folks.

Should You Book This Koh Madsum and Koh Tan Longtail Tour?

Book it if you want a short, high-reward island day. You’re getting:

• A private longtail boat experience
• Two island stops with solid beach time
• Included snorkeling gear
• Pig Island character plus Koh Tan water beauty

Skip it or reconsider if toilets and basic facilities matter a lot to you, because the Pig Island stop has a complaint about restroom quality. Also skip if you’re prone to seasickness or you need accessibility accommodations.

For most people who love beach-and-water days on Koh Samui, I think this tour is a strong pick. Just go prepared: sunscreen early, keep your expectations realistic for island facilities, and remember the simple snorkeling rule—go where the rocks and fish are, not the shoreline.

FAQ

How long is the Ko Samui private longtail boat tour?

The duration is listed as 4–5 hours.

Is the tour private or shared?

This experience is a private group.

What snorkeling gear is included?

Snorkeling equipment and a life jacket are included.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select the pickup option. If you’re in mountain villas, pickup is on the main road only.

Do I need to pay a beach fee?

Yes. There is a beach fee of THB 50 per person that is not included.

Is Thai lunch and kayaking included?

Thai lunch and kayaking are optional, and they are not included in the base package.

When should I arrive for the meeting point?

You should be there 20 minutes before the start time.