Koh Tan & Pig Island (Koh Madsum): Complete Tour Guide 2026

The Koh Tan and Pig Island tour is one of the most popular half-day excursions from Koh Samui — and for good reason. You get pristine snorkeling at Koh Tan's coral reefs, a chance to meet the famous swimming pigs on Koh Madsum, and a traditional Thai lunch at a beachside restaurant. All in 6 hours aboard a traditional longtail boat.

Koh Tan vs Koh Madsum: Clearing Up the Confusion

Let's start with the naming confusion. You'll see this tour advertised under several names:

• "Koh Tan and Pig Island"
• "Koh Madsum (Pig Island) and Koh Tan"
• "Pig Island tour"
• "Koh Tan snorkeling tour"

These all refer to the same trip. Here's the breakdown:

Most tours visit both islands in a single trip, departing around 09:00 and returning by 15:00.

Hour-by-Hour Itinerary

08:00 - 09:00 — Hotel Pickup

Our driver collects you from your hotel anywhere on Koh Samui and brings you to the pier on the south coast (near Thong Krut village). The drive takes 20-40 minutes depending on your hotel location.

09:00 - 09:30 — Longtail Boat to Koh Tan

Board a traditional Thai longtail boat — a wooden boat with a long propeller shaft, iconic to the region. The ride to Koh Tan takes about 30 minutes. The water is generally calm, and the boat carries a maximum of 10 passengers plus the captain.

09:30 - 10:45 — Snorkeling at Koh Tan

Koh Tan is a small, uninhabited island surrounded by healthy coral reefs. This is where you'll spend about an hour snorkeling.

What you'll see: Colorful tropical fish (parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish), sea urchins, starfish, and if you're lucky, green sea turtles. The coral here is vibrant — a mix of hard and soft corals in shallow water (2-5 meters deep), making it perfect for beginners and families.

Visibility is typically excellent (5-10 meters) except during heavy rain or monsoon season. All snorkeling equipment and life jackets are provided.

10:45 - 12:00 — Koh Madsum and the Pigs

After snorkeling, the boat heads to Koh Madsum — known locally as "Pig Island" — about 10 minutes away.

Koh Madsum is home to a small population of friendly pigs that roam freely on the beach. You can feed them (the guide brings bananas and vegetables), take photos, and yes, swim with them in the shallow water. The pigs are surprisingly comfortable in the water and often wade in to cool off.

Important: The pigs are gentle but still animals. Approach calmly, don't make sudden movements, and follow your guide's instructions. They're used to tourists but can become defensive if startled.

Besides the pigs, Koh Madsum has a lovely white sand beach perfect for walking and relaxing. There's also a second snorkeling spot here if you want more time in the water.

12:00 - 13:30 — Lunch at a Beachside Restaurant

The boat stops at a traditional Thai restaurant on stilts at Koh Tan. Lunch includes fresh seafood, Thai curries, fried rice, vegetables, fruit, and drinking water. The meal is served family-style, and vegetarian options are available if requested in advance.

13:30 - 15:00 — Return to Koh Samui

After lunch, the longtail boat brings you back to the mainland. Hotel drop-off follows, and you're typically back at your accommodation by 15:00.

Pricing & What's Included

At Samui Authentic, the shared Koh Tan & Pig Island tour costs:

What's Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (anywhere on Koh Samui)
• Longtail boat transportation
• English or French-speaking guide
• Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins)
• Life jackets (all sizes, including children)
• Lunch at a beachside Thai restaurant
• Drinking water and soft drinks
• Travel insurance

What to Bring

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred)
• Sunglasses and hat
• Waterproof phone case or camera
• Cash for tips (optional but appreciated)

Best Time to Go

Best months: December to August. During this period, the sea is calm, visibility is excellent, and weather is predictable.

Monsoon season (September - November): The tour still operates, but expect rougher seas and reduced visibility underwater. If you're prone to seasickness, avoid these months.

Best time of day: Morning tours (09:00 departure) are ideal. The water is calmer, the pigs are more active, and you avoid the midday heat.

Private Longtail Boat Option

If you're traveling with a group of 4+ people, a private longtail boat becomes cost-effective and offers several advantages:

• Choose your own departure time
• Spend as long as you want snorkeling
• Skip the pigs if you prefer more snorkeling time (or vice versa)
• Add a third stop (Koh Rap, for example)

Private longtail boat pricing ranges from 3,500 to 6,000 THB for a half-day depending on the itinerary. For a group of 6, that's 583-1,000 THB per person — cheaper than the shared tour.

Contact us via WhatsApp for a custom quote.

Frequently Asked Questions