Pig Island Tour by Speedboat with Snorkeling

Koh Samui’s Pig Island Tour by Speedboat with Snorkeling offers a fun-filled day that combines adorable pig encounters, vibrant underwater life, and scenic island stops. With a solid 4.5/5 rating from nearly 300 reviews, this experience is a popular choice for travelers wanting a mix of cute animals, aquatic adventure, and island hopping—all at a reasonable price of around $57 per person.

What we love most about this tour is its well-organized itinerary and the variety of activities packed into a half-day. From petting pigs on Koh Madsum to snorkeling at Koh Tan, there’s always something engaging to do. Plus, the fact that lunch is included makes it excellent value—no need to worry about extra costs for food.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is dependent on weather conditions, especially for snorkeling. Some reviews mention cloudy water or even rain, which can impact your experience. Despite that, many appreciate the professional crew and the clear itinerary, making this a suitable choice for families, groups, or anyone looking to make the most of Koh Samui’s nearby islands in a fun, accessible way.

This tour suits travelers seeking a lighthearted day out with a combination of animal encounters, underwater exploration, and scenic island views. It’s ideal for those who want a taste of multiple activities without the hassle of planning each one separately.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience with pickup, snorkeling gear, and lunch
• Diverse activities: pig interaction, snorkeling, and scenic island stops
• Good value for the price, with well-organized logistics
• Guided by friendly and knowledgeable staff who enhance the experience
• Weather-dependent: snorkeling and island conditions may vary
• Suitable for most travelers, including families and solo explorers

An In-Depth Look at the Pig Island Speedboat Tour

The Pig Island Tour by Speedboat offers an energetic and varied day out, perfect for those wanting a straightforward way to explore some of Koh Samui’s best nearby islands. The experience is designed to be comfortably paced, providing plenty of time at each stop while maintaining a lively, fun atmosphere.

Starting Point and Transportation

Most travelers are picked up from their hotels in Koh Samui, often in a comfortable mini bus, which sets a relaxed tone for the day. The transportation is scheduled efficiently, with guests receiving a text the day before confirming pickup times. This attention to detail is appreciated and helps avoid any last-minute confusion.

The speedboat itself tends to be well-maintained and is described as great, with staff who are brilliantly fun and helpful. The crew’s professionalism shines through, and many reviews mention feeling safe while enjoying the ride. Most trips involve about 4 to 5 hours of activity, which is enough to feel satisfied but not exhausted.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Koh Madsum (Pig Island)

This is the highlight for many. Koh Madsum, affectionately known as Pig Island, is about an hour and a half of your day. Here, the charming, friendly pigs roam freely on the beach, and visitors can pet them, feed them, or just snap adorable photos.

The island’s white-sand beach is the perfect backdrop for your pig encounters, with clear, calm waters close by. Reviewers love the chance to play with the pigs and their piglets, describing it as a “hog-tastic” moment that’s both cute and hilarious. The island’s popularity means it can get busy, and some guests note that trash can be an issue, which is worth considering if you’re sensitive about environmental concerns. The tour operators have acknowledged this problem and are working with island operators to improve the situation.

Stop 2: Koh Tan for Snorkeling

Next, you’ll hop over to Koh Tan, often described as a snorkeling paradise. The surrounding coral reefs are home to colorful fish, including parrotfish, and the waters are generally calm, making it suitable for snorkelers of all levels.

Guests often comment on the friendly, helpful staff who give tips on how to get the most out of the snorkeling. However, water clarity can vary, especially during monsoon season—some reviewers mention that the water was cloudy, which slightly lessens the visual impact. Notably, no fins are provided for snorkeling, partly because the reef area includes both shallow and deep waters, and fins could damage the corals.

The reef area is described as beautiful enough to warrant a decent swim. Many travelers appreciate the 40-minute window for snorkeling, which offers a good balance between aquatic fun and other activities.

Stop 3: Koh Taen Coral Beach for Lunch

The final stop involves a delicious lunch at Koh Tan’s Coral Beach Restaurant, which features local Thai dishes and great views. Many guests find the food to be basic but tasty, with some mentioning limited seating and a slightly cluttered beach environment. Still, the picture-perfect scenery makes up for any minor shortcomings.

Reviewers mention that the lunch is included, saving time and money, and the restaurant offers plenty of spots for photos and relaxing. The views of the ocean while eating are often highlighted as a highlight of the trip.

Authentic Experiences from Travelers

Authentic feedback from guests adds depth to understanding this tour. Many describe their guides as friendly, funny, and very informative. For example, one reviewer praises Alex as “one of the best tour guides,” noting his attentiveness despite some language barriers. Others appreciate the crew’s professionalism and the smooth organization, which minimizes stress and maximizes fun.

Some travelers, however, have voiced concerns about trash on the islands and poor beach conditions at certain stops, especially during bad weather or monsoon season. One review describes Koh Tan’s snorkeling area as lacking a reef and being poorly maintained, which can happen when environmental conditions aren’t ideal.

Nevertheless, the overall consensus leans toward this being a worthwhile, fun day out that offers excellent value for money. Many reviewers emphasize how the trip combines adorable animal encounters, scenic island views, and snorkeling into a seamless, enjoyable package.

What to Expect on the Day

The experience usually begins with a hotel pickup, followed by a short ride to the pier, where the speedboat awaits. Expect to spend about 1.5 hours at Pig Island, where you’re encouraged to feed, pet, and take photos of the pigs. The island’s relaxed vibe makes for a fun, informal experience—just be aware that trash and crowds can sometimes detract from the idyllic setting.

Next, you’ll cruise to Koh Tan, where your guide will give tips on snorkeling, and you’ll jump into the water to see colorful fish and coral. While fins aren’t provided, the shallow waters invite even beginner snorkelers to enjoy the sights.

Finally, the tour concludes with a lunch at Koh Tan’s Coral Beach Restaurant. The relaxed pace means plenty of time for photos and soaking up the views before heading back to Koh Samui.

Practical Tips for the Best Experience

• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel—the sun can be intense, and there’s minimal shade.
• Consider bringing snacks or water, especially if you’re a big eater; the included lunch is decent but simple.
• Be prepared for crowds on Pig Island—arriving early can help you beat the rush.
• If snorkeling, don’t expect Caribbean-level clarity, but enjoy the vibrant marine life.
• Weather can impact your experience; monsoon season might mean both choppy waters and trash on the beaches.
• The tour does not accept cruise ship passengers, so plan accordingly if you’re arriving that way.
• The group size is capped at 50 travelers, which helps keep things manageable and lively.

The Sum Up

This speedboat tour around Koh Samui offers a well-rounded, value-packed day of animal fun, underwater exploration, and scenic island vistas. The friendly guides and smooth organization stand out, especially for travelers who appreciate good service and a touch of humor. The inclusion of lunch, the variety of stops, and the opportunity to pet pigs and snorkel make it a versatile option for many types of travelers.

While some may find the trash and crowded beaches less appealing, the overall experience balances these issues with beautiful scenery, engaging activities, and a relaxed pace. It’s particularly suited for those wanting a half-day adventure that combines family-friendly activities with memorable photo moments.

If you’re after a lighthearted, well-organized day exploring nearby islands with a good dose of cuteness and color, this tour is hard to beat. Just keep your expectations flexible regarding weather and environment conditions, and you’re likely to come away with plenty of happy memories.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, most travelers are picked up from their hotels in Koh Samui, making the experience convenient and straightforward.

Are meals included?
Yes, a Thai-style lunch at Koh Tan’s Coral Beach Restaurant is included in the tour fee.

How long is the tour?
Expect about 4 to 5 hours, with roughly 1.5 hours at Pig Island, one hour for snorkeling, and another hour for lunch.

Can I snorkel with fins?
No, fins are not provided because the reef contains both shallow and deep waters, and fins could harm the coral.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour caps at 50 travelers, helping keep the experience friendly and organized.

Is the tour suitable for kids?
Absolutely, the fun animal encounters and calm waters make it a family-friendly outing.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, and possibly some snacks or water. Weather can vary, so dress accordingly.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If poor weather cancels snorkeling or other activities, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are there environmental concerns?
Some reviews mention trash on the islands; the operators are aware and are working to improve cleanliness.

Overall, this tour offers a memorable, accessible way to see some of Koh Samui’s most engaging sights for a reasonable price. Whether you’re into cute animals, snorkeling, or just relaxing on a beautiful beach, it’s a well-rounded option that balances fun, value, and organization.