Pigs, speedboat, and snorkeling in one half-day. This tour packs Pig Island cuteness with a real reef snorkeling stop, plus lunch, so you’re not stuck on one beach doing one thing. The vibe is helped by crews and guides who actually keep things moving and fun, including names like Superman, Alex, and Joe (Biden).

What I like most is the hotel pickup by A/C minivan and the all-in-one format. It’s priced to include the big items you’d otherwise add up, like bottled water, lunch, travel insurance, life jacket, and snorkeling gear, so you can travel lighter.

One thing to consider: Pig Island can feel emotionally mixed. Some people love the close pig encounters; others are put off by mess and animal-stress concerns. I’d go with respect for the animals and realistic expectations for a tourist island.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Modern speedboat + small-group feel: up to 50 travelers, and many schedules feel like you’re not marooned with a huge crowd.
• Snorkeling time is short and weather-dependent: you get gear and a guided session, but visibility can vary.
• Pig Island stop is photo-and-petting heavy: it’s built for time with piglets and the beach.
• Lunch is included at Koh Tan: a buffet with a view—good fuel before the water time.
• You may still pay a Pig Island entrance fee: THB50 per person is listed as not included.
• Timing can stretch if your hotel is farther: the pier is farther away than you might expect, so plan for extra van time.

Price and What You’re Actually Getting for $58.70

At about $58.70 per person, this isn’t a bare-bones “boat only” outing. It includes round-trip A/C minivan transfer, travel insurance, bottled water, lunch, and use of snorkeling equipment. That’s the value angle: you’re paying for the whole day’s logistics plus the main activities in one hit.

Just note one extra line item: the Pig Island entrance fee is THB50 per person, listed as not included. If you’re budgeting tightly, set aside that small amount so you don’t get surprised at the island.

Also, the tour has a max group size of 50 travelers. That matters because it affects how long you’ll wait, how crowded the boats feel, and how quickly you rotate through the day’s stops.

The Speedboat Ride and Pickup: Why the Day Might Feel Longer

The tour runs roughly 4 to 5 hours total, but I treat that as a flexible estimate. Your experience starts with hotel pickup (A/C minivan), then you transfer to the departure pier.

Here’s the practical catch: the pier is described as a private pier located farther away than public ones. If you’re picked up from a farther hotel area, your “4–5 hours” can lean closer to the long end. Some guests reported a longer van ride and longer overall time than the initial expectation.

The upside is comfort. You’re not crammed into a tiny shuttle, and you’ll have bottled water and life jackets ready for the speedboat segment. If you dislike waiting, go in with a “let’s roll” mindset and keep your towel and sunscreen ready right away.

Stop 1: Koh Madsum (Pig Island) and the Best Way to Spend Your Time

Your first island stop is Ko Mat Sum / Koh Madsum, often called Pig Island. This is the main star of the show, and the stop is about 1 hour.

During that hour, you should expect three things:

1. Photos and piglet time. This is why most people sign up.
2. Petting and close interaction. The pigs tend to approach, and you’ll see lots of piglets in the mix.
3. A white-sand, beachy break before the day moves on.

Now, the elephant in the sand (sorry). Pig Island is also where opinions split. Some visitors found the situation concerning—describing mess on the beach and signs of stress in certain pigs. Others said the pigs seemed well cared for and even mentioned animal-focused reassurance from their background (one person noted they were a vet student and felt the pigs looked well managed).

So how do you handle that, as a visitor?

• Go slowly and treat the place like a living environment, not a carnival.
• Keep your interactions gentle and brief—this is a short visit, not a long petting session.
• If the overall conditions bother you, you can still enjoy the rest of the tour (the snorkeling stop is genuinely worth it).

One more practical note: Pig Island entrance is listed as THB50 per person not included, even though the stop may be shown as free in some descriptions. I’d budget for it just in case.

Stop 2: Koh Tan Snorkeling Around Coral Reefs

After Pig Island, you head to Koh Tan, another island stop centered on snorkeling. This part is about 1 hour on the schedule.

Koh Tan is described as surrounded by pristine coral reefs with white sandy beaches, and snorkeling includes the chance to see underwater fish. One guide-style description calls out fish like parrot fish and coral, so you’re not just looking at “generic sea life.”

That said, snorkeling quality can vary with conditions. Some guests described clear water; others warned the visibility can be limited by particles, and that the snorkeling can feel more open-water than right off the shore. If you’re picky about reef clarity, keep your expectations flexible.

Good news: you get the snorkeling equipment as part of the tour, plus a life jacket for boat safety. Bring your sunscreen and sunglasses—sun can be strong even when the breeze feels helpful.

One more gear detail that helps: fins are not provided for the shallow snorkeling linked to the Pig Island side of things, since that snorkeling is described as shallow. Fins are used on certain other trips, but for this format, assume you’ll use what’s included.

Stop 3: Ko Taen Coral Beach Lunch With a View

Lunch is served at Ko Taen Coral Beach, typically around 1 hour. You get a lunch buffet at the Koh Tan Coral Beach restaurant, and there are picture-friendly spots right by the beach.

This stop is more than just food. It’s your reset:

• Time to cool down in the shade
• A real break from the boat and the water
• A chance to regroup before the day’s final segment back toward Koh Samui

And yes, food quality seems to be one of the tour’s stronger points. People describe the lunch as delicious or at least solid, and some mention cold beers available for purchase on islands. If you don’t drink, that’s optional; if you do, it’s a nice touch for a hot day.

What to expect practically: bring a dry shirt if you plan to get back in the water later (some guests advise towels and a change of clothes). Even with a lunch stop, you don’t want to spend the ride home uncomfortable.

The Crew and Guides: The Part That Makes It Feel Easy

This is where the tour earns repeat stars. The company staffing shows up again and again in feedback—friendly, helpful, and good at guiding you through the day.

You’ll meet an English guide and a professional crew, and the guides often act like your day’s photo team too. Names that came up include Superman, Alex, and Joe (Biden). There are also fun mentions of guides who help with timing and caring for kids, plus people being helped on and off the boat so knees don’t get soaked.

If you’re traveling with a family, this matters a lot. At least some guests described the staff as especially attentive with children during boarding and offloading. And if you’re a couple, that same energy tends to turn “a few stops” into a smoother shared day.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Think Twice)

This is a great match if you want:

• A half-day adventure that mixes land + boat + water
• A guided plan so you don’t negotiate ferries and schedules
• A day built around Pig Island photos and reef snorkeling

It also works well for beginners at snorkeling. You’ll have equipment and an organized pace, and you’re not stuck on a long continuous swim.

Who should think twice?

• If you’re very sensitive to animal welfare or island hygiene issues, Pig Island may not sit right with you. There are strong conflicting impressions, so consider your own comfort level.
• If you hate waiting for transfers, remember the pier is farther than expected for some hotels, and the day can run longer than the headline time.

What to Pack So the Day Doesn’t Go Sideways

Based on what’s listed as helpful:

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Towel

And I’d add two common-sense items even if you’re organized:

• A dry change of clothes if you’re likely to get wet and you dislike damp fabrics during the return ride.
• A small dry bag for phone and wallet so you don’t have to “watch everything” while you’re focused on snorkeling.

Should You Book Pig Island by Speedboat With Snorkeling?

If you want a simple, well-run speedboat day trip that includes lunch and snorkeling gear, I think this is a strong choice—especially for couples and families who want variety in a few hours. The combo of pig time, a second island, and a guided reef stop gives you more than the typical one-activity excursion.

But I’d only book if you’re okay with the reality that Pig Island is a tourist environment where animal conditions can feel complicated to some people. If that part concerns you, you can still treat the snorkeling and beach lunch as the “why,” while keeping your interactions respectful and low-impact.

If you want the best odds of a good day, pack for sun, keep your timing expectations flexible (pier transfer can add time), and be ready for snorkeling conditions to vary.

FAQ

Is lunch included on this Pig Island and snorkeling tour?

Yes. Lunch is included as a buffet at Ko Taen Coral Beach Restaurant on Koh Tan, and bottled water is also provided.

How long does the tour take?

The duration is listed as about 4 to 5 hours, depending on pickup timing.

Do I get hotel pickup and transport?

Yes. There is round-trip hotel transfer by A/C minivan, and the tour returns back to the meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment and a life jacket. Fins are not provided for the short shallow snorkeling portion described for Pig Island, but snorkeling equipment is included.

Is there an extra entrance fee for Pig Island?

Yes. The Pig Island entrance fee is THB50 per person and is listed as not included.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you tell me your hotel area in Koh Samui and whether you’re going morning or afternoon, I can help you judge how tight (or relaxed) the timing will feel.

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