The Pigs Island snorkeling trip from Koh Samui by Speedboat

Koh Samui’s southern coast gives you a pleasant island day without a long journey. This trip takes you from Thong Krut Beach toward Koh Taen’s coral reefs, then on to Koh Madsum for clear water, sand, and time to relax. The route also passes the famous Five Islands, adding a little sightseeing between swims.

I like the hotel pickup, especially when you are staying far from Thong Krut, and I like the simple all-in-one price: equipment, lunch, fruit, soft drinks, and transfers are covered. The main caution is the snorkeling itself. Water conditions can be good, but visibility and reef color vary, and one session may feel less impressive than the photographs suggest.

What makes this trip worth considering

• Two southern islands in one outing: Visit undeveloped Koh Taen and beach-focused Koh Madsum during a roughly six-hour trip.
• Koh Taen snorkeling: Look for coral, colorful fish, and, with luck, marine life such as the blue-spotted stingray seen on one outing.
• Koh Madsum beach stop: Swim, sunbathe, relax, and buy drinks or beer separately during about an hour on the island.
• Thai lunch at Thong Krut: Return to the departure beach for a buffet meal with halal and vegetarian choices.
• Transfers across Koh Samui: Pickup and return are included from anywhere on the island, a useful saving of time and taxi cost.
• Small maximum group: The activity is limited to 20 people, though the actual boat arrangement can still vary.

A southern Koh Samui outing with a practical shape

At about $58, this is priced as an easy package rather than a bare boat ride. You get return hotel transport, snorkeling gear, bottled water, fruit, soft drinks, and lunch. That matters on Koh Samui, where arranging separate taxis, boat transport, food, and equipment can quickly eat into a day.

The stated duration is about six hours, with an 8:00 am start. This is best thought of as a compact island excursion, not a long expedition. You leave enough time for two island stops and lunch, while still keeping much of the afternoon free.

One detail deserves attention before you pay. The experience is described as a speedboat trip in its title, but the operating description refers to a traditional long-tail boat. Those are different rides. A long-tail offers an open-air, local feel, but it can be noisier and less sheltered than a speedboat. Ask the operator, Tropic Sun Co., Ltd., which boat is planned for your date.

Starting at Thong Krut Beach

Thong Krut Beach is both the launch point and the place where lunch takes place. The boat leaves from here for Koh Taen, so the opening part of the excursion is straightforward once your hotel transfer arrives.

Pickup is offered from anywhere on Koh Samui. This is one of the strongest practical features of the trip. If you stay on the north side, the morning ride to the south gives you a look at more of the island, though it also means your day begins with a road transfer before the boat ride.

The published start time is 8:00 am. Be ready before then, since hotel pickups can involve a drive across the island. The booking information says confirmation arrives at the time of booking, and the activity is near public transportation, though the included hotel transfer is likely the simplest option for most people.

Koh Taen and the first snorkeling stop

Koh Taen is an undeveloped island just off Koh Samui’s southern coast. Its appeal is not a long list of sights or shops. You come for the water, coral areas, fish, and the feeling of getting away from the built-up parts of Samui.

The boat route includes views of the Five Islands before reaching Koh Taen. That gives the ride some interest even when you are not in the water. The exact order and length of each stop can vary with conditions, but the overall plan includes snorkeling around Koh Taen and a second opportunity to get in the water.

The snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel. The supplied equipment makes this easy for first-time snorkelers and families who do not want to pack bulky gear. Still, if you already own a well-fitting mask, bringing it may be worthwhile for comfort.

Expect the reef quality to be mixed rather than flawless. Clear blue water and visible coral are possible, and one outing produced a sighting of a blue-spotted stingray. Another account found the water somewhat cloudy and the reef looking partly damaged or lacking color. That difference is important: weather, tide, water movement, and recent conditions can all affect what you see.

I would book this for a pleasant marine outing, not as a specialist reef trip. If your main goal is dramatic coral and exceptional visibility, you may want to compare other snorkeling locations before deciding. If you are happy with some fish, a swim, and time on two islands, Koh Taen can fit the bill.

Koh Madsum for sand, swimming, and a slower hour

Koh Madsum changes the pace. After the reef stop, you get time on the beach, with clear water for swimming and a chance to sit in the sun. The stop lasts about an hour according to the schedule, which is enough for a swim and a short break but not a full beach day.

This is the part of the outing that may suit non-snorkelers best. You can enjoy the island without spending the whole time looking underwater. Couples can split their time between the water and the sand, while families get a less demanding break between boat movements.

Drinks, including alcoholic beverages, are not included. A soft drink is included in the package, along with bottled water and fresh fruit, but you should budget separately if you want beer or another alcoholic drink at Koh Madsum.

The island stop also helps balance the variable reef conditions. If the first snorkeling session is only average, you still have a scenic beach stop and another chance to swim. The tradeoff is that beach time is limited, so people wanting a long, quiet stretch of sand may find the schedule brisk.

Two snorkeling sessions, not an all-day water program

The schedule suggests roughly two snorkeling periods, with one account describing two sessions of about 30 minutes each. That is enough for a taste of the reef, but it is not hours of continuous time in the water.

This timing works well for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can make the most of each session, while less confident swimmers are not committed to a long period offshore. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable entering the water and following basic boat instructions.

Conditions matter more than the brochure photographs. One outing had very clean, blue water and good snorkeling. Another found the water cloudy and the reef less alive. If the sea is rough or the weather is poor, the operator may cancel and offer a new date or a full refund.

Bring sun protection and a dry change of clothes. The tour supplies equipment, food, drinks, and fruit, but the information does not state that towels, waterproof bags, or sunscreen are included. Packing those items is a sensible precaution.

Lunch back at Thong Krut Beach

After the island and snorkeling stops, the boat returns to Thong Krut for a Thai-style buffet lunch. The meal includes halal and vegetarian choices, which makes the package more useful for groups with different dietary needs.

A meal at the end of the water activities is a smart arrangement. You do not have to carry lunch on the boat, and you can eat after swimming rather than trying to manage food between stops. Fresh fruit, bottled water, and a soft drink are also included.

Do not expect a restaurant tasting menu. This is a practical buffet served as part of a beach-based day trip. Its value comes from convenience and variety, not from a long culinary presentation. Alcohol is not part of the package, and the itinerary does not say that alcoholic drinks are available at lunch.

Transport, group size, and the boat question

Return hotel transfers are included from anywhere on Koh Samui. At this price, that can be a real saving, particularly if your hotel is away from Thong Krut. It also removes the problem of finding a taxi back after a wet and tiring day.

The maximum group size is 20 people. That is smaller than many large boat excursions, though the number of people on your specific departure and the boat layout are not provided. A smaller group usually makes boarding and serving lunch easier, but it does not guarantee a quiet or private trip.

Again, check the boat type. The name suggests a speedboat, while the operating details describe a long-tail boat. If you prefer a faster ride with less time on the water, ask before booking. If you like an open boat and a more traditional local style, the long-tail description may be the one to trust.

Pickup timing can also affect your morning. People staying on the north side may enjoy the drive as a way to see more of Samui, but the transfer adds road time before the boat leaves. Keep the morning free and wait at the hotel pickup point early.

Who will get the most from the $58 price

I see the best value here for couples, families, and first-time visitors who want a simple island day. You get two destinations, two short snorkeling opportunities, lunch, drinks, equipment, and transport in one booking.

It also suits groups with different interests. A keen snorkeler can focus on Koh Taen, while someone who prefers swimming or sunbathing can enjoy Koh Madsum. Halal and vegetarian lunch options make the meal easier for mixed groups.

The price is less compelling if you only want a beach transfer or if you expect expert-level reef snorkeling. The coral may be colorful in places, but conditions are not guaranteed, and the water can be cloudy. You are paying for the complete day structure and convenience as much as for the reef itself.

The overall rating is 4.1 out of 5 from 12 ratings, which fits the experience as described: generally enjoyable, with strong marks for punctual transport, clean water on a good day, lunch, and the island stops, but some disappointment when visibility and coral quality are poor.

Booking details and cancellation advice

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the 8:00 am start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes inside that period are not accepted.

Weather matters. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. The trip also requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation for that reason brings the same choice of another date, another experience, or a refund.

I would avoid booking this on the last day of your holiday. That gives you no room to move the outing if the sea or weather cancels it. The activity is limited to 20 people, and confirmation is provided when you book.

Should you book the Koh Taen and Koh Madsum trip?

Book it if you want a convenient, moderately priced island day with hotel pickup, simple snorkeling, beach time, and lunch already arranged. Koh Madsum gives the outing a relaxed side, while Koh Taen offers the more active part and a chance to see coral and fish.

Think twice if you need excellent reef visibility or a guaranteed speedboat. Ask Tropic Sun Co. to confirm the boat type and pickup details before booking. Also set your expectations correctly: this is a six-hour sightseeing and swimming trip, not a dedicated marine biology excursion.

For most people staying on Koh Samui, the package makes sense because it removes the usual transport and planning chores. Just treat the reef as weather-dependent, enjoy the islands for what they are, and let the included lunch and transfers do much of the work.

FAQ

How long does the Koh Taen and Koh Madsum trip last?

The tour lasts approximately six hours.

What time does the experience start?

The stated start time is 8:00 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Return hotel transfers are included to and from anywhere on Koh Samui.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The trip visits Koh Taen and Koh Madsum, and the route also includes views of the Five Islands.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

How many snorkeling sessions are included?

The outing includes snorkeling around Koh Taen, with the schedule allowing for two snorkeling sessions. One account describes two sessions of about 30 minutes each.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Thai-style buffet lunch is included, with halal and vegetarian choices.

Are drinks and fruit included?

Yes. Bottled water, fresh fruit, and a soft drink are included. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 20 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.