Pig Island Private Boat Tour
Pig Island Private Boat Tour
#7 of 124 in Koh Madsum
Independent guide · Tickets & experiences

Pig Island Private Boat Tour

Shallow water, sleeping pigs, a sandbar that appears at low tide

Hand-picked by our editors — only the best 9 private charters from 74 reviewed.

4.6 (2,400) 48K+ travelers chose this
Open today 08:00–17:00
Attendance: Moderate — summer season
Arrive early to avoid the afternoon peak of boat arrivals.
Free cancellation Instant confirmation Mobile voucher Verified partner Book now, pay later
Tickets

Choose your Pig Island Private Boat tickets

Verified partners for Pig Island Private Boat tours, free cancellation where available, and instant confirmation on every booking.

Coral & Pig Island Hopping Experience 7 hr
Guided Experience

Coral & Pig Island Hopping Experience

★ 4.6 (3620)
€44
per person
Instant Mobile voucher Flexible — change up to 24h

Snorkel vibrant reefs, meet friendly wild pigs, and unwind on secluded beaches during this full-day adventure

Reserve
Pig Island Snorkeling and Koh Tan Speedboat Adventure 4 hr 30 min
Standard Entry

Pig Island Snorkeling and Koh Tan Speedboat Adventure

★ 4.2 (2153)
€43
per person
Instant Mobile voucher Flexible — change up to 24h

Discover pristine coral reefs and meet beach pigs on this half-day island-hopping tour from Ko Samui

Reserve

Prices from verified partners. Availability updates in real time at checkout. Free cancellation policies apply where shown.

Duration
4-6 hours on the water
Languages
English, Thai
Group size
Private charter, up to 10
Cancellation
Free cancellation 24 hours ahead
What you'll do

Inside a Pig Island Private Boat tour, step by step

  1. 01 30 min

    Departure

    Scenic longtail boat ride from Thong Krut Pier

  2. 02 45 min

    Interaction

    Guided meeting with the pig sanctuary residents

  3. 03 90 min

    Beach Time

    Leisurely swimming and relaxation on the white sand

  4. 04 30 min

    Return

    Boat transfer back to the mainland coast

Highlights

What you'll see inside Pig Island Private Boat

The landmarks, rooms, and views travelers on Pig Island Private Boat tours remember — all visible on a single visit.

Pig Sanctuary Area

The primary home for the island's famous pigs, where they rest and socialize in the shade. Visitors can observe the piglets and larger adults in this protected space.

pig_sanctuary_koh_madsum

Pig Island sanctuary

White Sand Beach

A pristine stretch of sand on the north side of the island perfect for sunbathing and swimming. This beach features a famous rope swing often used for photos during a pig island private boat tour.

rope_swing_madsum_beach

Koh Madsum beach swing

Mad Sum Bar

A rustic, locally-run beach shack offering refreshments and a place to relax in the shade. It serves as the hub for island visitors and pig feed supplies.

rustic_beach_bar_madsum

Mad Sum bar restaurant

Koh Tan Snorkeling Reef

Located just a short boat hop away, this reef is known for shallow, calm water filled with colorful wrasses and parrot fish. Many tourists combine this with their pig island private boat tour.

koh_tan_coral_reef

Koh Tan snorkeling view

Compare

Pig Island Private Boat tickets & tours compared

Every Pig Island Private Boat tour side-by-side — duration, what's included, how you redeem.

Experience DurationRatingTransfersPickupSmall groupFree cancel. Price
Guided Experience
Coral & Pig Island Hopping Experience
7 hr★ 4.6✓✓✓✓ €44 Book →
Standard Entry
Pig Island Snorkeling and Koh Tan Speedboat Adventure
4 hr 30 min★ 4.2✓✓✓✓ €43 Book →

All prices from verified partners. Availability and exact terms confirmed at checkout.

Head to head

Pig Island Private Boat Tour vs Group Tour — Which Is Better?

Private charters offer superior solitude and scheduling freedom, while shared excursions provide a social atmosphere that many travelers find more cost-effective for their Koh Madsum trip. Deciding between a pig island private boat tour and a communal boat ride depends on whether you prioritize personalized pacing or budget-friendly connectivity.

Feature Top pick Private Tour Join-in Group Tour
Exclusivity
Shared space with other passengers
Departure Flexibility
Fixed morning or afternoon slots
Itinerary Control
Pre-set schedule and route
Cost
Lower per-person rate
Boat Comfort
Standard bench seating in shared cabin
Social Environment
Group setting with fellow travelers

Verdict: Choose a pig island private boat tour tickets booking if you desire total privacy, whereas the group option is better for social interaction and those seeking simple pig island private boat tour tours logistics.

How your ticket works

Book Pig Island Private Boat tours in 3 steps

  1. 01

    Book online

    Choose your ticket, select your date, and reserve in under two minutes. Secure checkout handled by our verified partner.

  2. 02

    Receive your mobile voucher

    Instant confirmation by email, with a mobile voucher you can save offline. No printing, no queuing at a collection desk.

  3. 03

    Show & enter

    Arrive at the entrance, show your voucher on your phone, and walk in. Most tickets include priority or skip-the-line access.

Plan your visit

Plan your Pig Island Private Boat visit

Practical details for Pig Island Private Boat tickets straight from our verified partners — hours, access, rules, and how to get there.

Open today · 08:00–17:00
Opening Hours
08:00–17:00
Address
Koh Madsum, Taling Ngam, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani, Thailand
Entry Fee
50 THB (conservation fee, per person)
Best Arrival
08:00–10:30
Storage
Not available on the island; bring a dry bag
Getting There
Private boat from Thong Krut Pier
Mon
08:00–17:00
Tue
08:00–17:00
Wed
08:00–17:00
Thu
08:00–17:00
Fri
08:00–17:00
Sat
08:00–17:00
Sun
08:00–17:00
Main entrance

Thong Krut Pier

South Koh Samui, Taling Ngam

Main departure point for local boat operators

Open in Google Maps
Address
Koh Madsum, Taling Ngam, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani, Thailand
Storage
Not available on the island; bring a dry bag
Getting There
Private boat from Thong Krut Pier

How to get there

🚕
Taxi · 45 min · Fixed price or meter

Direct transfer to Thong Krut Pier is the most convenient method for a pig island private boat tour arrival.

🚴
Bike · 40 min · Budget-friendly

Rent a scooter in Koh Samui for flexible travel to the southern piers.

Dress code

Casual beachwear is appropriate for a pig island private boat tour. Wear a swimsuit under light clothing and consider a rash guard for protection against the sun while snorkeling.

Bags & security

There are no secure lockers at the beach. Bring a waterproof dry bag to protect your electronics, cash, and documents from sea spray during your pig island private boat tour transfer.

Photography

The pigs are a highlight for many, but please avoid using flash, which can startle them. A pig island private boat tour is perfect for capturing the contrast between the white sand and turquoise water.

Accessibility

The beach is sandy and uneven, making navigation difficult for those with limited mobility. Private boat operators for a pig island private boat tour may be able to assist, but shore access is natural and rustic.

Mobile phones

Mobile signal can be intermittent on the island. Keep your phone in a dry bag when boarding or disembarking your pig island private boat tour vessel.

What to bring

  • Cash for entrance fee
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Dry bag

Not allowed

  • Single-use plastics
  • harsh detergents
  • illegal substances
  • unauthorized drone equipment
  • fishing gear
  • glass containers
  • loud speakers
  • pets
  • fireworks
  • open flames

Families & strollers

The island is very popular for families, as the pigs are a major draw for children. Keep a close watch on kids near the animals, especially during feeding time on your pig island private boat tour.

Food & drink

A rustic beach bar provides basic meals and drinks. It is highly recommended to bring extra water and snacks on your pig island private boat tour to stay hydrated in the heat.

Pets

Pets are not permitted on the island to protect the resident pig sanctuary. Please leave domestic animals at your accommodation.

Good to know

The pigs are habituated to humans but remain animals; do not chase them. Feeding should only be done with food approved by island staff during your pig island private boat tour.

Meeting point

Pig Island Private Boat tour meeting point

Thong Krut Pier

South Koh Samui, Taling Ngam

Main departure point for local boat operators

Get directions
Around your visit

Pig Island Private Boat — everything else worth knowing

Best time to go, insider tips, nearby landmarks, and the cancellation fine print — flip through to skim what matters to you.

Best time to visit Pig Island Private Boat

How crowds, weather, and events shift across the year.

Summer

August offers warm, clear water, though afternoon rain showers are possible. Arrive early to beat the crowds.

Winter

Dry season provides the calmest sea conditions for a smooth private boat journey.

Helpful tips for your visit to Pig Island Private Boat

Small details that turn a good visit into a great one.

Avoid Feeding by Hand

Place food on the ground or a tray to prevent accidental bites from excited pigs. This safety measure is essential for every pig island private boat tour visitor.

Respect the Animals

Never chase or harass the piglets. Observe them from a distance to ensure a stress-free experience for the sanctuary residents.

Check Sea Conditions

Rough waters can sometimes delay boat departures. Confirm your pig island private boat tour schedule with your operator the evening before your trip.

Protect Your Gear

Saltwater and sand can damage delicate equipment. Always use a dry bag for cameras and phones during the sea crossing.

Stay Hydrated

The tropical sun is intense by 11:00. Carry at least two bottles of water on your pig island private boat tour to remain comfortable.

Landmarks near Pig Island Private Boat

Non-bookable sights within a short walk — free to visit, easy to pair.

Koh Tan

20 min

A quiet neighbor known for its peaceful, coral-rich snorkeling sites.

Thong Krut Village

0 min

A traditional fishing community that serves as the local gateway for boat travel.

Cancellation policy

Flexible, no hidden fees.

Cancellation terms for a pig island private boat tour vary by operator, but generally require 24–48 hours' notice for a full refund. Entrance fees of 50 THB are typically collected on-site and are non-refundable.

Traveler reviews

Pig Island Private Boat tour reviews

4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
2,400 reviews
48K+ travelers chose this
  • ★★★★★
    "We booked the pig island private boat tour on a still morning and the crossing from Thong Krut took barely twenty minutes. The shallows off Koh Madsum were bath-warm and clear enough to count the ripples in the sand below. Two spotted pot-bellied pigs wandered down to the waterline while we were still pulling off our fins."
    Marcus H. · Germany · 2026-07-14
  • ★★★★★
    "ทัวร์เกาะหมู is busier than it used to be, but our skipper anchored at the far end of the spit where only three other boats sat. The channel between Koh Madsum and Koh Tan had a green tint under the afternoon light. Bring reef shoes, the shell fragments near the palms are sharp underfoot."
    Chalermsri P. · Thailand · 2026-06-02
  • ★★★★
    "The pigs get most of the attention, but the long curve of sand reaching out into the Gulf of Thailand was what I kept photographing. Our longtail was small enough to beach directly rather than wade in from a mooring. One gripe: there is very little shade once you step away from the treeline."
    Emily R. · United States · 2026-05-21
  • ★★★★★
    "A private charter meant we could stay snorkelling along the coral edge long after the group boats had pulled away. The pig island private boat tour tickets we arranged included masks that actually fit, which I did not expect. Water temperature felt close to a warm bath by midday."
    Takeshi N. · Japan · 2026-08-03
  • ★★★★★
    "Koh Madsum is smaller than the photos suggest, and you can walk the whole beach in about fifteen minutes. Half a dozen pigs, some of them enormous, came trotting over the moment the engine cut. The sound of that longtail engine echoing off the treeline is something I still remember."
    Sofia M. · Spain · 2026-04-11
  • ★★★★★
    "We compared a few pig island private boat tour tours before choosing one with a covered speedboat, which mattered under the midday sun. Coconut palms lean right over the sand at the northern end and make a decent windbreak. The sea was glassy the whole way back toward Koh Samui."
    Lucas F. · Brazil · 2026-03-08
  • ★★★★
    "Six of us had the boat to ourselves and the skipper adjusted the route to add a stop off Koh Tan. Visibility while snorkelling was moderate, maybe four metres, though there were plenty of fish around the rocks. The pigs are thoroughly habituated and will nose at any bag left on the sand."
    Anneke V. · Netherlands · 2025-11-19
  • ★★★★★
    "Our pig island private boat tour left from Thong Krut pier and the water stayed waist-deep for what felt like fifty metres out. My daughter spent the entire visit in the shallows watching small silver fish circle her ankles. Glare off the white sand is intense, so polarised sunglasses helped a lot."
    Priya S. · India · 2026-07-29
  • ★★★
    "The island itself is lovely, but there were nine or ten boats moored when we arrived and the beach felt tight. A Koh Samui pig island tour is still worth doing, just adjust expectations about having sand to yourself. The animals looked healthy and well fed, at least."
    Daniel K. · Australia · 2025-06-15
  • ★★★★★
    "We stayed until the light turned amber and the Gulf went completely flat. The Koh Madsum sandbar had nearly emptied by then and the pigs had retreated into palm shade. Our skipper cut the engine twice on the return so we could simply drift."
    Claire B. · France · 2026-02-27
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Where to stay

Hotels & districts near Pig Island Private Boat

Hand-picked options within walking distance — pick a district for vibe, or a specific hotel for convenience.

The Treasure Koh Madsum

0 min
luxury

The only resort located directly on the island for an overnight stay.

Pig Island Private Boat Tour Essentials
About

Pig Island Private Boat Tour Essentials

Koh Madsum measures barely 500 metres across at its widest point, yet it draws more day visitors than islands ten times its size. The pigs came first as livestock. Local families kept them loose on the sand in the 2000s, and the animals learned to wade. Photographs travelled faster than the boats did.

Read more

By the mid-2010s the island had acquired an English nickname it has never shed, and the pig island private boat tour became the standard way to reach it.

The island sits roughly three kilometres off the southern shore of Koh Samui, within Taling Ngam subdistrict, Surat Thani province. Its neighbour, Koh Tan, lies a short crossing further south and is usually paired on the same charter. Longtail boats — narrow hulls fitted with an exposed automotive engine on a pivoting shaft — remain the working vessels here. They draw very little water, which matters: the reef flat off Koh Madsum's northern beach is shallow enough that larger craft must anchor well out. Operators run a koh samui pig island private longtail boat tour from Thong Krut and Bang Rak, and a private boat tour pig island koh samui itinerary typically adds a snorkelling stop over the hard coral shelf between the two islands.

What holds attention beyond the animals is the geology. A sandbar rises from the channel at low tide, linking beach to shoal in a pale seam that vanishes again within hours. Casuarina and coconut fringe the shore. Rock oysters cluster on the granite at the eastern point.

Management has tightened. A 50 THB conservation fee, per person, funds waste removal and animal welfare on an island with no permanent village. Access runs 08:00–17:00 daily. Prospective visitors researching how much does it cost to go to pig island will find the fee itself modest; the charter is the variable. A pig island private longtail boat trip from koh samui is priced by boat, not by head, which is why small groups favour it. Confusion persists online with the Bahamian island of the same nickname — travellers asking how long is the boat ride from nassau to pig island are looking at a different archipelago entirely. Koh Madsum's crossing is measured in minutes, not hours, and pig island private boat tour tours have made that short passage one of the most photographed in the Gulf of Thailand.

"A sandbar rises from the channel at low tide, linking beach to shoal in a pale seam that vanishes again within hours."
Your experience

What a Pig Island Private Boat tour day looks like

A step-by-step walkthrough of Pig Island Private Boat tickets — what you'll see, how long each stage takes, and the details that matter.

You leave the pier while the water is still glassy. The engine drops, the propeller shaft bites, and the hull settles into a low wake. The crossing is short — you are watching the green wall of Koh Samui's south coast recede for perhaps twenty minutes before the boatman cuts power and drifts toward pale sand.

Read more

You step off into shin-deep water. Sandals in hand, you cross the tideline and pay the 50 THB conservation fee at the shore desk. The pigs are already awake. Some lie in the shade under the casuarinas; two or three wade out to meet the boat, snouts up, entirely unbothered by you. You feed them the sliced watermelon your crew brought, hold it low, and let go early.

By mid-morning you have walked the length of the northern beach, found the sandbar reaching toward Koh Tan, and stood on it while the water closes in around your ankles. You swim off the reef flat, mask on, over staghorn coral and sergeant majors. Your private boat tour to pig island includes the second island, so you reboard, cross the channel, and snorkel again in deeper blue.

You are back on the sand by early afternoon. The engine turns over. You leave with salt drying on your shoulders and the island shrinking behind the stern.

Your experience at Pig Island Private Boat Tour
Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about pig island private boat tour tours

What are the opening hours for a pig island private boat tour?

The island is open daily from 08:00–17:00. Most operators align their pig island private boat tour schedules with these hours.

Is the pig island private boat tour accessible for kids?

Yes, it is very family-friendly, but children should be supervised around the pigs during any pig island private boat tour.

How much is the entrance fee for pig island private boat tour tickets?

The entrance fee is 50 THB (conservation fee, per person), which helps maintain the island facilities during your pig island private boat tour.

What should I bring on a pig island private boat tour?

Bring sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, a dry bag for electronics, and cash for the 50 THB entrance fee on your pig island private boat tour.

Can I book a private pig island private boat tour?

Yes, private charters are the most flexible way to enjoy the island, allowing you to customize your pig island private boat tour itinerary.

Are the pigs safe to interact with on a pig island private boat tour?

The pigs are generally friendly but can be pushy for food; always place food on the ground instead of feeding by hand on a pig island private boat tour.

What is the best arrival window for a pig island private boat tour?

We recommend arriving between 08:00–10:30 to avoid mid-day heat and large crowds during your pig island private boat tour.

How do I get to the start of my pig island private boat tour?

Most tours depart from Thong Krut Pier in the south of Koh Samui for your pig island private boat tour.

What happens if the weather is bad for my pig island private boat tour?

Operators typically offer rescheduling or refunds if high winds or rough seas cancel your planned pig island private boat tour.

Keep exploring

More Pig Island Private Boat tours & experiences

Nearby cities & day trips
Koh Samui
Main transport hub for island boat departures