- A pig island Koh Samui boat trip usually combines Koh Madsum (Pig Island) with Koh Tan, and often Koh Rap, in a single half or full day.
- Island entrance fees are paid locally and are not part of the boat price: ฿50 per person on Koh Madsum and ฿50 per person on Koh Rap.
- Long-tail boats from THB 3,000 and speedboats, catamarans or motor yachts from around THB 30,000 all run this route, with very different comfort levels.
- Morning departures tend to have calmer water and fewer boats on Pig Beach; afternoon trips often end with a sunset on the way back.
- Feeding the pigs is part of the fun but should be done in moderation, with the food provided for the purpose rather than sugary snacks from the convenience store.
The pigs wade into the shallows the moment they hear an engine, because to them a boat means breakfast. Some guests laugh out loud the first time a 60kg pig swims past their legs; others hang back on the beach with a camera, which is also a perfectly good way to enjoy it. Either way, a pig island Koh Samui boat trip is one of the simplest and most reliable outings from Samui: short crossing, warm shallow water, and an island that delivers exactly what the name promises.
This guide walks through how the day is structured, what the pigs situation actually looks like up close, what the entrance fees cover, and which type of boat suits which kind of group. It is not a hard trip to get right, but there are a few choices, morning or afternoon, long-tail or something faster, that change the day more than people expect.
What is Koh Madsum, and why is it called Pig Island?
Koh Madsum is a small island south of Koh Samui that has become known internationally as Pig Island, simply because a family of pigs lives and swims on its main beach. Nobody designed this as a tourist attraction; the pigs were kept there originally and over time became the island's main draw, alongside a stretch of fine white sand and clear water.
The island itself is modest: one beach that matters, a bit of shade from the treeline, and calm, shallow water that is good for both swimming and a short snorkel. It sits close to Koh Tan, which has better coral and a longer beach, so almost every itinerary visits both on the same day rather than choosing one or the other.
Koh Rap is the third, quieter island often added to the route. It has less of a "sight" to see than the pigs, but the snorkelling along its reef edge can be the best of the three, and it tends to have fewer boats anchored off it on a busy day. If your main goal is photos with the pigs, Koh Madsum is the stop that matters; if it is the reef, build in time at Koh Tan or Koh Rap too.
Pig island Koh Samui boat trip: how the day is structured
Most operators run this as a half day of about four hours or a full day of six to eight hours, starting from either the north or south side of Koh Samui depending on the boat. A typical half day covers Koh Tan and Koh Madsum with a stop for swimming and snorkelling at each; a full day adds Koh Rap and gives more time on the beach rather than rushing between stops.
The order of stops varies by boat and by sea conditions on the day, but the shape of it is consistent: a short run out, an hour or so at the first island, a slightly longer stop at Koh Madsum for the pigs and a swim, then either a third island or a relaxed cruise back. Lunch, where it is included, is usually served on board or set up as a beach picnic rather than at a restaurant, since none of these islands has real infrastructure.
What catches first-timers off guard is how close everything is. These are not Ang Thong-style long crossings; the islands sit a short run from Samui's south coast, which is exactly why a half day is often enough for travellers who want a swim and the pig photos without giving up a whole day of their trip. If you also want time for proper snorkelling or want to add Koh Rap without feeling rushed, go for the full day instead.
Morning or afternoon: which is better?
Morning departures generally mean calmer water, since the sea tends to build through the day, and fewer boats anchored at Pig Beach, which matters if you want space for photos without ten other groups in the frame. Many of the half-day morning slots run from around 9:00 to 13:00, getting you back on dry land in time for a late lunch on Samui.
Afternoon departures have their own appeal: the light is softer for photos, the worst of the midday heat has passed, and on a clear day the ride back can turn into an impromptu sunset cruise. Several catamaran operators schedule their afternoon half day specifically so the return leg lines up with the light.
There is no wrong answer here, it depends on what you want more: the quieter beach in the morning or the nicer light and cooler air later on. Families with small children often prefer the morning, before the heat and any tiredness set in; couples and photography-minded travellers tend to lean toward the afternoon slot.
What do the island fees actually cover?
Every boat on this route charges separately for island entrance, and it is worth knowing the numbers before you go so there are no surprises on the beach. The entrance fee to Koh Madsum is ฿50 per person, and Koh Rap charges its own ฿50 per person, both paid locally and not included in any boat's quoted price.
These are small, flat fees per island, not percentages or anything tied to the size of your charter, so a family of four pays the same per head as a couple. Koh Tan itself does not carry a separate entrance fee in the way Koh Madsum and Koh Rap do, so the main costs to plan for are the two island fees plus whatever the boat itself charges.
- Koh Madsum (Pig Island) entrance: ฿50 per person
- Koh Rap entrance: ฿50 per person
- Both fees are paid on the day, locally, not through the boat booking
It is a good habit to bring small baht notes for this, since change on a beach kiosk is not always available. None of this is expensive in the scheme of a day out, but guests are sometimes caught off guard expecting everything to be bundled into the charter price, so it is worth mentioning to your group in advance.
Which boats run the Koh Madsum, Koh Tan and Koh Rap route?
This is one of the few routes that genuinely works on every type of boat, from a traditional long-tail to a large sailing catamaran, which is part of why it is such a popular first trip for visitors to Samui. The right choice comes down to budget, group size, and how much you care about comfort versus authenticity.
A long-tail boat is the simplest and cheapest way to do this route: no cabins, no fuss, just a traditional wooden boat, a captain, and a slow, breezy ride along the south coast of Samui. It suits travellers who want the experience to feel local rather than polished, and who do not mind a more basic boat in exchange for a lower price and an honest, unhurried pace. The Luxury Long-tail Boat runs the identical route and timing but adds cold drinks and fresh fruit on board, a small step up for not much more money.
Sailing catamarans are the other natural fit for this route, since the islands sit close together and a catamaran gives shade, a toilet on board, and room to spread out, which matters on a hot day with a mixed group. Vickey and Victoria are smaller catamarans well suited to couples or small groups who want a relaxed pace without paying for a boat built for twenty. Nina and Scarlet add a water slide on their longer programs, which, in our experience, is what turns a good trip into a trip that kids and adults both talk about afterwards.
For bigger groups, celebrations, or anyone who wants real service alongside the pigs and the swimming, Blue Coco and Coco Paradise bring a butler, a proper beach picnic and more cabin space, while Serenity scales up further for groups that need a genuinely large boat. None of this is necessary to enjoy Pig Island, the pigs do not care what you arrived on, but it changes how the hours around the pig-watching feel.
Speedboats and motor yachts: when they make more sense
If your plan is to combine Pig Island with a longer day, say adding a look around Koh Phangan or simply covering ground faster to fit in more swimming time, a speedboat is the better tool. Speedboats cover the same islands in a fraction of the time a long-tail needs, which means more time in the water and less time travelling, at the cost of the slower, breezier charm of a wooden boat.
A motor yacht sits between the two: more comfortable than a speedboat, faster than a sailing catamaran, with a flybridge and real cabins for groups who want a touch of luxury without going as large as a superyacht-style charter. These tend to suit couples celebrating an occasion, or small groups who want lunch served properly rather than handed around in boxes.
| Boat type | Best for | Feel of the day |
|---|---|---|
| Long-tail boat | Budget trips, small groups, a local feel | Slow, breezy, simple |
| Speedboat | Groups wanting more islands or more time swimming | Fast, efficient, less shade |
| Sailing catamaran | Families, groups wanting shade and space | Relaxed, social, room to spread out |
| Motor yacht | Couples, celebrations, higher comfort | Smooth, more service, cabins on board |
Whichever type you choose, this route rarely needs a long-range boat or an overnight setup; it is a day trip by design. If you are weighing a speedboat against a catamaran for this or any other route, the catamaran or speedboat comparison goes into the trade-offs in more depth.
Feeding the pigs responsibly
Feeding the pigs is one of the main reasons people come, and it is genuinely fun, but it is worth doing with a bit of care for the animals' sake. Bring or use only the food provided or recommended for the pigs, rather than sugary snacks, bread, or leftovers from your own cooler, since the pigs' diet is not built for processed food and too much of it is bad for them.
The pigs are used to boats and will swim straight out to meet you, which is part of the spectacle, but it also means they can get a lot of food across a busy day from many different boats. A little restraint from each group keeps the island sustainable and the pigs healthier long term; one or two pieces of fruit or a handful of approved feed per person is plenty.
- Use the food provided or suggested for feeding, not your own snacks
- Do not chase or corner the pigs for a photo; let them approach
- Keep feeding light, especially if multiple boats are at the island the same day
- Watch children closely in the water near the pigs, who are gentle but large
None of this takes away from the fun. It just means the island stays in good shape for the next boatload of guests, and the pigs stay the healthy, curious animals that made the island famous in the first place.
What else to plan around this trip
Because Koh Madsum, Koh Tan and Koh Rap sit close to Samui's south coast, this route pairs naturally with other short stops if you book a full day rather than a half day. Some boats extend the day toward Koh Phangan for guests who want a second island with a different character, or keep the whole day local and unhurried around the three southern islands.
It is worth noting this route is separate from a trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park, which lies in the opposite direction and needs a full day on its own; do not try to combine the two in a single charter. If budget is the main question on your mind rather than route, the price guide by boat lays out what a full day costs across every boat type on the island.
Weather is the other variable worth a mention. From around November to January the north-east monsoon can roughen the Gulf of Thailand, and on those days operators sometimes shorten the route or swap Koh Rap for calmer water closer to Koh Tan. It rarely cancels the trip outright given how sheltered these southern islands are compared with a longer crossing, but it is worth asking when you book if you are travelling in that window.
Booking a pig island Koh Samui boat trip
Decide first on half day or full day, since that choice does more to shape the trip than the boat type itself. A half day suits anyone short on time or travelling with young children; a full day suits groups who want to add Koh Rap properly or simply want more hours in the water without feeling rushed between stops.
From there, match the boat to your group: a long-tail or small catamaran for a couple or a handful of friends, a larger catamaran for families or groups of eight to fifteen, and a speedboat or motor yacht if comfort or extra range matters more than budget. Every boat on this route is chartered privately, for your group alone, so the itinerary and pace adjust to what you actually want on the day.
Send a date, group size and preferred boat type through the booking form on any boat page on chartersamui.com, and a manager will confirm availability and the final price before anything is paid.
Questions and answers
How long does a trip to Pig Island take?
Most half-day trips run around four hours, enough for Koh Tan and Koh Madsum with time to swim and feed the pigs. A full day of six to eight hours usually adds Koh Rap and gives more relaxed time at each stop.
Can you swim with the pigs?
Yes, the pigs swim out into the shallows on their own and many guests get in the water near them, though standing on the beach and watching is just as popular. Keep movements calm and let the pigs approach rather than chasing them.
Is Koh Madsum good for young children?
It generally is, since the water is shallow and calm and the pigs are used to people, but an adult should always handle feeding and stay close to small children in the water. A morning departure, before the heat builds, tends to work best for families.
Do I need to pay extra once I get to the island?
Yes, the entrance fee to Koh Madsum is ฿50 per person and Koh Rap charges its own ฿50 per person, both paid locally and separate from the boat charter price. It is worth carrying small baht notes for this.
Is Koh Tan worth visiting if the pigs are the main draw?
Yes, Koh Tan has a longer beach and better coral for snorkelling than Koh Madsum, so most itineraries treat it as an equal stop rather than a quick add-on. Skipping it to save time usually means missing the best snorkelling of the day.
What is the difference between the standard and luxury long-tail boat?
Both run the same route and timing from Thong Krut Pier, but the Luxury Long-tail Boat includes cold drinks and fresh fruit on board as part of the price. The standard version is the cheaper option for travellers who do not need that extra service.
Can this trip be combined with Ang Thong Marine Park?
No, Ang Thong lies in a different direction and needs its own full day, so it is booked as a separate charter rather than combined with Koh Madsum and Koh Tan. Trying to fit both into one day would mean very little time at either.
What happens if the sea is rough on the day of the trip?
Conditions here are usually mild since the islands sit close to Samui's sheltered south coast, but during the north-east monsoon from around November to January the route can be shortened or adjusted. The decision is made on the day based on conditions and safety.
Ready to choose your boat?
Every boat page shows the routes, prices and what is included. The booking request is free: a manager checks the boat is free on your date and confirms the price.
Updated 23 October 2026. Prices can change: the boat page always shows the current price.
