Bestseller
Private
Private
Last updated 25 October 2026 · By the Pig Island Samui team
Pig Island (Koh Madsum), off the south-west coast of Koh Samui, works well for families. The crossing is short, the beach is shallow and the pigs are calm. For babies and toddlers, choose a private longtail. Older children are fine on a speedboat. Go in the morning for cooler sand and easier naps.
Which boat suits which age?
All our trips leave from the south of Koh Samui, usually Thong Krut pier. The crossing to Koh Madsum takes about 15–30 minutes by longtail and less by speedboat. That short ride is the main reason the trip suits children.
The boat matters more than the island. A longtail is slower and sits low in the water, so it rides the swell gently. A speedboat is quicker but it bumps, especially at the front. Here is how we match boats to ages:
| Age | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 | Ask us first | We check the sea forecast for your date and suggest a calm slot on a private longtail. |
| 1–4 years | Private longtail | Gentle ride, your own pace, and you can stop for a nap or a snack whenever you like. |
| 5–10 years | Longtail or speedboat tour | Most children this age enjoy the speed. Sit at the back, where the ride is smoother. |
| 11 and over | Any tour | Teenagers often prefer the speedboat or the sunset trip. Jet ski passengers must be 8 or older. |
Private boats cost per boat, not per person. A private longtail for Koh Madsum and Koh Tan is 5,950 THB, which often beats shared seats for a family of four or five. See all options on our private boat page.
Do you have life jackets for children?
Yes. Every boat carries life jackets, and we strongly ask that children wear one on every crossing. Small children and babies need the right size to be safe. Ask us to confirm child sizes for your date when you book, so the right jackets are on board.
If your child is under about 3, or very small for their age, you may want to bring your own infant jacket from home. It will fit better, and your child will already be used to it.
Is there shade and food for children?
Koh Madsum has a beach restaurant and bar with shaded seating. There are also trees at the back of the beach. Facilities are basic, so do not expect changing tables or a kids’ menu.
Lunch or dinner is included on our tours. The small-group longtail tour eats on Koh Tan, at a beach restaurant. Thai food can be spicy, so tell us in advance if you need mild dishes. Fried rice, plain noodles, chicken and fruit are usually easy wins with children. Pack your own snacks for the boat.
Morning or afternoon: which fits nap time?
Most families with small children pick the morning. Pickup on the small-group longtail is around 08:15 and you are back by about 14:00. The sand is cooler, the light is softer and the sea is often calmer. Many toddlers then sleep in the car on the way home.
The sunset tour collects you between 13:00 and 14:30 and returns in the evening. It suits older children who no longer nap. With a toddler, it can run into bedtime. Private boats offer both 08:30 and 14:00 pickups, so you can fit the trip around your child.
The season matters too. October to December is Samui’s wettest period, and seas can be choppy. January to April is usually driest and calmest. Read more in our guide to the best time to visit Pig Island.
How do children stay safe around the pigs?
The pigs on Koh Madsum are used to people, and most of the time they doze in the shade. They are still animals, not toys. Pigs can push or nip when they smell food, and piglets have protective mothers. A few simple rules keep everyone safe:
- Hold small children’s hands on the beach and stay close.
- Never pick up, chase, ride or corner a pig or piglet.
- Keep sandwiches and snacks in a closed bag near the pigs.
- Only feed what the guide approves, and only when the guide says so.
- Give mothers with piglets plenty of space.
- Wash hands, or use hand gel, after touching any animal and before eating.
There are dogs on the island too. Most ignore visitors, but teach children not to approach them. If you want to know more about how the animals live, read are the pigs well treated?
Can children snorkel at Koh Tan?
Yes. Our tours stop at Koh Tan, next to Koh Madsum, where a shallow reef sits close to the beach. Many children see their first reef fish here. Snorkel gear is included on the speedboat tour. Child-size masks are worth confirming when you book.
Keep it safe and short. Young children should wear a life jacket or float while snorkelling, with an adult beside them. Do not stand on the coral; it cuts feet and kills the reef. Reef shoes help. If the water is choppy, a kayak or beach play is a fine alternative. Read our Koh Tan guide for the snorkel spots.
What should we pack for a family day?
- Reef-safe sunscreen, sun hats and rash vests for every child
- Your own infant life jacket if your child is very small
- Reef shoes or water sandals
- Two towels each and a full change of dry clothes
- Snacks, plus a refillable water bottle per person
- Hand gel and wet wipes
- Nappies, swim nappies and a sealable bag for used ones
- Motion-sickness remedy, checked with your doctor or pharmacist for age
- Cash for the island fee: about 50 THB per person, paid on the island (last checked October 2026)
- A dry bag for phones and spare clothes
The island fee is included on some tours and not others. Check each tour on our Pig Island price guide.
