If you’re planning a day out on the water around Koh Samui, you’ll find this Dolphin Watching, Tan and Pig Island tour offers a blend of nature, wildlife, and island fun. It’s a popular choice for travelers who want a mix of marine encounters, relaxing beaches, and charming animal interactions—all packed into roughly five hours. While it’s not without its hiccups, the experience provides some genuine highlights worth considering.
What we really appreciate about this trip is the opportunity to see wild dolphins in their natural habitat—a rare treat that many tours only promise but don’t always deliver. The delicious buffet lunch and friendly guides also stand out, making this a well-rounded day for families, couples, or groups seeking a bit of everything.
A notable consideration is the choppy boat ride, which can be uncomfortable for some, and the additional entry fee at the dock that might catch travelers off guard. If you’re prepared for a lively sea trip and are keen on wildlife and island hopping, this tour offers a solid value with lots of authentic moments. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a mix of adventure, relaxation, and wildlife sightings without the fuss.
Key Points
- Wildlife Encounters: Chances to see dolphins in their natural environment and interact with free-roaming pigs.
- Scenic Boat Ride: Speedboat transportation offers impressive views, but can be choppy.
- Island Hopping: Includes stops at New Beach, Tan Island for snorkeling, and Pig Island for animal fun.
- Inclusive Meal: Buffet lunch and seasonal fruit provide good value and convenience.
- Transfers Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off from multiple Koh Samui locations.
- Mixed Reviews: Some travelers loved the overall experience, while others were disappointed by missed dolphin sightings or extra fees.
Contents
- Key Points
- An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary
- Starting Point and Pickup
- Stop 1: New Beach and Dolphin Spotting
- Stop 2: Tan Island for Snorkeling
- Stop 3: Pig Island’s Playful Pigs
- The Lunch and Return
- Transportation, Group Size, and Overall Value
- What Travelers Are Saying
- Practical Tips for Travelers
- Is This Tour Right for You?
- More Tours in Surat Thani
- More Tour Reviews in Surat Thani
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Surat Thani we have recnetly reviewed
An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Surat Thani.
Starting Point and Pickup
The tour begins bright and early at 8:00 am at Raja Ferry Pier, with the pickup service covering most of Koh Samui’s popular areas including Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, and more. This convenience means you won’t have to worry about making your way to the pier; just sit back and relax as the friendly staff handles the logistics.
Stop 1: New Beach and Dolphin Spotting
Once aboard your speedboat, you’ll cruise to an area where dolphins are often spotted. This is a highlight for wildlife lovers—watching these intelligent creatures glide through the waves is memorable. While no guarantees exist, the guides do their best to find dolphins without disturbing their natural rhythm, which many appreciate.
Here, you’ll also relax on New Beach, known for its calm, clear waters. You can soak up the sun, take photos, or just enjoy the peaceful scenery. A simple, yet effective way to start your day, especially since the lunch is served right on the beach.
Stop 2: Tan Island for Snorkeling
Next, the journey takes you to Koh Tan, a snorkeling paradise. The vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life make this stop worthwhile. The provided snorkeling equipment and life jackets make it accessible, even for those new to snorkeling.
Multiple reviews mention the swim here as a highlight, with one noting it’s “a snorkeling haven with colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life.” Expect to see schools of tropical fish swimming among the coral—an authentic, colorful underwater spectacle. Just be aware that the boat ride here can be rough, so pack accordingly if you’re prone to seasickness.
Stop 3: Pig Island’s Playful Pigs
Your final stop is the famous Pig Island. The friendly, free-roaming pigs have become a well-loved feature of this tour. They trot along the shoreline, wade in shallow waters, and often interact with visitors—an experience many find adorable and charming.
One reviewer called it “lovely seeing the pigs roam freely,” highlighting how unpredictable and fun this encounter can be. The duration on Pig Island is generally about an hour, giving plenty of time for photos and animal interaction before heading back.
The Lunch and Return
Back on the boat, you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch with seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and bottled water—much appreciated by travelers who value a hearty meal after a busy morning. The food is generally well-reviewed, with one reviewer describing it as “very good.”
The return trip offers more scenic views and a chance to relax, with the whole experience wrapping up back at the starting point by around 1 pm to 2 pm, depending on conditions.
Transportation, Group Size, and Overall Value
A significant advantage is the round-trip transfer included, making logistics hassle-free. The tour accommodates a maximum of 45 travelers, but reviews suggest it’s often a smaller group, which enhances the experience.
The cost of $67.38 per person provides decent value considering the inclusions—the boat ride, lunch, snorkeling gear, and wildlife encounters. It’s a good price point for a day filled with diverse activities, although the extra THB50 entrance fee at the dock is worth noting.
What Travelers Are Saying
Most reviews are positive, praising the knowledgeable guides and the delicious lunch. One reviewer said, “The guides really try to find the dolphins and do not lure them,” emphasizing a respectful approach toward wildlife.
However, not all experiences went as planned. A few travelers mentioned missed dolphin sightings, often due to choppy seas, which reminds us that wildlife encounters are never guaranteed. Some were disappointed with the additional fee for entrance at the dock, which wasn’t included in the initial price, so budget accordingly.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Prepare for the boat ride: It can be bumpy, especially if the weather is windy, so consider taking seasickness remedies if needed.
- Bring sun protection: Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses will make your day more comfortable, especially on the beach stops.
- Check the weather: The tour is weather-dependent, and poor conditions might cause cancellations or alter the itinerary.
- Arrive early: To maximize your day, be ready for pickup at the designated time.
- Manage expectations: Dolphins are wild; sightings depend on luck, but the wildlife on Pig Island and the snorkeling are usually guaranteed highlights.
Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui
“Very nice trip with a relatively small group. Food was very good. Soft drinks (only water) are not included, although it’s metioned. The guides r…”
Is This Tour Right for You?
If you love wildlife, enjoy marine activities, and want a mix of relaxation and adventure, this trip offers a compelling package. Families with kids tend to enjoy the animal encounters and gentle snorkeling, while couples can appreciate the scenic boat rides and shared moments on the beach.
However, if seasickness or strict schedules don’t suit you, or if you’re not comfortable with additional fees, you might want to explore other options. The tours are not suitable for large cruise ship visitors or those with mobility issues, so plan accordingly.
This Koh Samui tour provides a lively, diverse experience that balances wildlife spotting, island scenery, and delicious food. It’s a solid choice for those seeking an active day out without breaking the bank. The chance to see dolphins in the wild, interact with free-ranging pigs, and snorkel among vibrant reefs makes for a memorable outing—especially if the weather cooperates.
While the boat ride can be choppy and there’s an extra fee at the dock, most travelers find the overall value and authenticity make it worthwhile. It’s particularly suited for those eager to experience the natural beauty and quirky charm of Koh Samui’s surrounding islands.
Are hotel pickups included? Yes, the tour offers round-trip transfers from most Koh Samui locations, including Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, and others.
What is the duration of the tour? It lasts approximately five hours, starting at 8:00 am and returning around mid-afternoon.
Can children join? Yes, children aged 0-4 can join for free. Most travelers consider the tour suitable for families, but pregnant women and those over 75 are advised against participating.
Is snorkeling equipment provided? Yes, snorkeling gear and life jackets are included, making it accessible for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.
How much does the entrance fee at the dock cost? It’s THB50 per person and is paid directly at the dock, which is not included in the tour price.
What if I don’t see dolphins? Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed since they are wild animals. The guides do their best to find them, but weather and luck play a role.
Is there a vegetarian or special diet option? The tour caters to all dietary requirements and food allergies, ensuring everyone can enjoy the buffet lunch.
What happens if the weather is bad? The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This tour from Koh Samui offers a lively mix of wildlife, scenic beaches, and island charm, making it a worthwhile option for travelers eager to experience the area’s marine and animal life. It’s a balanced adventure that, with a little luck, can create memorable moments for all ages.
