Pink Dolphin Spotting & Pig Island Speedboat Tour Koh Samui

Thong Krut Pier

Thong Krut is a small fishing village on the south-west coast of Koh Samui, with a sandy shoreline lined with longtail boats and a view straight across to Koh Tan and Koh Madsum. It is the departure point for most boat trips to the southern islands, and our van brings you here from your hotel, with pickup windows between about 7:40 and 8:40 depending on your area.

From the pier the speedboat crosses the open water towards the mainland in about 45 minutes. Sit near the back of the boat if you prefer a smoother ride, and keep your camera ready – flying fish and sea birds often appear during the crossing on calm mornings.

Pink Dolphins of Khanom

The waters off Khanom, on the mainland coast of Nakhon Si Thammarat province opposite Koh Samui, are known for a resident population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. Young animals are grey, but as they grow older their skin turns pale pink, which is why people call them pink dolphins. They often feed near the shore in small groups, surfacing slowly with a distinctive hump below the dorsal fin.

The boat spends about 30 minutes in the sighting area, keeping a respectful distance and letting the dolphins come and go naturally. Sightings depend on nature and are never guaranteed, but this coast is one of the best places in Thailand to see them, and a pink dolphin tour from Koh Samui is the easiest way to get here.

Koh Tan Coral Reef

Koh Tan, also written Koh Taen, is a quiet island just south of Koh Samui with a few small settlements, coconut groves and a large fringing reef. The snorkelling stop lasts about 45 minutes and is suitable for beginners: the reef sits in shallow, protected water, and the guide hands out masks and helps anyone who needs support.

Look for giant clams with blue and green lips, brain and branching corals, parrotfish, sergeant majors and shoals of small silver fish. The visibility is best on calm days in the dry season. Koh Tan is also one of the most popular Koh Samui snorkelling spots because it is so close to the main island.

Koh Madsum – Pig Island

Koh Madsum sits right next to Koh Tan and is known to every visitor as Pig Island. Its wide beach of white sand and clear turquoise shallows is backed by palms and casuarina trees, and a group of pigs lives freely on the island, wandering along the waterline and resting in the shade. The stop lasts about an hour with time to walk, swim and snorkel.

Pig Island is one of the most photographed places near Koh Samui, and the guide shows you the best corners of the beach. An island entry fee is paid in cash on the day. Please give the pigs space and do not chase them; they are calm when visitors stay relaxed.

Beach Lunch on the Mainland Coast

During the day the group stops for a buffet lunch on a beach on the mainland coast, a quieter stretch of sand than the busy beaches of Koh Samui. The meal is served with seasonal fresh fruit and drinking water, giving you a relaxed break between the dolphin watching and the island stops.

Bring a hat and sunscreen for the beach, and some cash if you want extra snacks or drinks. After the final stop the speedboat returns to Thong Krut, about 30 minutes across, and the van drops you back at your hotel in the afternoon after roughly 6 hours, with plenty of time left to rest by the pool or explore your beach in the evening.