Koh Madsum (pig island) Koh Ten, Five island Tour

The main draw here is simple: you get a private yacht day around Koh Samui instead of being packed onto a large excursion boat. The route combines Five Islands views, a stop at Koh Madsum, snorkeling near Koh Tan, island hopping, and a sunset return with canapes and Prosecco.

I like the generous food-and-drink package, and I like that the boat has a restroom, snorkeling equipment, and private transfers. Captain Lucas and hostess Nok are named in the service feedback, with particular praise for attentive care, birthday arrangements, cake, and polished hosting. The main caution is the price: at $1,464.84 per group of up to six, this makes the most sense when shared by a full group. Also, the description calls this a two-day, one-night sailing experience, while the detailed schedule runs from about 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Confirm the exact format before paying.

Key points to know before booking

• A private yacht for up to six people: The price is per group, so the cost per person drops sharply when six people share it.
• A full route around Koh Samui’s southern islands: The schedule includes Five Islands, Koh Madsum, Koh Tan, and additional island stops.
• Food and drinks are built in: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, alcoholic beverages, an open bar, canapes, and Prosecco are listed as included.
• Snorkeling is part of the day: Equipment is provided, with snorkeling planned at Koh Tan.
• Private transport keeps the morning easy: Pickup from your resort to Bophut Beach and return transport are included.
• Check the duration carefully: The promotional description mentions two days and one night, but the timed program describes a single long day.

A private yacht day instead of a crowded island cruise

The Independence is designed for a small private party, not a large boatload of strangers. That difference matters. You can spend the day with family, friends, or a partner, and the setting should feel more personal than a standard island-hopping boat with a fixed crowd and loud announcements.

The listed price is $1,464.84 for up to six people. For two people, that is a costly day at sea. For six, it works out to about $244 per person before any changes in local pricing. Since transportation, food, drinks, snorkeling gear, fees, and a restroom are included, you are paying for convenience and privacy as much as for the islands themselves.

The service has a celebration-friendly feel. A birthday group received attentive care and a cake, while another booking marked a five-year anniversary. Those details suggest that the crew can help shape the day around an occasion, though you should arrange any special requests in advance rather than assume they are automatic.

The boat is associated with Captain Lucas, who is described as the captain and owner, and Nok, who is praised for her hosting. The service has also been described as professional and attentive, with food treated as a central part of the experience rather than an afterthought.

7:30 a.m. pickup and the run to Koh Tan

Your morning begins with a transfer from your resort to Bophut Beach between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. The boat is scheduled to leave at 8:00 a.m. This is useful if you do not want to arrange a taxi or find a marina on your own.

A prompt start matters because the program is packed. From Bophut, the yacht sails toward Koh Tan, with the first major scenic stop listed at around 10:15 a.m. You will want to be ready for a long day. Bring sun protection, a hat, and something light to wear over swimwear, although the provided information does not specify what personal items are supplied.

The early sailing is part of the appeal. You are not simply being driven from one beach to another. The boat itself is the setting, and the hours between stops give you time to sit, eat, talk, and watch the islands pass. If you want constant activity, the pace may feel slow at times. If you enjoy being on the water, that slower rhythm is one of the best reasons to choose a yacht charter.

Five Islands views at 10:15 a.m.

The itinerary lists Five Islands views at about 10:15 a.m. This is a scenic stop rather than a clearly described landing, so do not book expecting a long walk ashore here. The value is in seeing the island group from the water and taking photographs from the yacht.

This part of the route helps break up the morning sail. You get a view of smaller islands before the more hands-on stop at Koh Madsum. The exact time spent at the Five Islands is not given, so the captain may adjust the stop to suit sea conditions and the day’s pace.

For photographers, the boat provides a useful angle that a beach visit cannot. You can frame the islands from offshore, with open water around you. Just keep expectations realistic: the published schedule promises views, not a guided tour or a shore excursion.

Koh Madsum, also called Pig Island

Around 11:30 a.m., the yacht reaches Koh Madsum, widely known as Pig Island. The nickname is the reason many people choose this trip. The stop gives you a chance to see the island’s famous pigs and spend time ashore rather than viewing every destination from the deck.

Koh Madsum is a lighthearted stop in a day otherwise built around sea views and snorkeling. It is particularly easy to enjoy as part of a family outing, though adults will also appreciate the change of scene and the chance to stretch their legs.

Do not expect Pig Island to be a remote, untouched stop. Its appeal comes from the unusual animal encounter and the novelty of visiting a place with a memorable nickname. The stay is scheduled before lunch, so keep an eye on the time and follow the crew’s instructions about returning to the yacht.

This is also a good point to take photographs, but be sensible around the animals. The supplied information does not set out rules for feeding or handling the pigs, so ask the crew before offering food or getting too close.

Lunch and the yacht’s Mediterranean kitchen

Lunch is planned for 1:00 p.m. The food is described as authentic Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, with seafood and chocolate cake specifically praised in the service feedback. Another celebration booking highlighted the high standard of the food and the birthday cake.

That is an important part of the value. Many island trips include a basic meal designed to keep the schedule moving. Here, the food is presented as part of the yacht experience. You are not only paying to reach the islands. You are also paying for a more polished meal service aboard a private boat.

The package lists breakfast, lunch, dinner, alcoholic beverages, and an open bar as included. Yet the detailed timetable specifically shows lunch at 1:00 p.m. and canapes with Prosecco at 6:00 p.m. It does not spell out when breakfast or dinner are served. This is one of the points I would clarify before booking, especially if you have dietary needs or are trying to understand exactly what is covered.

An extra bottle of wine is not included. That is a small detail, but it matters if you are planning a celebration. The open bar covers listed drinks, but a particular bottle or premium request may cost extra.

Koh Tan snorkeling at 2:00 p.m.

The schedule places snorkeling at Koh Tan at 2:00 p.m. Equipment is included, so you do not need to rent a mask and snorkel separately. The boat also has a restroom, a useful feature on a long day away from shore.

The provided details do not describe the water conditions, reef quality, or exact snorkeling site. Conditions can change with weather, wind, and visibility. Think of this as a chance to swim and see the sea around Koh Tan, not a guaranteed marine-life encounter.

You should be comfortable in the water before choosing a boat day centered partly on snorkeling. The listing says most people can participate, but it does not promise flotation devices, an instructor, or a dedicated snorkel guide. Ask about safety equipment if anyone in your group is not a confident swimmer.

The timing is good for breaking up the meal and the morning’s sightseeing. After lunch, you can get back in the water before the later island stops. If you prefer to remain dry, you can stay aboard, but the tour’s appeal is strongest when you take part in at least some of the swimming and snorkeling.

Island hopping and the late return

At about 3:00 p.m., the yacht continues with island hopping. The schedule does not name every island on this part of the route, so you should not expect a fixed list beyond Koh Tan, Koh Madsum, and the Five Islands views. The captain may choose stops based on conditions and the group’s needs.

This flexible section is useful because it leaves room for the day to feel less rushed. You have already had a scenic stop, a shore visit, lunch, and snorkeling. The later route gives you time to enjoy the boat and take in more of the Koh Samui archipelago without squeezing in another major activity.

At 4:00 p.m., the yacht is scheduled to set sail back toward the harbor. The journey back is not just a transfer. It leads into the evening portion of the program, with canapes and Prosecco at 6:00 p.m. Arrival is planned for 7:00 to 7:30 p.m., followed by transport back to your hotel.

A nine- to twelve-hour day is a long outing, especially for young children or anyone prone to seasickness. The advantage is that you see a lot without changing boats. The downside is that there is little room for a late start or an early finish.

What the price includes, and what it does not

At $1,464.84 per group, the price needs to be judged against the whole package, not just the island stops. Included items are:

• Private transportation
• All fees and taxes
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and alcoholic beverages
• An open bar
• Snorkeling equipment
• A restroom on board
• The private yacht experience

For six people, the cost is much easier to justify. You have a full day, a private boat, several island stops, meals, drinks, and transport. For a couple, the price is a major splurge. You would need to place a high value on privacy, food, and a special occasion.

The cost also reflects the fact that this is not merely a transfer to Koh Madsum. The yacht is your base for the day, and the crew handles the route, meals, drinks, and transport details. Still, you should compare the experience with smaller group tours if your main goal is simply seeing Pig Island and snorkeling.

One practical point deserves attention: Ang Thong National Marine Park is highlighted in the general description, but the detailed timetable focuses on Koh Tan, Koh Madsum, Five Islands, and other island stops. Ask directly if Ang Thong is part of your booked route. The schedule provided here does not clearly place it in the day.

Who will enjoy the Independence most

I would choose this for a family celebration, birthday, anniversary, or group of friends who want the boat to themselves. The private format gives you room to set the mood, and the food and drinks make the day feel like an occasion rather than a basic excursion.

Couples can also enjoy it, especially for an anniversary. But the cost is much harder to justify for two people unless privacy and a special meal matter more to you than keeping the budget low.

This is less suitable for someone who wants a short, active tour with lots of beach time. It is also not ideal if you dislike long days at sea or need a tightly defined route. The timetable is full, and the duration information needs clarification.

Service animals are allowed, and the activity is listed as suitable for most participants. It is near public transportation, though private pickup is offered. Since the day includes swimming and time aboard a yacht, ask ahead about any mobility, medical, or dietary concerns.

Weather, cancellations, and the duration question

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted.

The duration needs special attention. The general description refers to a two-day, one-night sailing trip, yet the timetable starts around 7:30 or 8:00 a.m. and ends around 7:00 or 7:30 p.m. It also calls the outing a day sail in the service feedback. Before booking, confirm:

• Is this a one-day charter or an overnight cruise?
• Is accommodation on the yacht included?
• Are the breakfast and dinner listed in the package served during one day or across two days?
• Is Ang Thong National Marine Park included in this exact route?

Those questions are not minor. They affect packing, price, expectations, and the amount of time you need.

Should you book this yacht trip?

Book it if you have a group of up to six, want a private boat, and care about attentive hosting, food, drinks, and a flexible day around Koh Samui. It is especially appealing for birthdays and anniversaries, with Captain Lucas and hostess Nok associated with the personal service that makes celebrations work well.

Skip it if you are traveling on a tight budget, mainly want a quick visit to Pig Island, or prefer a clearly defined single-purpose snorkeling trip. The cost is high for a couple, and the two-day wording conflicts with the detailed one-day schedule.

For the right group, this is less about checking off islands and more about having a comfortable day on the water with the route, meals, and drinks handled for you. Confirm the duration and Ang Thong route first, then book if the private-yacht format matches your priorities.

FAQ

How long does the Koh Madsum and Koh Tan experience last?

The detailed schedule runs from resort pickup around 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. until arrival back at the harbor around 7:00 to 7:30 p.m., followed by hotel transfer. The general description also refers to two days and one night, so confirm the exact duration before booking.

What islands are included?

The scheduled route includes views of the Five Islands, a visit to Koh Madsum, snorkeling at Koh Tan, and additional island hopping. Ang Thong National Marine Park is highlighted in the general description, but it is not clearly placed in the detailed timetable.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Private transport from your resort to Bophut Beach is scheduled in the morning, with transport back to your hotel after arrival.

Are food and drinks included?

The package lists breakfast, lunch, dinner, alcoholic beverages, and an open bar. The timetable specifically includes lunch, canapes, and Prosecco. An extra bottle of wine is not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and snorkeling is scheduled at Koh Tan at about 2:00 p.m.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is also available when made at least 24 hours before the start time.