Private Koh Samui Secret Islands Boat Trip

The listing describes the islands south of Koh Samui as far from mass tourism, and this trip goes to two of them from the fishing village of Thong Krut. Koh Samui Advisor runs it as a private tour, with transfers in an air-conditioned minibus that picks up only your party on the way out, a start time you can set and a boat crossing of about 30 minutes. The price is quoted per group of up to two people, and GetYourGuide showed US$244, marked down from US$284, in October 2026.

The first stop is Koh Mudsum, a small island with white sand beaches and no electricity or running water, a small bar and pigs that live on the beach. The boat then continues to Koh Tan for snorkelling in calm, clear water, with equipment provided at no charge. A traditional lunch is prepared at a small restaurant on the beach, and the listing says it will not be too spicy. After lunch there is time to walk on paved paths through a mangrove forest on Koh Tan, where signs describe the plants and animals, or to rest on the beach. The minibus then takes you back to your hotel. The trip lasts about six hours.

The contrast with the better-known boat days is the main reason to choose this one. The Ang Thong Marine Park to the north is the island's famous excursion and draws many boats in the high season. The southern islets are smaller and quieter, and Thong Krut is a working fishing village where the pier, the long-tail boats and the stalls are still part of daily life. A private pickup removes the long minibus rounds that bring shared tours to a dozen hotels before the harbour, so you reach the water earlier and the day is calmer.

What most booking pages do not mention is the island's pigs. They are a local attraction, and they are used to people, but they are still animals. Do not feed them food that is not meant for them, keep your bags closed and avoid sudden movements. Mangroves are fragile, so stay on the boardwalk and take your rubbish with you. Snorkelling is gentler than at the offshore reefs, and the water is clear in the dry season, so this is a good place for beginners and children who can swim.

The price includes accident insurance, the mobile ticket, a tour guide, pickup and return, lunch and soft drinks, snorkelling gear and the entrance fee for Koh Mudsum. Personal expenses are extra. Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen and rain gear. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, cruise ship guests or babies under one year. To reserve for the following day, book by 9:00 PM the day before.

The seasons shape the day. Samui's weather differs from the Andaman coast: the driest and calmest months run roughly from January to April, and the heaviest rain falls between October and December, when the sea can be rough and boats may be cancelled. March to May is hot, so the early start and the shade of the beach restaurant matter. If your dates fall in the wet season, book flexible dates and ask the operator about its cancellation policy.

Prepare for a day with few shops. Koh Mudsum has no electricity or running water and only a small bar, so bring a refillable water bottle, a light snack, insect repellent and a hat. Apply reef-safe sunscreen before the boat, and wear a rash guard if you burn easily, since the sun reflects strongly off the white sand. A waterproof bag protects your phone, and a small towel dries you after the snorkel. Keep your valuables in the minibus or leave them at the hotel. If you are afraid of boats, tell the guide at the pier so that the crew can brief you and help you board.

The tour is easy to combine with a relaxed evening. After a day of sun and sea, most people want a shower and a simple dinner, so plan a quiet night rather than a late party. If you stay in the north, such as Bophut, expect a transfer of around an hour each way, and if you stay in the south or west, the drive to Thong Krut is shorter. Ask the operator for your exact pickup time, since it depends on where you sleep.

The listing also says the tour runs with a small group, so check with the operator whether other guests may join the boat. The common mistakes are forgetting a dry bag, wearing too little sunscreen and arriving without cash for the bar on Koh Mudsum. It suits couples and small families who want a boat day with few other people and without the long transfers of the larger islands.