Pink Dolphin Tour from Koh Samui
Wild Dolphin Watching, Koh Tan Snorkeling & Pig Island — Full Day by Speedboat
Your island, your way.
One of the Few Places on Earth to See Pink Dolphins
Only a handful of places in the world offer the chance to see pink dolphins up close — and the coast of Khanom, less than an hour by speedboat from Koh Samui, is one of them. Each morning we head out across the Gulf of Thailand to the shallow bay where this small resident population feeds, and cut the engines to watch them surface around the boat.
The day continues at Koh Tan, whose coral reef is among the clearest and richest in the area for snorkeling, then on to Koh Madsum — better known as Pig Island — for its white sand beach, its kayaks and its famous swimming pigs. Thai buffet lunch, hotel transfer and the Koh Madsum admission fee are all included.
Photo Gallery
The Tour at a Glance
Dolphins in the morning, coral reef at midday, white sand beach in the afternoon.
Pink Dolphin Full Day
1,500 THB / child (4–10 yrs) — under 4 travel free
- Departures 7 days a week
- Full day — about 7 hours door to door
- Hotel pick-up from 08:00, by zone
- Snorkeling & kayaking at Koh Tan
- Beach time with the pigs of Koh Madsum
- Thai buffet & seasonal fruit included
- Shared tour — minimum 8 guests
A Day on the Water
Times are indicative. Your exact pick-up time depends on where your hotel is, and is confirmed the evening before departure.
Meet the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin
The pink dolphin is in fact the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin. Calves are born dark grey and turn pink as they grow: the colour comes from no pigment at all, but from blood vessels running close to the skin, which the animal uses to shed heat.
They live more than 40 years, stay close to the coast all their lives, and feed on shrimp, crab and small fish in shallow water. The pod off Khanom is resident — which is exactly why it can be seen so reliably from Koh Samui.
Included
- Round trip hotel transfer
- Speedboat fare
- Koh Madsum (Pig Island) admission fee
- Snorkeling equipment
- Kayaking equipment
- Life jacket
- Thai buffet lunch & seasonal fruit
- Drinking water & soft drinks on board
- Travel insurance
- Professional boat staff
Excluded (Pay on site)
- Personal expenses & drinks
- Alcoholic drinks
- Gratuities (optional)
What to Bring
- Towel & swimsuit
- Sunscreen (reef-safe recommended)
- Hat & sunglasses
- Waterproof bag or camera
- Cash for drinks, souvenirs & tips
Please Read Before You Book
These are wild animals in the open sea. We go to where the pod lives and watch it without chasing or feeding it. Sightings are very frequent but, by their nature, never guaranteed — and no refund can be offered if the dolphins stay out of sight on the day.
The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, nor for guests flying on the same day. Children under 4 travel free but must be accompanied at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you sure to see the pink dolphins?
The pod off Khanom is resident and our boats find it on the large majority of departures — but these are wild animals, and nothing at sea is guaranteed. Mornings are the most reliable, which is why the tour leaves early. If the dolphins do not show, the rest of the programme runs as normal and no refund is due.
Why are the dolphins pink?
They are not born pink. The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin is dark grey as a calf and pales with age. The pink comes from blood vessels close to the surface of the skin, which regulate body temperature — so the colour deepens when the animal is active. The oldest adults are the pinkest.
Where and at what time do you pick me up?
Anywhere on the island. Maenam, Bophut and Choeng Mon are collected from about 07:40 to 08:00, Chaweng from 08:00 to 08:20, and Lamai, Bang Por and Nathon from 08:20 to 08:40. Your exact time is confirmed the evening before.
Can I swim with the dolphins?
No — and be wary of anyone who promises you otherwise. These are wild dolphins in open water: we approach with the engines off and watch them from the boat. Swimming or snorkeling among them would disturb the pod and is not permitted. The snorkeling comes later in the day, over the coral reef of Koh Tan.
Book the Pink Dolphin Tour
A date, your group, your wishes. Send your request to the Me Travel Samui team.
- Choose your date
- Tell us who’s coming
- We confirm availability
