Choosing between a private and shared boat tour is one of the most common decisions visitors face when planning excursions in Koh Samui. Both options have clear advantages depending on your group size, budget, and what kind of experience you're after. As a local operator running both types of tours daily, here's our honest breakdown.
Quick Overview: Private vs Shared
| Feature | Shared Tour | Private Charter |
|---|---|---|
| Price (per person) | 2,500 - 4,400 ฿ | From 14,000 ฿ per boat (per-person cost drops as the group grows) |
| Group size | 10 - 20 guests | Just your group (1 - 20) |
| Schedule | Fixed departure (usually 08:30) | Flexible — you choose departure time |
| Itinerary | Fixed route and stops | Fully customizable |
| Boat type | Speedboat (shared with others) | Speedboat or longtail (your choice) |
| Best for | Solo travelers, couples, budget trips | Families, groups of friends, special occasions |
Shared Boat Tours: What to Expect
Shared tours are the most popular option and for good reason — they offer excellent value. You join a small group aboard a speedboat and follow a set itinerary that includes all the highlights of the chosen route.
At Samui Authentic, our shared speedboat tours carry a maximum of 20 passengers. Some operators use larger boats with 30-40 people, which can feel crowded. We keep groups small deliberately — it means less waiting at each stop and more personal attention from the guide.
Shared Tour Pricing at Samui Authentic
| Tour | Adult (10+) | Child (2-9) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ang Thong Marine Park | 4,400 ฿ | 2,700 ฿ | 7.5h |
| Koh Tan & Koh Madsum (Pig Island) | 2,800 ฿ | 1,400 ฿ | 6h |
| Koh Rap BBQ (private) | from 14,000 ฿ / boat (4 pax) | — | 5-6h |
| Safari Tour 4x4 | 2,500 ฿ | 1,250 ฿ | 6h |
All shared tours include hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, insurance and an English or French-speaking guide. Infants under 2 travel free.
Pros of Shared Tours
- Fixed per-person price — easy to budget
- Great for solo travelers or couples
- Everything organized for you
- Meet other travelers from around the world
- Daily departures with guaranteed availability
Cons of Shared Tours
- Fixed schedule — can't adjust departure time
- Set itinerary — no customization
- Sharing the boat with strangers
- Limited time at each stop
Private Boat Charters: What to Expect
A private charter means the entire boat is exclusively yours. You set the departure time, choose which islands and beaches to visit, and decide how long to stay at each stop. It's a completely different level of freedom and comfort.
We offer two types of private boats:
- Speedboats — Our 10-passenger and 20-passenger speedboats are ideal for full-day island hopping. They can reach Ang Thong, Koh Tao, or any island in the area quickly and comfortably.
- Longtail boats — Our fleet of 6 traditional longtail boats (10 passengers each) is perfect for shorter trips to nearby islands like Koh Tan, Koh Madsum, or Koh Rap. More affordable and a uniquely Thai experience.
Private Charter Pricing Guide
Private charter pricing depends on the boat type, destination, and group size. Here are our starting prices:
| Boat Type | Nearby Islands (Koh Tan & Madsum, Koh Rap) | Big Trips (Ang Thong, Koh Tao) | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longtail Boat | from 14,000 ฿ (4 pax) | — | Up to 10 pax |
| Speedboat (1 engine) | from 24,000 ฿ (4 pax) | from 36,000 ฿ (Ang Thong, 6 pax) | Up to 10 pax |
| Speedboat (2 engines) | from 24,000 ฿ (4 pax) | from 42,500 ฿ (Koh Tao, 6 pax) | Up to 20 pax |
Key point: The per-person cost drops dramatically as your group grows. For example, a private twin-engine speedboat to Ang Thong at 46,000 THB shared between 12 people is about 3,830 THB per person — less than the semi-private tour (4,400 THB), with an incomparably better experience.
Pros of Private Charters
- Fully customizable itinerary and schedule
- Just your group — ideal for families
- Spend as long as you want at each spot
- Can combine multiple destinations in one day
- Depart later if you're not early risers
Cons of Private Charters
- Higher total cost (though per-person can be similar)
- Need to plan your own itinerary (we help)
- Must book in advance — not always same-day available
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Get My Instant QuoteWhich Should You Choose?
Here's our honest recommendation based on years of running both types of tours:
Choose a Shared Tour If...
- You're traveling solo or as a couple
- You want a fixed, hassle-free experience
- You're on a tighter budget
- You enjoy meeting other travelers
- You're comfortable with an early departure (usually 08:30)
Choose a Private Charter If...
- You're a group of 4 or more (the per-person cost becomes very reasonable)
- You're traveling with young children (more flexibility for naps, snack breaks)
- You want to visit specific spots or combine multiple destinations
- It's a special occasion (honeymoon, birthday, anniversary)
- You want a late start or sunset return
- You value privacy and a relaxed pace
The Semi-Private Option
At Samui Authentic, we also offer a semi-private option — a middle ground where you share the boat with just 1-2 other small groups (maximum 8-10 people total). This gives you a more intimate experience than a standard shared tour, at a price point between shared and fully private.
Semi-private works particularly well for the Ang Thong Marine Park tour, where a smaller group means less waiting at the viewpoint hike and more time in the water.
Tips for Booking
- Book 2-3 days ahead for shared tours during peak season (December - March). Private charters should be booked at least a week in advance.
- Check the weather — Ang Thong National Park closes annually from November 1 to mid-December due to monsoon conditions. Other tours operate year-round.
- Ask about the boat size — if an operator advertises "shared tours" with 30+ people on one boat, the experience will be significantly different from a 15-20 person trip.
- Compare what's included — some budget operators provide no lunch or no hotel transfer. Our prices include both; only the national park fee (300 THB/adult for Ang Thong) is paid on site.
- Contact us via WhatsApp for custom itineraries — we can combine destinations, adjust timing, or add activities like kayaking and fishing to any private charter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Private speedboat charters cost from 24,000 THB (up to 4 guests) for nearby islands, 36,000 THB (up to 6 guests) for Ang Thong and 42,500 THB (up to 6 guests) for Koh Tao. Private longtail boats are more affordable, from 14,000 THB (up to 4 guests) for Koh Tan or Koh Rap. The per-person cost decreases significantly with larger groups.
At Samui Authentic, our shared speedboat tours carry a maximum of 20 guests. Some other operators use larger boats with 30-40 passengers. We recommend asking about group size before booking with any operator.
For groups of 4+ people, absolutely. The per-person cost gets closer to a shared tour as the group grows (a private longtail to Koh Tan for 10 people is 2,900 THB per person vs 2,800 THB semi-private), while the experience is significantly better — flexible schedule, custom itinerary, and exclusive use of the boat. For couples or solo travelers, shared tours usually offer better value.
Yes. You choose the stops, departure time, and how long you spend at each location. Popular custom itineraries include combining Ang Thong with a sunset stop, or visiting Koh Tan and Koh Rap in a single day. Contact us via WhatsApp and we'll help you plan the perfect route.
Yes. All our boats carry life jackets in all sizes including children's sizes. Private charters are actually ideal for families because you can adjust the pace — take breaks when needed, skip stops that don't suit young children, and return earlier if the kids get tired.
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Get My Instant QuoteBook the tours featured in this guide
- Private boat charter in Koh Samui — boats & prices — from 14,000 THB
- Ang Thong shared tour — from 4,400 THB
- Koh Tan shared tour — from 2,800 THB