The tour in a nutshell
Off the mainland coast of Khanom, just across the strait from Koh Samui, lives one of Thailand's most surprising animals: the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, which turns pale pink as it ages. Calm seas, no crowds, and a resident population make this one of the very few places in the world where you can reliably watch pink dolphins in the wild.
We leave early, when the bay is glassy and the dolphins hunt close to shore. Our skipper cuts the engine at a respectful distance and lets the animals decide how close to come — often within a few metres of the boat. On the way back, we drop anchor at Koh Madsum (Pig Island) for a swim, a walk on the white-sand beach and a Thai lunch.
Highlights
🐬
Wild pink dolphinsA resident population, observed ethically — engines off.
🌅
Glassy morning seaEarly departure for the calmest water and best sightings.
🐷
Pig Island stopSwim and lunch at Koh Madsum on the way home.
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Photos of a lifetimePale pink fins on turquoise water — unreal but real.
Itinerary
- 6:30 amPick-up at your hotel and transfer to the pier
- 7:15 amSpeedboat crossing towards Khanom bay — breakfast on board
- 8:15 amDolphin watching: engines off, cameras out
- 10:30 amCruise along the Khanom coastline and sea caves
- 11:30 amKoh Madsum (Pig Island): swim, beach time and Thai lunch
- 1:00 pmReturn crossing and drop-off at your hotel
✅ What's included
- Return transfers from your hotel
- Speedboat with experienced wildlife skipper
- Breakfast box and Thai lunch
- Fruit, water and soft drinks
- English & French speaking guide
- Insurance
❌ Not included
- Personal expenses & souvenirs
- Alcoholic drinks (unless listed)
- Tips (optional, appreciated)
What to bring
- Swimsuit, towel and sunscreen (reef-safe if possible)
- Hat or cap and sunglasses
- Camera — waterproof pouch provided on board
- A little cash for personal purchases
💡 Good to know
🌦️ Weather policy: outdoor tours are confirmed the evening before, based on the forecast. If we cancel, you choose between rescheduling and a full refund.
👶 Children: all ages welcome — child equipment available.
🏊 Non-swimmers: welcome on all water stops — flotation vests provided.
In pictures
Frequently asked questions
Are sightings guaranteed?
Sightings happen on the vast majority of trips because the dolphins live in the bay year-round — but they're wild animals, so no one can honestly guarantee them. If we're unlucky, come back another morning with a big discount.
Do you swim with the dolphins?
No — and be wary of anyone who promises it. We follow ethical wildlife rules: engines off at distance, no feeding, no chasing, and we let the dolphins choose the encounter.
Why so early?
The bay is calmest at dawn and the dolphins feed close to shore in the morning. By midday, wind and boat traffic push them further out.
