REVIEW · PHU QUOC
Phu Quoc: Snorkeling and Island Hopping By Speedboat with Lunch
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Speedboat days in Phu Quoc fly by. I like how the tour strings together real snorkeling time with multiple island stops (not just one quick swim), and I also love the flycam/photo stop on May Rut Island for easy, better-than-selfie memories. One heads-up: it’s a long day in the sun, and snorkeling can look different depending on reef conditions.
You start early enough to get out to the An Thoi archipelago before the afternoon heat really ramps up. I also like that the plan is flexible for weather, so the guide can shift timing to keep things safe and still give you the best views.
The only real catch is that the optional walking-under-the-sea experience is listed as extra cost, and you’ll want to plan your time (and sun protection) accordingly. If you’re heat-sensitive, bring the right gear and you’ll be fine.
In This Review
- Quick hits before you go
- Why An Thoi island hopping feels worth the day
- Morning setup: meeting at Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm and boarding fast
- May Rut Island: flycam photos, beach time, and the coral park area
- May Rut Trong / Mong Tay stretch: lunch and an easier pace
- Gam Ghi Island: where the snorkeling gets real
- Timing, weather, and the sun factor you can’t ignore
- Guides make the difference: English support and real energy
- What’s included in the $53.28 value (and what’s extra)
- Small practical notes that can save your day
- Who this tour fits best
- Should you book this Phu Quoc snorkeling and island hopping tour?
- FAQ
- Where does the tour start?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- What’s included for snorkeling?
- Is lunch included?
- Is walking under the sea included?
- Are there extra charges on holidays?
- What happens if weather is bad?
Quick hits before you go

- An Thoi island hopping by speedboat for a full day of hopping, snorkeling, and beach time
- May Rut flycam/photo time included so you don’t have to beg for camera help
- Multiple snorkeling moments including Gam Ghi, plus an easy extra option if you prefer a different spot
- Coral park + walking under the sea (extra cost) for variety beyond floating
- Lunch on the water route with Mong Tay/May Rut Trong Island as the relaxing break
- Guides who keep the day moving with enthusiastic care (I noticed names like Stephan, Jerry, and Huy in guest comments)
Why An Thoi island hopping feels worth the day

Phu Quoc is famous for beaches, but An Thoi is the part that makes a speedboat tour make sense. Instead of sitting on one patch of shore, you’re working your way through smaller islands and reefs that are spread out. That matters because good snorkeling is often about where you go, not just whether you brought a mask.
This tour is built around that idea. You get several chances to get wet and see fish, then a beach break, then more snorkeling later. Even if you’re not trying to be a marine biologist, the rhythm keeps it fun instead of turning into one long wait.
And yes, the photo side is real here. May Rut Island includes photography/flycam coverage, which is a big deal if you want “I was there” shots without holding your phone over your head for 2 hours.
A few more Phu Quoc tours and experiences worth a look
Morning setup: meeting at Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm and boarding fast

Your day kicks off around 8:30 AM, with the group gathering at Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm. After that, you head toward the harbor and get onto the speedboat.
For me, the value of that early start is simple: you get more usable daylight for island hopping. Heat builds fast, and sunlight makes snorkeling more comfortable, but only if you’re not burning. Starting early helps with both. Plus, the earlier you’re out, the less you feel like you’re fighting the day.
Pickup is available for Duong Dong Center, Bai Truong, and An Thoi town. If you’re staying farther out, pickup can cost extra, so it’s worth checking before you book. The tour runs with a maximum of 25 travelers, which keeps it feeling more like a group day with a guide than a cattle-car cruise.
May Rut Island: flycam photos, beach time, and the coral park area
May Rut is the centerpiece of the day, and you’ll feel it in the way the time is structured.
First, you visit the coral park. There’s also an activity called walking under the sea, but it’s marked as an expense excluded, meaning you pay extra if you do it. I like this setup because it gives you options: you can skip the paid add-on and still enjoy the reef area, or you can try it if you want a different angle on the underwater world.
Then you move to May Rut Ngoai Island for beach time. This is where you can swim, relax, and take photos. The tour also calls out something important: there’s flycam/photography support built into the experience here.
A practical note I really appreciate: if you don’t want the photo shoot energy, tell your guide. The tour states that the team can offer an extra snorkeling spot for free instead. That’s a thoughtful trade-off. Some snorkel tours force you into the “look at the camera” routine; here you can steer it toward more water time.
May Rut Trong / Mong Tay stretch: lunch and an easier pace

After the May Rut beach phase, the schedule shifts into a calmer segment at Mong Tay / May Rut Trong Island, where you’ll have lunch and relaxing time.
This part matters more than it sounds. Snorkeling works best when you’re not running on empty and waiting for the next stop with no shade. Lunch gives you a reset, and the guide’s pacing here helps you recharge so the later snorkeling doesn’t feel like a punishment.
Even if you’re not a picky eater, I’d treat this as your main meal of the day. Bottled water and fresh fruit are provided on the speedboat, but lunch is the moment you should actually refuel.
Gam Ghi Island: where the snorkeling gets real

The final snorkeling stop is Gam Ghi Island, and this is the one you’ll likely remember. It’s framed around snorkeling and time “playing with fish,” and that’s exactly how the experience is designed: you want multiple chances to see marine life and not just do one quick 10-minute session.
In one review I saw a thoughtful point that’s useful for your expectations: sometimes corals can look less alive than you hope. That doesn’t automatically ruin snorkeling—fish still show up, and you can still enjoy the experience—but it does mean you shouldn’t expect every moment to look like a postcard. Think of it as a living environment that changes.
If you go in with that mindset—curious, patient, and ready to look around—you’ll get more out of Gam Ghi than you might if you’re only hunting perfect scenery.
You can also read our reviews of more snorkeling tours in Phu Quoc
Timing, weather, and the sun factor you can’t ignore

This tour runs for about 8 hours (approx.), with the main island time around 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, then returns around 4:00–5:00 PM depending on conditions.
The schedule explicitly adjusts based on weather for safety and best experience. That’s not just a polite line—it’s important in Phu Quoc. Wind and sea state can make boats rough, and reef conditions can change what’s comfortable to swim.
Also: bring sun protection. One review called out the sun as a real factor. You’ll be on boats, on exposed decks, and at island stops with bright light. Sunscreen, a hat, and a rash guard can turn the day from “fun but uncomfortable” into “fun and easy.”
And don’t forget hydration. Cold water is provided on the speedboat, and fresh fruit is included, but you still want your own routine. Small sips throughout the day keep you from getting sluggish.
Guides make the difference: English support and real energy

The best thing about this tour isn’t just the islands—it’s how the day is led.
The guide support is listed as English and Vietnamese speaking, and multiple reviews praised the guides for keeping things energetic and organized. Names that stood out include Stephan, Jerry, and Huy. In practice, that usually means you’re not left guessing what to do at each island stop, and you’re more likely to find the good snorkeling spots within the time window you have.
If you’re the type who likes clear guidance—how long to stay, where to float, what to watch for—this is the style of tour that fits. One review even highlighted that the guide explained things well and helped make the day feel smooth.
What’s included in the $53.28 value (and what’s extra)

At $53.28 per person, this is a pretty solid value for a full day that includes transportation on a speedboat, equipment, and lunch.
Included:
- Hotel pickup/drop-off in Duong Dong Center, Bai Truong, and An Thoi town
- Snorkeling equipment
- Lunch
- Cold water and fresh fruits on the speedboat
- Photography/flycam at May Rut Island
- English/Vietnamese speaking guide
- Group discounts (if applicable when you book with others)
Not included:
- Personal expenses and tips
- Holiday surcharge of 100,000 VND per person on specific peak dates (listed in the tour details)
- Optional walking under the sea (listed as expense excluded)
- Pickup outside the city center (extra charge)
Here’s how I’d judge the cost as a traveler: this isn’t just a boat ride with a mask slapped on you. You’re paying for multiple stops, guide help, included gear, and lunch—plus the photo support. If you were to piece it together yourself (boat hire, gear rental, guide, and food), the math usually stops looking friendly.
Small practical notes that can save your day
A few details are worth planning for:
- Group size max 25: you’ll still feel like you’re in a group, but it’s not so large that you spend your time waiting.
- Mobile ticket: you can keep things simple on your phone.
- Service animals allowed: if that matters for you, it’s listed.
- Confirmation at booking: you should get a confirmation right away.
And mentally, set your expectations for snorkeling. You’ll see fish, but reef health can vary. The day isn’t only about perfect coral—it’s about getting out there, trying the water, and enjoying the islands.
Who this tour fits best
This is a great match if you:
- want Phu Quoc snorkeling with more than one stop
- like photo-friendly scenery (especially around May Rut)
- prefer a guided day with clear direction in English/Vietnamese
- want pickup within central areas like Duong Dong and An Thoi town
It may not be the best fit if you:
- hate being outside in strong sun for long stretches
- get motion-sick easily on open water (you can ask the guide about comfort and timing, but sea conditions matter)
- only want one short swim and would rather stay dockside
If you’re flexible, you’ll likely love it. The tour is built to keep you moving, and the guides named in reviews show that support is part of the package, not an afterthought.
Should you book this Phu Quoc snorkeling and island hopping tour?
Book it if you want an efficient day that balances snorkeling, islands, and lunch, with included gear and flycam/photo coverage that actually adds value. I especially think it’s a smart choice if you’re staying in the central zones with pickup access, because you avoid hassle and start the day organized.
Don’t book it blindly if you’re extremely sun-sensitive or if you’re chasing a specific “perfect reef” look. The coral environment can vary, and you may find some sections less alive than you imagined. That said, fish sightings and the overall island-hopping experience are still the point here.
If you’re on the fence, here’s my quick decision rule: if you want a full day outside the hotel that still feels guided and well-paced, go for it. If you’d rather do a slower, one-beach day, you might prefer a more chill plan.
FAQ
Where does the tour start?
You gather at Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm around 8:30 AM, then you head to the harbor to board the speedboat.
Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup/drop-off is included for hotels in Duong Dong Center, Bai Truong, and An Thoi town. Pickup from outside the city center is available for an extra charge.
What’s included for snorkeling?
The tour includes snorkeling equipment and provides multiple opportunities to snorkel during island stops, including Gam Ghi Island.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch is included, served during the Mong Tay / May Rut Trong Island portion of the day.
Is walking under the sea included?
Walking under the sea is mentioned as expense excluded, so you’d pay extra if you choose to do it.
Are there extra charges on holidays?
Yes. There’s a holiday surcharge of 100,000 VND per person on specific dates listed in the tour details.
What happens if weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.




























