Phu Quoc: Speedboat Tour of 4 Islands with Snorkeling & BBQ

Southern Phu Quoc is at its best from the water, where a fast boat links four small islands in one easy half-day. You’ll snorkel at Kim Quy and Buom, swim or rest on sandy beaches, then finish with a seafood BBQ at a mainland restaurant rather than an island buffet.

I like the small-group setup, which can mean around 13 people instead of the 35 to 40 often packed onto larger boats. I also like the practical food choice: fruit and a drink during the island stops, followed by a proper BBQ lunch on the mainland. The main drawback is that beach conditions and crowds vary, and one stop may feel more commercial than secluded.

Key points

• Two proper snorkeling stops: Kim Quy and Buom are the main underwater highlights, with coral and plenty of fish.
• Small speedboat groups: The tour aims for a more personal outing than large sightseeing boats.
• Weather-sensitive route: May Rut Ngoai or Gham Ghi may replace one another depending on sea conditions.
• Mainland BBQ lunch: Fresh seafood is served at a restaurant after the boat trip, with food hygiene in mind.
• Helpful guides: Windy, Ben, Hugo, and T have all been praised for humor, care, and clear communication.
• Good value at $56: Hotel transfers, equipment, drinks, fruit, entrance fees, and lunch are included.

Why the southern islands work well by speedboat

This tour is built around time in the water, not a long list of shopping stops or staged photo locations. That matters on Phu Quoc, where some boat outings spend much of the day moving between crowded attractions.

A speedboat also makes the route practical. You are picked up around 8:30 a.m., transferred to the departure point, and generally reach the first island around 10 a.m. The six-hour schedule gets you back to your hotel at about 3 p.m., leaving the evening free.

The group size is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. Pacific Boat focuses on smaller groups, and the actual number can be as low as 13 people. That gives you a better chance of hearing the guide, getting help with your mask, and finding space in the water without a dozen people pressing around you.

You should still keep your expectations sensible. Small group does not mean private boat, and popular beaches can still have other boats nearby. The guide may also change the order of stops to suit the weather.

Kim Quy Island: your first hour in the water

Kim Quy, also called Golden Turtle Island, is usually the first snorkeling stop. You can expect up to an hour here, giving you enough time to adjust to the mask, get used to the water, and look around without feeling rushed.

This is often the most exciting start to the day. The water is described as clear, with coral and many fish close enough to see while snorkeling. Guides may offer bread for feeding the fish, creating the familiar scene of small fish gathering around you. It is fun, though I would treat fish feeding as a brief activity rather than the main attraction.

If this is your first time snorkeling, tell the guide. The tour has been suitable for families and first-time snorkelers, including children around nine and ten years old. You will need to be comfortable in open water, however, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women.

The speedboat ride can be fairly fast. It is generally considered comfortable, but you should hold onto your belongings and expect spray. A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch is useful, especially if you plan to take pictures between stops.

May Rut Ngoai or Gham Ghi for swimming and beach time

After Kim Quy, the boat heads toward May Rut Ngoai Island or Gham Ghi Island, depending on the weather. This is the less structured part of the day. You can swim, sit on the sand, take pictures, or simply cool off after snorkeling.

May Rut Ngoai is the beach break many people look forward to. It gives your eyes a rest from the mask and your body a chance to warm up in the sun. The attraction here is not a packed schedule. You have time to enjoy the shore at your own pace.

Still, this stop can vary. Some days it may feel peaceful, while on others it may have more visitors and beach activity than expected. One beach stop on the route can also have extra charges for facilities such as bathrooms or beach chairs. Bring some small cash if you want to use optional services, and do not assume every chair or facility is included in the $56 price.

The route change is a sensible safety measure. Sea conditions matter more than a fixed promise about the order of islands. If the water is rough or a stop is too busy, the guide may adjust the plan.

Buom Island brings the second snorkeling session

Buom Island is the second main snorkeling area. For many people, this is the best underwater stop of the day because it combines attractive coral with a good number of fish.

You get another chance to practice what you learned at Kim Quy. If the first stop felt too busy or you needed time to adjust, Buom may be where you settle into a comfortable rhythm. Look down slowly, keep your fins away from the coral, and let the guide point out areas with fish.

The guides often help people get more from this stop. Windy, in particular, is known for being funny, attentive, and willing to take photos and videos for families. Ben and Hugo have also been praised for keeping the group together and helping with individual needs.

The quality of snorkeling depends on the day. Weather, visibility, tides, and boat traffic all affect what you see. The tour is a good choice if you want a solid chance of seeing coral and fish, but it cannot guarantee perfect underwater conditions.

You should also bring realistic expectations about the environment. Phu Quoc has beautiful water and reefs, but litter is a visible problem in parts of the island and at some beaches. The tour cannot solve that wider issue, and you may notice rubbish during the day.

Fingernail Island: a short break before lunch

The final island stop is Fingernail Island. This is mainly a short beach and refreshment break rather than another major snorkeling session.

You receive fresh fruit, a sandwich, and one beer, soft drink, or soda. Bottled water is also included. The pause is useful because a morning of swimming and sun can leave you hungry before the main meal.

This stop may be less impressive than the two snorkeling locations. Some people enjoy the chance to sit on the beach, while others find it too touristy or feel ready to leave after a short time. If you prefer active snorkeling to lounging, this is the part of the schedule you may find least essential.

Use the stop for a quick swim, a drink, or a few photographs. Keep your beachwear, towel, sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen close by rather than buried in a bag under the seats.

The mainland seafood BBQ is a real part of the value

At about 2 p.m., you leave the islands for a seafood BBQ at a mainland restaurant. This is an important detail when comparing tours. The meal is not a basic plate handed out on a crowded beach.

Pacific Boat uses a mainland restaurant because it considers food hygiene better there than at smaller island eateries. You can expect fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes, with enough food to make the meal feel like a proper end to the trip. Several menus and dishes have been described as especially tasty, and the meal has been a highlight for families as well as couples.

The restaurant setting also gives you a chance to sit properly, wash up, and eat without balancing food on your lap in the sun. That tradeoff means you lose a little island atmosphere, but you gain comfort and a more reliable meal.

If you are comparing the $56 price with a cheaper boat trip, remember what is bundled in. You receive hotel pickup and return, the speedboat, an English-speaking guide, snorkeling equipment, entrance fees, water, fruit, drinks, and the BBQ lunch. That makes the price fair, particularly if your hotel is in the included pickup area.

Guides make the difference on a busy water day

The guide is not just there to point at the next island. You need someone who can explain the stops, watch the group in the water, and make adjustments when conditions change.

Windy receives the strongest personal praise in the supplied feedback. He is described as funny, professional, helpful, and good at taking family photos and videos. Ben is also noted for his humor and care, while Hugo has been praised for looking after individual needs and handling a busy beach situation well.

English communication is generally good, though the exact guide depends on the date. Vietnamese-speaking guides are also available. You should tell the guide early if you have concerns about swimming, equipment, or the pace.

The company has also shown flexibility when conditions are poor. Jellyfish near a snorkeling area led to a date change for one booking, and later high winds caused another postponement. That is inconvenient, but it is the right call for a boat trip. If weather cancels the tour, you can be offered another date or a full refund.

Transport, timing, and what to pack

Pickup is included from hotels in central Phu Quoc, the Long Beach area, and the southern part of the island. Hotels around Ong Lang, Vinpearl, and Ham Ninh require a surcharge, so check your location before booking.

The usual day runs like this:

• Around 8:30 a.m.: Hotel pickup
• Around 10 a.m.: Speedboat departure and Kim Quy snorkeling
• Around 11 a.m.: May Rut Ngoai or Gham Ghi
• Around noon: Buom snorkeling
• Around 1 p.m.: Fingernail Island, fruit, sandwich, and drink
• Around 2 p.m.: Seafood BBQ at a mainland restaurant
• Around 3 p.m.: Return to your hotel

Bring comfortable clothes, beachwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a change of clothes. Comfortable shoes are useful during transfers and island stops. Pets are not allowed.

The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the minimum is not reached, you can be offered another date or activity, or receive a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option helps if your Phu Quoc plans are still moving around.

Who should book this Phu Quoc island tour?

I would choose this trip if you want snorkeling to be the main event, prefer a smaller group, and like having lunch included rather than arranging your own food. It also suits families, first-time snorkelers, couples, and anyone who wants to return to the hotel by mid-afternoon.

It is less suitable if you want a quiet, empty-island experience all day. The islands are popular, and some beach stops can feel busy or commercial. You may also prefer another tour if you want a long island lunch, serious scuba diving, or a private boat.

At $56 per person, the value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for transport, boat hire, snorkeling gear, drinks, entrance fees, and lunch. The small group and attentive guides add practical value, not just marketing polish.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want two worthwhile snorkeling sessions, a fast route between the southern islands, and a generous seafood lunch in a proper restaurant. It is a sensible choice for a first Phu Quoc boat day and a good fit for families.

Skip it if you dislike speedboats, need guaranteed solitude, or want every stop to feel untouched. The route can be crowded, conditions can change, and Phu Quoc’s rubbish problem may bother you. For most visitors who put coral, fish, friendly guides, and straightforward value first, this is a strong half-day outing.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts about six hours. Pickup is generally around 8:30 a.m., with return to the hotel around 3 p.m.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The planned route includes Kim Quy, May Rut Ngoai, Buom, and Fingernail Islands. May Rut Ngoai may be replaced by Gham Ghi depending on the weather.

How many snorkeling sessions are included?

You have two main snorkeling sessions, one at Kim Quy Island and another at Buom Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A seafood BBQ lunch at a mainland restaurant is included, along with fruit, bottled water, and one beer, soft drink, or soda per person.

Is hotel pickup included everywhere on Phu Quoc?

Pickup is included from hotels in the central area, Long Beach area, and southern area. Ong Lang, Vinpearl, and Ham Ninh pickups require an additional charge.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour may be canceled or rescheduled if weather conditions are unsafe. You can be offered another date or receive a full refund.