Real snorkel &island hopping by Speedboat-Explore Cuisines(MAX12)

Phu Quoc’s southern islands are at their best from the water, and this small-group speedboat trip gives you two proper snorkeling sessions plus time on sandy beaches. You’ll visit places such as Kim Quy, Coconut Island, May Rut, Gam Ghi, or Bom Island, depending on weather and sea conditions.

I like the quick boat ride, the friendly guides, and the chance to see both hard and soft coral without spending a day in a large sightseeing crowd. I also like that the tour includes hotel pickup, equipment, drinks, and a Vietnamese meal. The tradeoff is that the snorkeling can vary sharply with weather, water clarity, plastic waste, and reef condition.

Key points before you book

• Two main snorkeling stops: Kim Quy is used for hard coral, while Coconut Island is known for soft coral and fish.
• Four island stops, but changing names: Your route may include May Rut, Gam Ghi, Bom Island, or other nearby islands according to weather.
• Fast, bumpy transport: The speedboat saves time, but the ride can be rough and uncomfortable for some people.
• Lunch is inland: The included Vietnamese meal is served at a restaurant after the boat trip, not at a beach barbecue.
• Friendly English-speaking guides: Windy receives especially strong praise, while Ben, Hugo, and Si are also named as helpful guides.
• Weather matters: Calm, clear days can produce excellent snorkeling. Wind, jellyfish, clouds, and murky water can change the day completely.

Why the small boat matters around An Thoi

The day begins with pickup from central Phu Quoc hotels, followed by a ride south to An Thoi port. The published schedule gives morning and afternoon options, with pickup listed around 8:00 or 13:00 and the port arrival around 8:45 or 13:45. Another meeting time is shown as 8:30, so confirm your exact pickup before the day.

From An Thoi, you transfer to a speedboat. The group is advertised as a maximum of 12, though the additional booking information allows up to 15 people. That is still much smaller than the 35 to 40-person boats used by some operators, but I would confirm the actual group size if this is important to you.

The boat is a major part of the fun. You move quickly between the islands, with sea views and little time wasted on long transfers. The downside is simple: the ride may be very bumpy. One person found the speed excessive, while another described the boat as exciting and fun. If you have back problems, motion sickness, or simply prefer a calm ride, bring appropriate medication and sit where the crew directs you.

The advertised aim is real snorkeling rather than shopping stops or staged photo locations. That focus is useful, but it does not mean every reef will be pristine. Conditions in the Gulf of Thailand change, and the best site on one day may be cloudy or underwhelming the next.

Kim Quy Island and the first reef

Kim Quy is usually the first snorkeling site, with about 60 minutes in the water. It is presented as the strongest stop for hard coral, and this is often where you will get your first clear look at reef structure and small fish.

The quality can be excellent on a calm day. Some people saw plenty of fish and attractive coral, and one experienced snorkeler rated the site among the better places they had visited. Others found mainly dead coral, cloudy water, or only a limited range of fish. Both descriptions can be true at different times of year, or even on different days.

This is also the point where responsible behavior matters. Do not stand on coral, touch it, or chase fish. Fish feeding is part of the activity at the second snorkeling site, but bread feeding can harm marine life and alter natural behavior. If reef care is a major reason you snorkel, keep your expectations measured and bring your own mask if you have one.

The supplied equipment is included and has been described as good quality. Still, fit is not guaranteed. One person found the mask too small, and another worried about cleaning. I would pack a personal mask and snorkel if you own them, especially for a family trip or if hygiene is a concern.

May Rut, Gam Ghi, and the beach break

After the first reef, the boat usually heads to May Rut or Gam Ghi, depending on the weather. You get roughly an hour for swimming, relaxing, and exploring, with fruit and a drink such as beer or a soft drink included.

May Rut and Gam Ghi can provide the most scenic part of the day. Warm water, pale sand, and a break from the boat make these stops useful even when snorkeling has been average. The beaches are not always quiet. Some areas are heavily set up for tourism, and one swimming beach was described as crowded and commercial.

That matters because the tour’s promise of getting away from crowds is only partly true. You avoid some of the large sightseeing circuits, but popular island beaches can still be busy. If your ideal day means an empty shore, a private boat gives you more control.

The stop is still valuable for families and less confident swimmers. You can take a rest, enjoy the beach, and avoid spending every minute in the water. Strong snorkelers may prefer more reef time, though. One family wished the tour had reduced beach time and added another snorkeling session.

Coconut Island and the second snorkeling session

The later snorkeling stop is often Coconut Island, where soft coral and fish are the main draw. The water can be warm and clear, and some people considered this their favorite underwater stop.

You may also be offered fish feeding here. It is easy to enjoy the close view of fish, but I would treat the activity cautiously. Feeding changes the animals’ behavior, and bread is not a natural food for reef fish. Stick to the guide’s instructions, keep your fins away from the reef, and do not touch coral.

The second reef is not guaranteed to be perfect. Some outings have encountered floating plastic, cloudy water, or mostly dead coral. That is a serious environmental drawback, not something to brush aside. Phu Quoc’s marine sites face pressure from boats, beach use, fish feeding, and litter. I would book this trip for access to the islands and a chance at good snorkeling, not with the expectation of a protected marine park.

The schedule gives about an hour at each snorkeling site, though one person felt the actual time at some stops was closer to 30 minutes. Weather, boat traffic, and sea conditions can shorten the time. If snorkeling is your only priority, ask the guide at the start how much water time is planned.

Bom Island and the changing route

The stop list also includes Bom Island, along with An Thoi, May Rut, Kim Quy, and Gam Ghi. The exact sequence is not fixed. The tour description gives Coconut Island as a snorkeling site, while the stop list names Bom Island, so expect the route to change.

This is not necessarily a weakness. The captain can select safer water when wind or waves rise, and a flexible route gives the crew a chance to avoid poor conditions. It does mean you should not book with one particular beach or island as your only goal.

The company has postponed trips when wind or jellyfish made conditions less suitable. That is a good safety sign, even if it disrupts your plans. If the sea is rough, you may still go out, but the snorkeling may be less enjoyable and the ride more punishing.

The Vietnamese meal after the boat

The final food stop is not an island barbecue. After returning toward Phu Quoc, you go to a restaurant about 25 minutes from the harbor or in the central part of the island. The meal is described as an introduction to cuisine from Vietnam’s three regions, with local specialties explained by the guide.

This arrangement surprises some people because the phrase Vietnamese BBQ lunch suggests food cooked on the beach or onboard. Set your expectations correctly: you receive a restaurant meal after the boat excursion.

The food is one of the most praised parts of the experience. Portions and choice can be generous, vegetarian food is available, and beer or another drink is included. Several people described the meal as delicious, with one calling it among the best food of their Vietnam trip. Others found it ordinary, so your experience may depend on the menu and the restaurant used that day.

I like the meal as a practical finish. After several hours in salt water and sun, a seated lunch is welcome. It also gives you a small taste of Vietnamese food beyond the beach resorts. If you want seafood served beside the water, this is not the right expectation.

Guides, equipment, and service

The guides are a real strength. Windy is repeatedly praised for clear instructions, humor, good English, and careful attention in the water. Ben is also described as friendly and easy to understand, while Hugo helped keep the day smooth and Si handled a private group’s beach and boat arrangements well.

That personal care matters on a snorkeling trip. A guide who explains the water entry, watches inexperienced swimmers, and helps children can turn a nervous first attempt into a good memory. One crew member stayed with a child through the entire snorkeling session at the family’s request.

Snorkeling gear, bottled water, and one beer, soft drink, or soda per person are included. The tour also covers fees and taxes. Bring a towel, sun protection, a waterproof phone pouch, and dry clothes. I would also bring your own mask if you have one, as fit and cleaning standards may not suit everyone.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the central area, but distant hotels cost extra. The stated surcharge is 300,000 Vietnamese dong per group at Movenpick and 500,000 per group at Vinpearl. Pickup is not offered in the Ham Ninh area. Confirm the charge before booking so the advertised price does not surprise you.

Is $55 good value?

At $55 per person, this is a fair package if you want transport, a speedboat, two snorkeling sessions, beach stops, equipment, drinks, a guide, and lunch without arranging each piece yourself.

The value is strongest for couples, families, and first-time snorkelers who want a simple day from their hotel. You do not need to negotiate with a boat captain, find An Thoi port, rent gear, or organize lunch. A small group also makes the day more personal than a large excursion boat.

The value is weaker for experienced snorkelers who care mainly about reef quality and time underwater. The route includes swimming beaches, a restaurant lunch, and travel between stops. A private boat may give you longer at the sites and more choice, though it will not necessarily be cheaper.

Keep the price in context. This is a six-hour activity, not a full dawn-to-evening island expedition. Some descriptions call it a full-day trip, but the schedule can return you to your hotel around 14:00 on the afternoon version, and the morning version may finish in the early afternoon. Ask for the expected return time when you book.

Who should book this trip?

I would choose it if you want a lively speedboat ride, warm water, a taste of several southern islands, and a well-organized package. It works particularly well for people with limited Phu Quoc time, families with mixed swimming ability, and visitors who want a guide nearby.

You may want another option if you expect untouched reefs, a quiet private beach, or lunch on an island. Plastic waste, busy beaches, variable visibility, fish feeding, and uneven reef health are genuine concerns. Experienced snorkelers should also ask for the current sea conditions before committing.

The cancellation terms are reasonable: cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum group size can lead to a new date or full refund. A seasonal Lunar New Year surcharge has also been listed for January 21 through 25 in the stated year, so check current pricing.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want convenience and variety more than perfect reef conditions. The best version of the day includes clear water, lively fish, two good snorkeling sessions, a pleasant beach, a friendly guide such as Windy, and a very satisfying Vietnamese meal.

I would book it with three conditions: confirm the pickup fee, ask about the current sea and jellyfish conditions, and bring your own mask if possible. For a first or casual snorkeling outing, $55 is solid value. For serious reef time, choose a private boat or a more conservation-focused operator after checking exactly where it goes.

FAQ

How long does the Phu Quoc speedboat snorkeling tour last?

The advertised duration is approximately six hours. The published schedule includes morning and afternoon departures, and actual return time can change with weather, sea conditions, and the selected route.

How many islands does the tour visit?

The tour is promoted as an exploration of four islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Named locations include May Rut, Gam Ghi, Kim Quy, Coconut Island, and Bom Island, but the exact combination can change with weather.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are offered in the central area of Phu Quoc. Extra charges apply for some distant hotels, including stated surcharges for Movenpick and Vinpearl, and pickup is not offered in Ham Ninh.

What snorkeling sites are included?

Kim Quy is used for hard coral, and Coconut Island is described as a soft coral and fish site. The exact snorkeling locations may change because of weather and water conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and one beer, soft drink, or soda per person are included. You can bring your own mask and snorkel if you prefer a particular fit or have concerns about shared equipment.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes a Vietnamese meal introducing dishes from three regions of Vietnam. It is served at a restaurant after the boat portion, not necessarily on an island or beside the beach.

Is the tour suitable for children or beginners?

The tour can suit families and less experienced snorkelers, and a crew member may assist a child in the water. The speedboat can be bumpy, so consider that before booking for anyone prone to motion sickness or uncomfortable with rough rides.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The operator may also advise changing the day when wind, jellyfish, or sea conditions are likely to reduce the quality of the snorkeling.