Phu Quoc Speedboat Trip: 3 Islands By Speedboat

The best part of this Phu Quoc day trip is the change of scene. One moment you are skimming across the water from An Thoi Harbor, and the next you are floating above coral, walking a white-sand beach, or eating lunch beside a quiet lagoon. It packs Phu Quoc’s southern islands into one manageable day.

I like the small-group feel, with one recent departure carrying only 10 passengers, and I like that lunch, hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, and a short drone video are included. The main consideration is the sea: coral can be beautiful but fish may be limited, and rough weather can change the islands on the day.

• Speedboat from An Thoi Harbor: A quick, scenic ride connects the southern islands without the slower feel of a large tour boat.
• Xuong Island snorkeling: Your first reef stop gives you a chance to get comfortable in the water.
• Gam Ghi Island beach time: Snorkel again, then trade your mask for sand, rocks, and swimming.
• May Rut Trong lunch stop: Eat on the island, explore the white-sand lagoon, and enjoy the most relaxed stop of the day.
• Drone keepsake included: You receive one 45-second video and three photos taken on May Rut Trong.
• Weather can change the route: The operator may substitute islands if sea conditions make the planned stops unsuitable.

From Duong Dong to An Thoi Harbor

The day begins between 8:15 and 8:30 in central Duong Dong. Pickup is available from the John’s Tours office or from hotels along the central route, from Phu Quoc Night Market down Tran Hung Dao Street toward Eden Resort.

That pickup zone matters. If you stay outside the center, an extra fee may apply, so check your hotel location before booking. The tour returns at about 4 p.m., giving you a full day without requiring a second transport arrangement.

You ride by car to An Thoi Harbor, then transfer to the speedboat. The boat is the reason this trip can fit several islands into one day. You spend less time waiting between stops and more time swimming, snorkeling, and sitting on the beach.

The trip is offered in English and Vietnamese. Guide quality can shape a day like this, especially when the sea is busy and the schedule moves quickly. Guides named Emma, Leyla, Mia, and Sally have been praised for friendly help, clear explanations, and strong English. Your assigned guide may be different, but the guide is expected to explain each stop and help with the practical parts of the day.

Xuong Island: Your First Coral Stop

Xuong Island is listed as the first snorkeling stop. Starting with snorkeling makes sense because you can test the equipment, water, and your own energy before the hotter beach portion of the day.

The provided equipment includes a mask, snorkel, and life jacket. Fins are available, but not in child sizes, so families with young children should keep that in mind. You need to bring your own towel and sunscreen, and swimwear is the obvious choice from the start.

The reef is the main reason to book this trip. The southern waters around Phu Quoc are presented as home to some of the planet’s most varied coral reefs, and the best moments can come when the water is clear and the coral is easy to see below you. Still, keep expectations sensible. Coral quality depends on weather, water clarity, and the exact site used that day. One account praised the coral but found few fish, so this is not a guaranteed wildlife spectacle.

I would treat Xuong as an introduction rather than the single reason to book. You get an early look at the underwater world, then have another snorkeling stop at Gam Ghi. That second chance matters if the first water is cloudy or you need time to find a comfortable rhythm.

Gam Ghi Island: Reef Time and a Proper Beach Break

At Gam Ghi Island, the plan combines another coral reef stop with beach time. This gives the day a better balance than a trip spent only in the water. You can snorkel again if conditions are good, or stay ashore and enjoy the beach.

The island has been praised for attractive beaches and good swimming areas. You may also find large rocks and quieter corners worth exploring. One person who preferred nature walks to snorkeling was shown beaches and impressive rock formations by the guide, which is a useful reminder that you do not have to spend every minute wearing a mask.

This is also where the guide can make a real difference. Clear instructions help when the group needs to move between boat, reef, and shore. A friendly guide can also point out a better place to swim or help you decide how much time to spend in the water.

The snorkeling is not presented as a technical lesson, and you should not expect a marine biology session. It is a recreational stop with supplied gear, warm water, and time to look around. If you are a confident snorkeler, you will likely appreciate the chance to compare two sites. If you are new to snorkeling, the repeated stops let you improve without pressure.

May Rut Trong: Lunch, Lagoon, and the Slowest Hour

May Rut Trong is the emotional center of the trip. After the active snorkeling stops, you have lunch on the island and time to explore. The white-sand lagoon and relaxed beach setting give you a chance to dry off, eat, and stop watching the clock for a while.

Lunch is included and has been praised for its taste and variety. The meal can include seafood, chicken, rice, and vegetables, with options for vegan and vegetarian diners. Since meal details can vary, tell the operator about dietary needs when booking rather than waiting until you sit down.

Eating outdoors on an island is part of the appeal. You are not rushing back to Duong Dong for lunch, and the meal becomes part of the day’s setting. One account described the seafood as especially memorable, while others singled out the generous choice of dishes.

After lunch, you have time to explore May Rut Trong. The lagoon is the place for a slower swim and beach walk, while the island itself gives you a change from the reef stops. You might simply stretch out in the sun, or follow the guide toward a quieter section of beach.

You also receive one 45-second drone video and three aerial photos taken on May Rut Trong. This is a nice extra for a $36 outing, though it is not the same as a private photo session. The pictures are tied to this island stop, so be ready when the guide organizes the drone shots.

The Optional Seawalker Near Hon Thom

The route includes seawalker access near Hon Thom at your own expense. This is an optional add-on, not part of the listed $36 price.

Because no cost or exact duration is supplied, ask for the current price before agreeing to it. The core tour already includes snorkeling, so you do not need to pay extra to get underwater time. The seawalker is best treated as an optional choice for someone who wants a different underwater activity.

If you prefer a simple day with swimming, reef viewing, and beach time, skip the add-on. If the seawalker is a personal priority, confirm the details before the boat reaches that area.

What the $36 Price Really Covers

At $36 per person, this is a strong value if you want transport and activities bundled together. The price includes round-trip car and speedboat travel, an English-speaking guide, one bottle of water, lunch, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and the drone video and photos.

The biggest saving is convenience. You do not need to arrange a separate ride to An Thoi Harbor, find a boat operator, rent snorkeling equipment, or organize lunch on an island. You also get several stops in a single day rather than choosing one beach and staying there.

The value is less clear if you dislike group outings or want long, unhurried time at one island. This is an active schedule with multiple transfers. The speedboat makes the route possible, but it also means the day is built around moving on to the next stop.

A 10-person group is a pleasant size for this kind of excursion. It is small enough for the guide to help individuals, but large enough to have company during lunch and boat rides. Group size can vary, so do not assume every departure will have exactly 10 people.

A 10 percent surcharge applies during New Year and Lunar New Year, paid directly on site. That extra cost should be included in your holiday budget.

What the Day Feels Like in Practice

This is not a quiet private-island escape. You start early, ride in a car, board a speedboat, swim at more than one reef, eat lunch, and return to your hotel in the afternoon. The reward is variety.

The pace also lets you adjust your day. Strong swimmers can spend more time snorkeling. You can choose beach time at Gam Ghi, take a short walk around the rocks, or relax at May Rut Trong after lunch. The guide can help explain what is happening next, but you should still be ready to follow a shared schedule.

Bring a towel and sunscreen, since neither is included. Wear swimwear and protect yourself from the sun during boat rides and beach stops. One bottle of water is supplied, but you may want to carry extra water if you know you drink often in hot weather.

The tour is not designed around luxury facilities. Island conditions are part of the experience, and the day works best when you are comfortable with basic beach logistics. Pack lightly, keep your phone protected from water, and leave room for wet gear on the return journey.

Weather Changes Are Part of the Deal

The operator may replace some islands if weather conditions change. This is important in Phu Quoc, where the sea can determine whether a reef stop is safe or worthwhile.

A changed island does not automatically mean a bad day. It does mean you should book this for the general experience, not for one exact stretch of sand. If you have your heart set on May Rut Trong or a particular snorkeling point, accept that conditions may alter the plan.

The southern islands are the highlight, but safety and sea conditions come first. Listen to the guide, use the life jacket when instructed, and do not treat a calm-looking shoreline as a guarantee of calm water farther out.

Who Will Enjoy This Trip Most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want to see several southern islands but do not want to arrange boats, meals, and transfers separately. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and families who are comfortable with a full day in the sun.

It is especially useful for first-time visitors to Phu Quoc. You get a quick look at the island region around An Thoi, two reef stops, beach time, and a local-style outdoor lunch. The guide support also makes the day easier if you are unsure about snorkeling equipment or island transfers.

Families should note the lack of child-sized fins. Children still have life jackets, but parents should check whether the supplied gear will work for them.

I would think twice if you want a private boat, long stretches of solitude, or guaranteed fish viewing. The coral may impress you, but fish numbers are not assured. You should also be comfortable with a schedule that can change with the weather.

FAQ

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is available from the John’s Tours office or from your hotel lobby in central Duong Dong, along the route from Phu Quoc Night Market on Tran Hung Dao Street toward Eden Resort. Other areas may require an extra fee.

What time does the tour start and finish?

Pickup is scheduled between 8:15 and 8:30 in the morning. You return to your hotel at about 4 p.m.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The planned route includes Xuong Island, Gam Ghi Island, and May Rut Trong Island. The trip may also be described as visiting four islands because Buom or Mong Tay may be included as an alternate stop. Weather conditions can cause island changes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served on one of the islands, planned for May Rut Trong. The meal can include seafood, chicken, rice, and vegetables, with options for vegan and vegetarian diners.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The tour supplies masks, snorkels, fins, and life jackets. Fins are not available in child sizes.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Towels and sunscreen are not included.

Should You Book This Speedboat Trip?

Book it if you want a practical, good-value day covering Phu Quoc’s southern islands, with snorkeling, beaches, lunch, and transport handled for you. The best parts are the two reef stops, the unhurried May Rut Trong break, and the included drone keepsake.

Go in with realistic expectations about the sea. Coral can be excellent, but fish may be few, and the route can change with weather. For $36, this is a well-rounded introduction to the islands around An Thoi, especially if you value variety more than privacy.