Phu Quoc An Thoi islands: private snorkeling tour

Summary

Salt on my lips, coral below: a day in Phu Quoc’s An Thoi islands

Float above coral gardens off Phu Quoc’s An Thoi islands with a local guide, pausing for a smoky BBQ lunch on May Rut Island and laughter with your crew. You’ll drift past Fingernail Island’s white sands, taste fresh seafood, and catch glimpses of island life you might not expect — moments you’ll remember long after you’ve rinsed off the salt.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re sure this is the right island?” I asked our guide, Minh, as we zipped across the water in that little speed boat. He just grinned and pointed ahead — Fingernail Island coming into view, all palm trees and sand so white it almost hurt my eyes. The wind was salty and warm on my face. I could smell someone grilling fish somewhere before we even docked. We’d left Duong Dong maybe an hour ago? Time felt weird out there.

I’m not much of a swimmer (my partner teases me about it), but Minh handed me a life vest and said, “Just float — watch.” So I did. The water around Gam Ghi was clear enough to see every flicker of fish and those weird little sea worms curling through the coral. At one point I tried to say “Hon Mong Tay” properly — Minh laughed so hard he nearly dropped his snorkel mask. There were maybe two other boats nearby but mostly just us, drifting over powdery sand and reefs that looked like someone had painted them by hand.

Lunch was this smoky BBQ on May Rut Island — grilled shrimp, something leafy and sharp-tasting (still don’t know what it was), and cold bottled water that tasted better than any fancy drink back home. The family who owns the place waved at us from their porch; their dog barked once then flopped back down in the shade. Afterward we found another spot near Hon Thom for one last swim — Minh checked the waves first (“safety first,” he kept saying). By then my skin smelled like sunscreen and salt, hair full of sand. I still think about that view when I close my eyes sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling tour in An Thoi islands

• Hotel pick up in Duong Dong
• Visit Fingernail Island (Hon Mong Tay)
• Explore Hon Gam Ghi island
• Snorkel at May Rut Island
• Snorkeling near Hon Thom island
• Return to An Thoi pier and transfer to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this An Thoi islands snorkeling tour?

Yes, pickup is included if your hotel is in Duong Dong town or nearby areas upon request.

Which islands do we visit during the private snorkeling tour?

You’ll visit Fingernail Island (Hon Mong Tay), Gam Ghi Island, May Rut Island, and possibly a spot near Hon Thom depending on sea conditions.

Is lunch provided on this Phu Quoc snorkeling trip?

Yes, a BBQ lunch is included on May Rut Island. Vegetarian options are available if requested in advance.

Do I need to be able to swim to join this snorkeling tour?

No swimming skills are required; life vests are provided so non-swimmers can safely enjoy snorkeling.

How long does the day trip to An Thoi islands take?

The trip lasts most of the day including transfers from your hotel in Duong Dong town.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If weather conditions are unsafe, the trip will be canceled and you can get a refund or reschedule for another date or option.

Are there private beaches included in this tour?

No private beaches are included but your guide will choose less crowded times for stops whenever possible.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup by A/C van from Duong Dong town, all snorkeling equipment, bottled water throughout the trip, an English-speaking local guide who knows every reef by heart, a private speed boat just for your group, plus a BBQ lunch with vegetarian options if you ask ahead—before heading back to your hotel at sunset or whenever you’re ready to call it a day.