Phu Quoc: Half-Day Snorkeling Tour & Island Hopping by Speedboat

Summary

Snorkel Phu Quoc’s reefs by speedboat with snacks music & new friends

You’ll jump straight into Phu Quoc’s turquoise waters to snorkel vibrant reefs at Kim Quy and Gam Ghi islands, snack on local fruit and “funny drinks,” relax with music on deck, and maybe even make a few new friends along the way. With hotel pickup included and a friendly local guide leading each stop, expect salty hair, laughter, and those quiet moments that linger long after.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever try this before?” That’s what our guide, Minh, asked as he handed me a mask at An Thoi harbor. I just laughed — honestly, I hadn’t snorkeled in years and my last attempt was pretty clumsy. We’d been picked up right from our hotel (the van was cool inside, which felt like a small gift after the sticky morning air), and soon we were zipping out over the water in this little speedboat with maybe seven other people. The engine noise faded once Minh started telling us about Kim Quy Island — apparently “Golden Turtle” in Vietnamese. I tried to say it back; Minh grinned but didn’t correct me. Guess it was close enough.

The first time I dipped my face under, the salt stung a bit but then everything went quiet except for my own breathing. The corals at Kim Quy were a mess of colors — not all perfect, some broken here and there — but still kind of hypnotic. Fish darted around like they were playing tag. My friend lost her flipper almost immediately (classic) and one of the crew just laughed and dove after it without missing a beat. After about half an hour we hopped back on board for cold water, some weirdly addictive local chips, and what Minh called “funny drinks.” I’m still not sure what was in them but they tasted sweet and herbal — maybe too sweet? Not complaining though.

We made another stop at Gam Ghi Island for more snorkeling — more fish this time, smaller ones that flashed silver when the sun hit right. The boat had this old speaker playing chill Vietnamese pop that drifted over the water while we dried off. There was a moment where everyone just sat quietly on deck, eating fruit and listening to the waves slap against the hull. It’s funny how quickly strangers start feeling like friends when you’re all salty-haired and sun-warmed together.

May Rut Island was an option for swimming or just wandering around for a bit — I mostly floated near the shore watching some kids try to catch crabs with plastic buckets (they weren’t having much luck). By early afternoon we were back at An Thoi harbor, tired in that good way you get from being outside all day. On the drive home someone passed around these tiny cups of rice wine; Minh said it would help us sleep. Maybe he was right because I dozed off as soon as my head hit the seat back. Still thinking about those flashes of blue water under the boat — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half-day snorkeling tour in Phu Quoc

• Pick up at hotel by AC minibus
• Board mini speedboat at An Thoi harbor
• Snorkel 30 minutes at Kim Quy or Bườm Island
• Snorkel 30 minutes at Gam Ghi Island
• Relax on boat: jump and enjoy drinks
• Optional swim at May Rut Island
• Return to harbor
• Drop off at hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Phu Quoc snorkeling tour?

Yes, hotel pickup by air-conditioned minibus is included.

How long does this half-day snorkeling experience last?

The tour runs from about 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM including transfers.

Which islands do you visit during this snorkeling trip?

You’ll snorkel at Kim Quy (Golden Turtle) or Buom Island, Gam Ghi Island, plus an optional stop at May Rut Island.

Are snacks or drinks provided on board?

Yes—snacks like chips, biscuits, local fruits, bottled water, cold beers (18+), cups of local wine (18+), and “funny drinks” are included.

Can children join this snorkeling tour?

This tour is not available for kids under 6 years old or adults over 65 years old.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes—all necessary snorkeling equipment is included in your booking.

How many people are usually on the boat?

The group size is small; private tours are also available if requested.

When is the best season to book this Phu Quoc snorkeling trip?

The best season runs from December through June for calm seas and good visibility.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned minibus from anywhere in Phu Quoc town area, all use of snorkeling equipment at each island stop, plenty of bottled water to stay refreshed between swims, snacks like chips and fresh local fruit served right on deck alongside cold beers or cups of local rice wine if you’re over 18 (and yes—those “funny drinks” too), plus chill music throughout your ride before drop-off back at your hotel by early afternoon.