This snorkeling day is all about the water. A private speed-boat tour through the An Thoi islands lets you hit multiple reef-side stops (Fingernail Island, Gam Ghi, May Rut, Hon Thom) in one go, with snorkeling gear and a real lunch included. I especially like the private setup for your group only, and the way it keeps the day practical: pickup, gear, bottled water, and BBQ lunch are handled. One thing to consider is that the “speed” part can depend on the boat used on your day, and mooring depth can affect how easy it is to start snorkeling.

You’ll be picked up around 8:30am and back the same day, with the whole trip running about 4 to 6 hours. If you want a smoother, less-planning-heavy day than hiring separate transport and spots one by one, this format makes sense. It also tends to sell faster than you’d expect, often booked around 40 days ahead.

Key Things I’d Pay Attention To

• Private boat and services for your group only, including car + guide
• Snorkeling gear included, so you can travel light
• Stop order that maximizes reef time, ending with a wave-dependent snorkeling session near Hon Thom
• BBQ lunch included (vegetarian on request)
• Crowd management strategy, since there isn’t a private beach—timing is used instead
• Weather sensitivity, with refunds or date changes if conditions are bad

Why An Thoi Islands Make a Great Snorkeling Day

An Thoi is one of those places where the geography does the work for you. Instead of searching for one perfect beach, you’re moving through an archipelago set up for hopping between islands and sheltered marine areas. You get to snorkel around stops tied to the Phu Quoc Marine Park area, and that matters because it’s the difference between a random swim and a day built around coral and fish habitat.

What I like about this tour style is that it gives you variety without turning the day into a logistics headache. You’re not just repeating one swimming spot for hours. You’ll alternate between island time and snorkeling time, with short breaks to reset your eyes, hydrate, and actually enjoy the beaches.

Price and Time: Does $168 Feel Worth It?

At $168 per person for a private, guided speed-boat day, the price isn’t “cheap,” but it can be fair value if you compare it to piecing everything together yourself. You’re paying for several built-in services:

• round-trip A/C van pickup from Duong Dong town
• private speed boat + English-speaking guide
• snorkeling equipment
• bottled water
• BBQ lunch (vegetarian option available)
• all fees and taxes

Also, the timing is solid: you start at 8:30am and you’re usually done within 4 to 6 hours. That’s long enough to get real snorkeling time at multiple islands, but short enough that you don’t lose the whole day to travel.

The main reason price works here is that you’re not just buying access to water—you’re buying convenience. Pickup is included, and you don’t have to coordinate gear, boat, and island stops on your own.

From Duong Dong: Pickup, Comfort, and a Smooth Start

The day starts with pickup from your hotel in Duong Dong town (and pickup can be arranged for hotels outside Duong Dong upon request). You’ll ride in an A/C van for the transfer, and you’ll have an English-speaking guide with you.

This matters more than it sounds. On Phu Quoc, good snorkeling days depend on timing and coordination. When the pickup is handled, you can focus on the part you actually came for: getting out to the islands early and staying flexible if conditions change.

You’ll board later for the boat portion, and this is where you should keep your expectations grounded. It’s described as a private speed boat trip, but if you care a lot about fast maneuvering, it’s worth asking your provider what kind of craft you’ll use on your date. One downside that can happen on some operations is a larger passenger-type vessel that may moor farther out than you’d want, which can make getting in and out of the water more work.

Stop-by-Stop: Fingernail Island, Gam Ghi, May Rut, Hon Thom

The itinerary is built around four main island stops, with each one giving you something slightly different: a famous rock formation and marine-park waters, coral-side beaches, a family-run island feel, and a final snorkeling window near Hon Thom.

Stop 1: Duong Dong (Pickup Window)

You’ll get picked up from your hotel location (Duong Dong town or other on request). The listed transfer window is about 45 minutes. Think of this as the “warm-up” portion: use it to get organized, hydrate, and double-check your snorkeling fit.

No snorkeling here, just a good chance to settle in before the sea time starts.

Stop 2: Fingernail Island (Hòn Móng Tay)

Fingernail Island is the one you’ll recognize in photos: Hon Mong Tay in the An Thoi archipelago, part of the Phu Quoc Marine Park. You’ll spend about 1 hour here.

Why it’s a highlight: marine-park waters typically mean the snorkeling experience is the point, not just a swim. You get a mix of island scenery and water action without needing to choose between them.

What you should consider: “famous” doesn’t automatically mean “empty.” There’s no private beach on this tour, so crowd levels can vary. The good news is the itinerary still gives you time at each stop, and the tour aims to select good timings to avoid the worst congestion.

Stop 3: Gam Ghi Island

Next is Gam Ghi Island (Hon Gam Ghi), another An Thoi archipelago island surrounded by coral. You’ll have about 1 hour here, with time to enjoy beaches and the water around the island.

This stop is a strong match if you like scenery plus actual snorkeling habitat. The setup is designed for you to alternate between relaxing on shore and getting back in the water for a look at what’s living around the coral.

Potential drawback: coral areas can sometimes mean conditions decide what you can see easily. If visibility or current isn’t ideal, you’ll want to focus on careful, steady snorkeling rather than rushing to find something fast.

Stop 4: May Rut Island

May Rut Island is often considered one of Phu Quoc’s better all-around island stops. It’s about 10 kilometers south of An Thoi Town and is privately owned by a small family.

You’ll also have about 1 hour here. This is a nice “pace” stop—long enough to feel like an island day, but short enough that you don’t lose momentum before the final snorkeling near Hon Thom.

What makes this stop valuable is the contrast. After more signature-feeling places like Fingernail Island, May Rut adds a more grounded island vibe. You can use the hour to slow down, take a break from gear, and enjoy the beach time.

Stop 5: Hon Thom Island (Final Snorkeling Window)

Hon Thom is the stop where the guide plays the weather and sea-condition game. The itinerary notes that the team will pick a good snorkeling spot around Hon Thom based on wave conditions, and then you’ll come back to the pier.

You’ll get about 1 hour at this stage, including the second snorkeling opportunity. This is usually where you’ll want to be mentally ready to jump in again, especially if you found your favorite fish or coral earlier and want one more look.

A small but important detail: if waves are rough, snorkeling locations can change. You’ll still snorkel, but the exact spot is dependent on conditions—so keep your flexibility high.

Stop 6: An Thoi Pier to Your Hotel

After the Hon Thom portion, you return to the An Thoi pier and then transfer back to your hotel. The transfer window listed is about 45 minutes.

By this point, you’ll have done the “island run,” seen the water up close, and earned the end-of-day part: shower, lunch cleanup in your head, and a relaxed evening.

Snorkeling Gear, Marine Park Water, and Making the Most of Your Time

Good snorkeling days come down to three things: gear fit, water comfort, and the guide’s ability to place you where the water is right.

This tour includes snorkeling equipment, so you don’t have to guess what to rent or whether your mask works. The best move is to spend the first few minutes in the water getting your mask position right and testing your breathing rhythm. Once it clicks, the time at each stop feels way longer.

Because the stops include marine-park waters and coral areas, you can expect a real chance at seeing diverse marine life around the islands. That said, snorkeling is not a guaranteed aquarium show at every moment. What you’ll get is the best shot possible in the time window—plus multiple stops so you don’t hang your whole day on one perfect splash.

One practical tip: if your goal is photography, keep your expectations realistic. You’ll have limited time per stop, and the tour format is about moving between islands. Focus on getting stable views rather than sprinting for every shot.

BBQ Lunch and the Small Comfort Stuff That Adds Up

Lunch is included as a BBQ. Vegetarian is available on request, which is a big deal on day trips where dietary needs can get ignored.

You also get bottled water, which sounds basic, but it’s one less thing you need to think about while you’re in and out of the sea.

Here’s why this matters for value: a snorkeling day can chew up your energy. If lunch isn’t handled, you end up paying extra for food that isn’t great—or eating too late and feeling flat afterward. On this tour, you’re fed during the trip so you can keep your energy up for the final island stop.

Crowds, No Private Beach, and How to Read the Sea Day

This tour doesn’t rely on a private beach. The plan is to select good timing to help you avoid the most crowded periods. That’s a smart approach because island tourism can spike fast, especially around famous spots like Fingernail Island.

Still, here’s the reality to keep in mind: crowd control can’t always be perfect on popular islands. If you’re sensitive to busy beaches and want a calmer experience at every stop, I’d treat this tour as “best effort” rather than guaranteed quiet.

The other big variable is weather and waves. The day is canceled if conditions are bad, and you’ll get a refund or the option to pick another date. When conditions are workable, the guide will choose snorkeling areas around Hon Thom based on wave height.

So you’re booking a day in a place where the sea runs the schedule. If you’re okay with that, you’ll have a smoother experience.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This private snorkeling tour makes the most sense if you want:

• a structured day with multiple island stops instead of one beach
• hotel pickup without arranging transport yourself
• snorkeling gear included, plus lunch and water
• private services for your group only

It’s also a good match for couples, small families, and friend groups who want a day together on the water without sharing the experience with strangers.

If you’re someone who really cares about boat speed and close mooring (so getting in the water is quick and effortless), do a quick check with the provider about the boat type used on your date. That’s the one detail that can change the feel of the day.

Should You Book This Private An Thoi Snorkeling Tour?

I’d book it if you want a guided, private An Thoi island day that already covers the heavy lifting: pickup, boat, guide, gear, and BBQ lunch. The stop sequence is designed to give you multiple chances at coral and marine life, and the day length fits nicely into a Phu Quoc itinerary without eating your whole schedule.

I’d pause and ask extra questions first if boat performance and effortless mooring are your top priorities. Also, since there’s no private beach, decide in advance how much crowd energy you can tolerate.

If you want a straightforward, high-convenience way to snorkel around the An Thoi islands from Phu Quoc, this is a strong option.

FAQ

How long is the private snorkeling tour in the An Thoi islands?

The tour lasts about 4 to 6 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30am.

Is hotel pickup included, and where does it pick up from?

Yes. Pickup is included from hotels in Duong Dong town, or other locations upon your request.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

What’s included for lunch?

Lunch is a BBQ, and vegetarian meals are available on request.

Which islands will you visit during the tour?

You’ll visit Fingernail Island, Gam Ghi Island, May Rut Island, and Hon Thom Island. You also return via An Thoi pier.

What happens if weather is bad?

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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