REVIEW · PHU QUOC
REAL snorkel &island hopping by SPEEDBOAT-EXPLORE CUISINES(MAX12)
Book on Viator →Operated by Pacific Boat · Bookable on Viator
Four islands, one fast boat, real snorkel. This Pacific Boat trip is built around the Gulf of Thailand waters, with a small-group pace (max 12 advertised) and an emphasis on seeing coral and fish instead of filling your day with shopping stops. I like the focus on snorkeling at the best reef sites, and I also like that the day ends with a guided Vietnamese lunch where you get local specialty ideas across 3 regions. One thing to consider: the whole schedule is weather-dependent, so on rougher days the snorkeling quality and timing can change.
You’ll get picked up from your Phu Quoc hotel, then head to An Thoi port before jumping on a speedboat for multiple island stops. Expect calm-water success when conditions cooperate, plus a bit of bumpy boat energy when they don’t. Guides named Windy, Ben, Hugo, and Si show up in customer notes as friendly and hands-on, which matters when you’re trying to enjoy the water and not just the logistics.
In This Review
- Key points to know before you go
- Why this Phu Quoc speedboat snorkel feels different
- Price and what $55 buys you (and what it doesn’t)
- Timing and meeting point: the two departures you’ll choose from
- The speedboat ride: fun speed, possible bumps
- Stop 1: Kim Quy Island for hard-coral snorkeling
- Midday reset on May Rut or Gam Ghi beaches
- Coconut Island and fish feeding: where the fun turns playful
- The fourth island: Bom Island and weather-driven reroutes
- Vietnamese BBQ lunch: local food with a guide’s context
- Gear, cleanliness, and the human factor
- Coral condition, plastic, and what to expect from the water
- Should you book this Pacific Boat snorkel and island hopping tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the Phu Quoc snorkel and island hopping tour?
- How much does this tour cost?
- How many islands will we visit?
- Do I get hotel pickup?
- What snorkeling gear is included?
- Is lunch included?
- Are drinks included?
- Is the tour dependent on weather?
Key points to know before you go

- Small-group snorkeling keeps the pace comfortable and the reef time focused
- Kim Quy Island is the reef anchor for hard coral snorkeling (weather permitting)
- Coconut Island fish-feeding adds a fun, low-pressure activity between swims
- May Rut or Gam Ghi beach stop is where you actually rest, eat fruit, and reset
- Snorkeling gear and drinks are included, with one beer/soft drink unit per person
- Vietnamese BBQ lunch comes with a guide’s run-through of 3 regional cuisines
Why this Phu Quoc speedboat snorkel feels different

Most island trips in Phu Quoc can start to feel like a checklist: a photo stop, a souvenir stop, a bus ride, repeat. This one tries hard to do the opposite. The selling point is simple: you go out on a speedboat to snorkel multiple sites around the islands, and you spend your time where the water is the star.
The small-group angle matters. With a maximum of 12 travelers (and a reported max of up to 15 on the activity side), you’re less likely to feel like you’re being herded. That usually means you get clearer instructions and more breathing room around entry/exit points, gear adjustments, and the actual snorkel.
That said, the ocean decides a lot. Even with the best plan, visibility and coral conditions can vary day to day. You’ll want to go in with flexible expectations and a focus on the experience, not the guarantee of crystal-clear water.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Phu Quoc.
Price and what $55 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At $55 per person for about 6 hours, the value is strongest when you take advantage of what’s included. Here’s the core package you’re getting:
- Pickup from your Phu Quoc hotel (with notes about potential surcharges for certain distant hotels)
- Snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel use included)
- Free bottled water
- Alcoholic beverages / soft drinks: one unit per person (beer or soft drink)
- English-speaking guide
- Fees and taxes
- A Vietnamese lunch described as exploring 3 regions of Vietnam
What you should budget separately: tips and personal expenses, plus any hotel pickup surcharge based on where you’re staying (details are listed for specific areas like Movenpick and Vinpearl). Ham Ninh pickup isn’t offered with this service.
The best way to think about this price: you’re paying for a guided speedboat day that bundles gear, reef stops, and lunch. If you’d otherwise rent a private boat, pay for guides, and arrange transport, this often looks like the simpler, cheaper path. If you’re picky about reef conditions, you might still choose a private boat on the cloudier days, just to control your timing and snorkel pace.
Timing and meeting point: the two departures you’ll choose from

This tour runs on two schedule options: a morning window and an afternoon window (listed as 8:00/13:00). Your actual day starts with pickup. The meeting point timing is shown as starting around 8:30 am for the earlier option, with arrival at An Thoi port shortly after (around 8:45).
In real life, that means you’ll want to plan your morning (or afternoon) so you’re ready at pickup time. The speedboat portion is the main event, so being late can throw off the whole rhythm for the group. If you’re the type who hates rushing, aim to give yourself extra buffer time around pickup.
The speedboat ride: fun speed, possible bumps

The boat is part thrill ride, part transport. The tour is designed around moving quickly between sites, and that speed is the reason you can snorkel multiple islands in a half-day-to-full-day style block.
If the water is choppy, expect a bouncier ride. Some notes mention the speedboat can feel rough, even when the weather looks okay. This is where your personal comfort level matters. If you’re sensitive to motion, bring your own ways to feel better (like a light meal strategy or any travel medication you already use).
Stop 1: Kim Quy Island for hard-coral snorkeling

Kim Quy Island is the reef stop that gets attention for hard coral snorkeling. Your time here is set at about 60 minutes, which is a healthy amount for first snorkel fatigue to fade and for you to actually find interesting fish behavior.
What you should look for:
- Hard coral structures close enough to view comfortably while floating
- Fish activity around the reef edges and calmer patches
This is also where small-group pacing helps. With fewer people in the water at once, you’re more likely to get a smoother flow in and out, instead of standing around waiting while others clog the entry spot.
Potential catch: like any reef site, coral condition can vary. Some notes mention coral can look underwhelming on certain days. If visibility is low or the water is cloudy, your experience will shift from reef detail to just seeing more general fish movement.
Midday reset on May Rut or Gam Ghi beaches

After the first reef stop, the plan usually shifts to a beach break. Depending on conditions, you’ll stop at May Rut or Gam Ghi (weather dependent). This is about 60 minutes, and it’s meant as your energy refill.
The vibe here is less about snorkeling technique and more about doing nothing for a bit:
- Swimming and relaxing
- Fruit/drinks are offered (and the menu includes beer/soft drink options on the day)
If you need a break from saltwater goggles and fin fatigue, this is the part of the day that makes the trip feel balanced. You’re not just “in water, out water, repeat” all day.
One more practical note: beach areas can be more public and more crowded than the reef sites. If you want quiet, keep your expectations realistic. Still, it’s a welcome contrast after snorkeling time.
Coconut Island and fish feeding: where the fun turns playful

Next up is Coconut Island, again with about 60 minutes allocated and a specific activity: joining a fish feeding activity.
For many people, this is the best blend of:
- Reef time (soft coral and fish)
- A clear, guided activity that makes it easier to know where to focus
This stop tends to feel more “alive” underwater because fish movement often increases around feeding routines (within the limits of what the guides handle responsibly).
From a practical standpoint, it’s a good idea to keep your snorkel posture relaxed here. If you panic or thrash, you’ll kick up less-friendly water and you’ll miss the fish you came to see.
The fourth island: Bom Island and weather-driven reroutes

The tour describes exploring 4 islands total, and the schedule includes Bom Island as a possible stop, with additional weather-based flexibility (like May Rut/Gam Ghi depending on conditions). That weather dependency shows up in multiple places: snorkeling quality and whether the boat can safely run the exact route.
So think of the plan like this:
- Reef-first structure when conditions allow
- Beach/rest moments inserted so you’re not exhausted by constant snorkeling
- A final island stop chosen to keep the day moving without forcing unsafe or pointless water time
If you’re the type who hates uncertainty, this might feel annoying. If you’re the type who can handle changing plans, it’s actually a smart way to protect the experience from turning into a wasted boat day.
Vietnamese BBQ lunch: local food with a guide’s context
Lunch is a major reason this tour gets high marks for value. It’s described as an authentic Vietnamese BBQ lunch, with a guide who introduces you to local specialties across 3 regions of Vietnam.
What makes that worth it:
- You’re not just eating; you’re learning what to order and why it matters
- You’re getting a break from beach life and reef salt
- The lunch is included without needing extra spending mid-tour
Some notes praise the variety, including vegetarian options, which is useful if you eat plant-based. Others mention lunch happened at a standard inland restaurant rather than a beachside island setup, so the style of the meal experience can vary with logistics that day.
My advice: treat lunch as a guided local meal, not as a guaranteed island feast. It’s still part of the package that makes the price feel reasonable.
Gear, cleanliness, and the human factor
This trip includes snorkeling equipment, and many people comment that the gear quality is solid. That’s important because a good mask fit changes everything about underwater comfort.
Still, there’s a reality check. Some notes mention mask sizing can be an issue for Europeans, and there are mixed comments about how thoroughly equipment is cleaned between users. If you’re picky about hygiene, bring your own snorkel set when possible. Even if the provided gear is fine, you’ll feel better knowing it’s yours.
Guide quality is another strong point. Names like Windy, Ben, Hugo, and Si pop up in customer notes as friendly, communicative, and helpful. In a snorkeling tour, that can mean:
- Clear instructions before you enter the water
- Help with gear positioning
- A better sense of where to swim and what to avoid
Also keep an eye on safety notes the operator shares. One guide reportedly advised about possible jellyfish, and the group had the option to postpone snorkeling until the next day. That kind of safety judgment is exactly what you want to hear.
Coral condition, plastic, and what to expect from the water
Here’s the honest part: reef life can be less dramatic than brochure photos. Some notes mention coral looking dead or less exciting in certain snorkeling areas, and others mention plastic waste in the water.
That doesn’t mean snorkeling is pointless. It means you should go in knowing the underwater world you see depends on:
- Day-to-day visibility
- Ocean conditions
- Current reef health at each site
If you get a clear day, you’ll likely see plenty of fish and coral structure. If conditions are cloudier, you’ll still get underwater views, but the details may be softer. Either way, the experience is still about getting out on the water, learning what you can safely enjoy, and taking in the island coastline from the speedboat.
Should you book this Pacific Boat snorkel and island hopping tour?
Book it if you want:
- Small-group snorkeling with a real reef focus
- A day that includes both water time and a proper lunch
- A guided experience with English support and multiple stops (not just one quick swim)
Consider skipping or choosing a private option if:
- You’re extremely sensitive to rough boat rides
- You want maximum control over snorkel time, especially on days with low visibility
- You’re very strict about equipment sanitation and prefer to use only your own gear
- You’re hoping for a guaranteed “full day” feel from start to finish, regardless of weather and routing
If you can be flexible and you care more about getting out on the water than ticking every island box, this tour tends to hit the sweet spot for value.
FAQ
How long is the Phu Quoc snorkel and island hopping tour?
It runs for about 6 hours (approx.).
How much does this tour cost?
The price listed is $55.00 per person.
How many islands will we visit?
The experience is described as exploring 4 distinct islands.
Do I get hotel pickup?
Pickup is offered from your Phu Quoc hotel, but there can be surcharges depending on how far your hotel is from the center.
What snorkeling gear is included?
The tour includes snorkeling equipment.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch is included and described as Vietnamese BBQ lunch with a guide introducing local specialties from 3 regions of Vietnam.
Are drinks included?
Bottled water is included. Beer or soft drinks are included as one unit per person.
Is the tour dependent on weather?
Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance.
If you tell me your travel dates and whether you’re thinking morning or afternoon, I can help you pick the better departure window for the feel you want.






















