Three islands. One relaxed day on the water.

This Phu Quoc boat trip through the An Thoi archipelago is built for easy fun: you’re taken island to island, you get time to swim and snorkel, and your crew keeps the day moving with a proper Vietnamese lunch. It’s also fairly popular, with a small-group feel (up to 120 people) compared to some mega-boat tours.

I especially like two things: the snorkeling gear is provided, and lunch is included right on the boat. That combo saves you hassle and keeps the day from turning into a food hunt and gear scramble. A small thing I’d watch for is that Mong Tay Island activities can change based on conditions, and there can be extra costs once you’re there (like sunlounger charges).

If you’re the type who likes a calm schedule and clear rules, you’ll probably enjoy this. If you hate crowds or you need special meals, plan ahead because the trip can run with a lot of people and meal handling isn’t always perfect.

Key things to know before you go

• Snorkeling gear is included, so you can go straight from the dock to the water
• Three named islands with about an hour at each stop, so the day stays fast and focused
• Lunch comes with the trip, which is great value for an 8-hour outing
• Gam Ghi is the reef stop, where you’ll get the best underwater time
• Crowd level can vary, and the last island can feel more commercial
• Good weather matters, and the whole tour can shift or cancel if seas are rough

A Boat Day in Phu Quoc’s An Thoi Islands: What $29 Really Gets

For around $29 per person, this tour packs a lot into one day. You’re paying for boat time, island stops, and a crew-run lunch—plus snorkeling gear for anyone who wants it. For a full 8 hours (approx.), that’s usually better value than paying for transportation, food, and rental gear separately.

The big idea here is simple: you don’t need to plan routes, find meeting spots, or negotiate snorkel timing. The day is structured around three islands—so you spend less time commuting and more time actually on the water.

That said, this isn’t a private speedboat fantasy. With a maximum of 120 people, you can expect some busy moments, especially at the more popular beach stops.

Getting on Board: Pickup, Meeting Point, and Mobile Ticket

Your tour starts and ends at the same area: 143 Đường Trần Hưng Đạo, Dương Tơ, Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang, Vietnam. Pickup is offered, but you’ll want to treat confirmation as part of your prep. On some trips, people reported needing to coordinate pickup timing directly, so it pays to double-check details before morning.

Bring your mobile ticket and keep your phone accessible. It’s an easy scan setup, but if your signal is weak or your screen is dead, it’s on you.

One more practical note: the start point is listed as near public transportation. That’s good news if you’re staying nearby and want a backup option if pickup timing is off.

Stop 1 Mong Tay (Fingernail Island): Swim Time, Photo Angles, and a Possible Rule Change

Stop one is Mong Tay Island (also known as Fingernail Island). You get about 1 hour here, with time to relax and swim. This is the kind of stop that works even if you’re not planning a snorkel session—quick water breaks and classic “Phu Quoc postcard” views.

A key consideration: at least one booking described snorkeling and swimming being banned on Mong Tay due to ecological impact. Your tour description may still say relax and swim, but it’s smart to be flexible. If conditions or island rules change, you might still enjoy the area by sticking to swimming-only (or even just photos and beach time).

Also watch for the “is everyone rushing to the exact same spot?” effect. Mong Tay tends to be a quick-hit stop, so arriving with a mindset of short, smooth enjoyment helps.

Stop 2 Gam Ghi Island: The Coral-Reef Snorkeling Moment

Gam Ghi Island is the reef-focused stop. This is where you’re there for snorkeling at the coral reef, again for about 1 hour. If you’re choosing one stop to care about most, this is it.

The reef itself is often described as in decent shape, and people do see colorful fish. At the same time, one comment hinted that reef variety wasn’t mind-blowing for everyone—so set expectations accordingly. This is great fun snorkeling time, not a world-class, rare-reef expedition.

Snorkeling gear is included, which makes a huge difference. You don’t need to rent masks or hunt for a last-minute size that actually fits. If you want to be extra ready, bring a small waterproof pouch for your phone and keep your mask secure once you’re on board—one person reported a mask slipping off the side and needing paid help to retrieve it.

Stop 3 May Rut Island: Sunbathing Time, Island Vibes, and Crowd Reality

May Rut Island is the last stop. Expect another 1 hour of relax and swim and sunbathe. This is the “slow down and enjoy the beach” part of the day, and it’s often where you’ll get the easiest photo opportunities.

One thing to be aware of: the last island can feel more crowded and more commercial than the middle stop. If you like quiet beaches, you may find yourself sharing space more than you’d hoped—especially near the busiest spots.

You may also see extra costs on the beach, like sunlounger fees. It wasn’t always used much, but the key point for you is this: budget a little wiggle room in case you want comfort.

Lunch on the Boat: Vietnamese Comfort Food Without the Detours

One of the strongest value points here is lunch included by the crew. It’s not an afterthought. People described it as delicious, and it’s a big relief when you’re out on open water for most of the day.

There is one food caution. A vegetarian booking reported meal issues where a vegetarian diner couldn’t eat the same food and ended up separated. The tour data doesn’t say meals are customized, so if you have dietary needs beyond standard preferences, do yourself a favor: ask ahead and be clear about what you can and cannot eat.

If you’re flexible with typical Vietnamese dishes, lunch is likely to be a comfortable break that keeps your energy up for snorkeling and beach time.

Timing That Feels Doable: How an 8-Hour Tour Stays Fun

An 8-hour (approx.) day sounds like a lot until you realize it’s built around three short island blocks. About 1 hour per island keeps the trip from dragging. You get a taste of each place rather than being stuck waiting around for long stretches.

That said, more people in the schedule can mean busier transport. One comment described overcrowded buses and boats. To reduce stress, show up early to the pickup window and keep your group belongings organized—especially if you’re traveling with kids.

The “full-day but not exhausting” feel is why this tour works for a wide age range. There’s swim time, beach time, and reef snorkeling, so you can pace yourself. You won’t have to be a super-athlete to enjoy the day.

What to Bring So Your Day Goes Smooth

This tour provides snorkeling gear, so you don’t need to pack rentals. Still, you’ll have a better time if you bring a few basics:

• A light rash guard or swim shirt (sun can hit hard, even when you’re just floating)
• Reef-safe sunscreen if you use it
• A waterproof phone pouch so you can take photos without stress
• An extra small towel or quick-dry cloth
• If you wear prescription glasses or contacts, bring a plan to keep them safe around saltwater

Also, keep your expectations grounded. Reef viewing is part of the fun, but don’t expect every snorkel minute to be the “perfect” one. One reason people enjoy these trips is the rhythm: gear on, swim, look around, then relax again.

Should You Book This 3-Island Boat Tour or Choose Another Day Plan?

Book it if you want good value for a full-day outing with lunch included, and you care about snorkeling at Gam Ghi plus easy beach time at two more islands. It’s also a solid choice if you prefer a planned itinerary over figuring out boats, tickets, and timing yourself.

Skip (or at least rethink) if you have strict dietary needs and you can’t confirm meal accommodation, or if you hate crowds and wait times. Also be aware that Mong Tay activities may be restricted at times, and rough seas can lead to changes or cancellation.

If you do book, set yourself up for success: confirm pickup details, be ready for a busy day on the water, and bring a little flexibility for what you can do on each island once you arrive.

FAQ

How long is the 3 islands by boat tour?

The duration is listed as about 8 hours.

Which islands are included?

You visit Mong Tay (Fingernail Island), Gam Ghi Island, and May Rut Island.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided if you want to explore underwater.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Vietnamese lunch is provided by the crew.

Do I need to buy admission tickets for the stops?

Admission tickets for the listed stops are marked as free.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered. The meeting point listed is 143 Đường Trần Hưng Đạo, Dương Tơ, Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang, Vietnam.

What do I need for entry or checking in?

The tour uses a mobile ticket.

How many people are on the tour?

The maximum group size is listed as 120 travelers (up to 120 people).

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you’re a strong snorkeler or mostly beach-and-photo, and I’ll help you decide if this is the best match for your style in Phu Quoc.

You Might Also Enjoy

Morning Saigon Unseen Adventure Scooter with Ao Dai Riders OptionCan Tho: Floating Market, Cacao & Canals with French Guide12 Tasting Street Food & Sightseeing By Scooter with StudentSmall-Group 1-Day Tour: Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta