Phu Quoc: Snorkeling & Fishing in the South Island

Southern Phu Quoc is at its best from the water, and this tour gives you a simple way to reach two popular island stops without arranging boats yourself. I like the mix of hands-on local fishing and snorkeling at Xuong Island, followed by a slower beach stop at May Rut Trong Island. Lunch onboard and included equipment also make the $30 price easy to understand. The main concern is that the experience can feel crowded and commercial, especially at May Rut Trong, where beach chairs and extra activities may cost more.

I also like that hotel pickup, return transport, a guide, water, lunch, and safety gear are bundled into one half-day outing. You get a full seven hours for a modest price. Still, expectations matter: fishing may be brief, and the condition of the beach and swimming area can vary. One account described a dirty, packed setting with little room to swim, so this is better for an easy island day than for solitude.

Key points to know before booking

• Fishing lasts about 30 minutes: You learn to use local fishing equipment, but this is a short activity rather than a serious fishing trip.
• Xuong Island is the main water stop: Snorkeling and swimming focus on coral reefs and several coral species.
• May Rut Trong is the rest stop: You can walk the beach, sit beneath coconut trees, order drinks, take photos, or pay for a sunbed.
• Lunch is served onboard: This saves you from arranging another meal during the outing.
• The $30 price covers the basics: Transport, boat, guide, food, water, snorkeling gear, life jackets, and fishing equipment are included.
• Crowds may affect the day: One account reported a busy, untidy beach with limited swimming space and extra charges for chairs and activities.

Leaving your hotel for southern Phu Quoc

Pickup is scheduled between 9:15 and 9:30 in the morning, though the exact time depends on where you stay. You ride by car to An Thoi harbor, the departure point for the southern island trip.

That hotel transfer is useful if you are not already near the harbor. You do not need to arrange a taxi, find the pier, or negotiate a separate boat ride. The return to your hotel is planned for about 4:30 in the afternoon, making this a full but manageable day.

The schedule gives you roughly seven hours from pickup to return. That includes the road transfer, time at sea, fishing, snorkeling, lunch, and the beach stop. If you prefer a quiet morning and an early afternoon back at your hotel, this tour will feel long. If you want several activities in one outing, the timing works well.

Your guide speaks English or Vietnamese. The guide demonstrates how to use the local fishing equipment, which matters because the fishing is not simply a quick stop where you are handed a rod and left to figure it out. The activity is designed as a short introduction.

Fishing near Xuong Island

The first activity lasts about 30 minutes. You stop at a fishing point and try local equipment under the guide’s direction.

I would set your expectations carefully. Thirty minutes gives you a taste of the activity, not enough time for a full fishing session or a patient wait for a catch. It works best if you enjoy trying something unfamiliar and do not need the fishing itself to be the main event.

This part can also be a nice change from the usual beach routine. You get to handle equipment used locally and see how the guide sets up the activity. The format is simple and social, suited to people who want to try fishing as part of a larger island day.

The short duration is also one of the tour’s weaknesses. A strong fishing enthusiast may find it too brief. If your main goal is to catch fish, you should look for a dedicated fishing charter instead. Here, the fishing is one small piece of a boat trip built around snorkeling and beach time.

Snorkeling over Xuong Island coral

After fishing, the boat continues to Xuong Island, also called Gam Ghi Island in the schedule. This is the most important water stop, with time for snorkeling and swimming around coral reefs.

The area is presented as having several coral species and relatively unspoiled underwater scenery. That makes this stop more than a quick swim. You get the chance to look below the surface and see the reef rather than simply sit on the boat.

The tour supplies a mask, snorkel, and fins, along with a life jacket. Fins are not available in children’s sizes, so families should pay attention to that detail. A life jacket is included for anyone who prefers extra support in the water.

Conditions in the water can shape this part of the day. The schedule promises snorkeling and swimming, but it does not guarantee visibility, sea conditions, or a particular amount of time in the water. I would treat the coral as an opportunity rather than a promise of a perfect reef session.

If you enjoy swimming, this is likely the strongest part of the outing. If you are not comfortable in open water, the included life jacket helps, but you should still tell the guide what you need. The tour does not list private instruction or specialist snorkeling support.

Lunch served onboard

Lunch takes place on the boat after the snorkeling stop. That is practical. You do not lose more time traveling to a restaurant, and you can eat while the trip continues between island stops.

The available information does not give a menu, so you should not book this expecting a particular dish or a special dining experience. Think of it as a convenient included meal that keeps the day moving.

One bottle of water is included for each person. Bring extra money if you want drinks beyond that bottle, especially at May Rut Trong’s beach bar. Personal expenses are not included, and the beach stop is built around optional purchases.

Eating onboard also changes the rhythm of the day. Instead of returning to shore for lunch, you remain connected to the sea. That can be pleasant after snorkeling, though anyone wanting a long sit-down meal should keep expectations modest.

Slowing down at May Rut Trong Island

May Rut Trong is the final island stop and the place for rest rather than a tightly timed activity. You can stroll along the beach, use the bridges, sit under coconut trees, take photos, or order a drink from the Beach Bar.

This stop gives the tour a useful pause. After fishing and snorkeling, you can dry off, sit in the shade, and enjoy the view without needing to do anything else. If your ideal afternoon includes a cold drink and a beach chair, this is the part you will probably value most.

There is an important catch. The tour does not include every beach amenity. Drinks, sunbeds, and other personal purchases cost extra. One account also reported that chairs required payment and that additional activities were actively offered. Bring cash or another accepted payment method if you want flexibility, though the exact payment arrangements are not stated.

Conditions may also feel crowded. One particularly negative account described the island area as dirty, packed with people and boats, and not suitable for swimming at that time. That is a serious concern if you are choosing this outing for peace and clear beach space.

The fairest way to read this is that May Rut Trong can provide a pleasant rest stop, but it is not guaranteed to feel private or untouched. The phrase unspoiled coral reefs applies to the snorkeling description, not necessarily to every part of the beach visit.

What the $30 price really covers

At $30 per person, the value is strongest if you use most of the included services. The price covers round-trip car transport, the tourism boat, an English or Vietnamese guide, lunch, one bottle of water, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and local fishing equipment.

Arranging those pieces separately would take more time and could cost more, especially the boat and transport. The included equipment also means you do not need to bring a mask, snorkel, or fins unless you prefer your own gear.

The price does not cover drinks, sunbeds, optional island activities, or other personal expenses. That distinction matters because the beach stop encourages you to spend extra money. A $30 booking can remain a low-cost day out, but it is wise to budget beyond the advertised price if you want a drink, chair, or paid activity.

The tour also charges an extra 10 percent from January 28 through February 2, 2025, during Lunar New Year. That seasonal surcharge applies only to those stated dates. Check the current price when booking if your visit falls during a holiday period.

Who will enjoy this island day

I would recommend this tour to you if you want several easy activities packed into one day. It suits couples, families, and first-time visitors who would rather join an organized boat trip than arrange southern Phu Quoc transport and snorkeling on their own.

It is especially useful if you value convenience. Pickup, return transport, equipment, lunch, and a guide are all handled for you. The itinerary also gives you variety: a short fishing lesson, coral snorkeling, a meal, and beach downtime.

Families should note the missing children’s-size fins. Life jackets are included, but the tour does not provide further detail about child-specific equipment or swimming support. If your children need specialized gear, ask before booking.

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet beach, a long fishing session, or a polished resort-style island experience. The strong negative account describes a crowded and dirty setting, limited swimming, and pressure to buy extras. That may reflect conditions on one day, but it is enough to keep expectations realistic.

There is also a naming detail worth checking. The listed provider is AZ Vietnam Travel, while one account identifies the operation as John’s Tours. Before you pay, confirm the pickup contact, boat operator, and meeting details so you know who will meet you at the hotel and harbor.

Practical advice for making the day better

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, and dry clothing. These items are not listed among the inclusions, but they are sensible for a day that includes swimming and snorkeling.

Keep your valuables limited. The information does not describe lockers or secure storage on the boat or islands. A small waterproof bag would be useful for a phone, cash, and room key.

Bring extra money for the Beach Bar and any sunbed or optional activity. The tour includes one bottle of water, not unlimited drinks. A little spending money gives you more choice at May Rut Trong.

Ask the guide about the snorkeling conditions before entering the water. The tour promises coral viewing, but sea visibility and swimming space can change. If the area is crowded, listen to the guide’s instructions and stay close to the boat’s designated swimming area.

Do not treat the fishing stop as the day’s main event. It lasts about 30 minutes, so the best reason to book is the combination of activities. If the beach is busy, you still have the boat ride, coral stop, lunch, and fishing to make use of the day.

The cancellation policy is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Phu Quoc plans may shift.

Should you book this Phu Quoc boat tour?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, organized introduction to southern Phu Quoc’s islands. The combination of hotel pickup, fishing, snorkeling, lunch, equipment, and beach time offers solid value at $30, especially for someone who does not want to arrange a boat independently.

Skip it if your top priority is a quiet beach or a long, serious snorkeling session. The reported crowding, possible extra charges, and short fishing period are real considerations. For the best fit, choose this as a convenient activity-packed day, not as a private island escape.

FAQ

Where does the tour take place?

The tour visits islands in southern Phu Quoc, including Xuong Island, also called Gam Ghi Island, and May Rut Trong Island. Departure is from An Thoi harbor.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts seven hours. Pickup is scheduled around 9:15 to 9:30 in the morning, with return to your hotel planned for about 4:30 in the afternoon.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Round-trip car transport from your hotel is included. Pickup time depends on the area where your hotel is located.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English and Vietnamese.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?

Yes. The tour provides a mask, snorkel, and fins, along with life jackets. Fins are not available in children’s sizes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served onboard the boat.

Is drinking water included?

Yes. One bottle of water is included for each person.

How long is the fishing activity?

The fishing stop lasts about 30 minutes. The guide demonstrates how to use local fishing equipment.

Are beach chairs and drinks included?

No. Drinks, sunbeds, optional activities, and other personal expenses are not included in the price.

Can I cancel the tour for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve the tour and pay later.