REVIEW · PHU QUOC
Phu Quoc Speedboat Trip: 3 Islands By Speedboat
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by JOHNS TOURS PHU QUOC · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Three islands in a single rush of sea air. It’s the kind of day that mixes coral reef snorkeling with a real beach break and a proper island lunch. You’ll also want to know the plan can shift a bit if the weather turns, since some island stops may be swapped.
This is built for a smooth one-day rhythm: pick-up in central Duong Dong, a fast hop to An Thoi harbor, then snorkeling and sun time across the south islands before you’re back at your hotel by about 16:00. The guides (like Emma, Leyla, Mia, and Sally) are known for clear English and keeping the day organized and easy-going.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel
- Quick Take: Why This Speedboat Day Feels Worth It
- Pickup to An Thoi: Central Duong Dong, Then Straight to the Harbor
- The Speedboat Ride: Fun, Fast, and Short Enough to Enjoy
- Xuong Island Snorkel: Coral Reef Time Without the Long Hunt
- Gham Ghi Island: Another Reef Shot Plus Beach Comfort
- May Rut Trong Island: Lunch, White Sand, and the Chillout Moment
- Hon Thom Seawalker: Optional, Extra Cost, If You Want More Than Snorkel
- Lunch and Gear: What’s Included (and What You Must Bring)
- Weather and Island Changes: The One Flex Rule to Accept
- Price and Value: Is $36 a Good Deal?
- Who This Tour Fits Best
- What I’d Do to Make the Most of It
- Should You Book This Phu Quoc Speedboat Trip?
- FAQ
- What islands does the trip visit?
- What time does the tour pick me up and return me?
- Is snorkeling equipment provided?
- Is lunch included, and where do we eat?
- Where does pick-up happen?
- What should I bring for the day?
Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel
- Three islands in one day with back-to-back water time
- Snorkeling gear included (mask, snorkel, fins; fins aren’t sized for children)
- May Rut Trong’s white-sand lagoon plus time to chill, not just rush
- Island lunch on the water with options including vegan/vegetarian in the mix
- Drone keepsakes: a 45-second video plus 3 photos for May Rut Trong
- Optional seawalker near Hon Thom if you want an extra splurge
Quick Take: Why This Speedboat Day Feels Worth It
If you’re on Phu Quoc and you want a day that doesn’t require planning spreadsheets, this works. You’re not just doing one stop—you’re getting multiple chances to snorkel, swim, and soak up beach time across the south islands.
What I like most is the pacing. The itinerary has clear blocks—snorkel, beach, then a bigger “slow down” stop on May Rut. That balance matters because snorkeling is fun, but you don’t want a whole day that turns into sore neck and sunburn management.
One more thing: the reef here is the main event. Even when fish counts vary (it happens), you’re still looking at coral structure and sea life in a way that feels close-up and real.
Pickup to An Thoi: Central Duong Dong, Then Straight to the Harbor
The day starts with pick-up between 08:15 and 08:30 from either the Johns Tours office or your hotel in central Duong Dong. The coverage is geared toward convenient spots around the Phu Quoc night market area along Tran Hung Dao Street, toward Eden Resort.
Why this matters: you’re losing less time. Instead of burning half the morning figuring out transport, you’re already moving toward the docks.
You board at An Thoi harbor and then shift into speedboat mode. That’s part of the fun, and it’s also why you’ll want to keep your schedule flexible for sea conditions. The tour also notes that if conditions force changes, some islands may be swapped.
The Speedboat Ride: Fun, Fast, and Short Enough to Enjoy
You’ll travel by speedboat after the An Thoi harbor check-in. The ride is quick, and that’s the point: you’re compressing what could be multiple trips into one day.
A practical note: speedboats can feel bouncy depending on the day. The schedule is still tight—snorkel stops and swim time happen on the islands, not during a long transfer. So if you’re sensitive to motion, you’ll likely want to keep your expectations realistic and pack your patience.
Small-group energy helps too. One departure described the group as about 10 passengers, which usually means less waiting around and more time actually spent on the water.
Xuong Island Snorkel: Coral Reef Time Without the Long Hunt
Xuong Island is your first real underwater hit. You’ll snorkel at the coral reef, with equipment provided: mask, snorkel, and fins, plus life jackets.
This stop is good because it gets you into “reef mode” early. You’re not spending the whole morning adjusting to ocean drift while you’re still tired from pickup. By the time you’re suited up, the day is already in motion.
What to watch for: coral in these areas can look amazing even when you’re not surrounded by dozens of fish. Think of it like a reef “scenery” session—focus on coral shapes, crevices, and movement patterns instead of expecting the same density every minute.
Also, bring the right mindset. Snorkeling isn’t a race. You’ll get more out of the reef if you slow down, breathe steadily, and let the water do the moving.
Gham Ghi Island: Another Reef Shot Plus Beach Comfort
After Xuong, you head to Gam Ghi Island for more snorkeling at the coral reef, plus time for the beach. This is where the itinerary gives you options: swim and snorkel, or just float in shallows and enjoy the day.
Why the second snorkeling stop matters: visibility and sea life can vary. Having two reef opportunities increases your odds of catching the conditions that make everything pop.
Also, this is a helpful “recovery” stop if you want a break between underwater sessions. Your gear is already sorted, so you can go back in when you’re ready, then step out and cool down on the sand.
May Rut Trong Island: Lunch, White Sand, and the Chillout Moment
May Rut Trong Island is the centerpiece. You’ll have lunch on the island, plus exploring time and time to enjoy a white-sand lagoon that feels made for slowing down.
This is the stop that tends to earn the biggest emotional score because it’s not only about snorkeling. You’re shifting gears into a beach-and-food rhythm—without the pressure of cramming in one more thing before the day ends.
Lunch here is included, and it’s often described as a seafood-style meal with choices for different diets. One account specifically noted a mix like seafood, chicken, rice, and vegetables, with vegan and vegetarian options available. That’s a big deal because island days can be hit-or-miss for food variety.
Two more practical perks:
- You’ll get a drone video (about 45 seconds) and 3 photos for May Rut Trong.
- You’re getting a longer “hang out” block than the earlier stops, so you don’t feel like you’re constantly doing gear changes.
If you want photos, this is where to spend your energy. The lagoon and beach time are the most photogenic moments in the plan.
Hon Thom Seawalker: Optional, Extra Cost, If You Want More Than Snorkel
Near Hon Thom Island, there’s an optional seawalker activity. It’s not included in the tour price, so you’d pay on your own if you choose it.
Should you do it? If you love the idea of experiencing underwater life without snorkeling skills, it can be a fun add-on. If you’re happy with mask-and-fins snorkeling, you can easily skip it and still get a full day.
Lunch and Gear: What’s Included (and What You Must Bring)
Here’s what you can count on:
- Round-trip transport by car and speedboat
- English-speaking tour guide
- 1 bottle of water
- Lunch on one of the islands
- Snorkeling equipment: mask, snorkel, fins (fins aren’t available in child sizes)
- Life jackets
- Drone keepsakes for May Rut Trong
And here’s what you should pack:
- Swimwear
- Bring your own towel and sunscreen (these aren’t provided)
That last part matters. Island days can be sunny fast, and you’ll want to protect skin before you’re left improvising. Also, fins can be a sizing issue for kids, so plan around that if you’re traveling with children.
Weather and Island Changes: The One Flex Rule to Accept
The tour notes that if weather conditions affect the route, some islands will be changed to another island. This is normal for sea-based days in the region.
Your best strategy is to keep your goals flexible:
- If one reef spot changes, you still have multiple snorkel chances across the day.
- If beaches shift, the general vibe stays the same—water time, island exploring, and a lunch stop.
If you’re the type who hates surprises, this might feel annoying. But in exchange, you’re getting a tour designed for a “real world” ocean schedule.
Price and Value: Is $36 a Good Deal?
At $36 per person, this trip can be strong value—especially when you compare what’s included versus what you’d pay separately.
You’re not just booking a boat ride. You’re getting:
- round-trip speedboat + transfers
- an English-speaking guide
- snorkeling gear
- lunch
- and drone photo/video on May Rut
So the real question becomes: do you want a full-day mix of reef time and island beach time, without doing it in pieces yourself?
If yes, the price likely feels fair. If you’re the kind of traveler who prefers total freedom and you already know how you’ll handle snorkeling and transport on your own, you might feel less value.
Either way, the structure is what you’re paying for: a scheduled day with little decision fatigue.
Who This Tour Fits Best
This is a great match if you:
- want a one-day hit list of snorkeling and beaches in the south islands
- like traveling with an organized guide instead of figuring everything out
- want lunch included in the middle of the day, not after the fact
It’s also a decent choice if you’re traveling with friends or family because the day has built-in variety. Snorkelers can focus on reefs; non-snorkelers can enjoy beach time and lagoon scenery.
If your priority is extreme snorkeling depth or specific marine-life guarantees, you might find it less exact than a dedicated dive excursion. But for “world-class reef vibes” and an easy day plan, it’s doing exactly what you’d hope.
What I’d Do to Make the Most of It
You’ll enjoy this tour more if you go in with the right rhythm:
- Start the day ready to snorkel. Don’t waste time fiddling with gear once you’re on the boat.
- Pace yourself. One good snorkel session beats chasing every fish like it’s a sport.
- Save your camera time for May Rut and the lagoon. That’s where the day slows down and the views get most dramatic.
- Bring sunscreen even if you think you’ll stay in the shade. You won’t. Not on a speedboat day.
Should You Book This Phu Quoc Speedboat Trip?
Book it if you want an efficient, organized day that covers three islands, gives you coral reef snorkeling, and ends with a proper May Rut beach-and-lunch moment—plus drone keepsakes.
Don’t book it if you’re highly sensitive to weather uncertainty or you need a super rigid itinerary with zero changes. The tour can shift stops when conditions require it.
If you’re deciding today, here’s the simple decision rule: if you’d rather spend your time swimming and snorkeling than coordinating transport and timing, this $36 day trip is a sensible way to get a lot of sea time in one go.
FAQ
What islands does the trip visit?
The trip explores Xuong Island, Gam Ghi Island, and May Rut Trong Island. There is also an optional seawalker activity near Hon Thom Island at your own expense.
What time does the tour pick me up and return me?
Pick-up is typically 08:15 to 08:30. You return to your hotel at about 16:00.
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes. The tour includes mask, snorkel, and fins, plus life jackets. Note: fins are not available in child sizes.
Is lunch included, and where do we eat?
Yes, lunch is included and it’s served on May Rut Trong Island.
Where does pick-up happen?
Pick-up is available from Johns Tours office or the lobby of your hotel in central Duong Dong. If you’re outside that area, an extra fee may apply.
What should I bring for the day?
Bring swimwear. You should also bring your own towel and sunscreen, as these aren’t included.
