Phu Quoc Speedboat Trip: 3 Islands By Speedboat

The best part of this Phu Quoc outing is the mix: fast boat rides, coral snorkeling, and unhurried beach time in one day. You visit Xuong, Gam Ghi, and May Rut Trong, with a possible fourth island or Hon Thom area stop depending on the day and sea conditions. It is a good way to see the southern islands without arranging boats, food, or gear yourself.

I like the small-group feel, with one recent trip carrying only 10 people, and I like that lunch, hotel pickup, masks, snorkels, fins, life jackets, and drone photos are included. The main caution is that coral can be beautiful but fish sightings vary, and rough weather may force the guide to replace an island with another stop.

Key points at a glance

• Four-island style itinerary: The day covers Xuong, Gam Ghi, May Rut Trong, and may include another southern island or a Seawalker stop near Hon Thom at extra cost.
• Two main snorkeling stops: Xuong and Gam Ghi are used for coral reef swimming, with beach time at Gam Ghi.
• Lunch with a view: May Rut Trong provides the longest land stop, including lunch, a white-sand lagoon, and time to explore.
• Hotel pickup included: Pickup runs from 8:15 to 8:30 in central Duong Dong, from the tour office or selected hotels along Tran Hung Dao Street.
• Useful extras included: You receive snorkeling gear, a life jacket, one bottle of water, and a 45-second drone video with three photos from May Rut Trong.
• Good value at $36: The price covers transport, guide, lunch, and equipment, though pickup outside central Duong Dong may cost more.

Why the southern islands work well in one day

Phu Quoc’s southern islands offer a different rhythm from the main resort strip. Instead of staying beside one hotel beach, you spend the day moving across clear water between small islands, with the speedboat making the distance part of the fun.

This is not a quiet private cruise. It is a shared day trip with a fixed schedule, but the route gives you several kinds of island time. You can swim above coral, walk on a beach, eat lunch outdoors, take photos, and choose a slower nature walk instead of spending every minute in the water.

At $36 per person, the package has solid value. You would otherwise need to arrange a car to An Thoi, a boat, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and a guide. The included drone clip and photos add a useful souvenir, especially if you do not want to spend your day managing a camera near the water.

The tradeoff is control. You do not choose exactly how long to stay at each island, and the route can change with the weather. If you want a private boat, a flexible departure, or long uninterrupted time at one beach, this is not the right format.

Starting in Duong Dong and reaching An Thoi

Pickup takes place from 8:15 to 8:30 in central Duong Dong, either at the John’s Tours office or at the lobby of a hotel in the stated pickup area. The central zone follows Tran Hung Dao Street from the Phu Quoc Night Market toward Eden Resort.

This morning transfer matters because An Thoi Harbor is in the south of the island. Your day begins with a car ride before the speedboat portion, so you should expect a full outing rather than a quick local boat trip. Pickup and drop-off outside the listed central area may bring an extra charge.

Once you reach An Thoi, you board the speedboat. The boat ride adds energy to the day and gives you open-water views of the southern islands. It can also feel bumpy, so bring only what you need and keep your phone protected when taking pictures.

The listed return time is around 16:00. That makes the trip long enough for several stops while still leaving your evening free. You should keep the rest of the day light, since swimming, sun, transfers, and boat travel can be tiring.

Xuong Island and the first coral stop

Xuong Island is used for snorkeling at a coral reef. This first water stop gives you a chance to test the mask, snorkel, fins, and life jacket before the day moves on.

The coral is the main reason to choose this trip over a simple beach transfer. You may see different reef shapes and fish in the clear, warm water, but marine life is not guaranteed in the same amount every day. One account praised the coral while noting that fish were few, so set your expectations correctly: the reef scenery is the focus, not a guaranteed wildlife show.

The supplied equipment covers the basics, which keeps the cost down and saves you from carrying your own mask and fins. You do need to bring your own towel and sunscreen. Fins are not available in child sizes, an important detail for families planning to share or bring suitable gear for younger children.

This stop is best for people who are comfortable in open water and happy to spend time floating, swimming, and looking down. If you prefer simply sitting on a beach, you will have better opportunities later at Gam Ghi and May Rut Trong.

Gam Ghi Island for coral and beach time

Gam Ghi combines another coral snorkeling session with beach time. The second water stop is useful because conditions can vary from one reef area to another. If the visibility or fish activity is modest at Xuong, you get another chance to enjoy the water here.

I like the balance of this stop. You are not required to snorkel all day, and the beach gives you a place to dry off, rest, and enjoy the setting. One guide, Tamara’s guide Leyla, was praised for clear explanations and for showing impressive rocks and quieter beaches to someone more interested in nature than snorkeling. That tells you something useful about the trip: you can ask the guide for a different way to enjoy a stop.

Guides named in the feedback include Emma, Leyla, Mia, and Sally. Their roles include explaining the plan, helping with equipment, and keeping the group together. English is offered, along with Vietnamese, though individual speaking styles can vary by guide.

Do not expect every island to feel untouched. The appeal is the combination of islands in one organized day, not complete solitude. If you want a remote beach with no other groups, a private charter would suit you better.

May Rut Trong, lunch, and the white-sand lagoon

May Rut Trong is the day’s main land stop. Here you eat lunch, explore the island, and spend time beside a white-sand lagoon described as a relaxed chillout area.

Lunch is a strong part of the package. The meal includes seafood, chicken, rice, and vegetables, with options for vegetarian and vegan diners. You should still state your dietary needs when booking or before departure, since the exact arrangements are not specified.

The outdoor setting makes lunch feel like part of the island visit rather than a pause in a restaurant. It also gives you time to talk with the group and recover from the snorkeling stops. Several guides were praised for the food, with particular appreciation for the seafood variety and quality.

May Rut Trong is also the best stop for people who want more than water sports. You can explore on foot, sit by the lagoon, or look for striking rock formations and beach views. The schedule still limits how long you can wander, so think of it as a scenic break rather than a full island hike.

The included drone package is filmed here: one 45-second video and three photos. This is a nice touch if you want a few polished images of the beach and group, though it should not be the main reason to book. You will want to keep your phone and other valuables protected around sand and water.

Optional Seawalker near Hon Thom

A Seawalker experience near Hon Thom is available at your own expense. It is not part of the included $36 price, so you should treat it as an optional add-on rather than a guaranteed part of the standard day.

The supplied details do not give the extra price, duration, or exact operating arrangements. Ask the tour team for those details before committing. If you are mainly interested in snorkeling, the two included reef stops may be enough. If you want a different underwater activity, the Seawalker option could add variety.

Do not assume this stop replaces the main island schedule. The route can change with weather, and the exact sequence is decided by the operating team.

What the $36 price really covers

The price is strongest for a first visit to Phu Quoc when you want a simple package. You get round-trip car transport, a speedboat, an English-speaking guide, lunch, drinking water, snorkeling equipment, and life jackets.

The included gear removes several small costs that can quickly add up. Lunch is also more convenient than trying to find food between boat stops. The drone video and photos are an extra benefit, especially for a special occasion or a group that wants a shared keepsake.

The price does not cover personal expenses, towels, sunscreen, or the optional Seawalker. Pickup outside the central Duong Dong area may cost more. A 10 percent surcharge applies during New Year and Lunar New Year, paid directly on site.

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your schedule is still moving. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. Those terms make the trip easier to fit into a changing Phu Quoc plan.

Who will enjoy this speedboat day

I would choose this trip if you want to see several southern islands without handling transport or negotiating a boat. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and families with older children who can manage a boat day and basic snorkeling.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want coral snorkeling but also need beach and lunch breaks.
• You like a lively speedboat ride more than a slow cruise.
• You want a guide to explain the plan and help with equipment.
• You prefer an organized day at a moderate price.
• You would like a few drone images without arranging a separate photographer.

It may not suit you if you need a private itinerary, dislike boat motion, or want guaranteed calm water and abundant fish. Young children may need their own fins, since child-size fins are not provided. Weather can also change the route, so keep some flexibility in your expectations.

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and a way to protect your phone. You receive one bottle of water, but you may want additional water for a full day in the sun. A light bag is easier to manage than a large suitcase on a speedboat.

The practical verdict for Phu Quoc

I would book this tour if your priority is variety and convenience. The combination of two coral stops, Gam Ghi beach time, a substantial May Rut Trong visit, lunch, transfers, and basic equipment gives you a lot for $36.

I would skip it in favor of a private boat if you want complete control over the route or long stretches alone on one beach. I would also choose carefully if snorkeling is your only goal, since coral conditions and fish numbers can vary.

For most people staying in central Duong Dong, this is a sensible way to sample Phu Quoc’s southern islands in one day. Expect good scenery, friendly guides such as Emma, Leyla, Mia, or Sally, and a well-packed schedule rather than a wilderness escape.

FAQ

What islands does the speedboat trip visit?

The stated route includes Xuong Island, Gam Ghi Island, and May Rut Trong Island. The experience is also described as visiting four islands, and a Seawalker area near Hon Thom may be included as an optional stop at your own expense.

What time is hotel pickup?

Pickup is scheduled from 8:15 to 8:30. It is available from the John’s Tours office or from hotel lobbies in central Duong Dong along the stated Tran Hung Dao Street area.

What time does the tour return?

The planned return to your hotel is around 16:00.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served on one of the islands, normally during the May Rut Trong portion of the day. The meal includes seafood, chicken, rice, and vegetables, with options for vegan and vegetarian diners.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The tour provides a mask, snorkel, fins, and a life jacket. Fins are not available in child sizes.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Towels and sunscreen are not included.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. English and Vietnamese are the available tour languages.

Can the route change?

Yes. Weather conditions may cause the tour team to replace some islands with other islands.

Is the Seawalker activity included in the price?

No. Seawalker near Hon Thom is available at your own expense, and the extra charge is separate from the listed tour price.