Review · PHU QUOC
Phu Quoc Speedboat Trip: 3 Islands By Speedboat
Four islands, one fast boat, and lunch by the sea. This Phu Quoc trip packs a lot into roughly eight hours, with snorkeling at Xuong and Gham Ghi, beach time at May Rut Trong, and an optional seawalker activity near Hon Thom. I especially like the small-group feel reported on some departures, with one group traveling as only 10 passengers, and the easy hotel pickup from central Duong Dong.
I also like that the $36 price includes transport, lunch, equipment, a guide, and drone photos. That is solid value for a full day on the water. The main thing to consider is that island conditions can change the route, and the coral may be more impressive than the fish on some days.
Key points to know before booking

- Central Duong Dong pickup: Collection runs from 08:15 to 08:30 at the tour office or participating hotels along the central Tran Hung Dao area.
- Three main island stops: Xuong, Gham Ghi, and May Rut Trong form the core of the day.
- Snorkeling equipment included: You receive a mask, snorkel, fins, and life jacket, though fins are not available in child sizes.
- Lunch at May Rut Trong: Expect seafood, chicken, rice, vegetables, and options for vegan and vegetarian diners.
- Good photo extras: The package includes one 45-second video and three drone photographs taken at May Rut Trong.
- Weather can change the plan: The islands visited may be switched if sea conditions make the original route unsuitable.
Why this southern Phu Quoc trip works

Phu Quoc’s southern islands are made for a day on the water. The small islands around An Thoi offer clear shallows, coral areas, white sand, and short boat rides between stops. Instead of spending the whole day at one beach, you get a moving view of the coast and several chances to swim.
The pace also suits people who want variety. You can snorkel in the morning, relax on a beach after lunch, walk around the island, and add a seawalker activity if you want something different. You are not locked into one type of activity all day.
This is a shared excursion, so the exact rhythm depends on the group. Some departures have been limited to about 10 people, which makes boarding, eating, and getting help in the water easier. Group size may vary, so it is worth checking when you reserve if a quieter boat matters to you.
The tour earns its strongest praise for friendly guides, clear instructions, beautiful beaches, and good food. Guides named in individual experiences include Emma, Leyla, Mia, and Sally. English ability was praised for Leyla and Mia in particular, while the tour is offered in English and Vietnamese.
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Starting in Duong Dong and crossing to An Thoi

Pickup takes place between 08:15 and 08:30 from the John’s Tours office or from a hotel lobby in central Duong Dong. The stated pickup corridor runs from Phu Quoc night market along Tran Hung Dao Street toward Eden Resort.
That location rule matters. If you are staying outside the central area, an extra fee may apply, so do not assume every hotel has free collection. The tour returns you to your hotel at about 16:00, making this a manageable day trip rather than an evening outing.
From pickup, you travel by car to An Thoi harbor and transfer to the speedboat. The boat is part of the fun, not just a way to get from one place to another. The ride gives you open views of the smaller islands and makes the southern route feel energetic.
A speedboat can also mean more movement than a large ferry. If you prefer a calm ride, prepare for a livelier crossing. Bring sunscreen, a towel, and swimwear, since the package does not provide towels or sunscreen.
Xuong Island: your first coral stop

Xuong Island is scheduled as the first snorkeling stop. This is a useful way to begin the day because you can test your mask and get comfortable in the water before the later stops.
The package supplies masks, snorkels, fins, and life jackets. Fins are not available in child sizes, so families with young children should plan around that detail. A life jacket is available for anyone who wants extra support while floating above the coral.
The snorkeling quality will depend on sea conditions and the exact place selected by the guide. The strongest feedback describes beautiful coral and warm, clear water, but one account also noted that there were relatively few fish. That is a fair expectation to set: the coral may be the star, not large schools of marine life.
The guide can point out coral and fish, and the activity has an educational side without becoming a formal lesson. I like having this first stop early in the day, when you still have plenty of time for another swim if the water is especially good.
Gham Ghi Island: coral, beach, and room to slow down

Gham Ghi combines a second snorkeling opportunity with time on the beach. That makes it more flexible than a stop devoted only to swimming. You can return to the water, sit on the sand, or simply enjoy the island views.
The second snorkeling site matters because conditions can vary from reef to reef. If the first location is not at its best, Gham Ghi gives you another chance. If the first site is excellent, you get more time in the water without repeating the same setting.
This is also a good stop for people in a mixed group. One person can snorkel while another stays on the beach. A guide can show you nearby beaches and rock formations, and one experience specifically appreciated the chance to take a short walk and see large, impressive rocks instead of snorkeling the entire time.
Do not expect a completely private island experience. The southern islands are popular day-trip destinations, and the appeal comes from scenery and easy access rather than isolation. Still, having a guide and boat transport lets you see places that would be difficult to reach on your own in a single day.
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May Rut Trong: lunch, white sand, and the best pause

May Rut Trong is the main relaxation stop and the place where lunch is served. It is also the highlight for many people because the island combines a white sand lagoon, time to explore, and a more laid-back beach setting.
Lunch is a real part of the value here. The meal has been described as including seafood, chicken, rice, and vegetables, with choices for vegan and vegetarian diners. The food is served outdoors on the island, so you get a meal with sea views rather than a stop at a mainland restaurant.
The menu can make or break a full-day boat trip. You are active in the morning, and a proper lunch gives you a chance to sit down, cool off, and talk with the group. The food received particularly strong praise, including one account that called the seafood better than expected.
After eating, you can explore May Rut Trong, relax by the lagoon, or swim. The tour includes one 45-second video and three drone photographs taken here. These extras are a pleasant touch, especially if you want a few images of the beach without asking another person to take them.
The drone package should not be the reason you book the trip, but it adds value to a low-cost excursion. Just remember that weather or operational conditions may affect the exact photo experience.
The optional seawalker near Hon Thom

The schedule includes a seawalker activity near Hon Thom at your own expense. It is not part of the $36 package, so you should treat it as an optional add-on rather than an included stop.
This gives the day another option for people who want something beyond standard snorkeling. If you are happy floating above the coral, you can focus on the included activities. If you want a different way to see the underwater area, ask the guide about the seawalker cost and timing before committing.
Because the extra charge is not stated, do not budget for it as though it were included. The core tour already has plenty of water time, so skipping the add-on does not leave you without a full program.
What the $36 price really includes

At $36 per person, this is a strong-value outing if you want transport and activities handled in one booking. The price includes:
- Car transport to and from central Duong Dong
- Speedboat transport
- An English or Vietnamese-speaking guide
- Lunch
- One bottle of water
- Mask, snorkel, and fins
- Life jacket
- One 45-second video and three drone photos from May Rut Trong
You are also paying for the convenience of reaching several southern islands in one day. Arranging separate transport, boat hire, food, snorkeling gear, and harbor transfers would take more planning and may cost more.
There are still small extra costs to watch. Personal expenses are not included, and seawalker participation costs extra. A 10 percent surcharge applies during New Year and Lunar New Year, paid directly on site.
The value is best for someone who wants a ready-made day with plenty of structure. It is less ideal if you want complete control over how long you stay at each beach or prefer a private boat.
The main drawbacks to keep in mind

The first drawback is the changeable route. If weather or sea conditions require it, the operator may replace some islands with others. That is sensible for safety, but it means you should not treat the named stops as an absolute promise.
The second is the variable snorkeling. The coral received high praise, but fish sightings were not always abundant. If your main goal is large marine life, keep expectations measured. This is a reef and beach outing, not a specialist wildlife expedition.
The third is the lack of child-sized fins. Children can still use the other provided equipment and life jackets, but families should know this before arriving.
Finally, this is a busy day. Pickup begins early, and you move between car, harbor, boat, water, beach, lunch, and return transport. That variety is the appeal, but it may feel tiring if you want a slow, quiet beach day with no timetable.
Who should book this island day?

I would choose this trip if you are staying in central Duong Dong and want to see Phu Quoc’s southern islands without arranging the pieces yourself. It suits couples, friends, families with older children, and solo visitors who like meeting others during a shared activity.
It is also a good match for people who want several types of experience in one day. You can snorkel, swim, eat local-style seafood, walk around an island, and take home drone images. The guide support is useful if you are not confident in the water or want clear directions at each stop.
You may want another option if you need a private schedule, dislike speedboat travel, or are booking mainly to see abundant fish. You should also ask about pickup fees if your hotel lies outside central Duong Dong.
Booking is flexible: you can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. That makes it easier to watch the weather forecast before your final commitment.
Practical tips for a better day
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and your own towel. These are not supplied, and you will have several chances to enter the water.
Wear something comfortable for the boat and beach. Pack lightly, since you will move between a vehicle, harbor, boat, and islands. Keep personal items secure and protected from water.
If you are vegetarian or vegan, confirm your meal preference when booking or before departure. The tour provides options, but early notice makes lunch easier to organize.
Ask about the day’s expected route if the weather looks unsettled. The operator may switch islands, and a flexible attitude will help you enjoy the outing even when the exact plan changes.
Should you book the Phu Quoc speedboat trip?
Book it if you want a well-priced, active day with snorkeling, beaches, lunch, and simple hotel transport. The strongest parts are the friendly guide service, tasty lunch, southern island scenery, and the chance to visit several locations without arranging a boat yourself.
I would call it a good general-purpose island tour, not a dedicated marine-life trip. You might see beautiful coral with fewer fish than hoped, and the route can change with weather. For $36, though, the package gives you a lot: transport, equipment, food, a guide, and useful photo extras.
If May Rut Trong, coral snorkeling, and a fast boat sound like your kind of Phu Quoc day, this is an easy choice. Just bring your own towel and sunscreen, confirm pickup coverage, and leave room for the sea to make the final call.
FAQ
Where does the tour pick up passengers?
Pickup is available from the John’s Tours office or from hotel lobbies in central Duong Dong, generally between 08:15 and 08:30. The stated area runs from Phu Quoc night market along Tran Hung Dao Street toward Eden Resort.
What time does the tour return?
The planned return to your hotel is around 16:00.
Which islands does the tour visit?
The main route includes Xuong Island, Gham Ghi Island, and May Rut Trong Island. The experience is also described as visiting four islands, with a seawalker activity available near Hon Thom at an additional cost.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes. The package includes a mask, snorkel, fins, and a life jacket. Fins are not available in child sizes.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch is served on May Rut Trong Island. Food can include seafood, chicken, rice, and vegetables, with options for vegan and vegetarian diners.
Is the seawalker activity included in the price?
No. The seawalker near Hon Thom is available at your own expense.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, your own towel, and sunscreen. A towel and sunscreen are not included.
Can the islands change?
Yes. Weather and sea conditions may cause the operator to replace some islands with another location.
What languages are available?
The tour is offered in English and Vietnamese.
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