Review · PHU QUOC

Private SpeedBoat Trip To 3 Islands In PQ With Cable Car (Option)

★ 5.0 · 4 reviews From $175 Operated by Phu Quoc Jeep Tour · Bookable on Viator
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Phu Quoc rewards an early start. This private island-hopping trip combines a fast boat ride, three snorkeling areas, fishing, a beach BBQ, and an optional one-way cable car ride, giving you a lively taste of the island’s southern waters. I especially like the private format, which lets your group adjust the pace, and the chance to snorkel at several separate sites rather than spending the whole day in one spot. The main catch is that the published start details are not fully consistent, so you should confirm your pickup time and cable car price before setting off.

I also like the practical touches: snorkeling and fishing gear are supplied, and cold beer, water, fruit, and snacks are available during the trip. The short snorkeling sessions may feel rushed if you want a long swim, and sea conditions can affect the route, comfort, and visibility.

Quick highlights of the island day

Private SpeedBoat Trip To 3 Islands In PQ With Cable Car (Option) - Quick highlights of the island day

  • Three southern-island stops: Visit Kim Quy or Buom Island, Gam Ghi Island, and May Rut Island, with time for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Private speedboat ride: Your own group travels by mini speedboat or high-speed canoe rather than joining a large shared boat.
  • Beach BBQ lunch: Eat grilled prawns, pork, chicken, fish, and vegetables on a wild beach.
  • Snorkeling below the surface: The tour advertises visibility of up to about 5 meters, with colorful fish and coral in suitable conditions.
  • Optional Phu Quoc cable car: Add a one-way cable car ride for an extra charge, creating a memorable finish or continuation to the day.
  • Flexible private service: The tour can be adjusted somewhat for your group, with local guides such as Wee Wee, Thong, or Thomas Tran handling the day.

Why this private Phu Quoc trip works well

Private SpeedBoat Trip To 3 Islands In PQ With Cable Car (Option) - Why this private Phu Quoc trip works well

Southern Phu Quoc is where the island day becomes more active. The route takes you away from the main town and into a chain of smaller islands known for white sand, shallow water, coral, and easy snorkeling. You are not simply riding past the islands. You get out, swim, fish, eat, and move on by speedboat.

The private setup matters most for families and small groups. You do not have to match the pace of a busload of strangers, and the operator says you can customize the trip to some degree. That could mean spending a little longer at a favorite beach or keeping the schedule moving for children who tire of snorkeling quickly.

The tour is usually described as lasting about five to seven hours. The detailed schedule runs from a 9:30 a.m. hotel pickup to about 3:30 p.m. return, which is roughly six hours. One separate meeting-point detail lists a 1 p.m. start, so I would not rely on that without checking directly. Ask the operator to confirm the exact pickup time, meeting place, and route before booking transport around it.

The best season is given as December through June. That does not guarantee calm water every day, but it is the period the operator recommends. Since this is a weather-dependent boat trip, poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

More Island Hopping by Speedboat in Vietnam

Getting from Duong Dong to An Thoi Harbor

Private SpeedBoat Trip To 3 Islands In PQ With Cable Car (Option) - Getting from Duong Dong to An Thoi Harbor

The day begins with pickup in an air-conditioned van or minibus. The listed meeting point is at 1 Duong Nguyen Trai in Duong Dong, while the boat departs from An Thoi Harbor in southern Phu Quoc.

The road transfer is not the star of the show, but private transport is useful here. You do not need to arrange a separate taxi to the harbor, and parking fees are included. The schedule allows about an hour to reach An Thoi and board the boat.

At the harbor, you switch from the van to a mini speedboat or high-speed canoe. This change is part of the fun. The boat is small enough to feel close to the water, and the fast ride gives the outing more energy than a slow sightseeing cruise.

You should be ready for spray and motion. The description emphasizes the feeling of flying across the sea, which tells you what kind of ride to expect. If you prefer a very calm boat trip, this may not be your ideal format. If you enjoy speed and quick transfers between islands, it is a good match.

Kim Quy or Buom Island: your first snorkel

The first water stop is Kim Quy Island, also called Golden Turtle Island, or possibly Buom Island depending on conditions and the day’s plan. You get about 30 minutes for snorkeling.

That first stop gives you a chance to get comfortable with the equipment and the water. Masks, snorkels, and fishing gear are supplied, so you do not need to pack a full set of equipment. The operator describes underwater visibility of up to 5 meters, with coral and colorful fish in clear conditions.

Thirty minutes is enough for a useful look, especially if you are new to snorkeling. It is not enough for a slow, unhurried session with lots of exploration. I would treat this as a first sample rather than the main event.

The private format may help here. If your group needs a moment to sort out masks or wants help getting started, a local guide can give you attention that is harder to provide on a large group boat. The actual water conditions still matter more than the sales description. Visibility, wind, and current can change the experience from one day to the next.

Gam Ghi Island and its coral areas

Private SpeedBoat Trip To 3 Islands In PQ With Cable Car (Option) - Gam Ghi Island and its coral areas

The second snorkeling stop is Gam Ghi Island, reached around 11:45 in the planned schedule. Again, the water time is about 30 minutes.

Gam Ghi is presented as one of the strongest parts of the route, with coral and many kinds of fish. One family described three snorkeling areas with beautiful coral and fish in many colors, and another small-group outing included two short snorkeling stops with fine coral reefs. That makes this section particularly appealing if your main goal is to see marine life rather than simply sit on a beach.

Still, keep the timing in mind. With only half an hour in the water, you will want to be ready when the boat arrives. Wear swimwear under your clothes, keep your camera accessible, and avoid spending too much time repacking between stops.

The tour includes a local English-speaking guide. Specific guides associated with the experience include Wee Wee, Thong, and Thomas Tran. The strongest praise centers on their friendly service and willingness to shape the day around a group’s wishes. Since the boat is private, you can ask for help with equipment or explain what your family wants from the snorkeling stops.

Fishing, swimming, and lunch on a wild beach

Private SpeedBoat Trip To 3 Islands In PQ With Cable Car (Option) - Fishing, swimming, and lunch on a wild beach

Around 12:30, the group gets about 30 minutes for what the schedule calls funny fishing. Fishing equipment is provided, and one small family group caught a few little fish during this part of the outing.

This is a simple activity, not a serious fishing expedition. I would see it as a pleasant change of pace between snorkeling and lunch. Children may enjoy trying it, especially if they want a break from wearing a mask and snorkel.

Around 1 p.m., the boat reaches a wild beach for swimming, relaxing, and a shared BBQ lunch. This is the longest part of the day, with about two hours allocated to the beach stop. It gives you time to dry off, eat slowly, and enjoy the setting without being hurried from one site to the next.

Lunch includes prawns, pork, chicken, fish, and vegetables. Cold beer, bottled water, chilled fruit, and snacks are available during the journey. The beach meal is one of the more appealing elements because it turns the trip into a full day out rather than a series of quick photo stops.

The food is cooked and enjoyed together, which adds a social, informal feel. It is not a polished restaurant lunch, and that is part of the appeal. Expect a casual meal in a natural setting, with the usual limitations of eating outdoors. If you have dietary restrictions, tell the operator before the trip rather than assuming the listed BBQ will cover them.

May Rut Island and the optional final stop

Private SpeedBoat Trip To 3 Islands In PQ With Cable Car (Option) - May Rut Island and the optional final stop

The schedule places May Rut Island at about 2:30 p.m. as an optional stop for swimming and bathroom access. This is useful after a long stretch on the water and beach, particularly for families.

The word optional matters. You should not assume this is a full additional snorkeling session or a guaranteed long beach visit. The stop may depend on timing, conditions, and what your group wants to do. Use it as a flexible final pause before returning to the harbor.

The boat is scheduled to leave around 3 p.m., reaching An Thoi Harbor at about 3:30. From there, the van returns you to the hotel or meeting point. The total day is long enough to feel worthwhile but short enough to fit alongside other Phu Quoc plans.

Adding the Phu Quoc cable car

Private SpeedBoat Trip To 3 Islands In PQ With Cable Car (Option) - Adding the Phu Quoc cable car

The cable car is an optional add-on, and the published pricing gives two different figures. One section lists a one-way adult ticket at $32 or 750,000 Vietnamese dong, while another lists $27 or 650,000 dong. Confirm the current price before you pay.

The cable car option can make sense if you want a different way to finish the day or continue toward Hon Thom after the boat portion. It is not included in the base price, and only one way is described. You should also confirm where the cable car portion connects with the boat route and how your return transport will work.

For a group already interested in both sea and aerial views, the add-on creates a varied day. For anyone mainly interested in snorkeling, it may not be worth the extra cost. The core trip already includes the boat, three-island route, equipment, lunch, transportation, and visiting fees.

Is $175 per person a fair price?

Private SpeedBoat Trip To 3 Islands In PQ With Cable Car (Option) - Is $175 per person a fair price?

At $175 per person, this is not a budget boat outing. The value depends heavily on group size and how much you use the private format.

The price includes private transportation, an English-speaking local guide, the speedboat, admission and visiting fees, snorkeling and fishing equipment, lunch, water, beer, snacks, and parking. Those inclusions reduce the number of surprise charges during the day.

The private boat is the main reason to consider the cost. If you are traveling with a family or a small group and want control over the pace, the premium may feel reasonable. If you are a solo visitor or a couple mainly seeking a short snorkel, a shared excursion could offer better value, though it would not provide the same privacy.

The cable car costs extra, and there is also a fuel surcharge of $25 per booking. That surcharge is separate from the per-person price. Ask for the full total in writing, especially if your group plans to add the cable car.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would recommend this outing to families, small groups, and active couples who want several activities in one day. The private format suits groups with mixed interests because some people can snorkel while others focus on swimming, fishing, or relaxing.

Children can take part, and the published information says most people can participate. The short water sessions may work well for younger swimmers, but everyone should be comfortable with a fast boat ride and time in open water.

This is less suitable if you want a slow beach day, a long dedicated snorkeling session, or a highly polished dining experience. It is also a poor choice if your schedule cannot handle weather changes, since the operator may need to move the trip to another date when conditions are poor.

The best experience will come from treating the schedule as a framework. Tell your guide what matters most: coral, fish, fishing, beach time, or the cable car. The private arrangement gives you some room to shape the day.

Booking, cancellation, and useful planning tips

Confirmation is provided when you book, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Canceling within 24 hours or changing the booking during that period means no refund. Weather cancellations qualify for a new date or a full refund.

I would confirm four details before the day begins:

  • The exact pickup time, since the published information includes both 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
  • The current one-way cable car price.
  • Whether May Rut Island is included in your planned route that day.
  • The total cost after the $25 fuel surcharge.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a dry change of clothes. The tour supplies masks, snorkels, and fishing equipment, but you may prefer to bring your own mask if fit matters to you. Keep valuables to a minimum, since this is an active day around boats, water, and a beach BBQ.

Should you book this Phu Quoc island trip?

Book it if you want a private, active half-day with several snorkeling stops, a fast boat, a casual beach BBQ, and the option to add the cable car. The praise for the guides, especially Wee Wee, Thong, and Thomas Tran, points to a service style that is friendly and flexible, and the snorkeling and food receive the strongest approval.

Think twice if $175 feels high for a six-hour outing or if you want long, quiet time at each reef. The route is busy, with several short stops, and the extra fuel charge and cable car fee can push the final cost higher.

For a family or small group that values privacy and variety, I see this as a strong way to experience southern Phu Quoc. Just settle the timing, cable car price, and final total before you go.

FAQ

How long does the private speedboat tour last?

The experience lasts approximately five to seven hours. The detailed schedule runs from a 9:30 a.m. hotel pickup to about 3:30 p.m. return.

Where does the boat leave from?

The speedboat departs from An Thoi Harbor after hotel pickup by air-conditioned van or minibus.

Which islands are visited?

The route includes Kim Quy Island or Buom Island, Gam Ghi Island, and May Rut Island. May Rut Island is listed as an optional stop.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and fishing equipment are included in the tour price.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch with prawns, pork, chicken, fish, and vegetables is included. Cold beer, bottled water, fruit, and snacks are also available during the journey.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates, and the itinerary can be customized somewhat.

Can I add the Phu Quoc cable car?

Yes. One-way cable car travel can be added for an extra charge. The supplied prices differ, so confirm whether the current adult fare is $27 or $32, or the equivalent Vietnamese dong amount.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.

What is the cancellation deadline?

You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

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