Group tour – Snorkeling by speeboat in Phu Quoc island

Traveling to Phu Quoc and looking for a memorable water adventure? This snorkeling by speeboat tour promises a quick island hop with snorkeling and a splash of water sports, all for around $31. But does it deliver the value and authentic experience you’re after? We’ve gathered all the details to help you decide.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the price point is quite accessible for those on a budget or wanting a short, guided day out. Second, the organized itinerary covers multiple islands, opening opportunities for snorkeling and relaxing amid scenic surroundings. Lastly, the convenience of pickup and a mobile ticket makes planning simpler.

However, a notable drawback is the limited snorkeling time and the notorious long wait at the lunch stop—clocking in at about 3.5 hours—potentially draining the day’s enjoyment. This tour might suit travelers who prioritize affordability and convenience over immersive snorkeling or extensive island exploration.

If your goal is a straightforward, no-fuss tour with some snorkel stops and island views, this could be a decent option. But if you’re seeking rich marine life encounters or a more relaxed pace, you might want to explore other options.

Good To Know

• Affordable price for a full-day island-hopping experience.
• Short snorkeling sessions limit underwater exploration.
• Long lunch stop may feel like wasted time for some travelers.
• Includes transportation, guide, and lunch, adding convenience.
• Limited snorkeling time and minimal underwater variety noted in reviews.
• Suitable for casual visitors wanting a quick taste of the islands.

An Overview of the Snorkeling by Speeboat Tour in Phu Quoc

This tour is designed as a group experience that packs in several islands within a 7 to 8-hour window. Starting at 8 am with hotel pickup, it offers an easy-to-book package that includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, bottled water, and lunch. The cost is a modest $31 per person, making it accessible for budget travelers or those wanting to sample local island scenery without splurging.

What you get is a speedboat adventure across the An Thoi archipelago, stopping at three key islets: Gam Ghi, Fingernail Island, and May Rut Ngoài. The overall pace is quick, with each snorkeling stop lasting about 45 minutes, and a significant chunk of the day allocated to the lunch break on May Rut Island.

Let’s explore each part of the itinerary and what you can reasonably expect.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Gam Ghi Island – Coral Reef Snorkeling

The first stop, Gam Ghi Island, offers about 45 minutes to snorkel over a coral reef area. Based on reviews, this stop is the highlight for many, providing an opportunity to see underwater formations and marine life. The admission ticket is included, so you just need your swim gear and willingness to get wet.

Snorkelers will likely appreciate the chance to observe the reef up close, but be aware that the experience may not be as vibrant or diverse as some full-day tours with dedicated marine reserves. One reviewer mentioned that the snorkeling here was quite limited, and the underwater scene was not as lively as hoped.

Stop 2: Fingernail Island (May Rut Ngoài) – Short Snorkeling and Lunch

The second stop, Fingernail Island, offers another 45-minute window for snorkeling, with the same included admission. However, some travelers expressed disappointment that the snorkeling at the second islet was not very extensive or colorful, making it feel rushed and somewhat underwhelming.

The main event here is the lunch break on May Rut Island, which lasts about two hours. The tour’s itinerary indicates this is when most of the time is spent, and it seems to be a common complaint that the boat waits around 3.5 hours for lunch and other activities. During this time, there isn’t much to do beyond resting or exploring the limited island area, which can feel like a long pause in your day.

The Long Wait at Lunch Island

A review from Kylie_M describes this wait as “having stop wait 3.5 hrs, with not much to do.” If you’re expecting a lively or engaging island experience, this could be a letdown. The focus appears to be on just having lunch, with water sports like flyboard, jet skiing, and parasailing available but self-funded. So, if you’re eager to try those water activities, be prepared to pay extra.

Return Journey

By around 3 pm, the tour heads back to An Thoi port and then back to your hotel. The timing is consistent, but the overall experience hinges heavily on your expectations for snorkeling and island time.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Insights

The lone review available paints a less-than-flattering picture. Kylie_M called it “The no fish snorkeling tour,” pointing out the limited underwater experience and excessive wait time at lunch. She felt that much of the day was wasted sitting around, with only a short window for snorkeling.

From this, it’s clear that if your primary goal is vibrant marine life or long snorkeling sessions, this tour might not meet your expectations. On the other hand, if you’re content with a quick glimpse of coral reefs and island scenery with minimal hassle, it might still fit the bill.

Transportation, Group Size, and Overall Value

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for pickup, which is a plus for comfort. The group size is capped at 30 travelers, keeping it relatively manageable but still potentially crowded during peak times. The mobile ticket system adds convenience, and the guide speaks English, aiding communication for international guests.

Considering the price of $31, the tour offers a bundled experience that covers transportation, snorkeling, and a meal—convenient aspects for travelers unfamiliar with local logistics. However, the limited snorkeling and long wait at lunch reduce perceived value, especially if underwater exploration is your priority.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This snorkeling tour is best suited for budget travelers or those with limited time who want a quick, guided island outing. It’s also suitable for beginners or families who prefer a safe, organized day with minimal planning. But if you’re after rich marine encounters or a relaxed pace, you might find this experience somewhat lacking.

For travelers who value authentic, in-depth underwater experiences, or who want more time exploring island life beyond just a quick lunch stop, exploring other tours—such as those offering small-group settings, longer snorkeling periods, or more vibrant underwater scenery—would be worth considering.

FAQ Section

Is pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup, making it easy to start your day without additional arrangements.

How long does the tour last?
The overall duration is approximately 7 to 8 hours, starting at 8 am and returning around 3 pm.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, bottled water, and lunch.

Can I do water sports besides snorkeling?
Yes, water sports like flyboard, jet skiing, and parasailing are available on the island, but they are self-funded.

What are the snorkeling stops?
Stops include Gam Ghi Island and Fingernail Island, each offering about 45 minutes for snorkeling, as included in the package.

Is the snorkeling experience worthwhile?
Based on reviews, it’s quite limited, with some travelers feeling there was little marine life or coral reef diversity.

Are there any other activities during the tour?
The main activity is snorkeling, but the lunch stop is the longest part of the day, with limited organized activities beyond resting or exploring.

What should I bring?
Bring your swim gear, towel, sun protection, and possibly some cash for additional water sports.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate; however, the limited snorkeling duration and long wait times may affect families with young kids expecting more underwater exploration.

Final Words

This budget-friendly, guided island-hopping tour offers a convenient way to see parts of Phu Quoc, especially if you’re short on time or budget. You’ll get a taste of snorkeling and scenic island views, along with a hassle-free experience thanks to included transport and lunch.

But, if underwater adventures and relaxed pacing are your priorities, consider seeking tours with longer snorkeling sessions, smaller groups, or more vibrant marine environments. Ultimately, it’s a straightforward, no-frills trip that might satisfy casual travelers but falls short for those yearning for more immersive aquatic experiences.

Whether you choose to go for it or pass, knowing what to expect helps ensure your day on Phu Quoc aligns with your travel style and expectations.