3 Island Hopping Buom, Gam Ghi, and May Rut Island Boat Day Tour

The best part of this Phu Quoc day is the contrast: two sea stops for snorkeling, then a slower pause on May Rut. I like the two chances to get in the water and the included Vietnamese lunch, which makes the starting price of $31.35 feel fair for a full day out.

The trade-off is time. The trip can involve long road and boat transfers, and the snorkeling stops may feel brief beside the hours spent getting there. I’d choose it for an affordable shared outing, not for a quick ride or a quiet, small-group escape.

At a glance

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• Two snorkeling stops: Buom and Gam Ghi are the main water activities, with coral and fish the focus.
• May Rut is a different kind of stop: Plan on time to sit, eat, take photos, or explore, but don’t assume the beach will offer a long swim.
• Lunch is included: The meal can be generous, with Vietnamese dishes, rice, fruit, and a vegetarian option available by request.
• The day can feel long: Pickup, road transfers, waiting, and boat time all add up.
• Transfers depend on your hotel: Some areas are covered without an extra fee; more distant areas can incur a cash surcharge.
• Bring the basics: Pack a towel, sun protection, swimwear, and extra water. Towels are not included.

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What the three-island route is really like

This is a full-day outing from Phu Quoc into the An Thoi Archipelago. The plan is simple: travel to the departure point, head out by boat, snorkel near Buom and Gam Ghi, then spend time at May Rut before returning to the island.

The traditional wooden boat is part of the appeal, but set your expectations carefully. This is a shared tour, and the boat may carry a large group. Some departures have used larger vessels with several decks and a slide, while other accounts describe hard seats, older equipment, or a boat that felt shaky. The vessel and conditions can vary, so don’t book expecting a private, polished cruise.

The scenery is a strong reason to go. You get open-water views and a change of pace from Phu Quoc’s roads and resort areas. But this is not a nonstop beach day. The transfers can take much of the morning, and some departures take around two hours by boat to reach the island stops. The actual time in the water may be much shorter than the time in transit.

Buom and Gam Ghi: two chances to snorkel

Buom and Gam Ghi are the tour’s main attractions for anyone keen to see what lies below the surface. At both stops, the boat anchors near the snorkeling area, and you can get in with the provided mask, snorkel, and life jacket. Some groups have also had fins, but fins are not available in children’s sizes, so don’t count on a child-sized pair.

Conditions matter. On a good day, the water can be clear enough to spot fish and coral. At other times, seaweed, murk, or weather can reduce visibility. The experience is not a guarantee of postcard-clear water, and it may not compare with the best-known snorkeling destinations in Southeast Asia. If you’re booking mainly for pristine coral, consider a speedboat tour or another outing with a different route.

Each snorkeling session may last about 45 minutes, though time can vary. That’s enough for a relaxed swim if you’re comfortable in the water, but it can feel short if you need time to get used to the mask or want a long look around. The crew may not give detailed instructions on how to use the equipment, so ask before entering the water if you need help adjusting a mask or fitting a life jacket.

Take care around the boat and reef. Boarding ladders and wet decks can be awkward, and some equipment has been described as worn. Wear water shoes if you have them, move slowly, and avoid standing on coral. If you’re not confident in the water, stay close to the boat and use your life jacket.

May Rut: beach pause, not a third snorkel stop

The third island is a change of scene, but it is not another snorkeling stop. This is the time to take photos, find a place to sit, get a drink, or walk around. It may offer a pretty shoreline and sea views, but the character of the stop can be more developed than the phrase white-sand beach suggests.

Be ready for a mix of free and paid options. Some departures have provided time for a shower or a walk, while visitors have also found that loungers, drinks, or certain activities cost extra. The shore access and swimming arrangements can vary, too. Don’t build your day around a long swim at this stop. If you want to use a shower, pack your own towel and toiletries, and bring cash for optional purchases.

This is where expectations can make or break the outing. If you’re happy with a relaxed pause and a meal, May Rut can be a pleasant breather after the water stops. If you’re expecting an untouched island with hours of free swimming and plenty to do at no extra cost, you may find it underwhelming.

Lunch and the value of the package

Lunch is included, and it can be more substantial than a simple boxed meal. A sample spread includes steamed shrimp, braised fish, tofu with lemongrass, squid, egg rolls, morning glory, rice, and watermelon. The exact menu changes with the season and what ingredients are available. A vegetarian meal costs about one dollar more, and you should state your dietary preference when booking.

The location of lunch can vary by the day’s arrangements. It may be served on the boat or near the shore, so don’t assume that the meal will always be set out on a beach. The food is a useful part of the value: it saves you from arranging lunch during a full-day trip and can be generous enough to keep you going through the return journey.

At $31.35 for the standard package and $32.35 for the vegetarian option, the tour is priced as a budget-friendly group excursion. The cost covers the boat, guide, lunch, bottled water, life jacket, snorkeling equipment, attraction admission, insurance from the operator, and round-trip transfers where available. Optional activities, personal expenses, tips, and some pickup surcharges are extra.

Value depends on what you want from the day. If you’re happy with a shared boat, two snorkeling sessions, a meal, and island views, the price is appealing. If you want a faster route, more water time, newer equipment, or a smaller group, spending more on a speedboat tour may be money well spent.

The long road to the pier

Pickup is offered in several areas, including Duong Dong, Tran Hung Dao Street, parts of Bai Truong, An Thoi, and Khem Beach. The exact coverage and pickup arrangements should be checked against your hotel when booking. Some northern and eastern areas carry a surcharge, paid in cash to the guide. Listed examples range from VND 130,000 per person in some Ong Lang locations to VND 500,000 in Cay Sao, with the operator confirming the applicable amount.

Pickup is shared, so the vehicle may collect people from several hotels. That can mean waiting before you reach the boat. The meet-up point is at 143 Tran Hung Dao Street, and you should arrive 10 to 15 minutes early if meeting the group there. The operator is meant to reconfirm your pickup time in advance, so check your messages and voucher rather than relying only on the headline departure time.

The stated schedule is departure from around 08:00 and return around 16:30, but real timing can shift with traffic and weather. Some departures have taken longer, and the return may be later than expected. Keep the evening flexible, especially if you have a dinner reservation or another activity planned.

Bring your own water and a small snack, even though bottled water is included. One bottle may not feel like much during a long ride in the heat. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, toiletries, and light, quick-drying clothes will make the day easier. Seasickness medication may also be worth considering if you are prone to motion sickness, since the boat can sway and the journey can be lengthy.

Who will enjoy this day most

This tour suits couples, families with older children, and nature lovers who want to get out on the water without spending much. Children aged 0 to 4 can join free, but consider the long transfers and time aboard before bringing a very young child. One family’s outing can be a highlight; another family may find the travel tiring. There is no single right answer, but a child who struggles with long rides may not enjoy this route.

It also works for first-time snorkelers who are comfortable asking for help and staying within their limits. The gear is basic, and instruction may be brief. If you need hands-on support, have a medical condition, or are pregnant, note that snorkeling is not recommended for pregnant people or anyone with heart problems or related medical concerns.

The day may be less suitable if you get seasick, dislike crowds, or need every part of an itinerary to run on a tight clock. Boat issues, weather changes, waiting, and variable water clarity are possible. The tour is an affordable way to reach the islands, but it is not a controlled, boutique experience.

Guides can make a difference to the feel of the trip. Names on past departures have included Lucas, Hang, Trang, and Ah Wa, with some guides praised for being friendly, careful, and enthusiastic. The guide on your own day will vary, and English fluency can vary too. Keep instructions simple, ask directly when you need help, and confirm where and when to meet before leaving a stop.

Should you book the Buom, Gam Ghi, and May Rut tour?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, full-day island outing with two snorkeling stops, lunch, and transport arranged for you. The strongest case is the combination of sea views, time in the water, and a filling meal for a modest price.

Look elsewhere if your priority is clear water above all else, a small group, short transfers, or a long stretch of free beach swimming. A speedboat option may suit you better if you would rather spend less time getting to the islands and more time there. For this tour, bring your own towel, extra water, and a flexible attitude. That simple preparation helps you get the most from the day.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?

The package includes attraction admission, an English or Vietnamese-speaking guide, lunch, bottled drinking water, a cruise, a life jacket, snorkeling equipment, and insurance provided by the operator. Round-trip transfers are available, but hotel pickup may be optional or subject to location and surcharge.

Which islands are included?

The route visits Buom Island and Gam Ghi Island for snorkeling, then May Rut Island for free time. The snorkeling takes place at the first two stops.

Is there a vegetarian meal option?

Yes. A vegetarian package is available from $32.35, compared with $31.35 for the standard package. State your dietary preference when booking.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap or hat, swimwear, a towel, toiletries, and light, comfortable clothing. Extra water and a snack may also be useful for the long transfer and boat ride.

Are hotel transfers included?

Transfers are available for some pickup areas, including parts of Duong Dong, Tran Hung Dao Street, An Thoi, and Khem Beach. Other areas may incur a per-person surcharge, payable in cash to the guide. Confirm your hotel’s coverage and pickup time in advance.

Can children join the tour?

Children aged 0 to 4 can join free of charge. Fins are not available in children’s sizes, and snorkeling is not recommended for pregnant people or anyone with heart problems or related medical conditions.