Phu Quoc 2 Islands: Roi & Mong Tay or May Rut Excursion Day Tour

Phu Quoc’s southern islands make a good day out by boat: you can fish from the rail, snorkel off the boat, then spend time swimming at an island beach. I like that the basic fare includes hotel transfers, lunch, water, and snorkeling gear, so the day’s core activities do not depend on buying extras.

I also like the mix of sea time and simple local activity. Fishing is a brief, reel-in-the-water affair, not a serious angling trip, but it gives the morning a relaxed start. One thing to weigh: the schedule is long and can feel boat-heavy, and water clarity, fish sightings, and time on the beach vary.

At a glance

• Fishing starts the day: At An Thoi Port, you spend about 30 minutes trying your hand from the boat.
• Snorkeling gear is included: You get equipment for the included water activities; the route commonly offers two chances to snorkel, though conditions and stops can change.
• Several island stops fit into one day: The plan includes Hon Roi, Gam Ghi, and a final stop at Mong Tay or May Rut, with some route variation.
• Lunch is served onboard: Expect a shared meal with rice, vegetables, meat or seafood, and fruit. Drinks with lunch cost extra.
• Optional activities add to the bill: Sea walking, scuba activities, jet skiing, flyboarding, and parasailing are not part of the basic price.
• The day runs roughly 8 a.m. to late afternoon: Hotel pickup, port transfers, and shared stops can stretch the outing, so leave your evening flexible.

A boat day built around the southern islands

This is a join-in boat tour from Phu Quoc, operated by Red River Tour. It is sold as a two-island excursion, but the day plan includes several stops, plus fishing and a marine activity area. You should think of it as a full-day sampler of the southern coast rather than a quiet beach transfer.

The tour begins with pickup or a meeting at Red River Tour’s office at 379 Tran Hung Dao in Duong To. The scheduled start is around 8 a.m., though shared hotel pickups may begin earlier or run late as the vehicle gathers people. The transfer heads to An Thoi Port, where the boat portion starts at about 9:30 a.m.

The route may include Hon Roi, also called Coconut Island, Gam Ghi or Buom islet, and Mong Tay or May Rut Trong. The operator can change the order or stops because of weather and traffic. That flexibility is useful at sea, but it means you should not book this expecting a fixed beach itinerary down to the minute.

From An Thoi Port to Hon Roi

At the port, a guide takes you to the boat and the group starts with about 30 minutes of recreational fishing. Keep expectations modest: this is simple line fishing from the boat, not a trip to a fishing village or a long session with specialist gear. You may catch a small fish, or none at all. The point is trying a local-style activity and getting settled into the day.

The first island stop is Hon Roi, or Coconut Island. The itinerary places the Ocean World sea-sports center and Coral Park here. Sea walking and scuba activities are available for an extra fee. If you skip the paid activity, you can stay on the boat and take part in the fishing or wait for the group.

This is the moment to be clear with yourself about your budget. The low base fare gets you the boat outing and included activities, but the marine center offers paid add-ons that can raise the total quickly. Listen to the guide’s explanation and ask for the price before agreeing. The tour is still a full outing if you choose not to buy an extra.

Snorkeling at Gam Ghi

Around 11 a.m., the boat heads to Gam Ghi, or an alternate spot such as Buom islet, for snorkeling. This is the main included underwater stop in the stated schedule. You can use the supplied gear and swim near the boat, following the guide’s directions.

Conditions matter here. Some days bring clear water and plenty of small fish; on others, visibility and marine life may be less impressive. If you are booking chiefly for coral or large schools of fish, keep your expectations measured. This is an affordable group tour, not a specialist reef trip, and the itinerary does not promise a particular underwater view.

Several accounts of the day describe two snorkeling opportunities, including at the final island stop. That second swim depends on the route and conditions, so treat it as a likely possibility rather than a guarantee. Beginners may appreciate having a guide nearby and equipment provided, but you should still be comfortable in the water and follow the crew’s safety instructions.

Lunch aboard the boat

Lunch is served on the boat around noon. A sample meal includes vegetable soup, steamed shrimp, ginger caramelized chicken, sweet-and-sour squid, stir-fried morning glory, noodles with pork, rice, and fresh fruit. The menu changes with the season and ingredient supply.

Think of it as a practical group meal, not a dining destination. Some people find it plentiful and satisfying; others find the food average or want more vegetarian choices. Bottled water is included, but drinks served with lunch are not. You may also see snacks or fruit offered during the trip, though the listed inclusions specifically promise lunch and water.

Tell the operator about allergies or dietary needs before the day. The activity can accommodate special diets, including vegetarian meals and gluten intolerance, but it is wise to confirm that your request has been received. The food arrangements can matter a lot on a boat, where nearby alternatives are limited.

Beach time at Mong Tay or May Rut

The afternoon stop, scheduled for about 1 to 2:30 p.m., is at Mong Tay or May Rut Trong. Here you can swim, relax, and take in the island scenery. A free Flycam video is listed for this stop. Other activities, such as jet skiing, flyboarding, and parasailing, cost extra.

This is the best chance to slow down after the boat-based morning, but it is not necessarily a long stretch of unplanned beach time. The stop is shared with the group and shaped by the day’s schedule. Some itineraries may give you a chance to buy a drink or take part in paid water sports, while others may leave less time for lounging than you hoped.

If the beach is your main reason for booking, look closely at the trade-off. You get several stops and activities in one day, but the boat, fishing, snorkeling, and transfers take up much of the outing. Bring a towel and dry clothes so you can enjoy the final stop without having to sit damp on the return ride.

What the price covers, and what it doesn’t

Prices are shown from US$28.95 for the join-in tour, while the experience summary gives a starting price of US$33.30. Prices can change by date and booking option, so check the amount at checkout. For the base fare, the value is strong if you want a full day out and plan to use the included snorkeling gear, fishing session, lunch, and transfers.

The inclusions are English- or Vietnamese-speaking guide service, bottled water, lunch, round-trip transfers, operator-provided insurance, fishing equipment, and snorkeling equipment. The tour offers a broad mix without requiring you to arrange transport to the port yourself. That convenience is a meaningful part of the value, especially if you are staying in Duong Dong.

You will pay separately for personal expenses, tips if you choose to give them, lunch drinks, and optional activities such as sea walking, scuba activities, and water sports. Hotel pickups outside central Duong Dong may also carry a cash surcharge: the stated amounts are VND 100,000 per person for Ong Lang Beach, Cay Sao, and Ham Ninh; VND 200,000 for Cua Can and Vung Bau; and VND 400,000 for Bai Dai and Ganh Dau.

Holiday surcharges apply on certain public holidays and are payable on site. The listed dates and amounts vary across the supplied tour information, so check the current details with the operator before you book. Budget for possible extras rather than assuming the advertised starting rate is your final cost.

Timing, pickup, and what to bring

The planned pickup begins around 8 a.m. and the boat returns to An Thoi Port around 3 or 4 p.m., followed by hotel transfers that may reach your accommodation around 5 p.m. Shared pickup means you may wait while other people are collected. Some days run longer, so avoid scheduling a tight evening connection or activity.

If meeting at the operator’s office, arrive at 379 Tran Hung Dao in Duong To. The operator reconfirms pickup time in advance. Be ready in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before your assigned time, and arrive promptly if meeting at the office. Late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a change of clothes. You will want sun protection both on the boat and at the islands. The tour is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible and is not recommended for people with impaired mobility. Infants and children must be included in the passenger count; children 99 cm or shorter are free, while children 140 cm or taller pay the adult rate. Some entrance tickets for children may be an extra family expense.

The minimum group size is four. If that number is not met, you can choose another date or request a full refund. Extreme weather or unforeseen conditions can also lead the operator to cancel, with rescheduling or a refund offered.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this tour if I wanted an inexpensive, organized way to get out on the water, sample a few southern island stops, and avoid arranging a port transfer myself. It suits first-time snorkelers, couples, families with children who are comfortable in the water, and anyone happy to share a boat and meal with a group.

It is less suited to someone who wants a quiet, secluded beach day or a long, dedicated snorkeling session. The boat schedule is the framework of the experience, and not every stop means stepping ashore. If you get seasick, consider that you will spend much of the day on the water; one part of the trip may feel long if you are sensitive to boat motion.

The crew and guides are often praised for being friendly and helpful. Guides named Brian, Thi, Frank, Wendy, and Ryan have led trips, though staffing can change. The strongest reason to book is the practical package: transport, gear, fishing, swims, and lunch for a modest starting price. The main reason to hesitate is if you care more about extended beach time or top-tier snorkeling than variety.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want a budget-friendly, full-day introduction to Phu Quoc’s southern islands and are content to share the boat, accept some schedule changes, and pay extra only for activities you truly want. It offers a lot for the base price, especially if you use the included snorkeling gear and enjoy the fishing session.

Skip it in favor of a more focused outing if you want hours on one beach, guaranteed clear water, or a short snorkeling-only trip. Before you pay, confirm your pickup zone, any holiday surcharge, and the current price of optional activities. That small check helps keep a good-value day from becoming a more expensive one than you planned.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and finish?

Pickup begins around 8 a.m. The boat is scheduled to return to An Thoi Port around 3 or 4 p.m., with hotel drop-off around 5 p.m. Shared transfers and conditions can affect the timing.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The planned stops include Hon Roi, Gam Ghi or Buom, and Mong Tay or May Rut Trong. The route can change because of weather and traffic.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with fishing equipment. The water stops and conditions may vary.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served aboard the boat, and bottled water is included. Drinks with lunch are not included, and the menu can change with the season and available ingredients.

Do sea walking and water sports cost extra?

Yes. Sea walking, scuba activities, jet skiing, flyboarding, and parasailing are optional paid activities. Ask the guide to confirm prices before you take part.

Is hotel pickup included?

Round-trip transfers are included, but pickup is shared and the time may be early or late. Pickup outside central Duong Dong may carry an additional cash surcharge.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat or cap, and a change of clothes.

Can children join the tour?

Children can join, but infants and children must be included in the passenger count. Children 99 cm or shorter are free; children 140 cm or taller are charged the adult rate. Some entrance tickets may cost extra.