Private Fishing and Snorkeling by Catamaran Speedboat in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc’s southern islands are the main event here: you’ll cruise by speedboat, try traditional fishing, and stop for swims and snorkeling near small islands such as Hon Buom. The trip pairs time on the water with lunch, a guide, and gear, making it a practical way to sample several sea activities in one outing.

I like two things in particular: the guide teaches you to fish with traditional equipment, rather than leaving you to puzzle it out, and underwater photos are included, so you can keep your hands free around the water. The route also calls at several islands known for swimming and snorkeling.

One thing to weigh is the boat’s size and ride. It is described as a modern catamaran speedboat, but one passenger found it smaller and less steady than expected in choppy water. If you are prone to seasickness, or need a very stable boat, ask about conditions before booking.

Quick points before you book

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• Hon Buom is a small, uninhabited island stop: Expect clear-water swimming and a chance to see coral and colorful fish.
• Fishing is part of the plan: Your guide demonstrates traditional fishing equipment, so beginners can join in.
• Several southern islands feature on the route: Hong Bang, Gam Ghi and May Rut are named among the stops, along with Hon Buom.
• Lunch and basic sea gear are included: The package lists snorkeling masks, bottled water, refreshments, seasonal fruit and underwater photos.
• The outing runs roughly from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Hotel transfers depend on where you stay, and pickup times are confirmed ahead of time.
• The boat may feel lively in rough water: The catamaran is modern, but it is not described as a large vessel.

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A half-day route from An Thoi to the islands

This is a short sea outing rather than a full-day cruise. Departure is around 9 a.m., with return generally scheduled for 2 to 2:30 p.m. Hotel transfers can add time before and after the boat portion, so keep the wider morning and early afternoon clear.

The route focuses on islands south of Phu Quoc. Hong Bang, Gam Ghi and May Rut are named as destinations, while the detailed stop description singles out Hon Buom, a small, uninhabited island. The exact order and time spent at each place are not specified, and the schedule can change with weather and traffic.

That flexibility matters. The sea and weather shape what is practical on the day, and a stop can feel different in calm water than in choppy conditions. I would treat the listed islands as the day’s intended area, not as a guarantee of a fixed minute-by-minute itinerary.

Hon Buom: a quiet place for a swim

Hon Buom is described as a lesser-seen, uninhabited island off southern Phu Quoc. Its appeal is simple: clear water, coral, and colorful fish close enough to look for while swimming or snorkeling. There is no promise of a particular wildlife sighting, but this is the stop that gives the trip its strongest chance of feeling away from the island’s main beaches.

Bring swimwear under light clothes if you want to get into the water without fuss. A change of clothes is also sensible for the ride back. The package includes a snorkeling mask and underwater photo shoots, but it does not specify how long you get at Hon Buom or whether the photo service operates at every stop.

The island is small and uninhabited, which can be part of its charm, but it also means you should not expect shops or facilities there. Take the provided water seriously, and bring sun protection for time spent exposed on the boat or in the water.

Fishing with traditional equipment

Fishing is not just an extra activity to fill a quiet stretch of the ride. The guide is meant to show you how to use traditional fishing equipment, which gives you a hands-on introduction without requiring prior experience. If you have never fished, this is a low-pressure way to try.

The information does not promise a catch, and it would be a mistake to book on that basis. Think of fishing as an activity to learn and enjoy, not a guaranteed meal or a contest. You can also swim and snorkel, so the day does not depend on whether the fish cooperate.

The crew’s practical help is a notable plus. One passenger specifically described the crew as helpful with fishing, swimming and snorkeling. That matters on a boat outing, where assistance with equipment and getting ready for the water can make the activities easier for first-timers.

Catamaran comfort and the ride

The boat is presented as a modern catamaran speedboat, and the cruise itself offers views of the islands and local people along the way. A catamaran can make for a pleasant platform when the water is calm, but do not assume that the boat is large or rock-steady. One passenger found it smaller than expected and uncomfortable in choppy conditions.

That is the clearest trade-off to consider. The speedboat format helps fit multiple stops into a half-day, but it can also mean a brisk ride and more movement when the sea is rough. If you get seasick, bring any remedies you normally use and check the forecast close to departure. The operator may cancel for extreme weather or other unforeseen events.

There are photo opportunities on the way between islands, and the package includes underwater photos. Keep your own phone or camera protected from spray, and use a cap or hat and sunscreen. The recommended clothing is light and comfortable, preferably quick-drying fabric.

Lunch and what comes with it

Lunch, refreshments, bottled drinking water and seasonal fruit are included. A sample menu may feature grilled squid or salted fried shrimp, chicken wings or squid porridge, seafood hot pot, fish with mango sauce, beef with chives, eggs with pork, braised pork ribs, rice and fruit. The actual dishes depend on the season and ingredient availability, so treat that list as a guide rather than a fixed menu.

Food is a useful part of the value here. You are out on the water for several hours, and having lunch and drinks arranged means you do not need to plan a separate meal during the trip. A passenger also noted food and drinks on board, though the exact serving arrangements are not detailed.

Outside food and drinks are not allowed, so plan around what is included. If you have dietary needs, allergies or strong preferences, contact the operator before booking rather than assuming the sample menu can be changed.

What the price buys you

The advertised starting price is US$170.79, while the package information also shows a Group of 6+ option from US$148.50. These figures appear in different parts of the offer, so check the exact price, group size and inclusions for your dates before paying. Do not assume either figure is a per-person rate without confirming the checkout details.

Value depends on how much you use the package. A guide, fishing instruction, boat transport, lunch, refreshments, water, snorkeling mask, seasonal fruit, underwater photos and some hotel transfers are bundled together. If your group plans to fish, swim and snorkel, that is a fairly full set of activities for a half-day. If you mainly want a long, lazy beach stop, a simpler boat ride may suit you better.

The private format is a plus for groups that want to share the outing rather than join a large mixed party. A passenger described the private trip as enjoyable and the itinerary as well arranged, and the crew’s hands-on support also drew praise. Still, confirm what private means for your chosen package and group size before booking, especially if you are not traveling as a group of six or more.

There may also be a holiday surcharge of VND 3,000,000 per group, payable in cash to the driver. Factor that in if your date falls on a holiday, and ask the operator to confirm whether it applies to your booking.

Pickups, timing and what to bring

The boat leaves from An Thoi harbor. For some hotels, pickup is offered, with the operator confirming the time in advance. Pickup details vary by hotel location: the information gives a morning window around 8:30 to 9 for southern hotels and 8:45 to 9 for hotels in the north, while some accommodation areas require you to make your own way to the meeting point.

If you are meeting at An Thoi Port, arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled 9 a.m. departure. Hotel pickup is shared, so it may be earlier or later than expected; be ready in the lobby 15 minutes before your confirmed time. The driver waits up to 15 minutes, and late arrivals or no-shows are not refunded.

Pack swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, a hat and a camera. Light, quick-drying clothing is a practical choice. You receive a mobile voucher, and the activity is valid only on the date and time booked. Children aged one to three are free, children aged four to eleven need a paying adult, and those aged twelve or older pay the adult rate. The trip is not recommended for people with certain medical conditions, including high blood pressure or epilepsy.

Who will get the most from this trip

I’d consider this outing for a group that wants several activities without spending a full day at sea. It suits first-time fishers, confident swimmers, and families with older children who can follow the guide’s instructions and enjoy time in the water. The group format and included lunch can also make planning easier for friends or relatives traveling together.

It may be less appealing if you want a spacious boat, a slow cruise, or a long stay on one beach. The itinerary involves several sea activities and island stops, and conditions can make the ride less comfortable. Anyone who needs a very stable boat should ask about the vessel and expected sea conditions before committing.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want a compact, activity-filled outing with traditional fishing, snorkeling, swimming and lunch included. The strongest reasons to go are the guide-led fishing, the chance to swim near uninhabited Hon Buom, and the crew support reported during the activities.

Pause before booking if a small boat or choppy ride would spoil your day, or if you need a fixed schedule and guaranteed time at a particular island. Confirm the price for your group, the pickup zone, any holiday surcharge and what the private package covers. If those details fit your plans, it offers a useful mix of sea time and hands-on activities in southern Phu Quoc.

FAQ

How long does the trip last?

The boat outing is scheduled to depart around 9 a.m. and return between 2 and 2:30 p.m. Hotel transfers may add time.

Which islands are included?

The trip highlights Hong Bang, Gam Ghi and May Rut, and names Hon Buom as a stop for swimming and snorkeling. The schedule may change with weather and traffic.

Is fishing suitable for beginners?

The guide demonstrates how to fish with traditional equipment. A catch is not guaranteed.

Are lunch and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Lunch, refreshments, bottled water, seasonal fruit and a snorkeling mask are included. Underwater photo shoots are also listed.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup and drop-off are available for some hotels, with the operator confirming the time in advance. If your hotel is outside the pickup area, you need to go to the meeting point yourself.

Can the trip be canceled because of weather?

Yes. Extreme weather or unforeseen events can lead to cancellation. You can reschedule or request a refund if the operator cancels.