2-3 hours of Private Snorkeling Trip in South of Phu Quoc

South Phu Quoc is at its best from a small private boat, where you can spend your time in the water instead of waiting for a large group to take photos. This private snorkeling trip takes you by speedboat to coral reefs around Gam Ghi, Roi, Buom, or Kim Quy islands, depending on weather and sea conditions.

I like the freedom to choose how long you stay in the water, and I like the quick boat ride from An Thoi, which keeps the outing focused on snorkeling. A second plus is the flexible departure time, with morning and afternoon options. The main thing to consider is that the boat driver may speak only Vietnamese, so you should pay extra for an English-speaking guide if you need detailed explanations.

Key points to know before booking

• Private speedboat for your group: You avoid the usual wait for a large boat to fill, unload, and move between stops.
• Up to three hours in the water: The main plan gives you about 1.5 hours at Gam Ghi and 1.5 hours at Kim Quy, plus the boat ride.
• Good coral and fish viewing: Gam Ghi, Roi, and Buom are selected according to conditions, while Kim Quy is aimed at stronger swimmers.
• Optional beach stop: May Rut Ngoai adds drinks, showers, beach time, and paid activities such as jet skis or parasailing.
• Morning or afternoon departures: You can request 8 or 9 AM, or 1 or 2 PM, subject to availability.
• Simple equipment included: Life jackets, masks, snorkels, fins, bottled water, and seasonal fruit are provided.

Why a private boat makes sense in South Phu Quoc

This trip is designed for people who want the sea time first and the sightseeing second. Large island-hopping excursions often build in pauses for loading passengers, taking group photographs, and waiting for other boats. Here, your group can set the pace.

That matters most if you already know you want to snorkel. You can stay in the water while the conditions are good, ask to move on if a spot becomes crowded, or skip the optional beach stop. The boat carries up to 15 people, but the booking is for a private group, so two people may have the boat to themselves rather than sharing it with strangers.

The private format also works well for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can spend more time at Kim Quy, while less confident swimmers can stay in shallower water at another island. You should still be clear about your swimming ability before departure. The crew chooses the exact reef area based on weather, water clarity, shade, and your comfort in the water.

Getting to An Thoi and meeting the boat

You meet the boat driver at An Thoi Port Stadium in the An Thoi area. In some cases, the meeting point can be Roma Phu Quoc Hotel or a nearby location, so send a WhatsApp number with your country code when you book. A selfie is also requested so the driver can recognize you at the port.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but the operator can arrange them for a rate similar to Grab. This is useful if your hotel is not close to An Thoi, and it removes the need to work out the port location yourself. Confirm the pickup point before leaving your hotel, since the meeting location can change with the weather.

The boat ride to the islands takes about 20 to 30 minutes. That is a reasonable trade for reaching the southern snorkeling area quickly. You are not spending the morning on a slow passenger boat, but you should expect a faster, bumpier ride than on a large covered vessel.

A cover is available on the speedboat, which helps with the sun. Still, bring sunscreen, a hat, and a towel. The recommended list also includes flip-flops and a change of clothes. You will want dry clothing at the end, especially if you plan to continue sightseeing after returning to An Thoi.

Gam Ghi Island: the main snorkeling session

Gam Ghi is normally the first major stop and gives you about 1.5 hours for snorkeling. The local crew selects the clearest section with coral and fish, rather than following a fixed underwater route. This is important because sea conditions can change the quality of a reef from one day to the next.

The water is described as clear and turquoise, with coral reefs and plenty of fish. You can expect this stop to suit ordinary recreational swimmers better than the deeper water at Kim Quy. Life jackets are available, and you can use them even if you are a competent swimmer.

The long stop is one of the strongest parts of the trip. You are not limited to a quick look before being called back to the boat. Use the first few minutes to get comfortable with the mask and fins, then settle into a slow pace. Coral viewing is usually better when you stop kicking hard and let the water carry you.

The boat crew can point out useful areas and help with basic decisions, though the standard outing does not include an English-speaking guide. If you want explanations about the reef or help throughout the trip, request the guide upgrade before you arrive.

Kim Quy Island: better for confident swimmers

Kim Quy is the second snorkeling stop and is planned for another 1.5 hours. The water is deeper here, so the crew recommends a life jacket or advanced swimming ability. A diving license is recommended for those who want to go farther down, but you do not need to attempt the deeper areas to enjoy the stop.

This is where you need to be honest with yourself. If you are not a strong swimmer, stay near the boat and use a life jacket. Do not feel pressured to follow the strongest person in your group. The private format makes it easier to tell the captain that you want a shallower area or more time at Gam Ghi instead.

For confident swimmers, Kim Quy adds variety. You get a chance to see coral in deeper water, where the reef can have a different feel from the shallower first stop. The crew chooses the best available section based on local conditions, so the exact experience can change from one departure to another.

The trip information lists Gam Ghi, Roi, or Buom as possible first stops, rather than promising the same island every time. That is a good sign for a sea activity. A fixed schedule is less useful than a flexible one when wind, waves, and visibility are changing.

May Rut Ngoai: an optional third stop

May Rut Ngoai is an optional stop, not a required part of the basic snorkeling plan. You can use it for beach time, cocktails, a sun bed, a shower, or a change of clothes. Paid activities include parasailing, jet skis, and sea-walker experiences.

This stop makes sense if your group wants a break from snorkeling. It also helps if some people want water sports while others prefer to sit on the beach. Food, drinks, toilet and shower access, and activities are extra, so budget separately if you plan to use them.

You can also skip May Rut Ngoai and spend more time snorkeling. That flexibility is a major reason to choose a private trip. A group excursion may have a set number of stops, but here you can tell the driver and captain what suits your group.

There is also an optional water park and cable car combination on the way back. These are not part of the snorkeling price, and you should ask about the extra cost and timing before adding them. The core trip works best as a half-day activity, not as a package for trying every attraction in southern Phu Quoc.

What the four-hour schedule really means

The listed duration is four hours, with departure choices around 8 or 9 AM and 1 or 2 PM. The detailed plan gives about 20 minutes for the boat ride, 1.5 hours at Gam Ghi, and 1.5 hours at Kim Quy, followed by the return to An Thoi.

Some outings may finish in about three hours, depending on the boat ride, sea conditions, and how long you choose to stay. That can be a benefit if you want to keep half a day open for another activity. If you are expecting a full-day island cruise, this is not it.

The trip is best understood as a focused snorkeling session with transport, rather than a sightseeing cruise. There is no promise of a long guided talk, a large meal, or a packed schedule of attractions. You receive equipment, fruit, and water, then spend most of your time where the trip matters: in the sea.

Equipment, food, and what you need to bring

The price includes a private speedboat, life jacket, snorkel, fins, bottled water, and seasonal fruit. That keeps the basic cost straightforward. You do not need to arrange your own mask and fins unless you prefer using personal equipment.

Food beyond the seasonal fruit is not included. At May Rut Ngoai, drinks and other refreshments cost extra. Pack lightly, protect your phone from water, and bring a towel and dry clothes.

Sunscreen is essential, but use it before boarding and reapply after swimming. The sun can feel strong even when the breeze on the boat is pleasant. Flip-flops are useful around the port and beach, though you should follow the crew’s instructions near the boat and reef.

The activity requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the operator may suggest changing the date or canceling for a full refund. That policy is sensible for a small speedboat and open-water snorkeling. Keep some flexibility in your Phu Quoc plans if this is an important part of your holiday.

The driver-only option and communication

The standard experience can operate with a driver only. The driver takes you to the snorkeling sites and follows the schedule, but he may not speak English. This is manageable if you already understand the basic plan and do not need ongoing commentary.

The crew can still confirm when to move to the next stop and help select the snorkeling area. Several bookings have also involved staff members who stayed in touch before the trip to confirm details. Katie is one contact associated with arranging pickup, answering questions, and helping with trip planning.

If you want a full English-speaking guide, request one for an additional charge. This is worth considering if you are new to snorkeling, want more help in the water, or prefer explanations about the islands and marine life. It is less important if your group simply needs transport and equipment.

Some past bookings also involved Mr. Ok handling transport and Mr. Ty captaining the boat. The useful point is that the land transfer and the boat ride may involve different staff, so confirm who will meet you at the port and who will be on the speedboat.

Is $64 per person good value?

At $64 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the southern islands. It can be good value if you are traveling with a small group and care about time, privacy, and control over the schedule.

Two people sharing a private boat pay more per head than passengers on a basic group outing, but you also avoid the main costs of group travel: waiting for other people, following a rigid route, and leaving a reef before you are ready. With four or more people, the private price becomes easier to justify because the boat cost is spread across the group.

The package includes the key snorkeling equipment and water, but not hotel transport, an English-speaking guide, lunch, drinks, showers, or paid water sports. Add those costs before comparing it with a full-day tour. If you only want two strong snorkeling sessions and a quick return, the focused format may offer better value than a longer package filled with activities you do not want.

The rating is 4.4 from 38 reviews, with especially strong praise for the private setup, helpful communication, uncrowded reef stops, and the amount of time spent snorkeling. The few lower ratings do not change the main picture, but they do reinforce the need to understand what is and is not included.

Who should book this South Phu Quoc snorkeling trip?

I would choose this for a couple, family, or group of friends that wants a private boat and does not need a formal guide. It is also a good fit if you have limited time in Phu Quoc and want to keep the outing to a morning or afternoon.

Strong swimmers will get the most from Kim Quy. Beginners can still enjoy Gam Ghi with a life jacket, but should tell the crew about their comfort level before entering the water. Families with children should check swimming ability and supervision needs carefully, since the trip includes open-water snorkeling and a deeper second stop.

This is not the best match if you want a full day of sightseeing, a guaranteed English-speaking guide, a meal included in the price, or a tightly planned set of attractions. It is also not ideal for anyone who dislikes speedboats or is uncomfortable with plans changing according to the weather.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if your priority is private snorkeling time, clear communication before departure, and the freedom to stay at a reef or skip the beach stop. The strongest reason to choose it is simple: you get more control and less waiting.

Before paying, confirm your departure time, meeting point, hotel transfer, language needs, and the swimming level of everyone in your group. Ask for the English-speaking guide if that support matters to you. If the sea is calm and your group wants two long snorkeling sessions rather than a busy island-hopping schedule, $64 per person is a reasonable price for the privacy and flexibility.

FAQ

How long does the snorkeling trip last?

The activity is listed as four hours. The plan includes a 20 to 30 minute speedboat ride each way and about 1.5 hours of snorkeling at Gam Ghi and 1.5 hours at Kim Quy. Some outings may finish in less than four hours.

Where do I meet the boat?

The main meeting point is An Thoi Port Stadium in the An Thoi area. Depending on weather and local arrangements, the meeting point may be Roma Phu Quoc Hotel or a similar nearby location.

What departure times are available?

You can request a morning departure around 8 or 9 AM, or an afternoon departure around 1 or 2 PM. Starting times depend on availability.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the listed price. You can request the service for an added fee, with a rate described as similar to Grab.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The trip uses a private speedboat for your group. The boat can carry up to 15 people, but you do not share it with a standard large tour group.

Which islands will I visit?

The usual plan includes Gam Ghi Island and Kim Quy Island. Depending on weather, swimming ability, and water conditions, the first snorkeling stop may instead be Roi Island or Buom Island. May Rut Ngoai is an optional third stop.

Is an English-speaking guide included?

No. The standard trip can operate with a driver only, and the driver may not speak English. An English-speaking guide is available for an additional charge.

What equipment is provided?

Life jackets, snorkels, fins, bottled water, and seasonal fruit are included. Food, drinks, and services at the optional third stop cost extra.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, sunscreen, towel, flip-flops, and a change of clothes. These items are useful for the boat ride, snorkeling, and returning to your hotel or continuing your day afterward.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If conditions are unsuitable, the operator may suggest changing the date or canceling with a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.