Phu Quoc: Speedboat Tour of 4 Islands with Snorkeling & BBQ

Exploring Phu Quoc’s Hidden Gems: A Small-Group Speedboat Adventure

In just six hours, this speedboat tour whisks you away to four different islands off the southern coast of Phu Quoc, including Kim Quy, May Rut Ngoai, Buom, and Fingernail Islands. With a price of around $56 per person, it offers an engaging mix of snorkeling, beach relaxation, and a delicious seafood BBQ—all with hotel pickup included.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s designed to avoid the crowds—no big buses or shopping stops here. Instead, you’ll be in a small group, getting personalized attention from guides like Windy, who reviewers describe as helpful, funny, and attentive. Second, the authentic snorkeling experiences in vibrant coral reefs truly impress, with guides carefully choosing spots away from touristy noise.

However, a potential consideration is that weather conditions are crucial. If the sea gets rough or jellyfish appear, the tour might be rescheduled or canceled—something to keep in mind if you’re planning on a specific day. This trip is best suited for travelers who value genuine island-hopping and snorkeling, appreciate small-group intimacy, and want a culinary highlight with fresh seafood.

Key Points

• Authentic island experience: Small group, avoiding crowded spots.
• Excellent snorkeling: Clear waters, colorful reefs, and attentive guides.
• Fresh seafood BBQ: Grilled on a mainland restaurant, not on the islands.
• Flexible and transparent: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
• Comfortable logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off included.
• Weather-dependent: May be canceled or rescheduled for safety.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive Into the Phu Quoc Speedboat Tour

When we think about making the most of your time on Phu Quoc, this tour offers a compelling mix of adventure and relaxation—particularly for travelers craving authentic experiences away from the busy tour groups.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The day starts bright and early with a hotel pickup, generally around 8:30 AM, taking you from your accommodation in the center, Long Beach, or southern parts of the island. The journey to the harbor is smooth, and once onboard your speedboat, you’ll immediately feel the sense of freedom that only a small vessel can provide.

First stop: Kim Quy Island (Golden Turtle Island). Here, you’ll spend about an hour snorkeling among crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Reviewers frequently mention the stunning underwater scenery, with abundant fish and lively corals. One guest raved, “the corals we saw were amazing,” highlighting how varied and colorful the marine life can be, making it an appealing stop for both novices and seasoned snorkelers.

Next, the group moves to either May Rut Ngoai or Gham Ghi Island, weather permitting. These spots are ideal for relaxing on quiet beaches or exploring the shoreline, often avoiding crowded beaches since the tour intentionally seeks less touristy locales. A reviewer noted, “our guide Windy took us to 4 islands with a speedboat, two of which were snorkeling, and the rest were relaxing on the beach,” emphasizing the mix of activities.

Buom Island is the third snorkel stop, where guides often assist in feeding fish—a small but delightful activity for kids and adults alike. The reefs here are yet another showcase of diverse marine life.

The final snorkeling stop is Fingernail Island, affectionately called such because of its shape. Relaxation is the main activity here—sunbathing, swimming, or just soaking in the serene views. Many reviews appreciate the less crowded vibe at Fingernail Island, allowing for a more peaceful experience.

Lunch and Final Relaxation

The tour wraps up with a seafood BBQ lunch at a mainland restaurant, chosen deliberately to ensure food hygiene and quality—a thoughtful touch not always seen on island stops. The menu features fresh seafood, grilled to order, with some reviewers describing it as “the best food we’ve eaten in Vietnam.” After lunch, it’s back on the boat and then your hotel, often around 3 PM.

The Experience of Snorkeling and Marine Life

One of the tour’s biggest draws is its focus on authentic snorkeling experiences. With provided gear and attentive guides, you’ll explore coral reefs that are often described as bountiful and colorful. Reviews repeatedly mention the variety of fish and beautiful coral—some even say it’s “some of the most beautiful snorkeling ever.”

The guides are praised for their local knowledge and attention to safety, making this accessible even for first-timers. Plus, the small group size (reviewers mention groups of just 13 to 40) means fewer crowds and more personalized attention.

Many travelers appreciate the feeding fish activity—a fun moment that makes the snorkeling more lively and engaging. While some stops may occasionally be a bit crowded, the guides make a clear effort to pick quieter locations when possible, which adds value for those seeking peace and natural beauty.

More Great Tours Nearby

Authenticity and Avoiding Commercialism

Unlike larger operators, this tour refuses to include shopping stops, crowded beaches, or “industrial tourism” areas. This focus on natural beauty and genuine snorkel spots resonates with travelers wanting more meaningful experiences. One reviewer shared, “we felt like it was a private hire,” reflecting the small-group intimacy and authentic atmosphere.

The Seafood BBQ Lunch: A Culinary Highlight

The lunch is often described as delicious and plentiful, featuring fresh seafood grilled on-site. Unlike some tours that might settle for pre-made sandwiches or buffet-style meals on islands, this tour’s choice of a mainland restaurant ensures food hygiene and quality—a critical factor for many.

Reviewers consistently highlight the fantastic taste and generous portions. The fresh fruit, soft drinks, and beer included make for a well-rounded meal that nicely caps off the active day.

Logistics, Group Size, and Weather Considerations

The hotel pickup and drop-off are seamless, especially in the central or southern parts of the island. For those staying further out (Ong Lang, Vinpearl, Ham Ninh), an extra surcharge applies, so it’s worth confirming your pickup location beforehand.

The duration of around 6 hours allows enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The small group size (generally generous with 13 to 40 guests) fosters a friendly, relaxed atmosphere—ideal for mingling or simply enjoying the scenery.

Weather plays a crucial role. The tour is weather-dependent, and poor conditions—like wind or jellyfish presence—may lead to cancellations or rescheduling. This is common in marine-based tours, so travelers should be prepared for flexibility. Many reviews note that the guides communicate well if changes occur, making the experience reliable despite external factors.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This small-group, authentic snorkeling adventure suits travelers who prefer personalized experiences over crowded tours. It’s ideal if you’re keen on marine life and coral reefs, appreciate fresh seafood, and want to explore less touristy islands. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike find value here thanks to the friendly guides and intimate setting.

It’s particularly well-suited for those who value cleanliness and food quality—since the lunch is deliberately on a mainland restaurant—and are willing to be flexible with weather conditions.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

At $56 per person, this tour offers excellent value. You get hotel transfers, snorkeling gear, guided island visits, and a hearty seafood lunch, making it a convenient and economical way to experience Phu Quoc’s marine and island beauty. The small-group format ensures a more personal touch, and the focus on authentic snorkeling spots lets you truly enjoy the underwater world free from the crowds.

While weather is a variable, most travelers find the experience worth the effort—especially the stunning underwater scenery and delicious food. If you’re curious about marine life, enjoy snorkeling, or simply want a day of peaceful island hopping, this tour hits the sweet spot.

FAQs About the Phu Quoc Speedboat Tour

What is included in the tour?
You’ll receive hotel pickup and drop-off, a speedboat tour, snorkeling equipment, a seafood BBQ lunch, fruit, bottled water, and one beer or soft drink per person. All entrance fees are covered.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 6 hours, with a typical start time around 8:30 AM and returning around 3 PM.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
Most reviews highlight the snorkeling as accessible, but children should be comfortable in the water. The guides are attentive, and snorkeling gear is provided, making it manageable for beginners.

What about weather cancellations?
Since the tour depends on good weather, poor conditions may lead to cancellations or rescheduling. Tour operators communicate clearly if this happens, and you can usually rebook or get a full refund.

Are there any extra costs?
Pickup from outside the central or southern areas may incur an extra surcharge. Be sure to confirm your pickup point. Otherwise, the tour price covers everything else.

Can I skip certain stops?
Most reviews suggest that stops are carefully chosen for their beauty and tranquility. If certain stops seem too crowded or uninteresting, guides will do their best to accommodate, but the itinerary is fairly set.

Is the seafood lunch really worth it?
Absolutely. Guests frequently praise the freshness and tastiness of the grilled seafood, considering it a highlight and a true culinary treat after snorkeling.

To sum it up, this Phu Quoc speedboat tour offers a wonderful blend of adventure, relaxation, and authentic flavor. It’s perfect for those who want a small-group, immersive experience—delivering excellent value and memorable sights without the hassle of large crowds. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned island hopper, this trip deserves a spot on your itinerary—especially if you cherish marine life, good food, and genuine island charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: