REVIEW · PHU QUOC
Phu Quoc: Snorkeling & Fishing in the South Island
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by AZ Vietnam Travel · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Fishing and snorkeling in one smooth day. I like the mix of active water time (fishing + snorkeling) with a slower landing on May Rut Trong’s beach. It also stands out because you’re not just dropped off—there’s an English-speaking guide and they provide the gear and local fishing equipment.
I also like that the tour is built for “time efficiency”: you’re picked up in the morning, you get out to two islands south of Phu Quoc, and you’re back by late afternoon, with lunch onboard so you don’t lose half your day to hunting for food.
One thing to consider: based on feedback about how these islands can feel during busy periods, you should expect the possibility of crowding and limited swimming space, plus potential extras for things like beach chairs.
In This Review
- Quick Key Points Before You Go
- The Day Plan: From Hotel Pickup to An Thoi Harbor
- Fishing for 30 Minutes: Provided Gear and a Local Demo
- Xuong (Gam Ghi) Island Snorkeling: What You’ll See
- Lunch Onboard: Why It’s Included and How It Helps
- May Rut Trong Island: Beach Time, Sunbeds, and Coconut Shade
- Price and Value: Is $30 Fair for a 7-Hour Island Day?
- Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Prefer a Different Style)
- Practical Tips to Make It Smoother
- Should You Book This Tour?
- FAQ
- What islands does this tour visit?
- How long is the tour?
- What is included in the snorkeling setup?
- Are children’s fins included?
- Is lunch included?
- How much is the tour and what’s the extra Lunar New Year charge?
- What’s the cancellation and payment policy?
Quick Key Points Before You Go

- Xuong (Gam Ghi) Island snorkeling: you’ll be shown where to go and can see coral areas with different coral types.
- 30 minutes of fishing: local gear is provided and the guide demonstrates how to use it.
- Lunch onboard: built into the schedule so your day stays relaxed, not food-chasing.
- May Rut Trong beach break: rest, sunbathing, photos, and beach-bar time with sunbeds.
- Short day, big variety: you’re doing fishing + snorkeling + a full beach stop in about 7 hours.
- Possible crowd/space issue: some feedback suggests certain areas can feel packed, so pick your expectations.
The Day Plan: From Hotel Pickup to An Thoi Harbor

Your day starts with hotel pickup around 9:15 to 9:30. The exact pickup time depends on where you’re staying on Phu Quoc, so don’t plan anything tight right before. This matters because a smooth pickup sets the tone—if you’re late to start, the whole island rhythm gets dragged.
After pickup, you’ll reach An Thoi harbor and join your boat for the trip to two islands south of Phu Quoc. This is one of the smarter parts of the tour: it removes the stress of getting to the water on your own and keeps everyone on the same clock.
You’ll spend the morning focused on water activities, then slow down with beach time in the afternoon. That pacing is good if you want snorkeling but also want a real chance to relax afterward.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Phu Quoc.
Fishing for 30 Minutes: Provided Gear and a Local Demo

The tour gives you about 30 minutes at the fishing point. That time is short on purpose. Fishing isn’t meant to become a full lesson or a long waiting game—it’s there for the experience: try it, learn how the local gear works, and see what you can do in a set window.
What I like here is that the guide demonstrates how to use local fishing equipment before you try. Even if you’ve never fished before, you’ll at least understand what the gear is doing and how people in the area fish in practice. You’re also more likely to enjoy the activity because you’re not guessing.
If you’re someone who wants “serious fishing” results, keep your expectations realistic. This is a try-it experience, not a multi-hour fisherman’s training course. Still, it’s a nice change from only doing snorkeling, and it adds variety to your day out.
Xuong (Gam Ghi) Island Snorkeling: What You’ll See

Next up is Xuong Island (also listed as Gam Ghi Island) for snorkeling. The focus here is on the coral reefs and the chance to see a range of coral species.
This is the main selling point, so it’s worth thinking about what makes snorkeling enjoyable:
- Clear enough water matters.
- You need comfortable mask fit.
- Confidence in the basics makes the whole experience smoother.
You get snorkeling equipment: mask, snorkel, and fins. The tour also provides life jackets, which is helpful for comfort and safety, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer.
There’s one practical note: fins aren’t available for children’s sizes. If you’re traveling with kids, this is a detail you’ll want to plan around early—either bring your own fins or check with the operator before you go.
Also, snorkeling time isn’t the entire morning, so don’t expect to spend hours in the water. You’re there for a focused session where you’ll get a taste of the reef before moving on.
Lunch Onboard: Why It’s Included and How It Helps

You’ll have lunch onboard during the trip. That sounds simple, but in practice it’s one of the best value moves in a tour like this.
When lunch is handled, you avoid the most common day-trip problem in Vietnam: the long stop that turns into “wait, then eat, then wait again.” With lunch onboard, your schedule stays steady, and you can focus on the islands instead of logistics.
The tour includes 1 bottle of water. You’ll likely want to bring a little extra water if you’re the type to drink a lot in the sun—especially because you’ll get beach time right after lunch.
May Rut Trong Island: Beach Time, Sunbeds, and Coconut Shade

After snorkeling and lunch, the tour heads to May Rut Trong Island for rest and sunbath on the beach. This is where the day shifts gears. If the morning is about seeing and trying, the afternoon is about slowing down.
You’ll be able to unwind and enjoy the scenery and activities on the island, and the highlight list also points to strolling along beaches and bridges and relaxing under shaded coconut trees. That combination is great because it gives you multiple ways to enjoy the island, even if you don’t want to be in the water again.
There’s also a beach bar on site. The tour notes you can order drinks there, relax on a sunbed, take pictures, and enjoy the beach setting. That’s a big plus for photos and for that post-snorkel recovery moment—when you’re ready to do less and just soak up the atmosphere.
One caution from real-world feedback: some people report that island areas can feel packed, and extras like beach chairs may not be fully included. If you’re sensitive to crowd energy or you’re hoping for wide-open swimming space, go in with flexible expectations and plan to enjoy the beach in the most comfortable spot you can find.
Price and Value: Is $30 Fair for a 7-Hour Island Day?

At $30 per person, this tour competes well because it bundles a lot of the big-ticket parts:
- Round trip car and tourism boat
- English-speaking guide
- Lunch onboard
- Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins) and life jackets
- Local fishing equipment
- 1 bottle of water
Here’s how I think about value: you’re paying for convenience plus gear plus guided structure. If you tried to copy this day on your own, you’d still need boat access, snorkeling setup, and a plan for both islands. Once you add transport, a guide, and lunch, the price feels less like “just boat time” and more like a full organized day.
The only real value risk is timing and comfort. If crowds make swimming unpleasant or you end up paying extra for sunbeds/chairs, the day can feel less special than you hoped. That doesn’t mean the tour is bad—it means your enjoyment depends on whether you’re okay sharing the space and sticking to a tighter snorkeling-and-beach schedule.
Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Prefer a Different Style)

I’d point this tour toward travelers who want variety in one day:
- Couples or friends who want snorkeling plus a fun extra (fishing)
- People who like a clear itinerary and don’t want to plan boats and meals
- Travelers who want beach recovery time right after snorkeling
- Families who understand the fins limitation for children
It may be less ideal if you:
- Want long, quiet snorkeling sessions
- Hate crowds and packed boat-in island logistics
- Are expecting a totally free beach experience with no paid extras on site
If your ideal day is solitude, you might consider a different approach. But if your goal is fun, easy organization, and a mix of water + beach, this one makes a strong case.
Practical Tips to Make It Smoother

A few details from the tour info help you get ready:
- Expect a 7-hour day: you’ll be out from morning pickup until around 16:30 return. Plan a relaxed evening.
- Bring swimwear and anything you want for sun: you’ll be on the islands long enough to feel it.
- If you’re snorkeling, do a quick check when gear is issued (mask comfort first).
- If you’re traveling with children: remember fins for children’s sizes aren’t provided, so plan accordingly.
- Keep a little cash/card for personal expenses, and be aware that the beach bar and sunbed/chair setup may have extra charges depending on what you choose.
And if you’re one of those people who cares about where you swim most, choose your moments. Crowding tends to change how enjoyable it feels, so don’t anchor your whole day on one perfect spot.
Should You Book This Tour?

I’d book it if you want an organized Xuong + May Rut Trong island day that covers the basics well: snorkeling gear, local fishing try-out, and beach downtime with lunch handled. The $30 price is reasonable for what’s included, especially if you don’t want to solve transport and meals yourself.
I wouldn’t book it if you’re looking for a calm, private-feeling beach or long, uninterrupted reef time. Some feedback suggests the island experience can get crowded and that certain comfort items may cost extra, which can chip away at the feeling of a special escape.
If your plan is a fun, structured day and you can be flexible about beach space, this is a solid choice.
FAQ
What islands does this tour visit?
You’ll visit Xuong Island (Gam Ghi Island) for snorkeling and May Rut Trong Island for rest and beach time.
How long is the tour?
The experience runs for about 7 hours.
What is included in the snorkeling setup?
The tour includes snorkeling equipment: mask, snorkel, and fins, plus life jackets.
Are children’s fins included?
No. Fins are not available for children’s sizes.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch onboard is included, along with 1 bottle of water.
How much is the tour and what’s the extra Lunar New Year charge?
The price is $30 per person, and there is an additional 10% charge from January 28 to February 2, 2025 (Lunar New Year).
What’s the cancellation and payment policy?
There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can use reserve now & pay later to keep plans flexible.
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If you tell me when you’re traveling and whether you’re snorkeling confidently (or bringing kids), I can help you judge whether this schedule fits your style.










