REVIEW · PHU QUOC
REAL snorkel &island hopping by SPEEDBOAT-EXPLORE CUISINES(MAX12)
Book on Viator →Operated by Pacific Boat · Bookable on Viator
A speedboat day in Phu Quoc can be messy fun. This one is built around real snorkeling on a small group boat, then it feeds you with a proper Vietnamese meal. You get English-speaking guidance and the chance to hit islands like Kim Quý and Coconut Island before the crowds.
I like two things most: first, the plan is structured for water time, not just photo stops. Second, the lunch isn’t an afterthought; it’s a Vietnamese BBQ style meal with a guide introducing specialties from three regions of Vietnam. One thing to consider: the experience depends on weather and sea conditions, so some island choices can shift.
Also, this is the Gulf of Thailand ocean, not a sterile aquarium. Based on what people said, you may spot plastic in some areas and coral can look hit-or-miss at certain stops, even when the day is sunny.
In This Review
- Key things worth knowing before you go
- Speedboat and small-group pace: what this feels like in real life
- Price and what’s included for $55 (and what costs extra)
- Arrival timing: pickup windows and how the day is split
- The An Thoi to island hop rhythm: from port to reef
- Stop 1: Kim Quý Island and why it’s the reef-focused favorite
- Beach break: May Rut or Gam Ghi/Gham Ghi (your reset button)
- Stop 2: Coconut Island snorkeling and the fish-feeding moment
- What you’ll actually see underwater (and what to expect about coral)
- Snorkeling gear: good enough, but fit and hygiene are personal
- Lunch and the Vietnamese BBQ meal: more than just food
- Guides and group vibe: Windy shows up a lot
- Is this tour worth it for you? Quick fit guide
- Booking call: should you book Pacific Boat’s snorkeling with cuisine?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How long is the snorkeling and island hopping tour?
- How many people are on the speedboat?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- What time does the tour start?
- Which islands are included for snorkeling and beach time?
- Is snorkeling equipment included?
- Is lunch included, and what kind is it?
- Are drinks and water included?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Key things worth knowing before you go

- Small-group size (max 15): more personal than the big 35–40 pax rhythm some operators use.
- Two real snorkeling moments: Kim Quý for hard coral reef and Coconut Island for soft coral + fish activity.
- Beach break included: you’ll get a calm window on an island beach (often May Rut or Gam Ghi/Gham Ghi depending on weather).
- One free drink unit: beer or soft drink is included (one unit per person).
- Vietnamese BBQ lunch with guide talk: you don’t just eat—you learn what you’re eating.
- Bring your own mask if fit matters: a few people noted mask sizing issues and sanitation concerns.
Speedboat and small-group pace: what this feels like in real life

This tour is sold as REAL snorkeling by speedboat, with a small group cap. In practice, that translates to less time stuck in a crowded lineup and more time actually getting wet. The speedboat style is fast and can be bumpy. You’re in open water, so pack a little patience for the ride and bring a plan for seasickness just in case you’re sensitive.
The best part is that the day is organized around water moments: snorkel sites, then swimming/relax time, then the meal. It’s not just “see a beach and leave.” You’ll be hopping between islands off Phu Quoc from the An Thoi port area, which helps you get away from the immediate tourist strip.
The small-group promise also shows up in how the day tends to flow. Guides (often named Windy, and sometimes others like Hugo, Ben, or Si) manage instructions clearly and keep snorkel timing feeling efficient. People repeatedly praise how the guide runs the plan and supports you in the water.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Phu Quoc.
Price and what’s included for $55 (and what costs extra)
At $55 per person, this sits in the mid-range for Phu Quoc island-hopping snorkeling. The value comes from what you actually get bundled:
- Hotel pickup/drop-off is included only for certain areas: the info says pickup/drop-off at the center is included, with a surcharge if your hotel is far away.
- Snorkeling equipment is provided (mask + snorkel; the quality seems decent, but fit can vary).
- Alcoholic drinks are included as a free unit: beer or soft drink (one unit per person).
- Bottled water is provided.
- English-speaking guide is included.
- All fees and taxes are included.
- Lunch is included and described as a Vietnamese BBQ meal, with a guide introducing specialties from three regions of Vietnam.
What’s not included: tips and personal expenses. Also, there’s a clear mention that pickup/drop-off isn’t offered for Ham Ninh area, and there are specific surcharges for certain hotels (notably 300,000 VND per group for Movenpick and 500,000 VND per group for Vinpearl, as listed).
If you’re trying to compare value fairly, check this one thing: some tours in the area sell “snorkeling” but spend more time on driving or shopping stops. This one’s focus is snorkeling and island hopping, and you can feel that in the itinerary.
Arrival timing: pickup windows and how the day is split

There are two time options: a morning-style start around 8:00–8:45 (pickup, then reaching An Thoi port shortly after) and an afternoon-style start around 13:00–13:45. The overall duration is listed as about 6 hours.
One practical point: meeting time is shown as 8:30 am, but pickup is described as happening around 8:00. That’s normal for tours—your exact pickup time is sent after booking—so keep your morning flexible. The day runs on island time, not city time, and the boat schedule follows sea conditions.
The An Thoi to island hop rhythm: from port to reef

From An Thoi port, the tour moves you out to the islands in a speedboat. That quick transition is part of why this works. You’re not spending half the morning just traveling and waiting.
The islands in the plan change slightly based on weather, but the structure is consistent:
- A first snorkeling stop (often Kim Quý)
- A beach break on an island such as May Rut or Gam Ghi/Gham Ghi
- A second snorkeling stop such as Coconut Island
- Then the Vietnamese BBQ lunch back on the mainland side at a restaurant in Phu Quoc
The itinerary is built to keep you moving without turning the day into a full-time travel scramble.
Stop 1: Kim Quý Island and why it’s the reef-focused favorite

Kim Quý is called out as a strong reef option, specifically for hard coral snorkeling. This is the first snorkeling stop on the itinerary for the morning version, with about 60 minutes allocated there.
If you’re the kind of person who wants to see real underwater life (fish, coral shapes, the whole snorkel point of the trip), this is the stop to pay attention to. People describe it as one of the best sessions of the day, with clear water conditions on good-weather days.
Two reality checks based on the feedback:
1) Coral health can vary by spot. Even when the guide is doing everything right, you can’t control what the reef looks like that day.
2) Ocean conditions matter. Some people reported strong visibility on sunny days, while others found water more cloudy at certain times.
Beach break: May Rut or Gam Ghi/Gham Ghi (your reset button)

Between snorkeling sessions, the tour gives you a beach break on the “quiet beach” style of islands it’s aiming for. Depending on conditions, the itinerary lists either May Rut or Gam Ghi/Gham Ghi.
This stop usually includes time to relax, swim, and refresh. Drinks and fruit are mentioned during the beach portion (beer/soft drink too, tied to the included drink unit). It’s a smart design because snorkeling is tiring. A calm break helps you enjoy the second reef stop more.
One mixed note from the feedback: some beaches can feel more commercial and busy than the marketing tone suggests. Even so, it still functions as a needed cooldown, especially if you want a break from boat motion.
Stop 2: Coconut Island snorkeling and the fish-feeding moment

Coconut Island is the second snorkeling stop on the plan. It’s described as showing soft coral and lots of fish, and the itinerary mentions a fish feeding activity as part of the visit.
That combination often makes this session feel lively. You’re more likely to see fish moving around rather than drifting quietly in the background. People also name Coconut Island as a highlight, especially when the day stays calm and the water is clear.
A balanced note: fish feeding can change how water life behaves. In a few comments, people referenced concerns about feeding methods and what gets put into the water. That doesn’t mean the stop is automatically bad, but it’s worth knowing you’re not just snorkeling in a protected aquarium—you’re participating in an island-tour routine.
What you’ll actually see underwater (and what to expect about coral)

Here’s the honest snorkeling expectation for Phu Quoc: you want to see fish and coral, and you can on many days. But the underwater world isn’t guaranteed to look like textbook reef photos.
Across the feedback, the most praised underwater moments are described as clear-water days with lots of fish and coral variety at stops like Kim Quý and Coconut. On other days, people reported cloudy water or coral that felt less impressive than hoped. Some also mentioned floating plastic in certain areas.
My practical take: go in expecting a real reef scene with real ocean conditions. If you get sunshine and calm seas, you’ll likely feel thrilled. If visibility drops, you’ll still get exercise, boat fun, and a good day, but the reef may not wow you in the same way.
Snorkeling gear: good enough, but fit and hygiene are personal
The tour includes snorkeling equipment, and many people praised the gear quality. Still, fit matters. One person specifically mentioned mask sizing being small for Europeans, and another raised a concern about whether equipment was properly sanitized.
So here’s the simple advice: if you’ve got a mask that fits your face well, bring it. If you don’t, the provided kit may work fine, but you’ll enjoy snorkeling more if the seal is comfortable and you can breathe easily without constantly adjusting.
Also, the boat ride is fast. You’ll want gear handled in a way that keeps you confident, not frustrated, so ask your guide questions before you hop in.
Lunch and the Vietnamese BBQ meal: more than just food
After the island time, you head to a restaurant in Phu Quoc town area (the itinerary says a famous restaurant where a guide introduces local specialties). The lunch is described as a Vietnamese BBQ experience and includes a guide-led explanation of cuisine from three regions of Vietnam.
People tend to rate this part highly. Comments mention the lunch being very tasty, with cold beer included as part of what’s offered. One thing to remember: this is not a “lunch on the beach” style meal. You’re going back to the restaurant setting.
That matters if you planned your day around eating at the water’s edge. If you’re flexible and you’re happy to treat lunch as a solid reset meal, you’ll probably like it.
Guides and group vibe: Windy shows up a lot
A standout pattern: the guide names come up again and again. Windy is mentioned in multiple positive accounts for friendliness, professionalism, and clear instruction. Other names that appeared include Hugo, Ben, and Si.
Small-group tours live or die on guide energy. Here, the feedback leans strongly toward guides who explain what to do, manage timing well, and make the day run smoothly. Even when someone felt snorkeling was underwhelming, many still said the guide and organization kept the day enjoyable.
Is this tour worth it for you? Quick fit guide
This works best if:
- You want hands-on snorkeling at multiple stops, not just one quick dip.
- You’d rather pay a fair price than gamble on a chaotic big group.
- You like a structured day with snorkel, swim/relax, then lunch.
You might want to think twice if:
- You’re very picky about reef health and want consistently pristine coral (ocean conditions can change).
- You’re sensitive to bumpy speedboat rides.
- You expect a true all-day “eat on the island and stay out until late” schedule. The plan is around 6 hours, split into morning/afternoon options.
And if you’re the kind of swimmer who knows exactly what you want underwater, you could also consider private options. One very unhappy review suggested renting a private boat as a better fit. That doesn’t invalidate this group tour, but it’s a signal that not everyone wants the same pace or the same snorkeling setup.
Booking call: should you book Pacific Boat’s snorkeling with cuisine?
If your priority is REAL snorkeling with a small group, this is a strong option in Phu Quoc. The best-case day seems genuinely great: reef time at Kim Quý and Coconut, a relaxed island beach break, then a well-liked Vietnamese BBQ lunch. The $55 price makes sense because snorkeling gear, guide support, drinks, water, and lunch are wrapped in.
Just book with weather in mind. The tour explicitly requires good sea conditions, and schedules may shift. If you’re flexible and you’re going for the overall experience—speedboat island hopping plus two reef-focused snorkeling sessions—you’re likely to be happy.
FAQ
FAQ
How long is the snorkeling and island hopping tour?
The tour duration is listed as about 6 hours.
How many people are on the speedboat?
The activity lists a maximum of 15 travelers.
Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup/drop-off at the center is included, and there may be a surcharge if your hotel is far away. Pickup/drop-off is not offered for Ham Ninh area.
What time does the tour start?
There are two options: a morning start around 8:00–8:45 and an afternoon start around 13:00–13:45. The meeting time is listed as 8:30 am.
Which islands are included for snorkeling and beach time?
Kim Quý Island is listed as a snorkeling stop. Coconut Island is listed as another snorkeling stop. The beach/island time can include May Rut and/or Gam Ghi/Gham Ghi depending on weather.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes. The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment.
Is lunch included, and what kind is it?
Yes. Lunch is included and described as a Vietnamese BBQ meal at a restaurant in Phu Quoc, with a guide introducing local specialties from three regions of Vietnam.
Are drinks and water included?
Yes. Bottled water is included, and there is one unit of free beer or soft drink per person.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.






