3-Island Snorkelling Boat Tour with Lunch Phu Quoc

The southern islands of Phu Quoc

Off the southern tip of Phu Quoc, near the fishing port of An Thoi, lies a cluster of small islands scattered across clear blue water. Some are inhabited by fishing families, others are little more than green hills ringed by white sand and coral, and together they form the most popular area for snorkelling and island hopping on the island. The water is usually calm and clear in the dry season, ideal for beginners.

This Phu Quoc 3 islands tour visits the reefs and beaches that suit snorkellers best, choosing the exact spots each day according to the wind and waves. After hotel pickup in Duong Dong, the drive south to the harbour takes about forty minutes along the main road of the island, and the guide gives a safety briefing on board before the first stop.

Xuong Island and its coral reef

Xuong Island, also called Buom Island, is the first snorkelling stop of the day. Its rocky shores shelter a shallow coral reef where you can see hard and soft corals, sea urchins and shoals of small tropical fish close to the surface. The boat anchors near the reef, and you slip into the water from the ladder with your mask, snorkel and fins, staying as long as you like within the guide's time.

Because Xuong Island has calm, sheltered water on one side, it is also the backup destination when waves are too strong elsewhere. In rough-wave periods, the third stop of the day moves to another sheltered part of Xuong Island instead of May Rut Trong, so the tour can run safely. Fins are not available in child sizes, so families with young children may want to bring their own.

Gam Ghi Island, the best snorkelling spot

Gam Ghi Island is a small, rocky island surrounded by one of the richest reefs of the archipelago, which is why Gam Ghi island snorkelling is a highlight of almost every southern boat trip. The water here is often very clear, and the reef slopes gently from shallow coral gardens into deeper blue, giving both beginners and confident swimmers something to enjoy.

Look for brain and staghorn corals, giant clams, colourful parrotfish and damselfish darting between the rocks. Life jackets are provided for anyone who prefers to float rather than swim, and the guide stays nearby in the water to help. Please do not touch or stand on the coral, so that the reef stays healthy for those who come after you.

May Rut Trong Island and its white-sand lagoon

May Rut Trong Island is the postcard island of southern Phu Quoc: a crescent of white sand, coconut palms leaning over shallow emerald water and a peaceful lagoon perfect for wading and relaxing after the snorkelling. Visitors come to May Rut island in Phu Quoc to swim, rest in the shade and take photos of the calm sea framed by green hills.

This stop is weather-dependent. When the seas around May Rut Trong are rough, which happens with seasonal changes in the wind, the boat goes instead to a sheltered part of Xuong Island for beach time and swimming, and we tell you about any change before the day. Bring sunscreen, a towel and sunglasses, as there is little shade on the sand at midday.

Lunch on board and the best time for a Phu Quoc boat tour

Between the snorkelling stops, lunch is served on board, a relaxed break as the boat rests in calm water among the islands. Each guest also receives a bottle of water, and you can bring extra snacks or drinks for the afternoon. The full day lasts about eight hours, with pickup from 08:15 to 08:30 and return to your hotel around 17:00.

The best time for a Phu Quoc boat tour with lunch and snorkelling in the south is the dry season from November to April, when the sea is usually flat and the water clearest. From May to October, the monsoon brings stronger winds and more rain, and island stops may change to keep everyone safe. Whatever the season, it remains one of the most rewarding things to do in Phu Quoc.