South Phu Quoc Small-Group Snorkelling Trip by Speedboat

The An Thoi islands off southern Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is Vietnam's largest island, lying in the Gulf of Thailand, and its southern tip breaks into the An Thoi archipelago: a chain of small green islands, white-sand coves and shallow reefs. The waters around them belong to a marine protected area, and the whole island lies within the Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve recognised by UNESCO. This is where most Phu Quoc snorkelling tours head, and the reason is clear the moment the speedboat leaves the harbour and the water turns turquoise.

The difference on this trip is where you go once you are out there. Instead of following the big boats to the busiest beaches, the instructor takes the speedboat to quieter corners of the archipelago. The ride between spots is short, so most of your morning or afternoon is spent in the water rather than in transit, and the small group means no waiting for others to get ready.

Hidden coral reefs of South Phu Quoc

The two snorkelling sites are selected each day from a set of reefs around the southern islands, with descriptive names such as Coral Garden, Coral Hill, Half-moon Reef and Sword Reef. The choice depends on visibility, current and the angle of the sun, which changes the colours you see underwater. Expect hard and soft corals, giant clams, sea urchins, parrotfish, damselfish, butterflyfish and, with luck, a sea turtle or a cuttlefish.

Snorkelling time over the two reefs is about one and a half hours in total, generous for a half-day trip. Many guests ask whether Phu Quoc snorkelling is worth it; on reefs like these, with a small group and an instructor beside you, it is one of the best experiences on the island. Between April and October you can also ask to visit a coral nursery where young coral is grown to restore the reef.

Warm-up stop and instructor-led snorkelling

The first stop is a calm, shallow spot where you can stand, test your mask and get used to breathing through the snorkel. The instructor gives a short safety briefing, checks that each mask fits and shows beginners how to float comfortably with a life jacket or flotation aid. Confident swimmers and free divers can head straight out, while first-timers take it slowly.

On the reefs the instructor stays in the water with the group, points out marine life and keeps an eye on everyone. Gear is of a high standard: anti-fog masks, free-dive style snorkels and adjustable fins, all cleaned after each trip. This attention is what makes the trip suitable for mixed groups, from families with children over four to experienced scuba divers who want a relaxed day on the surface.

Island rest with fruit and juice

After snorkelling the speedboat stops at a quiet island beach for a slower half hour or more. Fresh tropical fruit and juice are served while you dry off in the shade, swim again in the shallows or simply look back across the water towards the main island. It is a peaceful break, very different from the busier beach clubs on the larger islands nearby.

Lunch is not part of this trip, which keeps it to about six hours, so most guests have a late lunch back in town. If you prefer, you can eat a light breakfast before a morning departure and plan a seafood lunch in An Thoi or Duong Dong afterwards. Halal restaurants are limited on Phu Quoc, but seafood and vegetarian dishes are easy to find, and we can suggest places.

Best time to visit Phu Quoc for snorkelling

The best time to visit Phu Quoc is the dry season from November to April, when the sea on the southern side is usually calm and clear. From May to October the south-west monsoon brings more wind and rain; trips still operate, but the instructor may move reefs or adjust the timing to find the best water on the day. Morning or afternoon departure is chosen according to these conditions.

This team follows reef-friendly rules: no anchoring on coral, no fish feeding and no touching marine life, and fishing is not allowed on board. Please use a reef-safe sunscreen or a long-sleeved rash top instead of heavy lotion. These small habits help keep the reefs of South Phu Quoc alive for the next visitors.