Two islands, one boat, plenty of sea time. I like the snorkeling at Xuong (also called Gam Ghi) because the reefs are the main event, and I also like how the day ends with a proper beach break on May Rut Trong, not just another stop-and-go photo moment. One thing to keep in mind: the schedule is packed, so if you hate crowds or prefer long, quiet swim time, you may feel short on space.

This tour is built for people who want multiple water activities without organizing anything themselves. You get round-trip transport by car and boat, an English-speaking guide, lunch onboard, and snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins) plus life jackets. You’ll also learn how to use local fishing equipment during a guided demo.

Doable for a fun day, but value depends on expectations. One downside that can happen on day tours is that beaches can feel managed and busy, and extras like chairs or add-on activities may cost extra once you arrive. If you go for the main included activities—snorkeling, fishing, and beach downtime—you’ll usually be happier.

Key highlights worth getting excited about

• Xuong (Gam Ghi) snorkeling with included gear and time to see coral reefs
• 30-minute fishing try-out with a guide demo on local fishing equipment
• Lunch onboard so you’re not hunting for food mid-tour
• May Rut Trong beach rest time with sunbathing options and a beach bar
• Walking time on beaches/bridges with shaded coconut-tree relaxation

Getting to An Thoi harbor and settling into the day

Pick-up usually lands between 9:15 and 9:30 depending on where your hotel is. You’ll head to An Thoi harbor and then join the boat for a trip to two well-known islands south of Phu Quoc. This matters because the day is scheduled around water time, not long overland transfers, so you’re not stuck on a bus all morning.

On a tour like this, your best move is to treat the morning as setup. Bring sun protection you actually want to wear (hat, sunscreen), because once you’re on the water, you won’t have much time to fix anything. Also bring quick-dry clothes for after snorkeling and fishing—trust me, wet gear is not a personality trait you want by mid-afternoon.

Fishing for 30 minutes: fun, practical, and guided

Your first activity is at a fishing point, and you’ll get about 30 minutes for fishing. That short window is the whole point of a day trip: it’s hands-on, but it’s not designed as a full fishing expedition.

You’ll get a guide demo on how to use local fishing equipment, which is helpful because fishing gear can be confusing if you’ve never seen the local setup before. After the demo, you’re not just watching—you’re trying. Even if you don’t land anything, the experience is still valuable because you learn the method and then get a taste of how local fishing works.

A practical consideration: 30 minutes goes fast. If you want a slower pace, treat this as a sampler session. Think of it as, I try it, I learn something, I move on to the next highlight.

Xuong (Gam Ghi) snorkeling: reefs, variety, and included gear

Next up is snorkeling at Xuong Island, also labeled Gam Ghi Island. The big promise here is the chance to see unspoiled coral reefs and a variety of coral species. That’s the moment you book the tour for, because the entire day flows into this stop.

You’ll have snorkeling equipment included: mask, snorkel, and fins. Life jackets are also provided, which helps if you’re not fully confident with open-water floating. Still, a life jacket doesn’t replace good fit and comfort—so take a second before you enter the water to adjust your mask properly. A leaky mask turns snorkeling from relaxing to annoying quickly.

Important for families: fins aren’t available for children’s sizes. If you’re traveling with kids, plan ahead. Either bring appropriate kids fins yourself or make sure the child can comfortably use the available gear.

One more thing I’d watch: time underwater can feel tighter than you expect on a 7-hour itinerary. I’d aim for a calm, steady rhythm rather than trying to see everything at once. Coral variety is best enjoyed slowly.

Lunch onboard: why this stop is more valuable than it looks

Lunch is included and served on the boat. That might sound small, but it’s actually a smart setup for a day like this. It saves you from searching for food at each island and keeps the schedule moving around the water activities.

Because you’re eating while the day is in full gear, you’ll want to think about how your body handles boat time and sun. Eat something you can digest easily, and drink the included water (plus anything extra you bring). Even on days that feel breezy, sun plus boat movement can sneak up on you.

If you’re the type who needs a long sit-down meal to feel human again, this might feel brief. But for most people, onboard lunch is exactly the convenience you’re paying for.

May Rut Trong beach time: coconut shade, bridges, and a bar

After snorkeling, the tour slows down with May Rut Trong Island for rest and sunbathing on the beach. This is where the day stops feeling like a checklist and starts feeling like a vacation.

Expect a beach-focused break: you can relax, take photos, and enjoy the scenery. There’s also a beach bar where you can order drinks and use sunbeds. That’s a good detail to plan around—drinks may not be included, so decide early whether you’re keeping it simple or treating yourself.

You’ll also have time for strolling along beaches and bridges, plus relaxing under shaded coconut trees. That’s a nice contrast to the water-heavy first half of the day. If you came for snorkeling, this is how you balance it with shade, cool-down, and walking at an easy pace.

The main watch-out is that beach areas on day tours can sometimes get crowded and feel a bit managed. If you’re hoping for a completely private beach vibe, you might be disappointed. But if you want an easy, low-effort beach break with plenty of included downtime, it works well.

Price and what your $30 actually covers

The price is $30 per person for a 7-hour outing. For what you’re getting—round-trip car transport, a tourism boat, an English-speaking guide, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, life jackets, plus lunch—the cost often feels reasonable compared to piecing activities together yourself.

Here’s what’s included that makes the value real:

• Round-trip car and tourism boat
• English-speaking tour guide
• Lunch onboard
• 1 bottle of water
• Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins) and life jackets
• Local fishing equipment

What isn’t included is where you should plan your extra budget. Personal expenses are listed as not included, and the beach bar implies you may want to buy drinks. Also, if you need kids snorkeling fins, you may need to bring your own since children’s-size fins aren’t available on this tour.

One more note on value: during Lunar New Year dates (January 28 to February 2, 2025), there’s an additional 10% charge. If your trip falls in that window, factor that into your decision.

Comfort tips that make this tour feel better

A 7-hour boat-and-beach day has a few repeat problems. You can fix most of them before they start:

• Bring reef-friendly sunscreen if you use it and reapply when you’re back on shore.
• Pack a small dry bag for your phone and wallet so you don’t stress during water time.
• Wear water-friendly sandals with grip. You’ll thank yourself during beach walking and bridge strolls.
• If you snorkel often, focus on comfort: a well-fitted mask matters more than ambition.
• If you’re with kids, re-check the fins situation early so nobody ends up uncomfortable.

Also, keep your expectations aligned with a day trip. You’re not getting unlimited time at each island. You’re getting a structured sampler: fishing, snorkeling, then beach time to recover.

Who this tour suits (and who should rethink it)

This works best for you if:

• You want a simple day plan with transport handled
• You’re happy to try fishing once you get a guide demo
• You mainly want snorkeling time at Xuong (Gam Ghi) and beach relaxation afterward
• You like guided help, especially if you’ve never used local fishing equipment

You might want to rethink if:

• You’re strongly against crowded beaches or shared day-tour schedules
• You need long, uninterrupted swimming time at one spot
• You’re traveling with kids who need specific fin sizes and you don’t plan to bring them

Based on what can happen on day tours, I’d treat this as a value-focused experience, not a private island fantasy. When everything matches the plan, it’s a solid mix of sea activities plus an easy beach finish.

Should you book Phu Quoc Snorkeling & Fishing in the South Island?

If your goal is a well-structured one-day combo—fishing try-out, snorkeling at Xuong, lunch onboard, and a real beach break on May Rut Trong—then yes, it’s worth booking. The price includes the hard parts: transport, guide, lunch, and the gear that normally costs time and hassle to arrange.

Before you hit reserve, do two quick checks:

• Confirm you’re okay with the tight timing (fishing is 30 minutes, snorkeling happens within a full-day schedule).
• If you’re bringing children, remember fins aren’t available for kids’ sizes, so plan around that.

If those points fit your style, this is a practical way to see the south side of Phu Quoc without turning your day into logistics.

FAQ

Where does the tour take place?

The tour focuses on Xuong Island (also called Gam Ghi Island) and May Rut Trong Island in Kien Giang province, Vietnam.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 7 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $30 per person.

What activities are included?

You’ll do fishing, snorkeling, and swimming, then you’ll have time for rest and sunbathing on the beach of May Rut Trong Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch onboard is included.

What snorkeling equipment is provided?

The tour includes mask, snorkel, and fins, plus life jackets.

Are fins provided for children?

Fins are included, but fins not available for children’s sizes.

What time is pick-up?

Pick-up is typically 9:15 to 9:30, depending on your hotel’s area, and the return is at 16:30.

What languages is the guide available in?

The guide is listed as English and Vietnamese.

Is there extra charge during Lunar New Year?

Yes. There’s an additional 10% of the tour price from January 28 to February 2, 2025 (Lunar New Year).