Amazing private snorkeling tour in An Thoi islands by speed boat

Clear water, small islands, one busy day. This private An Thoi tour gives you a practical way to see four southern islands without arranging boats, transfers, gear, lunch, or a guide separately. You swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and eat a barbecue lunch while moving between Fingernail, Gam Ghi, May Rut, and Hon Thom.

I like the private boat and guide, since your group can ask for a different snorkeling area or spend more time at a stop. I also like the hotel pickup, equipment, bottled water, and lunch, all included in the $168 per-person price. The main caution is crowding. These islands are popular, and one account found busy beaches and a boat larger than expected, so this is not a promise of an empty tropical shore.

Key points at a glance

• Four southern island stops: Fingernail, Gam Ghi, May Rut, and Hon Thom create a full half-day route.
• Private service: Your group has its own vehicle, guide, and boat rather than sharing the complete outing with strangers.
• Pickup from Duong Dong: The air-conditioned van includes round-trip transport from hotels in Duong Dong town.
• Snorkeling gear and lunch included: You do not need to organize masks, snorkels, water, or a barbecue meal separately.
• Crowds can shape the day: The guide aims to choose less crowded timing and locations, but the islands are popular.
• Weather matters: Rough conditions can cancel the trip, with a refund or alternate date offered.

Why this Phu Quoc boat trip is worth considering

Phu Quoc’s southern islands are a natural fit for a boat day. The An Thoi archipelago contains 17 small islands, and four of them are built into this route. You get several kinds of scenery in one outing: shallow water, coral areas, beaches, viewpoints from the boat, and a second snorkeling chance near Hon Thom.

The private format is the strongest reason to consider this tour. A shared excursion often follows a fixed schedule and may collect people from several hotels. Here, the car, guide, and boat are reserved for your group. That does not remove every limit, since weather and sea conditions still control the route, but it gives you more room to request a quieter stop or adjust the pace.

At $168 per person, the price is not bargain-level. It makes better sense for couples, families, or a small group that values privacy and convenience. The cost covers transport, an English-speaking guide, a private boat, snorkeling equipment, water, entrance fees, and a barbecue lunch, with vegetarian food available on request. If you would otherwise pay separately for a taxi, public boat, food, and gear, the package becomes easier to justify.

Still, you should set realistic expectations. The tour takes you to popular islands, not secret beaches. The operator says there is no private beach, though the guide tries to select good times and avoid the thickest crowds. That distinction matters. You may get a pleasant stretch of sand, but you should not expect to have an entire island to yourself.

Starting in Duong Dong at 8:30 am

The day begins with pickup at 8:30 am from your hotel in Duong Dong town. Pickup elsewhere may be possible by request, but Duong Dong is the stated service area. The included vehicle is air-conditioned, a welcome detail in Phu Quoc’s heat, and the drive to and from An Thoi is built into the tour.

The transfer portion takes about 45 minutes in the schedule at both ends of the day. This makes the total outing longer than the time spent on the islands, but it also removes the need to find your own way to the pier. You return to An Thoi pier after the boat portion, then ride back to your hotel.

An early start is useful here. It gives you a better chance of reaching the first island before the day feels most crowded, though no start time can guarantee quiet beaches. Bring a dry change of clothes for the return van, and keep valuables simple. The supplied information confirms snorkeling equipment and bottled water, but it does not mention storage lockers or waterproof bags.

Fingernail Island: a scenic first stop

Fingernail Island, known locally as Hon Mong Tay, is in the An Thoi archipelago and part of Phu Quoc Marine Park. The stop lasts about one hour, giving you time for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

This island is often the postcard moment of the day. Its appeal comes from a small-island setting and clear water rather than a long list of formal attractions. You can expect the guide to get your group into the water, help with the snorkeling setup, and leave time to sit on the beach.

The one-hour limit is both helpful and restrictive. It keeps the route moving, but you will not have unlimited time to linger if the water is especially pleasant. If your group cares more about snorkeling than photos, say so early. The private format should make that sort of preference easier to communicate.

Fingernail Island can also be busy. The name may suggest a tiny, quiet strip of sand, but its fame brings organized boat visits. Think of it as a scenic introduction, not a guaranteed solitary beach.

Gam Ghi Island and its coral waters

The next stop is Gam Ghi Island, another small island in the An Thoi group. The island has several beaches and is surrounded by coral, making it one of the more important snorkeling stops on the route.

You get roughly one hour here. That is enough for a focused swim and a little time on shore, but the quality of the experience depends on water conditions and how many boats arrive at the same time. Coral areas are best appreciated with patience. Move slowly, watch where you place your feet, and avoid standing on coral. The tour supplies the basic snorkeling equipment, but the data does not confirm whether fins are included, so ask before departure if that matters to you.

Gam Ghi is a good stop for people who want more than a beach photograph. The surrounding coral gives the water activity a clear purpose. You are not simply riding from one pretty island to another. You are getting several chances to look below the surface.

Do not expect a formal marine-life presentation or a specialist ecology lesson. An English-speaking guide is included, but the information provided does not describe the guide’s training or a detailed wildlife program. If your main goal is identifying fish and coral, ask questions as you go.

May Rut Island for lunch, sand, and a slower hour

May Rut Island lies about 10 kilometers south of An Thoi Town and is often treated as the all-around stop. A local family privately owns the island, and that gives this part of the day a more personal feel than a simple open beach stop.

The planned visit lasts about one hour. This is where the pace can soften. You may swim, sunbathe, enjoy the beach, and have the included barbecue lunch. Vegetarian food is available if requested in advance, which is important for anyone who does not eat meat or seafood.

The lunch inclusion adds real value. Boat days can become expensive when every drink, meal, and piece of equipment is charged separately. Here, lunch is part of the package, along with bottled water. Still, the information does not specify the exact menu, serving style, or amount of food, so you should not book expecting a particular dish.

May Rut’s private ownership does not mean the tour gives you exclusive use of the island. The operator specifically notes that there is no private beach. That is worth remembering when photos show a quiet shoreline. You may find a comfortable place to sit, but other boats and groups can be present.

Hon Thom brings a second snorkeling chance

The final major stop is Hon Thom Island. The guide chooses a suitable snorkeling location around Hon Thom based on the sea state before the boat returns to the pier.

This flexible wording is a strength. Conditions can vary during the day, and a fixed site may not be the safest or most enjoyable choice if waves build. A private group also has a better chance of discussing how the water feels and whether a different area would suit the group.

The stop is scheduled for about one hour. It acts as a second major snorkeling session after Gam Ghi, so you get another opportunity if the first swim is crowded or visibility is less than ideal. It also spreads the day’s water time across different parts of the archipelago.

The limitation is that the exact location is not promised. You may not know the name of the snorkeling site until the boat arrives. That is normal for a weather-dependent sea trip, but it means you should value flexibility more than a rigid checklist of named reefs.

The speedboat question deserves attention

The experience is sold as a private speedboat trip, but you should clarify the boat type before paying if speed and maneuverability matter to you. One report described a large passenger craft rather than a fast private boat, with the result that it could only moor at deeper points.

That difference affects the day. A smaller boat may pull closer to shore and make beach access easier. A larger craft may feel steadier, but it can limit where it stops and may require a longer swim or transfer to reach shallow water. The supplied details do not resolve whether boat style varies by departure or group size.

Ask the operator three direct questions: Is the vessel exclusively for your group? Is it a true speedboat or a larger passenger boat? Can it approach the beach, or will you enter the water from deeper moorings? These answers will help you decide if the tour matches the picture in your head.

The private label does appear to apply to the main services: car, boat, and guide. It does not mean private beaches or an empty marine park.

Crowds, timing, and the real island atmosphere

The southern islands are popular for good reason, but popularity changes the mood. Large organized groups may arrive at the same beaches, particularly at famous stops such as Fingernail Island. One account reported finding every island crowded and said the guide brought the group to busy areas despite a request to avoid them.

I would treat this as a serious caution, not an automatic reason to reject the tour. Crowds depend on the date, sea route, weather, and boat traffic. The operator says the guide tries to avoid crowded times and choose suitable places, but the tour cannot control every other boat in the archipelago.

The private setup is most useful if you state your priorities before leaving the pier. Tell the guide if you prefer a quieter beach, more snorkeling, less time taking photos, or a longer lunch. The tour promises personalized service, but you still need to explain what personalized means for your group.

You should also know that the outing is not built around cultural visits or long conversations with island residents. Its focus is water, sand, boats, and lunch. That makes it a good match for a first visit to the southern islands, but less suitable if you want a history-focused or village-focused day.

What the $168 price really includes

At $168 per person, this is a premium half-day outing. The scheduled duration is about four to six hours, including approximately 45-minute transfers at the beginning and end. The island and boat portion takes about four hours if each listed stop receives its full hour.

For that price, you receive:

• Round-trip air-conditioned van service from Duong Dong
• A private speedboat trip
• An English-speaking guide
• Snorkeling equipment
• Bottled water
• Lunch, with vegetarian food available on request
• Taxes and listed entrance fees

The value improves as your group gets larger, assuming the per-person rate remains the same and you care about having your own vehicle and boat. A couple may find the cost harder to swallow than a family or group of friends who would otherwise arrange separate transport and a private vessel.

The price is less compelling if your only goal is a short swim at one beach. You are paying for a complete route, private handling, and convenience. If a basic shared boat is enough for you, cheaper choices may exist. If you want control over the day and dislike organizing several moving parts, the package has a stronger case.

Tips are not compulsory, but they are highly encouraged. Personal expenses beyond the stated inclusions are also separate.

Who should book this experience?

I would point this tour toward people who want a simple, active day from Phu Quoc without managing the details themselves. It suits couples, families, and small groups who value a private guide and do not mind paying more for convenience.

It also suits mixed groups. One person can swim, another can snorkel, and someone else can spend more time on the beach. The route offers several chances to change the rhythm, although each stop is planned for about one hour.

You may want another option if you need an empty beach, a guaranteed small speedboat, or a specialist marine guide. The sea can change the plan, popular islands can fill up, and the exact snorkeling area near Hon Thom is selected on the day.

Most people can participate, according to the stated conditions. Still, snorkeling requires comfort in the water, and the boat may use deeper moorings depending on its size and the sea. Ask about this before booking if anyone in your group is a weak swimmer.

Weather and cancellation advice

This experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same options apply if the minimum number of participants is not met.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the 8:30 am start time. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded.

The tour is often booked about 40 days in advance. That suggests you should reserve early if your dates are fixed, especially during busy periods. At the same time, check the marine forecast close to departure and keep a little flexibility in your Phu Quoc schedule.

Should you book the An Thoi snorkeling tour?

Book it if you want a private, all-in-one island day with pickup, equipment, lunch, and several snorkeling stops. The route covers a lot in four to six hours, and the private guide gives you a better chance of shaping the pace than a standard shared excursion.

Think twice if you are paying mainly for the words speedboat and private beach. The islands are public and popular, and one account raised concerns about a larger passenger boat and crowded moorings. Before booking, confirm the vessel, ask how the guide handles busy sites, and request vegetarian lunch in advance if needed.

For the right group, the $168 price buys ease and flexibility rather than solitude. That is a fair trade if you want to see several An Thoi islands in one organized morning and afternoon, with the practical pieces already handled.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Pickup starts at 8:30 am from hotels in Duong Dong town. Pickup from another location may be possible by request.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately four to six hours. The scheduled hotel transfer takes about 45 minutes each way.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Fingernail Island, Gam Ghi Island, May Rut Island, and Hon Thom Island.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The service is described as private for your group, including the car, guide, and boat.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is included, and vegetarian food can be requested.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. Poor weather can cancel the trip. You will be offered another date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation deadline?

You must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Late cancellations are not refunded.