Phu Quoc 3 Islands Tour Review: Snorkeling, Lunch & Insights

Thinking about a day trip hopping between some islands off Phu Quoc with some lunch and also a bit of snorkeling? The ‘Phu Quoc 3 Islands Day Trip with Snorkeling and Lunch’ might be just what you’re looking for. I went on it recently, so here’s what I experienced, plus some recommendations, alright.

What You Can Expect

So, this tour usually covers three main islands off the coast of Phu Quoc: Hon Thom (Pineapple Island), Hon Gam Ghi (Fingernail Island), and Hon May Rut Trong (maybe translated as Inside May Rut Island, very possibly, isn’t it?). The specific itinerary can vary a little bit depending on the tour company and weather, that’s how it tends to be. Basically, you’re looking at a boat ride (or two, or possibly more!), a chance to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, sunbathe on pristine beaches, and have a nice lunch served right on one of the islands, which is a plus.

Hon Thom (Pineapple Island)

Hon Thom is the biggest island you’ll visit, plus it’s undergone some major development in recent years, too it’s almost unrecognisable. One highlight is Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park, which has the world’s longest over-sea cable car. Now, if you’re after thrill rides, this could be right up your alley. I myself skipped the amusement park to chill on a beach. A note on this – some tours just quickly stop here to offer tourists the cable car option at extra cost. Some tours take you to a small, more isolated beach on Hon Thom, that tends to be much nicer, alright.

Hon Gam Ghi (Fingernail Island): Snorkeling Time!

So, if you want to actually see some sea life, Hon Gam Ghi is where it’s at, is that right? The water is clear (well, most days), plus there’s a good range of colorful coral and fish. Keep in mind that the coral close to the shore might be damaged, maybe a little from clumsy tourists. The further you swim out, arguably the better the view gets, alright? The boat anchors a short distance from the beach, meaning you swim to shore, too it’s almost part of the fun, maybe?

Hon May Rut Trong (Inside May Rut Island) – Beach Bliss

Hon May Rut Trong is more or less all about relaxing on the beach and taking photos, maybe? They often have little beach swings, hammocks and beach bars, too. It can be quite picturesque, and the beach is reasonably clean, usually anyway. This island is a nice place to take a breather and enjoy island vibes, even if it does feel very slightly touristy, is that it?

The Lunch Situation

Lunch is provided as part of the tour, yet the quality can differ wildly. Most tours go with a family-style Vietnamese spread that typically includes seafood, spring rolls, veggies, and rice, maybe some noodles also? Drinks usually aren’t included, keep that in mind, alright? While some lunches were surprisingly quite tasty, so some can be quite average. Basically, don’t expect a Michelin-starred dining experience, that’s how it is, is it not?

Snorkeling Details

Alright, the snorkeling part. So, most tours provide the gear: a mask, snorkel, and fins. It’s very possibly a good plan to check the equipment condition before you leave, to be honest. How much you enjoy snorkeling will really depend on visibility on the day, the weather, plus the other tourists sharing the spot. Hon Gam Ghi is generally considered the best spot for this, yet sometimes other locations are used depending on sea conditions.

Things I Think You Should Consider Before Booking

Going on one of these Phu Quoc tours has a number of points that you’re probably going to want to think over before settling down and placing a booking.

Crowds: A Fact Of Life

Let’s be honest, Phu Quoc is popular, and these tours tend to be very attractive to larger groups of travellers. Prepare to share your island paradise with a whole load of other people, as a matter of fact, that is more or less how it works? If you’re hoping for seclusion, you might find yourself rather disappointed.

The Weather Can Change Everything

The sea around Phu Quoc has periods of really good conditions for trips and snorkeling, but can turn with little or no notice at other times. So that lovely, clear water you see in the tour brochures? Not always guaranteed, yet most days are OK to be fair. Bad weather affects visibility when you snorkel and can sometimes make the boat ride unpleasant, especially for people that maybe get a bit seasick.

Tour Operator Makes A Big Difference

Basically, all tours are equal…but some are more equal than others. Do your research and try to find a tour operator that gets reasonably positive reviews and doesn’t cram too many people onto one boat, to be honest, that’s maybe a good plan? Pay that little bit extra maybe and potentially get a noticeably better experience, too it’s almost an inevitability, that.

Are You Happy With Group Activities?

These island hopping adventures are typically very group focused, really extremely group focused in some cases! I mean if you love to meet new folk and share an experience, then all well and good. On the other hand if you’re more of a lone wolf who likes doing your own thing, then arguably this ain’t going to be great, is it?

Don’t Forget About Add-Ons!

Is that right? Very often operators will be seeking to sweeten the deal in any way they can, now and again by giving punters the option of upgrades, shall we say? Snorkeling equipment is just one possible avenue. You may also find the opportunity to book yourself jet skis or even underwater walking. It all has an added price, as I’m sure you would think.

Recommendations And Tips For This Trip

OK, so let’s see about the best tips I’ve found from personal experience in this review, right?

• Book Ahead, Definitely: In peak season, especially, booking a week or two ahead of time really helps ensure you grab a place.
• Sunscreen Is Absolutely a Must: Do not even think about stepping one foot out of the door without the stuff liberally applied. That sun can be very brutal out there.
• Take Some Snacks and Water With You: So, while you probably will be supplied with some food, you could just get peckish between the islands?
• Seasickness Pills? Might Be A Good Idea: If you even think you get seasick, get something down you *before* the boat even leaves the shore!
• Bring a Waterproof Bag for Devices: Having some place safe to stash your telephone, camera, whatever, might be a rather brilliant tactic, actually!

Is This Island Tour Worth It?

So, is it all worth your hard-earned money? Well, it arguably depends, doesn’t it? The ‘Phu Quoc 3 Islands Day Trip with Snorkeling and Lunch’ can be very good if you’re seeking a quick and convenient way to see some of the islands and dip your toes into the ocean, too it’s almost inevitable. I would just very possibly advise keeping in mind some potential negatives, notably that it can get quite overcrowded and that, like the lottery, what you actually get can differ significantly. Basically if you go in fully aware of what’s what, it may be a fun day, yet!

#PhuQuoc #IslandHopping #VietnamTravel #Snorkeling #DayTrip