Snorkelling Trip in Phu Quoc, What to Expect

A snorkelling stop is simple. The crew gives you a mask, snorkel and life jacket, the guide gives a short safety talk, and you enter the water from the boat. You need no diving skills. Many spots are about 1 to 3 meters deep, so you can often see the seabed. Large island tours often have one stop of under an hour among many other boats, so know the timing before you go.

How does a snorkelling stop work, step by step?

The sequence is the same on most island tours, and it helps to know it before the boat moves.

1. Pick-up. On large island tours, pick-up is often around 7:30 to 8:30 am, and the boat may first stop at the agency office and other hotels.
2. The trip out. Most snorkelling islands are reached on island-hopping tours from An Thoi Port.
3. The safety talk. Before anyone enters the water, a guide gives a brief safety talk.
4. Gear. The crew hands out masks, snorkels and life jackets. You do not need professional diving skills.
5. In the water. Guides try to find the best areas, though some spots may be busy. Stay with the group and follow the guide’s instructions.
6. Back on board. The stop ends and the tour moves on. A lunch is provided on some tours, so ask whether yours includes one.

How long are you in the water, and what can you see?

On large tours the snorkelling stop is often under an hour. Hon Gam Ghi, Hon Mong Tay and Hon May Rut are among the most loved snorkelling spots in Phu Quoc. Hon Gam Ghi sits in the south of the island, part of the An Thoi archipelago, with clear blue water. On sunny days there the seabed can be clearly seen from the water, so you can watch the fish without going deep.

A life jacket keeps you comfortable and lets you float and watch coral and marine life without tiring. Hon Thom snorkelling spots are chosen for first-time participants and are fully equipped with life jackets, masks and snorkels. If you want a gentle first session, ask whether your stop is at Hon Thom.

Is snorkelling safe for a first-timer?

Snorkelling needs only a mask, snorkel and life jacket, with no professional diving skills. Many tours give a safety talk and support throughout the journey, and guides choose areas that suit beginners. Operators and local sources report these practices, so confirm the current rule and the conditions with the crew before you enter the water.

If you want more than a snorkel, scuba diving suits people who can swim, and beginners can join introductory dives with instructors. Ask the operator what level of experience the dive requires before you book.

What should you bring, and what should you avoid?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat and a waterproof camera, so you can take photos without risk to your phone. Tell the tour provider in advance if you are vegetarian so meals can be prepared. Follow local guidelines in the water, and avoid touching marine creatures. In shallow water with submerged rocks, do not stand up or trample the reef.

• Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a hat
• A waterproof camera for the stops
• Your dietary needs, told to the provider in advance
• A life jacket on at all times in the water, and the guide’s instructions followed
• Questions on WhatsApp: pick-up time, lunch, gear and whether your stop is at Hon Thom

Is lunch and hotel pickup included?

Some tours include lunch and hotel pickup, and others charge extra. Hotel pickup is offered, but extra charges may apply outside the town. Inclusions belong to each operator, so ask whether your quote includes the lunch, the pickup and the gear before you pay. One operator’s tour runs about 8 hours from 8:30 am, and its group is capped at 25 travelers for a more personal experience. Check the group size on your own booking.

What if you are a nervous swimmer?

Snorkelling is gentler than many people expect. You need only a mask, a snorkel and a life jacket, and a life jacket keeps you comfortable and lets you float without tiring. Hon Thom snorkelling spots are chosen for first-time participants and are fully equipped with life jackets, masks and snorkels, so a first session there is a sensible start. Tell the crew early if you feel uneasy, and stay near the guide or the boat until you feel settled. The brief safety talk before you enter the water is part of every stop, so ask any question you have before the group goes in.

What happens at the end of the stop?

When the guide signals the end of the stop, return to the boat in the order the crew asks. Keep your towel and dry clothes within reach, since the next stop can follow quickly on a large tour. Ask the crew whether there is a shaded place on board to sit between stops, and whether there is somewhere to rinse off. Tell the crew if you feel cold or tired, because it is easier to adjust early than to recover later.

What to do next

To see how the stop fits into a day on the reef, read Best Boat Trip for Coral Reefs in Phu Quoc. If you are unsure whether your height or weight suits snorkelling, check Height and Weight Limits for Snorkelling in Phu Quoc. For a checklist of items to pack, see What to Bring on a Full-Day Phu Quoc Boat Tour. Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and we will confirm the exact details in the chat before you pay.