Full Day City Tour with A Boat Trip to 2 Islands

The sea day starts at the port gate. This 7-hour Sihanoukville excursion combines a short city tour with a boat trip to Koh Chalous and Koh Takeiv. I like the mix of local life and beach time, especially the visit to a fishing village and the beach BBQ with squid, shrimp, chicken, beef, rice, bread, and fruit. I also like that snorkeling, fishing, boat drinks, transport, and a guide are included in the $110 price.

The main point to check is the word private. The trip is described that way, but one account found it operated more like a group outing and reached only one advertised island. Island conditions and the exact route may vary, so confirm the boat arrangement and stops before paying.

Key Points At A Glance

• A port-friendly 7-hour schedule: Meet at main port gate 1 and return to the ship by about 4:00 PM.
• Two very different sides of Sihanoukville: See a fishing village and floating houses, then visit Phsar Leu market and Wat Leu Pagoda.
• Koh Chalous combines activity with open water: Snorkeling and fishing are planned during the boat ride.
• Koh Takeiv is the main beach stop: Swim, relax on the sand, and eat a BBQ lunch beside the water.
• Food and drinks are built into the price: Expect seafood, chicken, beef, rice, bread, fruit, soft drinks, beer, and mineral water.
• Best for confident swimmers: The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness.

Meeting Your Guide At Sihanoukville Port

If you arrive by cruise ship, the meeting point is outside the main port gate 1. A free shuttle bus takes you from the ship to gate 1, followed by a walk of about five minutes to meet the guide. Look for a sign with your name.

This arrangement matters because the port transfer is part of your responsibility at the start. Give yourself enough time to leave the ship, board the shuttle, and reach the gate without rushing. The excursion is supposed to finish back at the same meeting point, with a return to the ship by 4:00 PM.

Transportation is included during the tour. The exact pickup arrangement can differ if you are staying at a hotel rather than arriving by ship, so check the confirmed meeting instructions before setting out.

The advertised guide language is English, with German available upon request. One account names a guide called Sothy, who led the boat portion and helped with the fishing activity. That does not guarantee Sothy will be assigned to your departure, but it gives you an idea of the sort of local guide you may meet.

Fishing Villages And Floating Houses First

The day begins away from the beaches, with a visit to a fishing village and floating houses. This is one of the more useful parts of the outing because it gives you a glimpse of daily life connected to the sea before you spend the rest of the day enjoying it.

Do not expect a long museum-style visit or an extended walking tour. The information provided describes a stop rather than a detailed cultural program. Still, it helps put Sihanoukville in context. The coast is not only a place for beaches and boats. Fishing supports local communities, and floating homes show how people have adapted their lives to the water.

You will likely want comfortable shoes here. The tour includes a moderate amount of walking, and the ground around local sites may not be as smooth as a resort walkway. Bring a hat and sunscreen early, since shade may be limited once you leave the city.

Otres Pier And The Traditional Fishing Boat

After the village visit, the group heads to Otres pier. This is the launching point for the island portion of the day.

The boat described in one account was a traditional 40-foot fishing vessel powered by two car engines. That is a more local, working-boat feel than you get on a polished sightseeing catamaran. I like that detail because it suggests a practical boat built for the coast, not a floating entertainment venue.

It also means you should set expectations sensibly. A traditional fishing boat can feel more open and basic than a modern cruise boat. Bring a secure bag for your camera and phone, and keep sunscreen, a hat, and a change of clothes within easy reach. Lifejackets and first aid kits are provided.

Unlimited drinks are included on the boat. The description lists soft drinks, beer, and mineral water, although the activity rules say alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That wording is inconsistent. Ask the guide what drink service applies on your departure, and follow the crew’s instructions.

Koh Chalous: Snorkeling And Fishing On The Water

Koh Chalous is presented as the first island stop, with snorkeling and fishing as the main activities. Snorkeling gear is provided, though you can bring your own if you prefer a familiar mask and snorkel.

This part suits you if you want more than a beach transfer. Fishing gives the boat ride a clear purpose, while snorkeling lets you spend time in the water. One account described line fishing in the open sea and catching enough fish to contribute to lunch. That detail may not repeat on every trip, but it shows that the fishing can be hands-on rather than a short photo stop.

Fishing and snorkeling depend on weather, sea conditions, and the timing of the group. The tour does not promise a certain catch or a particular range of marine life. You should treat them as included activities, not guaranteed wildlife encounters.

The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers. Even with a lifejacket, the boat and water activities require you to be comfortable around the sea. If you are prone to seasickness, this may not be the right day for you. Take that warning seriously, especially on an open fishing boat.

Koh Takeiv And The Main Beach Break

The route then continues to Koh Takeiv, described as a beautiful beach stop with clear water and pale sand. This is where the day slows down. You can swim, sit on the beach, or simply enjoy time away from the city.

One account praised a secluded beach about half a mile long with no one else in sight. That kind of quiet cannot be guaranteed, but it points to the appeal of this stop. The beach is not presented as a developed resort area with a long list of facilities. Its value is the simple setting: sand, sea, and a break from the port.

A separate account found the swimming enjoyable but felt the island portion did not fully match the description. In particular, only one island was seen, and the beach could be viewed from the boat. This is the biggest reason to ask for clarification before booking. If seeing two distinct islands is essential to you, confirm the expected route and whether both stops are normally made.

The island stop is also a good place to use your change of clothes and towel. Pack beachwear, swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat in a small day bag rather than burying them under other luggage.

A Beach BBQ With Seafood And Fruit

Lunch is served on the beach and includes squid, shrimp, chicken, beef, bread, rice, and fresh fruit. That is a generous mix for a boat-and-beach excursion, with enough variety for people who prefer seafood and those who do not.

One especially appealing detail is that the fishing may add a fresh catch to the meal. It is best to regard that as a pleasant possibility, not a promise. The fixed lunch already includes several proteins, so you are not depending on the fishing activity for something to eat.

Soft drinks, beer, and mineral water are listed with the meal. Personal expenses are not included, so bring cash for anything outside the supplied food, drinks, transport, and activities. The tour also recommends bringing snacks. That is sensible if you eat early, have dietary needs, or simply want something familiar between stops.

Food allergies are listed as a reason not to take the tour. The meal contains several seafood items, including squid and shrimp. If you have a serious allergy, this excursion is a poor fit unless the operator confirms a safe alternative in advance.

Returning To Otres Pier By 2:20 PM

The stated departure from Koh Takeiv is 1:30 PM, with arrival at Otres pier around 2:20 PM. That gives you a clear anchor in the afternoon and leaves time for the final city visits.

Schedules at sea can shift. Wind, waves, loading, and the group’s pace can affect the return. Still, the planned timing is useful for cruise passengers because the whole program is designed to return to the port by 4:00 PM.

You should keep your return plans simple. Do not book an independent late-afternoon activity immediately after the tour, since the stated arrival time is an estimate rather than a guarantee. The operator includes transport back to the meeting point, but you remain responsible for getting from gate 1 to your ship using the port shuttle.

Phsar Leu Market For A Local Stop

After the beach, the tour visits Phsar Leu local market. The stated purpose is buying souvenirs, so this is a practical stop rather than a long market-food tour.

Bring cash if you plan to shop. The market can give you a chance to look for small gifts and everyday Cambodian goods before returning to the ship. Keep your expectations modest. The experience is included as a short city visit, and the main focus of the day remains the islands.

This stop also changes the rhythm of the tour. You move from village life to the coast, then from the beach back into the city. I like that variety because it prevents the day from becoming only a standard swim-and-lunch outing.

Wat Leu Pagoda And Views Over Town

The final major stop is Wat Leu Pagoda, where you can see the town from above. The view is the main reason to come here. After spending hours at sea, it gives you a wider sense of Sihanoukville and its coastal setting.

Dress respectfully at the pagoda. Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, and you should be prepared for a moderate amount of walking. The tour information does not provide detailed rules about clothing, but a simple, covered outfit is a sensible choice at a religious site.

The pagoda visit is brief compared with a dedicated temple tour. That is fine if you want a quick cultural stop and a good viewpoint. It may feel too short if your main interest is Cambodian religious art or architecture.

Is $110 A Fair Price?

At $110 per person, this is not a bargain beach transfer. It becomes more reasonable when you count what is included: transport, a boat trip, guide service, snorkeling gear, fishing, lifejackets, first aid supplies, boat drinks, a beach BBQ, and two city stops.

The value is strongest for a cruise passenger who wants one organized day with a fixed return to the port. You do not need to arrange a separate taxi, boat, lunch, or snorkeling rental. The included meal and drinks also reduce the number of extra costs during the day.

The value is weaker if you only want to swim on a beach. A simpler beach outing may suit you better, especially if the city stops do not interest you or if the private boat promise cannot be confirmed.

The word private deserves special attention. The tour is advertised as a private boat trip, but one account found a group format. Ask these questions before booking:

• Is the boat reserved only for your party?
• Will both Koh Chalous and Koh Takeiv be visited?
• How long will you spend at each island?
• Are beer and soft drinks available throughout the boat ride?
• What happens if weather prevents the planned route?

Clear answers will help you decide if the $110 price fits your expectations.

Who Should Book This Sihanoukville Day?

I would recommend this experience to you if you want a full day that covers several sides of Sihanoukville. It works well for people who enjoy a mix of light culture, open-water activities, swimming, seafood, and organized transport.

It is especially useful for cruise passengers who need to be back at the port the same afternoon. The meeting instructions are clear, and the planned return by 4:00 PM provides a workable schedule.

You should think twice if you are not a confident swimmer, get seasick, have food allergies, or want a quiet luxury boat. The tour uses a traditional fishing boat in at least some departures, and the sea portion may feel active and exposed.

It is also not suitable for babies under one year or children shorter than 90 centimeters. Smoking, littering, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed according to the activity rules. The description also lists people with altitude sickness as unsuitable, although altitude is not a central feature of this coastal trip.

Bring a hat, sunscreen, towel, swimwear, a change of clothes, camera, snacks, beachwear, and cash. Wear shoes that work for both walking and uneven surfaces. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, but your own gear is allowed.

Should You Book It?

Book this tour if you want a packed coastal day rather than a simple island transfer. The combination of fishing-village scenes, snorkeling, a beach BBQ, Phsar Leu market, and Wat Leu Pagoda gives you more variety than a standard boat trip.

I would book with one condition: confirm the meaning of private and the plan for both islands. If the operator gives you a clear answer, the food, transport, activities, and port-friendly schedule can make $110 fair value. If your priority is guaranteed solitude or a precise two-island route, choose only after that detail is settled.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms make it easier to keep the plan flexible while you check the boat and route details.

FAQ

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet the guide outside the main port gate 1. If you arrive by ship, take the free shuttle bus from the ship to gate 1, then walk about five minutes to the meeting point. The guide will hold a sign with your name.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts about seven hours. The stated schedule leaves Koh Takeiv at 1:30 PM, reaches Otres pier around 2:20 PM, and returns you to the ship by about 4:00 PM.

Are snorkeling equipment and lifejackets provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, lifejackets, and first aid kits are included. You may bring your own snorkeling gear if you prefer.

What food is included?

The beach BBQ includes squid, shrimp, chicken, beef, bread, rice, and fresh fruit. Soft drinks, beer, and mineral water are also listed among the included refreshments.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for non-swimmers. It is also not recommended for people prone to seasickness or those with food allergies.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying at the time of booking.