RED RIVER TOUR (Share group): DISCOVERY 3 ISLANDS BY BOAT

Catch fish, then eat it. This Phu Quoc boat trip mixes traditional fishing, snorkeling, island time, and lunch prepared onboard for $29.34 per person. I like the hands-on fishing with local fishermen, and I like that snorkeling gear, lunch, bottled water, and hotel transport are included. The main drawback is a long day on a shared boat, with up to 30 people and a schedule that can change with the weather.

You start early, reach An Thoi Port, and spend much of the day around the An Thoi archipelago. The English-speaking guide is an important part of the experience, and recent feedback praises the clear English, good snorkeling spots, enjoyable fishing, and satisfying lunch. I would take extra care at the floating pier, however, since one passenger found it very shaky and nearly lost balance.

Key points to know before booking

• Fishing is part of the main experience: You get two 30-minute fishing sessions, not just a quick photo stop.
• Lunch includes your catch: The crew can prepare freshly caught fish onboard, adding a local touch to the meal.
• Three island areas fill the day: Stops include Coconut Island or Hon Roi, Gam Ghi, and Mong Tay or May Rut.
• Several add-ons cost extra: Sea walking, scuba activities, flyboarding, jet skiing, and parasailing are self-funded.
• The group can reach 30 people: This is a social shared tour, not a quiet private boat outing.
• Weather may change the route: Poor conditions can mean a different destination or a rescheduled trip.

What this Phu Quoc boat trip is really like

This is an eight-hour outing built around the sea rather than museums or town sightseeing. You leave at about 8:00 a.m., reach the port around 9:30, and return to your hotel between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m.

For $29.34, the value is strong if you want several activities in one day. You get an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, an English-speaking driver-guide, lunch, and snorkeling equipment. You also get transport from the stated starting point at 379 Đường Trần Hưng Đạo in Dương Tơ.

The low price does come with a trade-off. This is a shared group trip with a maximum of 30 people, so you should expect a set schedule and less personal attention than you would get on a private charter. I would choose it for variety and value, not for silence or complete flexibility.

The experience earns a 4.8 rating from 82 reviews, with 98 percent recommending it. The strongest praise focuses on the pleasant guide, good English, snorkeling locations, lunch, and fishing. Those are exactly the parts that make this trip more than a basic boat transfer.

The 8:00 a.m. pickup and ride to An Thoi Port

Your day begins with hotel pickup at 8:00 a.m. The air-conditioned vehicle matters in Phu Quoc, especially when you are heading out for a full day in the sun. Bottled water is included, so you do not need to start the morning searching for supplies.

At about 9:30 a.m., you reach the port and board the boat with the guide. The schedule gives you a useful sense of the day: transport takes up the early morning, while the main water activities begin once you leave An Thoi.

I would arrive ready to move between the vehicle, port, boat, floating piers, and beaches. Wear footwear you can manage around wet surfaces. One particularly useful warning comes from a problem at a floating pier marked with the John’s Tours logo. The pier was described as very shaky, and staff did not offer a helping hand. That may not happen every time, but you should hold the rail, watch your step, and ask for assistance if you need it.

The first 30-minute fishing session

The first fishing period begins around 9:30 a.m. and lasts about 30 minutes. This is not a long expedition, but it gives you a direct connection to the local fishing tradition before the day turns toward snorkeling and beach time.

I like this part because it asks you to do something rather than simply look at scenery. A local fisherman guides the activity, so you get a small taste of how fishing fits into daily life around the islands.

Keep your expectations sensible. Thirty minutes is enough for a pleasant introduction, but not enough to promise a large catch. Conditions, fish activity, and luck all matter. The appeal is the hands-on attempt, especially for families and anyone who likes practical activities on the water.

The catch can also contribute to lunch. That gives the fishing session a clear purpose and makes the meal feel more connected to the day.

Coconut Island, Hon Roi, and the paid activities

At about 10:00 a.m., the boat heads to Hon Roi or Coconut Island. The exact stop can vary, but the plan includes a visit to the Ocean World Sea Sports entertainment center.

This is the most activity-heavy part of the morning. You can take part in sea walking or scuba activities at Coral Park, but these are self-funded. The base price does not cover those fees, so ask about the cost before committing.

That distinction matters. The tour remains affordable because it includes snorkeling equipment and the main boat program, while the more specialized activities sit outside the package. If you only want to snorkel, you can avoid extra charges. If sea walking or scuba is a priority, budget separately.

I would treat this stop as optional rather than the main reason to book. The included snorkeling, fishing, and island stops form the core experience. The paid activities are useful for people who want more time in the water, but they can quickly change the total cost.

Gam Ghi at 11:00 a.m. for snorkeling

Around 11:00 a.m., you visit Gam Ghi islet for snorkeling. This is one of the day’s central stops, and the supplied equipment means you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel.

The timing is practical. You have already had a short fishing session, and now you get a longer chance to see the water from below. The snorkeling is one of the most praised parts of the experience, along with the guide and lunch.

I would use this stop to settle into the rhythm of the boat day. You may find that the water time feels more rewarding than the quick fishing session, since it gives you a clearer sense of the island chain and its marine setting.

The schedule is fairly tight, so keep an eye on the guide’s instructions. You will still need to return to the boat for lunch and the next stop. This is not a slow, unstructured beach day.

Lunch onboard from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m.

Lunch is served on the boat between 12:30 and 1:00 p.m. The crew can prepare a meal with freshly caught fish, which is the most distinctive food feature of the trip.

I like that the meal happens onboard rather than requiring another transfer to a restaurant. You stay with the group, save time, and get a meal that connects directly to the fishing activity. Recent feedback also praises the lunch as good, which supports its place among the tour’s better features.

Still, lunch is part of a shared excursion, so do not expect a private dining setting or a long restaurant-style meal. The schedule gives you roughly 30 minutes, enough for a straightforward break before the afternoon stops.

If food is a major concern for you, ask the operator for any details you need before booking. The supplied information confirms lunch is included, but it does not provide a full menu or special dietary arrangements.

Mong Tay or May Rut from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

After lunch, the boat reaches Mong Tay Island or May Rut Island for about 90 minutes. This is the day’s main relaxation period, with time for swimming, sitting around, and taking photos.

The stop also includes Flycam video and photo opportunities with a SUP. These details give you a chance to collect more than the usual boat snapshots, although the exact photo service and any conditions are not explained in the tour information.

You can also pay for extra water activities here. Flyboarding, jet skiing, and parasailing are available at additional cost. I would decide in advance how much activity you want. The included program already contains fishing and snorkeling, while the paid options are best for people who want a more energetic afternoon.

Mong Tay or May Rut is also where the group schedule becomes most obvious. Ninety minutes sounds generous, but it must cover swimming, photos, optional sports, and getting everyone back aboard. If you prefer to linger on one beach for half a day, a shared tour like this may feel rushed.

The second fishing session and final snorkeling stop

At about 2:30 p.m., you get another 30-minute recreational fishing session. I see this as a useful repeat rather than filler. If the first attempt produced nothing, you get another chance. If you enjoyed the first session, this gives you a second go with the techniques still fresh.

The final snorkeling stop runs from about 3:00 to 4:20 p.m. That is a substantial final water session and helps balance the busy schedule. You are not limited to one quick swim in the morning.

By this point, you will likely be ready for an easy activity rather than another complicated stop. The boat gives you a natural base, and the included snorkeling equipment keeps the process simple.

The exact final destination is not named. It may change with weather or sea conditions, and the tour notes make clear that poor weather can alter the route. I would see this flexibility as sensible, though it means you should not book with one exact island in mind.

Returning to An Thoi and your hotel

The boat returns to An Thoi Port between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m., followed by transfer back to your hotel. With pickup at 8:00 a.m., this is a full day from door to door.

That length makes the trip a good fit for you if you want to pack several Phu Quoc activities into one outing. It is less suitable if you have limited energy, dislike early starts, or want a short half-day on the water.

The air-conditioned return vehicle is welcome after hours of sun and salt water. You should also expect the final timing to depend on the boat, port, road conditions, and weather. The stated times are a useful guide, not a guarantee down to the minute.

What the $29.34 price includes

At $29.34 per person, this tour offers a lot for the price. The main included elements are:

• Hotel pickup and return transport
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• English-speaking driver-guide
• Bottled water
• Lunch
• Snorkeling equipment
• Boat transportation
• Fishing and island visits

The value is clearest when you compare the number of separate pieces. A private vehicle, boat access, two fishing sessions, snorkeling, lunch, and several island stops would usually cost more if arranged one by one.

The price does not include personal expenses or all fees and taxes. Most importantly, sea walking, scuba activities, flyboarding, jet skiing, and parasailing cost extra. I would not assume every activity at Coral Park or the islands is included just because you are already on the boat.

This is a good budget choice for an active day. It is not the right pick if you want a private boat, a custom route, or a fully inclusive package with every water sport covered.

Who should book this shared island trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want variety. Families with older children, couples, first-time visitors to Phu Quoc, and anyone who enjoys trying several activities in one day should find the format appealing.

It also suits you if you like local touches. Fishing with local fishermen and eating fish prepared onboard give the trip more character than a simple sightseeing cruise.

You should think twice if you dislike groups. With up to 30 people, boarding, snorkeling, meals, and pier transfers may feel busy. The floating pier warning is especially useful for anyone with balance or mobility concerns.

The tour says most people can participate, but it does not promise full accessibility. Since the route uses boats, islands, and floating piers, you should contact the operator before booking if you need specific assistance.

You also need to accept weather changes. If conditions are poor, the destination may change. If the operator cancels because of bad weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Inside that window, you will not receive a refund, and changes are not accepted.

Should you book Red River Tour’s 3-island boat trip?

I would book this tour if you want a fairly priced, full-day introduction to Phu Quoc’s southern islands, with fishing, snorkeling, lunch, and beach time all in one package. The strongest reasons are the two fishing sessions, the included gear and transport, the well-regarded guide, and the chance to eat freshly caught fish onboard.

I would skip it if you want a quiet private cruise or if paid water sports are your main goal. Those activities are not included, and the shared format means you will follow the group schedule.

For the best experience, bring sun protection, arrive ready for wet conditions, keep cash or a payment method available for optional activities, and take care on floating piers. At this price, the trip delivers a generous amount of sea time and local flavor, as long as you understand that value comes with a group setting and a weather-dependent route.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

Pickup starts at 8:00 a.m. from the stated meeting point at 379 Đường Trần Hưng Đạo, Dương Tơ, Phú Quốc.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours. The planned return to An Thoi Port is between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m., followed by hotel transfer.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup transportation is offered, and the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served onboard between about 12:30 and 1:00 p.m. The crew can prepare food using freshly caught fish.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included in the tour.

Do the water sports cost extra?

Yes. Sea walking, scuba activities, flyboarding, jet skiing, and parasailing are self-funded. Personal expenses and all fees and taxes are also excluded.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The destination may change. If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.