Sea, sand, and a real island lunch. This full-day outing pairs time on two islands with an actual Sihanoukville city stop: a fishing village and floating houses, then snorkeling and line fishing from a traditional boat, followed by a BBQ lunch on the beach. The day ends with Phsar Leu market shopping and Wat Leu Pagoda views, so you get both coast time and a cultural hit without juggling multiple tours.

One thing to keep in mind: even though the trip is advertised as private, the experience can run as a small group, and you should confirm that both Koh Chalous and Koh Takeiv are on your route.

If you’re lucky, you’ll get a guide like Sothy, who’s repeatedly praised for clear English, patient attention in the water, and pushing to find better snorkeling spots when visibility isn’t great.

Key Things I’d Book This For

• Two island stops on one itinerary: Koh Chalous and Koh Takeiv, with swimming beach time at Koh Takeiv
• Snorkeling plus line fishing with gear provided and help from the guide
• Unlimited drinks on the boat including soft drinks, beer, and mineral water
• Beach BBQ lunch with squid, shrimp, chicken, beef, plus bread, salad, fruit, and more
• City add-ons that make sense: Phsar Leu local market and Wat Leu Pagoda

Getting There: Main Port Gate 1 to Otres Pier

The tour starts at the main port gate 1, where your guide holds a sign with your name. If you’re on a ship, you’ll use a free shuttle bus to reach the gate, which keeps things simple if you don’t want to fight with taxis right after docking.

From there, you’ll meet your guide and head toward the first land stop. The whole day runs about 7 hours, and you should plan for a steady pace with some walking, including market and temple areas afterward. Comfortable shoes matter more than you think.

Fishing Village and Floating Houses Before the Boat

Before you hit the open water, you’ll visit a fishing village and see floating houses. This is a nice rhythm shift. Instead of jumping straight from the pier to beaches, you get a quick look at how coastal life works here—what people do for a living, and how the shoreline community lives with the sea.

Wear clothes you’re okay with getting a bit dusty, since you’ll be moving through local areas. If you like photos, this is a good time to take them before the day’s heat and salt water take over.

Snorkeling, Line Fishing, and Unlimited Drinks on the Way

Next comes the real star of the day: the boat ride to Koh Chalous, with snorkeling and fishing built in. You’ll go to Otres pier and take a boat out, and the vibe is practical and hands-on, not just sightseeing.

On the water, you’ll have:

• help for line fishing
• snorkeling activities
• unlimited drinks on the boat (soft drinks, beer, mineral water)

Safety gear is included too, with lifejackets and first aid kits on board. You’ll also get a cold face towel, which is genuinely useful in this heat.

If you’re prone to seasickness, this is where you should be honest with yourself. A day like this can feel long if you don’t handle boat movement well. And if you don’t swim comfortably, this tour isn’t the right fit.

Koh Chalous and Koh Takeiv: Beach Time, Swimming, and How the Day Flows

Your boat day is built around two islands. First, you head to Koh Chalous Island for snorkeling and fishing time. Then you continue to Koh Takeiv Island, which has a beautiful beach and is where you get the most “just relax and swim” energy.

The timing is important. After snorkeling and island time, you’ll go to lunch, and then the schedule moves quickly back toward town. Specifically, you’ll leave Koh Takeiv at 1:30pm and arrive back at Otres pier around 2:20pm.

One more practical note: since there have been reports of the itinerary not feeling as advertised, I’d confirm clearly before you depart that your plan includes both island stops and not just one. If you care about the beach time at Koh Takeiv, ask how that portion is timed for your group.

BBQ Lunch on the Beach: Why This Is the Best Value Moment

This is the part that makes the price feel fair. Lunch isn’t a sad boxed meal. It’s a BBQ on the beach with a full menu, including squid, shrimp, chicken, and beef, plus bread, salad, and fresh fruit.

On top of that, you get unlimited drinks on the boat before lunch: soft drinks, beer, and mineral water. So you’re not constantly spending money on water or snacks once you’re out there.

A small but real comfort tip: changing facilities aren’t always great on island-style outings, so don’t count on a full locker-room experience. Bring what you need for quick changes, and consider wearing swimwear under your clothes if you’re comfortable doing that.

Also, if you have food allergies, this matters. The tour isn’t listed as suitable for people with food allergies, and BBQ menus can include ingredients you don’t want to risk.

Phsar Leu Market and Wat Leu Pagoda Views (The City Part Actually Counts)

After the boat day, you return to Otres pier and shift back to Sihanoukville. First up is Phsar Leu local market for souvenirs. This is the right kind of stop for people who like small purchases: snacks, simple gifts, and everyday items you can bring home without needing an elaborate “touristy shopping route.”

Then you’ll visit Wat Leu Pagoda, which is known for panoramic views over the town. This is a smart final stop because you get a different kind of scenery after hours on the water—higher vantage points, a broader view of the coast, and an easy way to wrap the day visually.

You should be back to your ship by 4:00 PM. That means you won’t have a lot of free time for extra wandering afterward, so I’d keep your shopping practical and focused.

What to Pack (So You Don’t Waste the Best Hours)

You’ll enjoy this day more if you pack for the heat and water. Bring:

• Hat
• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear
• Cash

Snacks are listed as a “bring,” too. Even with lunch included, I like having a backup bite just in case you get hungry between the market and the return to the ship.

For snorkeling, snorkeling gear is provided, but you can bring your own if you prefer. Either way, make sure you protect your skin—sun exposure on the water adds up fast.

Rules You Should Expect to Follow on the Water

This trip has a few clear “no” items:

• No smoking
• No alcohol and drugs
• No littering

It’s not just about rules. It’s also about keeping the boat area clean and safe. If you’re bringing anything back to shore, plan to keep it with you until you find a bin.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

I think this tour works best if you want a single day that delivers:

• beach time on Koh Takeiv
• snorkeling and line fishing
• a real beach BBQ lunch
• a simple city combo of market + pagoda

It’s not suitable if you:

• don’t swim (non-swimmers)
• deal badly with altitude sickness
• have food allergies
• get easily sick on boats (seasickness-prone)
• are traveling with babies under 1 year
• are traveling with children under 3 ft (90 cm)

It’s also listed as involving a moderate amount of walking. If you’re comfortable with short walks and uneven surfaces in market/temple areas, you should be fine. If you want a mostly flat, low-effort day, this may feel like more movement than you planned.

Should You Book This Sihanoukville Boat-and-City Full Day?

Book it if you’re aiming for a true day mix: island swimming and snorkeling plus a meaningful slice of Sihanoukville on land. The biggest reason I’d choose it is the lunch and drinks math. With BBQ lunch on the beach and unlimited drinks included, you’re paying for a full experience rather than piecing it together yourself.

Skip or rethink it if:

• you strongly need a guaranteed private setup (confirm boat size and that both islands are actually visited)
• you don’t handle boats well
• you can’t swim or have snorkeling expectations you can’t meet
• you have food allergies

If you do book, do two practical things: ask your guide to confirm the route includes both Koh Chalous and Koh Takeiv, and be upfront about your comfort level in the water. With the right expectations, this day can feel like the best kind of Cambodia coastal outing: simple, active, and very hard to replace.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You meet your guide at the outside main port gate 1. The guide will hold a signboard under your name.

How long is the tour?

The full day tour runs for about 7 hours.

Is the boat trip private?

The tour is advertised as a private boat trip to Koh Chalous and Koh Takeiv. If privacy matters to you, confirm boat size when booking.

What islands are included?

The plan includes Koh Chalous Island and Koh Takeiv Island.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided, though you can bring your own if you prefer.

What food and drinks are included?

You’ll have a BBQ lunch on the beach with squid, shrimp, chicken, beef, bread, salad, and fresh fruit. Drinks include soft drinks, beer, and mineral water, and drinks are unlimited on the boat.

What city stops are included after the islands?

After returning, you’ll visit Phsar Leu local market to buy souvenirs and then Wat Leu Pagoda for panoramic views.

What should I bring and what is not allowed?

Bring a hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, camera, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash. Smoking, alcohol and drugs, and littering are not allowed.

You Might Also Enjoy

Kulen Mountain: Full-Day Private Waterfall TourPhnom Penh to Silk Island Sunset Bike Tour/ E-Bike or Tuk TukBest of Sihanoukville City Tour from Cruise PortPrivate one-day tuktuk ‘small tour’ of the oldest Angkor temples