Private overnight journey
Mekong Delta 3 Days Tour By Speedboat
3 days · The Island Lodge + Bassac cruise
- 3 days
- Max 10 guests
- Pickup included
Departs 08:00 Returns 16:30
Three private days across the Mekong Delta, from back-canal speedboat to a vintage Bassac ship to Can Tho.
This three-day journey explores the Mekong Delta thoroughly, combining an adventurous speedboat run through the waterways, a night at a boutique hotel on an island near My Tho, and a cruise to Can Tho aboard a vintage Bassac ship. It is the choice for travellers who want to see the Delta in depth while enjoying comfortable service from pickup to drop-off.
By speedboat you slip away from downtown Saigon through narrow canals into the green tributaries of the Delta. You stop at a colourful riverside market, visit local houses, workshops and a Buddhist temple, ride the village on a traditional Xe Loi, and explore a small canal by rowboat. The first night is at The Island Lodge on Unicorn Island, where you can relax by the river, swim, or cycle the shaded alleys before a French-cooked dinner.
On day two, after breakfast and a visit to Cai Be floating market, you board a vintage Bassac cruise ship. These wooden vessels are built in the Delta in the local marine tradition and adapted for discovery cruising, keeping you close to the surroundings. You head into the greener reaches of the Delta, explore the countryside and watch the sunset with a drink on deck, then spend the night in a comfortable cabin while the ship lies at anchor on the Mang Thit River.
All meals on board are cooked by the boat’s chef: a Vietnamese lunch at noon, local Delta specialities for dinner and a western breakfast on the final morning before you reach Can Tho’s famous floating markets.
This tour is available exclusively for private bookings. Please contact us for availability and a tailored quotation.
Why guests choose this journey.
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The Delta in Depth
Three days to explore the river thoroughly, from back canals to floating markets, at an unhurried pace.
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Markets & Workshops
A riverside market, a brick atelier, a weaving workshop and a coconut-candy maker, all part of daily Delta life.
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The Island Lodge Stay
A night at a riverside boutique hotel on Unicorn Island, with a pool, shaded alleys and a French-cooked dinner.
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Vintage Bassac Cruise
Board a hand-built wooden Bassac ship and sleep aboard on the Mang Thit River, with sunset drinks on deck.
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Can Tho Floating Markets
Reach the famous Cai Rang and Tra On floating markets and a local noodle factory on the final day.
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Private & Comfortable
A small private group, all meals cooked fresh, and seamless transfers from hotel pickup to drop-off.
From recent guests.
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Best tour of my HCMC stay!
This is a fantastic tour! Lucky, our guide, was lovely, and very knowledgeable about the areas we visited. The boat driver and other crew members were polite and helpful (I was the old person on the tour and they and Lucky took great care to make sure I was able to get safely on and off the boat at each stop. Travelling by boat through waterways was a great way to beat the heat, and the ride was smooth all the way. There was a nice breakfast, lots of tropical fruit to snack on, and plenty of bottled water to stay hydrated-all I needed to take was my phone (for photos), sunglasses and sunscreen. Even those cute woven hats were provided to protect us from the sun when we visited the sites on land. Lunch was plentiful and exceptional! It was a much better experience than tours that spend hours stuck on a bus in traffic being herded around tourist sites with dozens (or hundreds) of other tourists-we didn’t see another tourist that wasn’t part of our group of 13. If you want to see the Mekong Delta, this is the best way to do it!
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Interesting, Authentic, and Well Guided
We had a very enjoyable tour. It was interesting and, above all, authentic, as we didn't see any other tourists during the entire trip. Our tour guide, Anna, speaks excellent English and shared a lot of interesting information with us. The tour was very diverse. We visited a plantation, a local market, a pagoda, and a boarding school. The only slight disappointment was the short sampan boat ride, which passed alongside a construction site. The lunch was very good, although it was served in a windowless room. The pickup was on time, and the entire tour was very well organized. Overall, we had a great experience and would definitely recommend this tour.
Your itinerary.
Day 1
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08:00
Hotel pickup
Your guide meets you in the hotel lobby and drives you to the boat at Bach Dang pier.
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08:15
Depart Saigon by speedboat
Slip away from downtown through narrow canals into the green tributaries of the Delta. A light breakfast is served on board.
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09:00
Can Giuoc market
Visit a riverside market full of local curiosities, tropical fruit and fresh seafood. Great photo opportunities.
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10:00
Pagoda stop
A brief visit to a pagoda as your guide explains the place of Buddhism in Delta life.
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10:30
Delta of Nine Dragons
Reach the watery expanses of the Delta, named for the nine tributaries that branch from the main Mekong.
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12:00
Brick atelier
See how locals still make bricks using traditional methods.
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12:30
Xe Loi ride
Ride a Xe Loi, a traditional village transport of the Mekong Delta.
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13:00
Riverside lunch
A delicious lunch at a local riverside restaurant.
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14:00
Workshops & canals
Continue by Xe Loi to a weaving workshop, then take a boat through small canals to a coconut-candy workshop.
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15:00
The Island Lodge
Arrive at the boutique hotel on Unicorn Island. Relax by the river, swim or cycle the shaded alleys. In the evening, enjoy a French-cooked dinner at the Lodge.
Day 2
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09:00
Breakfast & depart
Breakfast at the hotel, then leave The Island Lodge to continue exploring the Delta.
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09:45
Cai Be floating market
See how locals run their trade on the river at the Cai Be floating market.
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11:30
Board the Bassac
Board a vintage wooden Bassac ship at Cai Be, enjoy a welcome drink and check into your cabin as the ship departs towards Cho Lach on the Tien Giang river.
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12:00
Lunch on board
A Vietnamese lunch cooked by the Bassac chef, then time to relax on deck.
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14:00
Cho Lach canal
The ship slips into the busy Cho Lach canal, between markets and churches, for a glimpse of colourful river life.
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15:00
Mang Thit village
Explore a village on the banks of the Mang Thit River, meet the locals and visit a nearby orchard or rice fields.
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16:00
Sunset on deck
Board again for a complimentary drink and the sunset on deck.
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18:00
Dinner cruise
The crew serves a dinner of Mekong specialities as the boat cruises the Mang Thit River, before anchoring near the little Tra On floating market for the night.
Day 3
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06:30
Early breakfast & Tra On
An early breakfast as the ship passes the Tra On floating market, then departs for Can Tho.
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08:30
Cai Rang floating market
Arrive at Cai Rang floating market, check out and transfer to a local boat to slide between the market vessels.
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10:00
Noodle factory
Visit a noodle factory, then return to Ninh Kieu pier in Can Tho.
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12:00
Lunch in Can Tho
Lunch at Sao Hom or Nam Bo restaurant. Optional add-ons (surcharge): a lunch cruise to a Khmer pagoda or a cycling tour along the Tra On river.
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13:00
Return to Saigon
A Les Rives minivan collects you after lunch for the drive back to Saigon, with a 30-minute rest stop on the way.
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16:30
Back in Saigon
Drop-off at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
What's included
- All meals (breakfasts, lunches & dinners)
- 1 night at The Island Lodge boutique hotel
- 1 night aboard a vintage Bassac cruise ship
- Unlimited refreshments & local fruit
- English-speaking guide
- All entrance fees
- Hotel pickup & drop-off (central hotels)
Not included
- Extra food & drinks (unless specified)
- Gratuities (optional)
- Optional Can Tho extensions (Khmer pagoda lunch cruise or Tra On cycling tour)
Good to know
Times are approximate and may vary slightly given the individual nature of the tour. Group size is kept to a maximum of 10 guests for safety and comfort.
Payment & currency: Checkout is processed securely by Trekksoft. Prices are shown in USD; your card may be charged in your home currency at the prevailing rate.
Pickup zone: We pick up and drop off only at hotels in these wards: Tan Dinh, Saigon, Ben Thanh, Cau Ong Lanh, Ban Co, Xuan Hoa and Nhieu Loc (formerly District 1 and District 3). If your hotel is outside this zone, the meeting point is Saigon Water Bus Station.
Dietary needs: Vegetarian and other requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
What our guests say.
Best tour of my HCMC stay!
This is a fantastic tour! Lucky, our guide, was lovely, and very knowledgeable about the areas we visited. The boat driver and other crew members were polite and helpful (I was the old person on the tour and they and Lucky took great care to make sure I was able to get safely on and off the boat at each stop. Travelling by boat through waterways was a great way to beat the heat, and the ride was smooth all the way. There was a nice breakfast, lots of tropical fruit to snack on, and plenty of bottled water to stay hydrated-all I needed to take was my phone (for photos), sunglasses and sunscreen. Even those cute woven hats were provided to protect us from the sun when we visited the sites on land. Lunch was plentiful and exceptional! It was a much better experience than tours that spend hours stuck on a bus in traffic being herded around tourist sites with dozens (or hundreds) of other tourists-we didn’t see another tourist that wasn’t part of our group of 13. If you want to see the Mekong Delta, this is the best way to do it!
Interesting, Authentic, and Well Guided
We had a very enjoyable tour. It was interesting and, above all, authentic, as we didn't see any other tourists during the entire trip. Our tour guide, Anna, speaks excellent English and shared a lot of interesting information with us. The tour was very diverse. We visited a plantation, a local market, a pagoda, and a boarding school. The only slight disappointment was the short sampan boat ride, which passed alongside a construction site. The lunch was very good, although it was served in a windowless room. The pickup was on time, and the entire tour was very well organized. Overall, we had a great experience and would definitely recommend this tour.
Great day out!
We had a great day out exploring the Mekong with a group of 10 (we were 5 of the group). Our guide was Anna, she was very knowledgeable, had clear English and super friendly! We explored not only the river, but a fruit farm by the river, a local food market, a school/pagoda, temple, a short canoe ride and more. We had a small breakfast when we boarded, a huge lunch of fish, beef, chicken etc, and numerous fruits throughout the day. More than enough food! Overall you got to see how the river and the people who live along it work. Anna gave us information on what the government is doing to help pollution (still a problem) and about the communities we visited. True to advertised, I don’t think we saw another tourist once we left the dock. A great day out!
A Wonderful Mekong Delta Experience Thanks to Anna
Our day exploring the Mekong Delta was one of the highlights of my trip to Vietnam, and a big part of that was thanks to Anna. From the moment we met her, she made everyone feel welcome with her warm personality and positive energy. Throughout the day, she didn’t just guide us from one place to another—she brought the Mekong Delta to life by sharing fascinating stories about the local people, their traditions, history, and daily life. It felt like we were discovering the region through the eyes of someone who genuinely loves it. Anna was always approachable, patient, and happy to answer every question. She made sure everyone was comfortable and never rushed us, allowing us to fully enjoy each stop along the way. If you’re planning a Mekong Delta tour, I wholeheartedly recommend asking for Anna. She is knowledgeable, kind, passionate about what she does, and truly cares about giving her guests a memorable experience. Thank you, Anna, for making this such a special day. I wish you all the very best, and I hope many more travelers have the chance to explore the Mekong Delta with you!
The BEST Mekong River Tour
This Les Rives tour was the absolute best. At nearly 7.5 hours we covered a lot of ground (and water). There were only 7 of us on the tour. Boat was very comfortable. Anna and her crew served us a steady stream of exotic fruits, sandwiches & snacks. There was a cooler of cold water & drinks - much needed in the 90+ degree weather! The tour took us past miles of riverside shacks & waterside markets. We stopped at a fruit farm where we were served more food- and gifted with a bag of fresh fruit when we left! We wandered through the markets and stopped at a temple. Anna’s narrative was so informative - and the whole team was so helpful, especially with my husband who has mobility issues. On the way back we stopped for lunch at a nice riverside restaurant. The skies opened up & there was a massive rainstorm. The team provided umbrellas and helped us over slick bridges and paths. Highly recommend!!
I am not a tour person, I travel solo and have been to 152 countries so usually don't find much value added from tours - but the guide on this tour was phenomenal. Her knowledge about Vietnam exceeded anything I could have researched oh my own. Highly recommend this tour company because the guides they choose are exceptional.
Smooth and experience
We had Anna as our guide, she made the experience very smooth from a prompt pickup to detailed explanations throughout the tour. The tour itself was smooth with amazing food and non stop fruits and refreshments. We visited many different locations outside the city and had a nice change in pace. Highly recommend
Must do experience while in Ho Chi Minh City
Very enjoyable and interesting tour on the speed boat and authentic Vietnamese canoes exploring the Mekong Delta. Anna was lovely and very informative. Relaxing and fun cultural immersive day. Food on the trip was very nice. Would definitely recommend.
Amazing service and insights
Picked up from our hotel and brought to the docks to board the boat. On the way up had a nice, simple breakfast served, with lovely iced coffee. Anne explained lots of ins & outs of this tour, while the helmsman expertly maneuvered the boat through heavy cargo traffic and fields of water hyacinths. Each stop was enlightening and gave us more/better insight in rural Vietnam, it's culture and people. Every time re-boarding the boat another fresh fruit was presented by the very attentive and friendly crew. Keeping us hydrated and eager to see/learn more. After a delicious, farm stay, lunch we headed back to HCM. Looking back at a highly recommendable tour, with great people, taking care of you, your comfort and safety at every turn of the Mekong Delta.
I did the Mekong Delta day trip by speedboat which was very insightful. Our guide, Lucky, was very friendly and knowledgeable and the rest of the crew made sure we were safe, well fed and hydrated throughout the day. Travelling through Saigon by boat gives a different perspective and I would recommend this tour to others.
The tour you should take
We really enjoyed the tour, starting from our amazing guide Anna! She is kind and she speaks english perfectly. If you aren’t a crowd lover and looking for authentic local spots then this is the right tour to book. The trip boat was pleasant with endless drinks and different type of fruits included. Worth the price indeed!
A great day on the Mekong
My hubby and I spent the day visiting the Mekong Delta with Anna and her team from Les Rives. It was really enjoyable and Anna was very knowledgeable and friendly. We weren’t rushed nor did we spend too much time at any one spot. It was nice to see rural markets, an organic working orchard where we sampled a range of fruits, and experience life along the Mekong. The fresh fruit and water served on the boat throughout the day was very welcome and lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the river was lovely. We were also picked up and dropped back at our hotel in District 3, which made the whole day effortless. I would definitely recommend the tour.
We had a very enjoyable tour. It was interesting and, above all, authentic, as we didn't see any other tourists during the entire trip. Our tour guide, Anna, speaks excellent English and shared a lot of interesting information with us. The tour was very diverse. We visited a plantation, a local market, a pagoda, and a boarding school. The only slight disappointment was the short sampan boat ride, which passed alongside a construction site. The lunch was very good, although it was served in a windowless room. The pickup was on time, and the entire tour was very well organized. Overall, we had a great experience and would definitely recommend this tour.
A good experience
The boat journey was very comfortable. It was an experience to see the economic contrast between the old and the new settlements along the river. The visit to the small village homes, the local market in the town we stopped at, and our visit to the temple were the highlights that will stay with me. Our tour guide, Anna, and the entire team were exceptionally attentive and made the experience even more enjoyable.
Mekong Delta Tour by Luxury Speed Boat
Thank you, Anna, for a wonderful tour and for sending the pictures! Our family had a fantastic time. Anna’s English is excellent, and she is incredibly knowledgeable about Vietnamese history. She was incredibly patient with our family, answering all our questions and being so accommodating with our son. We were in excellent care from start to finish. The food and fruit were amazing, and we loved that the entire tour felt relaxed and completely pressure-free. I will post this review as well.
Mekong with a local!!
Anna and the team were amazing and the whole day was enjoyable, relaxing and no pressure navigating with other tourists. Breakfast and plenty of fruit and drinks supplied throughout the day. Travelling up the Mekong with a commentary about river life for locals was much appreciated. We also loved, loved the market tour and pagoda with Anna as it was so beneficial to ask questions and learn about the food and culture without being pressured to purchase. Thank you Anna and team for all your local knowledge!
Fantastic Mekong Delta Experience
We had a great day trip with Les Rives, departing right from the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and cruising down the Mekong River—no roads, no traffic, just continuous sightseeing the entire way. It felt like we covered so much more in half the time. The commentary throughout was interesting and informative, and the food was excellent—breakfast rolls to start, followed by an abundance of fresh sliced fruit, plus unlimited cold water and soft drinks. We visited a farm, pagoda, orphanage, and a fascinating riverside market selling everything from frog legs to duck eggs. One of the highlights was a small boat ride through lush jungle canals—peaceful and unforgettable. Lunch was delicious, with beer and whiskey available too. Overall, an unforgettable day and highly recommended!
Excellent and authentic
The whole trip was well organised, from pick up to visits and drop off. The guide was very friendly and give us a lot of interesting details of the life of the people in the Mekong delta. Our group was a small one, nearly 8 people. We didn't see other groups and the whole trip was really authentic and not commercial. No tips to give at the various sites we visited. Doing the tour by speedboat allowed us to see the life from the canals without taking busses and being back at HCM at 15.30 gave us time to visit Hcm in the afternoon. Costs are higher but worth. Recommended.
Highly recommend
We went on the cu chi tunnels speed boat trip one day and the Mekong Delta speed boat trip the following day. Both were excellent from start to finish. Win was our guide for the cu chi trip and was a wonderful guide. Very knowledgeable and looked after us very well. Cu chi tunnels is a must see when visiting Vietnam. The Mekong Delta trip takes you to a quiet village to see a market, temple and pagoda. No other tourists there and is an insight into real life in Vietnam. We also visited 2 farms and sat with the families. Our guide Lucky was amazing and told us so much about everywhere we went in a very friendly and relaxed way. A lovely change from the busyness of the city.
A wonderful Day in the Mekong Delta
A fantastic way to experience the Mekong Delta. Our guide, Anna, was very knowledgable,friendly and helpful. I felt as if we were getting an authentic look at delta life and environment, with no other tourists seen all day. Highly recommended.
This was our second trip with Les Rives: they took us to the Cu Chi tunnels a couple of days before. They're are great, well organised company. From the boat driver, the assistants and our guide Anna: they all made our trip a great experience. There was water and fruit available all day. A good lunch was provided with several local dishes. We also did a short ride on a sanpan which took us into the smaller river. We visited a local market, a temple and a family smallholding with many fruits which we tasted as well. A thirst quenching drink of coconut water from a freshly cut coconut. We went to less touristy areas on this tour and I'm so glad we did.
An unforgettable day exploring the HMC surrounding area
We couldn’t fault the tour we had yesterday with Ana and her team. They were professional, efficient, kind and helpful. It was lovely to walk streets unusually travelled by tourists, where we all felt we had a more authentic experience withells the locals. A perfect mix of activities and education. A constant flow of fresh local fruits and refreshments. This tour will be a Vietnam highlight for us without fail. Thank you to Ana and the team.
Great tour!!!
We had a great time on this tour visiting the Mekong Delta! Really fun seeing local markets and farms. We didn’t see any other tourists at all the entire day and it felt like we got a real glimpse into local life. We loved going by speedboat, it was really fun being on the water and an efficient way to get around. And our tour guide, Anna, was awesome. Really nice and informative and she made it so interesting and fun for us. This was a great experience, highly recommend!!!
Highly recommended
Fantastic experience and highly recommended. Really enjoyed the fast boat and the professionalism and courteous nature of the staff who clearly knew the area and we’re all invested in making sure we were well looked after. Anna was a great guide who showed such professionalism and enthusiasm for the history and culture and had such a warm welcoming nature. Highly recommended.
Worth your time!
It was really an authentic experience as promised and Anna was excellent at our tour guide. She is knowledgeable, caring and very friendly. Highly recommend her and they're company for this experience.
Moments from our guests
60 photographs from 20 travellers
The gallery
12 imagesPractical questions
Before you board.
Why do you ask for my passport number when booking?
We are required by Vietnamese local authorities to collect passport details for all guests before departure. If you don’t have your passport number to hand when booking, simply complete your reservation first and email your passport details to bookings@lesrivesexperience.com at your convenience before the tour. Your information is used solely for the required registration process.
Why are your tours more expensive than other operators?
Most operators run large buses to crowded sites. We travel by private luxury speedboat in small groups, arriving ahead of the crowds, with breakfast, lunch, refreshments, all entrance fees, your guide, hotel transfers and travel insurance already included, no hidden extras.
A share of every booking also supports the local riverside families and communities we work with. You’re paying for a calmer, more comfortable, more responsible day out, not just a seat.
Are there proper toilets, food stops, and any forced shopping?
Yes. We include comfortable restroom breaks throughout the day. And no, there are no forced shopping stops or commission-based detours. Every moment is dedicated to discovering the authentic Mekong Delta, not gift shops.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable clothing and your camera. We provide drinking water, refreshments, insect repellent, waterproof ponchos and umbrellas, so you can travel light.
How long does it take to reach the Mekong Delta by speedboat?
About 1 hour 20 minutes by speedboat, far quicker and more scenic than the road, which is why the day never feels rushed.
What will we see and do in the Mekong Delta?
A full, relaxed day: a fruit orchard, a riverside market, a traditional rowboat through the canals, a Buddhist pagoda and a Cao Dai temple, and a local farmhouse for coconut-candy and rice-whisky tasting, finishing with a traditional lunch featuring the region’s famous fried elephant-ear fish.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Full refund if you cancel at least 7 days before your tour. 50% refund for cancellations 6–3 days before. Within 3 days, the booking is non-refundable.
Where is the meeting point if my pickup location is not in your pickup zone?
The meeting point will be the Saigon Water Bus Station, please openopen this link to get the direction to the meeting point.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If conditions are unsafe, we’ll reschedule or cancel and let you know in advance, with alternative options. Light rain isn’t a problem — our speedboats have full rain protection, and we provide waterproof ponchos and umbrellas on board.
What payment methods do you accept, and is it secure?
We accept all major credit cards, cash or bank transfer. Online payments are processed by Trekksoft, our PCI-DSS-compliant booking partner, with SSL encryption, your card and personal details are never stored on our site.
Are your boats and tours safe?
Yes. Every speedboat carries complete international-standard safety equipment, life jackets for all guests, and rain protection for any season. Although our boats hold up to 20, we carry a maximum of 14–15 guests so everyone travels comfortably and safely.
Are your tours suitable for children and families?
Absolutely. Our tours suit all ages, with child-sized life jackets on board and a relaxed small-group pace that works well for families. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult — just let us know the ages when you book so we can prepare.
Can you cater to vegetarian or other dietary needs?
Yes. We’re happy to arrange vegetarian and other special diets, just note your requirements in the booking form.
Are your tours suitable for older travellers or those who aren't very fit?
Yes. Our tours are comfortable for guests roughly aged 7 to 70. The speedboat does most of the travelling, walking is gentle and broken up with rest stops, and our guides are always on hand to help.
What languages do your guides speak?
All of our guides are fluent in English. Guides in other languages can often be arranged in advance for an additional fee ,just ask when you book.
Can I book a private or customised tour?
Yes. Many of our experiences can be run privately or tailored to your group, dates and interests. Contact us with what you have in mind and we’ll put a plan together.
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