Diving in Phu Quoc: The Complete Guide to Exploring the Pearl Island’s Ocean World (2025)

Phu Quoc – The Paradise Island Beckons: Why Diving is an Unmissable Experience

Located in the south of Vietnam, Phu Quoc is not only the country’s largest island but is also known as the “Pearl Island”—a name that evokes its precious beauty and the hidden treasures beneath its clear blue waters. Beyond the long, fine white sandy beaches and swaying coconut palms, the true soul of Phu Quoc lies in its vast ocean world, which hides one of the region’s premier marine ecosystems. This is why diving is not just a tourist activity, but an essential journey to fully appreciate the beauty of this island.

The appeal of diving in Phu Quoc is not just an empty advertisement but is backed by impressive scientific figures. The waters here are home to a massive coral reef covering up to 480 hectares, featuring over 360 species of hard coral and dozens of soft coral species. This ecosystem is also home to nearly 152 species of fish, 98 species of seaweed, and countless other marine creatures, all creating a vibrant, diverse, and colorful underwater masterpiece.

Possessing such a rich ecosystem has turned Phu Quoc into a world-class diving destination. Visitors come here not only to admire the beauty of pristine coral reefs but also to swim with colorful schools of fish and discover the diversity of marine life in the crystal-clear water. From shallow waters near the shore, ideal for beginners, to deeper, more challenging areas for experienced divers, Phu Quoc offers an underwater playground for all levels and interests. Therefore, it can be affirmed that diving is the golden key to unlocking the secret door where the most authentic and pristine beauty of the Pearl Island is kept.

Underwater Treasure Map: The Best Diving Spots in Phu Quoc

To explore the fascinating ocean world of Phu Quoc, visitors need a “treasure map” to the best diving coordinates. The waters of Phu Quoc can be divided into two main areas with distinct characteristics: the vibrant South Island and the wild North Island. The choice between these two areas depends not only on geographical location but also on a strategic decision based on the time of travel, experience style, and individual desires.

South Island – The Vibrant Coral Kingdom

The An Thoi Archipelago, with over 18 large and small islands, is the epicenter of diving activities in Phu Quoc, especially in the South Island area. This area is better sheltered, with calmer seas, allowing for year-round diving, even on beautiful days during the rainy season. This is where most island tours are concentrated and where the most famous islands are located.

• Hon Thom (Pineapple Island): Famous not only for the world’s longest sea-crossing cable car, Hon Thom is also an excellent spot for coral viewing. In particular, the Ky Lan Cape area has very shallow and crystal-clear water; divers only need to go down about 1 meter to see a colorful coral world appear before their eyes.
• Hon Gam Ghi (Dam Ngang Island): Known as the “coral kingdom” of Phu Quoc, Hon Gam Ghi has the densest and most diverse coral concentration. This is an unmissable destination for those who love snorkeling and want to immerse themselves in a vibrant underwater world.
• Hon Mong Tay (Fingernail Island): Often compared to the “Maldives of Vietnam,” this island has a wild, pure beauty like a miniature “Robinson Crusoe island.” With its white sandy beaches, clear blue water, and rich coral reefs, it is an ideal place to relax and explore the ocean.
• Hon May Rut (May Rut Island): Comprising two small islands, May Rut Trong and May Rut Ngoai, it is famous for its peaceful beaches, diverse ecosystem, and is a familiar stop on speedboat tours exploring the South Island.
• Hon Roi (Roi Island): A pristine island with clear blue water, Hon Roi has a diverse and rich coral system, providing an attractive diving environment from shallow waters to deeper coral reefs.

North Island – The Hidden Wild Beauty

In contrast to the hustle and bustle of the South Island, the North Island area has a wilder, more majestic, and more pristine beauty. However, the sea here is often rougher, so the ideal time to explore the North Island is during the dry season (from November to April), when the sea is calm and the water is clearer. Choosing the North Island is suitable for adventurous travelers who want to seek experiences closer to untouched nature.

• Ganh Dau: Ganh Dau Cape is a famous diving spot with a diverse coral and marine life ecosystem and a pristine natural landscape. It offers the feeling of exploring an intact coral forest.
• Rach Vem: Known as the “Kingdom of Starfish,” Rach Vem offers a unique experience where visitors can easily see thousands of bright red starfish on the white sand under the shallow water. This area also has beautiful coral reefs to explore.
• Hon Doi Moi (Turtle Island): An interesting, lesser-known destination, but a top choice for international tours. Hon Doi Moi has up to 17 different types of hard and soft corals, creating a magical underwater world. During the dry season, the sea here is very calm, suitable for both beginners and professional divers.

Specialized Coral Parks

To meet the growing demand of tourists and simultaneously fulfill a conservation mission, professional coral parks have been established. These are carefully planned and protected areas, offering high-quality and safe diving experiences in a controlled environment.

• Namaste Coral Park: The first coral conservation park in Vietnam, established in 2017. Namaste offers high-end and unique services such as Sea Walking and Scuba Diving, allowing visitors to admire beautiful, well-cared-for, and protected coral reefs.
• Ocean Pearl / Seaworld Coral Park: Located near Hon May Rut Trong, this is a professional diving center with a team of experienced instructors. This park also focuses on marine ecosystem conservation and provides various diving services, helping to raise environmental awareness.

To help visitors choose easily, the comparison table below summarizes important information about the most prominent diving spots.

Location Name	Area	Best For	Key Features	How to Get There
Hon Gam Ghi	South Island	Snorkeling, Photography	“Coral Kingdom” with dense reefs	Speedboat tour, tourist boat
Hon Thom	South Island	Families, Beginners	Shallow water coral (Ky Lan Cape), combined with entertainment	Cable car, speedboat tour
Hon Mong Tay	South Island	Relaxation, Photography	Pristine beauty like “Vietnamese Maldives”	Speedboat tour, tourist boat
Rach Vem	North Island	Unique Experience	“Kingdom of Starfish”	Self-drive (motorbike), tour
Ganh Dau	North Island	Exploration, Adventure	Pristine ecosystem, rich coral forest	Self-drive, rent a boat
Hon Doi Moi	North Island	All Levels	Diverse hard and soft corals, calm sea in dry season	Speedboat tour, rent a boat
Namaste Park	South Island (Private Area)	Non-swimmers, Premium Experience	Sea Walker, Scuba Diving	Specialized tour

Choose Your Own Way to Explore: Types of Diving & Costs

The underwater world of Phu Quoc can be explored in many different ways, each offering a unique experience and suiting different audiences. The choice is not only based on preference but also on the level of investment, skill, and desired experience. This can be seen as a “ladder” of experiences, from simple and popular to in-depth and unique.

Snorkeling

This is the most popular, simple, and suitable form of diving for all ages. Visitors only need a life jacket, a diving mask, and a snorkel to look down into the clear blue water and admire the coral reefs in the shallow water. The biggest advantage of snorkeling is its low cost, safety, and it doesn’t require strong swimming skills, as the life jacket will keep you afloat. However, the experience is limited to near-shore areas or coral reefs that are not too deep. Most island tours by boat or speedboat include this activity in their itinerary.

• Reference cost: 280,000 – 500,000 VND/person (usually included in the price of a shared island tour).

Scuba Diving

For those who love adventure and want to go deeper into the ocean, scuba diving is an excellent choice. With specialized diving gear and an oxygen tank, visitors can freely swim and explore the marine world at greater depths (usually no more than 5-6 meters for beginners) for about 20-30 minutes. This experience provides a true sense of immersion in the ocean, getting closer to rare fish and corals. Visitors will always have a professional instructor accompanying them one-on-one to ensure absolute safety.

• Reference cost: 910,000 – 1,500,000 VND/person/dive.

Sea Walking

This is a relatively new and unique experience in Vietnam, offering the easiest way to explore the seabed. Visitors wear a special helmet that looks like an astronaut’s, providing a continuous supply of oxygen and keeping the head completely dry. With Sea Walker, even non-swimmers, the elderly, or children can leisurely walk on the seabed, touch schools of fish, and admire coral at extremely close range. This activity is usually organized at planned coral parks like Namaste, where the ecosystem is strictly protected.

• Reference cost: 950,000 – 1,200,000 VND/person/walk.

The comparison table below will help visitors make the most suitable choice for their needs and budget.

Activity	Skills Required	Typical Depth	Best For	Average Price (VND)	Main Locations
Snorkeling	None (with life jacket)	1-3 meters	Everyone, families, groups of friends	280,000 – 500,000 (in tour)	Hon Gam Ghi, Hon Mong Tay, Hon Thom
Scuba Diving	Good health, follow instructions	3-6 meters	Adventure lovers, explorers	910,000 – 1,500,000	Specialized dive sites, coral parks
Sea Walking	None	5-6 meters	Non-swimmers, families with children, those seeking a unique experience	950,000 – 1,200,000	Namaste Coral Park, Ocean Pearl

Planning the Perfect Dive Trip

A successful dive trip depends not only on choosing the right location or type of diving but also requires careful preparation regarding timing and safety rules. These are key factors that ensure visitors have a complete and memorable experience.

The Golden Time for Diving

The ideal time to dive and see coral in Phu Quoc is during the dry season, from November to April of the following year. During this period, the weather on the island is very stable, with little rain, calm seas, and gentle waves, creating the most favorable conditions for sea activities. More importantly, the seawater during this period has the best visibility, allowing visitors to admire the beauty of the coral and marine life most clearly and vibrantly.

The seasonal division also affects the choice of diving spots. The dry season is the perfect time to explore all diving spots in both the South and North Islands. Conversely, during the rainy season (from May to October), the sea in the North Island area often has large waves, making it unsafe for diving. During this period, visitors should focus on the islands in the south, such as Hon Thom, Hon Dam, and Hon Roi, which are more sheltered from the wind and less affected by the weather.

Safety First: A Beginner’s Guide to Diving

Safety is always the top priority in any exploration activity. Equipping yourself with basic safety knowledge not only helps protect yourself but also shows respect for the marine environment. Here are important notes that every visitor should keep in mind:

• Health Check: Absolutely do not participate in diving if you have a history of heart disease, blood pressure problems, or are feeling unwell, have a cold, or a fever. Diving when your health is not good can increase the risk of serious problems due to pressure changes.
• Pre-Dive Preparation: Do not dive on a very empty or very full stomach; the ideal time is about 1-2 hours after a meal. Absolutely do not consume alcohol before diving as it can cause dehydration and affect judgment.
• Equipment Check: Ensure the diving mask fits your face snugly to prevent water from leaking in. Check that the snorkel and fins are secure. Always wear a life jacket if you are not confident in your swimming ability. Spend about 5 minutes getting used to the equipment on the water surface before starting to dive.
• Underwater Rules:
  • Always listen to and strictly follow the instructor’s directions.
  • Never dive alone. Always stay close to your group or buddy.
  • Do not dive too deep and always move slowly to enjoy the scenery and stay safe.
  • For Scuba Diving: The most important rule is NEVER HOLD YOUR BREATH. Always maintain a steady, slow breathing rhythm. Holding your breath while changing depth can cause serious lung injury due to pressure changes.
  • Ascending: You must ascend slowly and safely to allow your body to adapt to the pressure change. When you get ashore, if your ears feel blocked, hold your mouth, pinch your nose, and exhale gently to equalize the pressure.
• Protect the Marine Environment: ABSOLUTELY DO NOT TOUCH, STEP ON, OR BREAK CORAL. Corals are very fragile living organisms that grow extremely slowly. A careless action can destroy decades, or even centuries, of nature’s work.
• Post-Dive Note: For those who participate in scuba diving, it is necessary to wait at least 24 hours before taking a flight to avoid the risk of decompression sickness, a dangerous medical condition.

Finding a Reliable Companion: Recommended Diving Tours in Phu Quoc

The tour market in Phu Quoc is extremely vibrant with countless options, from budget tours to high-end service packages. To have a satisfactory trip, understanding the types of tours and choosing a reputable operator is crucial.

Understanding Popular Tour Types

The diving tour market in Phu Quoc has undergone a significant transformation. From traditional wooden boat tours, the market has strongly shifted to modern high-speed canoe tours, meeting the demand for fast, unique, and “Instagrammable” experiences from the new generation of tourists.

• Traditional Large Boat Tours: This is the classic tour type, often combining recreational fishing and coral snorkeling. The boat moves slowly, has ample space, and is suitable for families with elderly members, children, or large groups who want a relaxing day at sea. Lunch is usually served on the boat. The price of these tours is often very affordable, ranging from 280,000 to 450,000 VND/person.
• High-Speed Canoe Tours (2-island, 3-island, 4-island tours): This is the current trending and most popular option. The canoe moves at high speed, saving time and allowing tourists to explore many of the most beautiful islands in one day (such as Hon Mong Tay, Hon Gam Ghi, Hon May Rut). The appeal of these tours lies not only in the itinerary but also in the accompanying services designed for photography needs: free photos and videos with a flycam, photos with a SUP board… This is the ideal choice for young people, couples, and anyone who wants impressive souvenir photos. Tour prices range from about 600,000 to 1,300,000 VND/person depending on the number of islands and included services.
• Specialized Tours (Scuba Diving, Sea Walking): These tours focus on a single experience and are often operated by professional diving centers like Namaste or their partners. The tour usually includes transportation, specialized equipment, and a private guide, ensuring the highest quality and safety.

Recommended Reputable Tour Operators

Based on available information, tourists can look into some reputable and well-known tour operators in Phu Quoc. This is not an advertisement but a compiled list to give tourists more options:

• Rooty Trip Phu Quoc: A frequently mentioned name, specializing in canoe island discovery tours with modern and attractive service packages.
• John’s Tours Phu Quoc: A large and long-standing travel company on the island, notable for owning a private beach area on Hon May Rut to serve tourists.
• Phu Quoc Travel (Dai Viet Tourist Company): Has many years of experience in organizing tours in Phu Quoc, offering a variety of tour types from group tours to private ones.
• Namaste: The pioneer and most professional operator for Sea Walking services and activities at the coral park.
• Vietravel – Phu Quoc Branch: A large and reputable travel brand nationwide, ensuring professional and reliable service quality.
• Online Tour Booking Platforms: Websites like Klook or Traveloka are also effective channels for comparing prices, itineraries, and reading reviews from various tour providers, helping tourists make decisions easily.

Journey to the Pearl Island: How to Get to Phu Quoc

Planning your travel to Phu Quoc and getting around the island is quite easy and convenient with many different transportation options to suit every budget and schedule.

Getting to Phu Quoc

There are two main ways to reach the Pearl Island: by air and by sea.

• By Plane: This is the fastest, most convenient, and most popular method. Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) has direct flights connecting to most major cities in the country such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Can Tho, as well as some international routes. Domestic airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Jetstar Pacific all operate daily flights to Phu Quoc.
  • Flight time from Ho Chi Minh City is about 1 hour, from Hanoi about 2 hours.
  • Airfare varies depending on the time, airline, and booking time. Tourists should plan and book tickets early to get the best prices, especially during peak season.
• By High-Speed Ferry/Boat: This is a more economical option and is more suitable for tourists starting from Ho Chi Minh City and the southwestern provinces. Tourists can take a ferry/boat to the island from two main ports: Rach Gia and Ha Tien.
  • Rach Gia – Phu Quoc Route: Tourists need to travel by bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Rach Gia (a distance of about 270km, taking 6-7 hours), then take a high-speed boat to the island (taking about 2 hours and 30 minutes). Popular ferry companies are Superdong, Hoa Binh Ship, and Phu Quoc Express with ticket prices around 330,000 VND/adult.
  • Ha Tien – Phu Quoc Route: The sea route from Ha Tien to Phu Quoc is shorter, taking only about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The advantage of this route is that tourists can bring their own motorbikes and cars to the island on the Thanh Thoi ferry, which is very convenient for independent exploration.

Getting Around Phu Quoc

Once on the island, tourists have many options for getting around and exploring:

• Rent a Motorbike: This is the most flexible, proactive, and popular means of transport for navigating every corner of the island. Rental prices range from 120,000 – 150,000 VND/day depending on the type of bike. Many services also offer delivery to the airport or hotel, which is very convenient.
• Taxi/Grab: Taxis are a quick and convenient option, especially when traveling from the airport to the hotel or in a group. Reputable taxi companies include Mai Linh, Vinasun, and Taxi Phu Quoc. Ride-hailing services like Grab are also available on the island, allowing tourists to know the fare in advance and avoid overcharging.
• Rent a Car (Self-drive or with a driver): Suitable for families or large groups of friends who want comfort and convenience. Rental prices range from 800,000 – 1,500,000 VND/day.
• Bus: Phu Quoc has had public bus routes operating since 2018 with cheap fares (20,000 – 50,000 VND/route). However, the route network is still limited and cannot directly access all tourist attractions, so tourists may need to take an additional motorbike taxi or taxi from the bus stop.

Beyond the Waves: Other Exciting Activities in Phu Quoc

Besides the irresistible charm of the coral world, Phu Quoc is also an island of diverse experiences with countless entertainment, sightseeing, and exploration activities for all types of tourists. A vacation on the Pearl Island would not be complete without experiencing the unique attractions and activities on shore.

Entertainment & Theme Parks

Phu Quoc has risen to become a leading entertainment hub in Vietnam with the presence of world-class entertainment and resort complexes.

• VinWonders Phu Quoc & Vinpearl Safari: Located in the north of the island, these are two must-visit destinations, especially for families with young children. VinWonders is the largest theme park in Vietnam with hundreds of indoor and outdoor games, while Vinpearl Safari is the first semi-wild animal care and conservation park in Vietnam, offering a unique “people in, animals out” experience.
• Sun World Hon Thom & Aquatopia Water Park: Located in the south of the island, visitors can experience the world’s longest three-rope sea-crossing cable car to get to Hon Thom. Here, Aquatopia Water Park with its modern slides and vibrant beach games will provide refreshing entertainment.
• Grand World – “The Sleepless City”: A 24/7 entertainment and shopping complex, Grand World offers an endless festival atmosphere with spectacular shows like “The Quintessence of Vietnam,” a romantic Venice river, a Teddy Bear museum, and countless impressive photo spots.
• Sunset Town & Kiss Bridge: Inspired by Mediterranean architecture, this is the most beautiful place in Phu Quoc to watch the sunset and take check-in photos. The highlights are the Kiss Bridge and the multimedia show on the sea, “Kiss of the Sea.”

Nature & Culture Exploration

To better understand the natural beauty and local life, tourists should take the time to explore the following places:

• Phu Quoc National Park: The green lung of the island, it has a rich flora and fauna system. Visitors can participate in trekking, hiking through the forest, and exploring clear streams like Suoi Tranh and Suoi Da Ban.
• Fishing Villages & Pepper Farms: Visit fishing villages like Rach Vem or Ham Ninh to feel the simple life of fishermen. Don’t forget to visit the vast green pepper farms to learn about the process of growing and harvesting this famous specialty of Phu Quoc.
• Phu Quoc Prison: A national historical site that realistically and painfully recreates the struggle of revolutionary soldiers. This is a destination with deep educational significance about the nation’s history.
• Fish Sauce Factories: Discover the traditional process of making fish sauce, one of the specialties that has made Phu Quoc famous. Visitors can learn about and buy quality products right at the factory.

Culinary & Nightlife Experiences

When night falls, Phu Quoc takes on a different vibrant and attractive beauty.

• Phu Quoc Night Market (Dinh Cau Night Market): This is a culinary paradise that cannot be missed. Hundreds of stalls line up selling all kinds of fresh seafood cooked on the spot, along with characteristic snacks like rolled ice cream, palm sugar sponge cake, and candy floss.
• Night Squid Fishing: A classic nighttime experience in Phu Quoc. Visitors will go out to sea on a boat, catch fresh squid themselves, and enjoy their catch right on the sea. This is both a relaxing and fun activity.
• Watching the Sunset: Phu Quoc is famous for its brilliant sunsets. Besides Sunset Town, places like Sunset Sanato Beach Club with its unique art installations on the beach or Long Beach are also great choices to admire the moment of transition between day and night.

Conclusion: An Invitation from the Depths of Phu Quoc’s Ocean

The journey to discover Phu Quoc will never be complete without the experience of diving – a true adventure into the heart of the Pearl Island. This is not just a recreational activity, but an opportunity to connect with one of Vietnam’s most diverse and vibrant marine ecosystems, to witness firsthand the magic of nature hidden beneath the waves.

From gentle snorkeling sessions in the South Island, challenging scuba dives in deep coral reefs, to the unique experience of walking on the seabed, Phu Quoc offers countless ways for every tourist to find their own adventure. And upon returning to land, the island continues to welcome with modern amusement parks, quiet pristine forests, peaceful fishing villages, and a rich culinary scene, inviting visitors to stay longer to explore and feel.

Come to Phu Quoc not just as a tourist, but with the heart of a nature lover. Prepare your gear, follow the safety rules to protect yourself and the fragile ecosystem here. The invitation from the depths of the ocean has been sent, and the beautiful secrets of the Pearl Island are waiting to be discovered.

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