Ultimate Guide to Scuba Diving in Phu Quoc: Top Dive Sites & Tips

 

Phu Quoc Island offers a distinct and relaxed diving experience, famous for its calm waters, excellent visibility during the dry season, and abundant macro life. Unlike Nha Trang’s focus on large reserves, Phu Quoc diving is centered around two main areas: the remote Northern sites and the popular Southern Archipelago (An Thoi).

Here is a breakdown of the best dive sites and what to expect when planning your underwater adventure in Phu Quoc.

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Key Dive Areas in Phu Quoc

 

 

1. Southern Archipelago (An Thoi)

 

This is the most popular diving zone, offering a diverse array of sites accessible via a short boat ride from the southern harbor.

Dive Site	Pros	Cons
Pineapple Island (Hòn Thơm)	* Accessible: Easy to reach and often included in combined snorkeling/cable car tours.	* Crowded: The area is heavily utilized by snorkeling and leisure tour boats.
Dam Ngang Island	* Healthy Coral: Features colorful hard and soft corals. * Good Visibility: Often boasts the best visibility in the south.	* Currents: Can occasionally experience moderate currents, requiring attention.
May Rut Island	* Macro Heaven: Excellent for spotting small critters, nudibranchs, and clownfish. * Suitable for All: Great for beginners and certified divers alike.	* Depth: Sites are generally shallow (max 12–15m), limiting bottom time flexibility.

 

2. Northern Sites

 

The sites in the north are less visited and offer a peaceful escape, often focusing on a single, prime location.

Dive Site	Pros	Cons
Turtle Island (Hòn Đồi Mồi)	* Unique Site: Quiet, less traffic than the south. * Protected: One of the best places on the island for finding Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles.	* Weather Dependent: More exposed to winds and waves during the low season.
Gành Dầu Area	* Calm & Clear: Generally very calm, making it ideal for discovery dives and training.	* Limited Diversity: Focus is mainly on training and observing smaller reef fish.

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Choosing a Dive Site: Who Should Dive Where?

 

• Beginners & Training (Discover Scuba/Open Water): Turtle Island (North) or May Rut Island (South). These sites offer calm, shallow conditions ideal for learning buoyancy and basic skills.
• Certified Divers (Advanced/Specialty): Dam Ngang for better coral health and Turtle Island for the chance to spot larger marine life.
• Macro Enthusiasts: May Rut Island is excellent for patiently exploring rocky crevices and finding nudibranchs and pipefish.

 

Booking & Logistics

 

Category	Details
Typical Cost (2 Dives)	~$70–$120 USD (Varies by center and package).
Inclusions	Usually includes hotel transfer, full equipment rental, lunch/drinks on the boat, and PADI/SSI instructor fees.
Best Season	November to April (Dry Season): Offers the best visibility (often 15–25m) and calmest seas.
Low Season	May to October (Rainy Season): Visibility is reduced (often 5–10m) due to rain runoff and rougher seas.

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Top Tips for Diving in Phu Quoc

 

• Dive Slow, Look Close: Phu Quoc is a macro-focused destination. The most rewarding finds are often small—look closely under ledges for pipefish, shrimp, and cuttlefish.
• Book Your Nitrox Course: If you plan multiple dives, consider the Enriched Air Nitrox course. It’s the most popular specialty here for maximizing bottom time at the shallow, colorful sites.
• Verify Group Size: Choose a reputable dive operator that guarantees small group sizes (ideally 4:1 max ratio) for a better, safer experience.
• Sun Protection is Essential: Bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The sun exposure on the boat can be intense, especially between dives.

Ready to explore the calm, colorful reefs of Vietnam’s paradise island? Contact a local dive center today to book your unforgettable Phu Quoc diving adventure!