Phu Quoc, which Cambodians know as Koh Tral, is Vietnam’s largest island. Covering 574 square kilometers, and shaped almost like a perfect triangle, the island is bounded by 21 smaller islets, all of which are fantastic with clean white beaches and excellent marine life. A mountainous ridge, the 99 peaks, runs the entire length of the island, with the tallest peak being 603 meters high. Underwater, the topography is similarly spectacular, as is the marine life. With exceptional diving for all levels and many fantastic sites to choose from, it can be hard to select favorites, but we’ve managed. Here are seven of Phu Quoc’s best dive sites, many of which are extensive enough to provide an entire day’s worth of diving.
Turtle Island - Phu Quoc Dive Sites
Probably the most popular site at northern Phu Quoc, Turtle Island features fantastic reefs that begin just below the surface and extend to meet the seabed at a maximum depth of just 12 meters on the north and east sides, and 20 meters on the south side. This little island is usually divided up into three segments:
Turtle Island North – Huge boulders covered with colorful coral and sponges rise up from the sea floor here, creating a habitat for butterfly fish, angelfish, and other tropical species. Small reef sharks and blue spotted stingrays are seen here often, and on occasion, you’ll see passing eagle rays. This site is perfect for photos, and is great for all divers.
Turtle Island East - A sloping coral reef punctuated with deep cracks and crevices, this portion of the island is also surrounded by big boulders. Look for bamboo sharks, groupers, moray eels, and lots of crustaceans, along with nudibranchs and the occasional turtle. Great for all divers.
Turtle Island South – Deeper and washed by currents that can be strong at times, this side of the island is best for divers with some experience. The marine life is outstanding, thanks to those same currents, and the coral is colorful and lush. Watch for a wide array of reef life, along with sharks, barracuda, eagle rays and stingrays, and schools of fish, including snapper and tuna.
South Pineapple Point - Phu Quoc Dive Sites
One of the deepest sites at Phu Quoc, South Pineapple Point is still relatively shallow at 35 meters. Despite this, it is washed by strong currents that can create a challenge even for experienced divers – but those same currents attract a wealth of pelagic fish and create an excellent opportunity for an exhilarating drift. Look for sharks and turtles, eagle rays, stingrays, and the occasional manta ray, along with shoaling fish large and small.
Dragon Rock - Phu Quoc Dive Sites
Massive boulders, some as large as small buildings, create an incredible and colorful tableau at Dragon Rock. Beautifully lit from above, and featuring maximum depth at about 15 meters depending on the tide, this site is home to a few different species of angelfish, along with countless other reef fish, crustaceans, and larger animals. Look for groupers, barracuda, and moray eels, along with napping nurse sharks and small bamboo sharks, and keep an eye out for turtles grazing on the sponge and soft coral growth.
Dam Ngoai South - Phu Quoc Dive Sites
While the west side of Dam Ngoai features a shallow reef that extends to just twelve meters, its southern side offers maximum depth at 18 meters. Featuring an abundance of hard and soft coral, sea fans and sea whips, and lovely clusters of elegant sponge, this site is home to a wealth of macro life, including several different nudibranch species and lots of crustaceans including shrimp and hermit crabs. You’ll find a colorful kaleidoscope of reef fish here as well as the occasional shark or turtle – be sure to bring your camera.
Dry Island - Phu Quoc Dive Sites
So named because it has no vegetation, this rocky little island is surrounded by a lovely hard coral reef where butterfly fish, Moorish idols, and many other tropical species can be found in abundance. You can dive all around the island, and as there is plenty to see in the shallows, the site is great for all levels. Maximum depth is just about 20 meters in most areas. Watch for cuttlefish and octopus among the large boulders at the base of the reef, and keep an eye out for turtles and little reef sharks!
Roi East - Phu Quoc Dive Sites
An excellent site for macro life, Roi East is located between shore and an offshore pearl farm. With lovely coral and sponge growth and a maximum depth of just 10 meters, this is a great site for all divers. Watch for hermit crabs and glass shrimp, along with other crustaceans, and keep an eye out for the stonefish and scorpionfish that often hide along the reef. Larger creatures are here as well; keep an eye out for moray eels, groupers, and sweetlips.
May Rut West - Phu Quoc Dive Sites
An excellent place to encounter bamboo and nurse sharks, along with the occasional reef shark, May Rut West is sheltered from outside currents and features a lovely reef that extends to meet the boulder-covered seabed at a depth of 25 meters. Excellent for all divers, it is home to harmless banded sea snakes, cuttlefish, octopus, moray eels, and many other creatures, all of which are more than happy to pose for photos.
Tourism is an important part of Phu Quoc’s economy, and with excellent accommodations available, as well as a few different dive operators to choose from, it is a fun place to visit. The island is served by an airport with links to Ho Chi Minh city, Rach Gia, and Tan Son Nhat airports, and if you like you can travel to the island via hydrofoil ferry. There is plenty to see and do topside, including lovely waterfalls, beautiful historic temples, and of course, fantastic white sand beaches. Be sure to plan in advance and select a good dive operator – there are a few outfits here that provide dive trips, but which are poorly equipped. With careful planning and research, you’ll soon find yourself enjoying an excellent holiday.