Phu Quoc Dive Spots
The best diving around Phu Quoc is during the dry season, October through to April. Diving is available in the North-West or around the small archipelago, just south of An Thoi fishing village.
Phu Quoc has 2 dive areas: Noth-West & South
The diving around the island is typically very shallow, between 10 – 12 meters on average. The North is generally more sheltered than the South, but the choice of dive sites is limited. The South has a much bigger choice of sites and is undoubtedly the better diving. The south is however much more exposed and conditions can change with little or no warning.
There are a couple of sites for deeper diving, but these are very exposed and you can be subjected to very strong currents or rough surface conditions. Diving here is macro diving, don’t expect to see any big sharks, turtles or rays. The reefs are in excellent condition however, and some of the more common marine life you can spot includes, Bamboo Sharks, Blue Spotted Rays, Scorpion Fish, Nudibranch, Crustaceans, Cuttle Fish, and Octopus.
Water temperature ranges from 28 to 31 degrees Visibility is typically around 10 meters. From October to May the currents are changeable.
Phu Quoc’s North Dive Sites
Turtle Island
Probably the best site in the north of Phu Quoc, Turtle Island’s reef runs from just below the surface to 12 m depth. Here we find a big variety of tropical fish and big shoals of fusiliers and damselfish. At a depth of 7 to 10 meters there is a group of big rocks forming some nice « canyons » making the topography of this place very entertaining. At a shallower depth you can see beautiful hard coral formations with a big anemones colony with their respective pink anemone fish. Diving is possible all around the island.
Nudibranch Garden
A very shallow reef with big coral and rock formation at the deeper parts (7 to 10 meters). This site is populated with a big number of the godiva nudibranch, a beautiful species with bright purple coloration; other species of nudibranchs can be also seen here. If you are lucky you may find a bamboo shark under a rock or coral if you search hard enough.
Nail Island
At low tide Nail Island is connected to the mainland and offers a healthy, shallow reef down to 10 m where the site gives way to sand. This site offers a system of big rocks scattered around a flat sandy bottom, creating many hiding places for fish, like barracudas and giant pufferfishes. The sandy bottom is also worthy of much attention, with patience and a good eye for small animals you can spot octopuses, mantis shrimps and toadfishes among others.
Phu Quoc’s South Dive Sites
Turtle Island North
Off the north tip of the island the sea floor is littered with large rocks completely covered with a wide variety of pristine corals. This site also is home to a number of butterfly fish species. An eagle ray has also been spotted off this reef. 18 m maximum depth.
Turtle Island East
This site is a sloping reef that flattens out to a bottom populated by boulders. Large angelfish call this site home. 18 m maximum.
Turtle Island South
This site can be subject to brisk currents which bring nutrients to the reef. Nutrients also tend to attract a wide varieties of life as is the case here. A sloping bottom to 20 m allows a large area on which the coral can grow. Many types of reef fish live here as well.
May rut West
This site is hidden from the current and allows more relaxed diving but still hosts a healthy and diverse reef system. Banded sea snakes and sharks feed and hide around the large rocks that make up the bottom, which is 25 m here.
May Rut Trong
A small island off the coast supports a shallow reef teeming with life. A great site for diving as well as snorkeling. Being so small, you are able to circumnavigate the small pinnacle on a single tank. 10 m maximum depth.
Dry Island
A small island predominantly inhabited by hard corals. parrot fish come here to feed on the abundance of food as do the butterfly fish. Diving is good all around the island which oddly has no vegetation
Roi East
Lying between the shore and a pearl farm, the reef here is quite interesting and the calm waters allow a wide range of corals and macro inhabitants to live on the reef. Down to a depth of 10m, there are often cuttlefish and glass shrimp here. Move slowly and keep and eye out!
Roi South
Another site with large boulders and plenty of coral. Large white whip corals sprout from the sand and gorgonian fans cling to the sides of the giant stone formations.
Dam Ngoai West
A shallow coral reef down to 12 m where nudibranchs and small reef fish are abundant. Also a good spot to hide from inclement weather.
Dam Ngoai South
The reef structure here continues down to a depth of 18 m and has many types of soft and hard coral. Lots of small macro creatures here so bring a good guide!
Dragon Rock
This dive site is dominated by house sized boulders. Many Angel Fish populate this site as well as numerous varieties of soft and hard Corals. One of Phu Quoc premier sites and a must see for any diver.
The Outside
The outside is a reef that goes down to 12 m and gets its name from the rocks off the shore barely breaking the surface. Great for diving but not so good for boats!
North Pineapple Point
This site reaches 18 m and has a very rocky bottom with lots of coral growth. A large colony of whip corals calls this site home as well as Cuttlefish and numerous reef fishes.
2 Coconut Reef
This reef is a very nice reef that works its way from 8 m down to 20 m and boasts a pristine flower coral garden at 18 m. Puffers, Pipefish and the occasional Seahorse are residents of this reef.
South Pineapple Point
This is one of the deepest sites in Phu Quoc. Reaching down to a 35 m depth and often subject to strong currents it can also be one of the most challenging sites to dive. A great dive for those who are looking for a little more excitement in their day. AOW certification recommended for this site.
