Discovering the Underwater Paradise in the Pearl Island

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For divers the true treasures around Phu Quoc Island are hidden below the surface where the panorama bursts into a virtual array of colours and corals. The warm, nutrient rich water draws vast schools of tropical fish. The diverse underwater scenery, and abundant marine life combined with good visibility will delight underwater photographers, marine naturalists and holiday makers alike. The calm and warm waters around Phu Quoc also make for a relaxing adventure for the experienced or first time diver and even people wishing to take advantage of the perfect snorkelling conditions.

Discovering the Underwater Paradise in the Pearl Island
Photo by Tuderna

Introduction



This island paradise lies only 10o north of the equator, enjoying a tropical climate with average water temperature of 24oC (75o F) with an extensive variety of aquatic life. The best time for a dive is between October and May in the dry season, however scuba diving is still available all year.

Scuba diving is relatively new to Phu Quoc island, only having been recently introduced in 2002, so divers have the unique opportunity of discovering the marine life around the island for the first time, with many areas around the island still largely unexplored. This underwater frontier continues to yield exciting new dive sites that are only now being made available. 


Even today, in some areas to the north around Turtle Island and in the coral gardens off Bai Dai, North East off Bai Thom and Rach Vem and virtually a large majority of the An Thoi Archipelago, you may enjoy the pleasure of being one of the first ever to dive the many sites.


Please report any Dive operators to us that do not take care of our marine environment, as we would prefer to promote eco friendly operators to ensure all visits can enjoy the fantastic underwater world for years to come.


Dive sites - An Thoi Archipelago



Located south of Phu Quoc approximately a 45 minute boat ride from Duong Dong.  The Archipelago is made up of a collection of some 15 islands/islets including the largest being Hon Thon (Pineapple island), followed by Hon Roi (Lamp Island), Hon Dam (Shadow Island), Hon Dua (Coconut Island), Hon Vang (Echo Island), Hon May Rut (Cold Cloud Island), Hon Dam (Shadow Island), Chan Qui (Yellow Tortoise Island) and Hong Mong Tay (Short Gun Island). 

The topography in this group of island varies considerably from the 60m deep strait between southern Phu Quoc island and Hon Dua Island and gentle sloping coral gardens off other islands. These islands also support some seagrass gardens which are more common off the eastern side of Phu Quoc, and home to the rarely seen Dugong. The archipelago is home to an abundance of smaller tropical fish, with the occasional grouper, tuna and mackerel also sighted.


Dive sites - Turtle Island (Doi Moi)



Located in the North West off the southern end of Bao Dai beach, about a 30 minute boat ride from Duong Dong, Turtle island is only 50m in length with a few palm trees and bushes with a sandy beach, and is also ideal for snorkelling. The waters surrounding the island are relatively shallow reaching no more than 10m, with an interesting range of hard corals and elephant ear and barrel sponges covered in sea worms and surrounded by small yellow damselfish, stonefish, some blue ringed angelfish and the occasional coral grouper and parrotfish



Learn to dive



Dive operators are ready to introduce you to the underwater paradise around Phu Quoc Island, which is developing among one of Vietnam’s premier diving locations. All dive schools offer courses from beginner to professional levels, by highly qualified instructors.


Prices won't vary too much between dive shops, just check out their websites listed above and find the right place for you!


Diver training


All dive operators in the area are run by professional diving instructors and divemasters with years of experience. In line with the world's premier diving agency, PADI, beginners and experienced divers alike will all benefit from years of diving experience and the build up of operations since 2002.

Scuba diving around Phu Quoc is perfect for all types of divers, whether experienced or trying scuba diving for the very first time, the variety of local dives caters to all levels of experience. For the beginner learning to dive, this is an excellent place to start, with warm and calm waters during the dry season making for a relaxing environment in which to experience breathing underwater for the first time.


There is little to compare to the sensational thrill of breathing underwater while exploring the last untamed frontier on the planet Earth. You have seen underwater film and photos, but nothing compares to actually drifting along a beautiful coral reef or swimming through a vast school of colourful tropical fish. The marine environment around Phu Quoc makes for a wonderful classroom in which to learn scuba or to upgrade your level of skills.


Discover SCUBA diving (for non certified divers)



Some of the Dive operators on Phu Quoc offer DSD for people not yet certified. The PADI Discover SCUBA Diving program allows those who have never tried it to safely experience the thrill of SCUBA diving. You escape to a unique part of our world with vivid colours, pristine beauty and fascinating aquatic creatures. You can visit coral reefs bursting with marine life and swim with schools of colourful fish. When you try SCUBA diving, the possibilities are endless.


When you participate in Discover SCUBA Diving, you learn about SCUBA diving in three simple steps. A PADI Instructor conducts a brief orientation, followed by your first underwater experience in a swimming pool or pool-like body of water. Then under the careful supervision of your PADI instructor, you will go on an actual SCUBA dive in shallow water where you safely experience the same sense of wonder and excitement shared every day by SCUBA divers throughout the world.


The PADI Discover SCUBA Diving Program is an experience that gives you a taste of what you experience when you dive. Enrolling in the PADI Scuba Diver course or the PADI Open Water Diver course allows you to go even further, by gaining the knowledge and skills to become a fully qualified SCUBA diver. 



Try diving



Try Dives are a useful way of introducing interested people to the joys of scuba diving. They are usually undertaken in a swimming pool or calm beach and should be good fun for the instructor and the student. Try Dives tend to spend as least time as possible talking on the surface, to get down under to maximise the experience.


Snorkelling



If you prefer to take in advantage the perfect snorkelling conditions around Phu Quoc island and just to go along for a ride, most of the dive operators also cater to the snorkelling folk. The warm shallow waters and tropical fish and colourful reef provide ideal conditions for snorkelling in Phu Quoc and a great day out on the water. 


Wish you have a great trip to Phu Quoc experiencing the water world with full pleasure!!!

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