Diving and Snorkelling in Phu Quoc 2026: An Thoi Archipelago Guide

Phu Quoc’s diving is centred on the An Thoi Archipelago at the island’s southern tip. The reefs here are the most intact on the island — the north has been affected by development and boat traffic. Visibility and coral coverage are reasonable but not comparable to the Coral Triangle or even to Nha Trang’s Hon Mun Marine Reserve.

An Thoi Archipelago dive sites

Hon Thom (Pineapple Island): The most commonly visited island in the archipelago. The reef system on the east side has good coral coverage in 5–20m depth. Suitable for all levels.

Hon Dam: A small island with a wall dive on the north side. Depths to 30m. Good fish life including grouper, snapper, and occasional barracuda.

Hon Roi: A site known for soft coral in moderate depths (10–18m). Less visited than Hon Thom, which means less anchor damage.

Finger Reef: A reef system between islands rather than at any single island. Good variety of hard coral. Occasional turtle sightings.

Marine life

The Gulf of Thailand is shallower and warmer than the South China Sea. Species include reef fish (parrotfish, angelfish, triggerfish), moray eels, sea turtles (Hon Thom area), nudibranchs, and juvenile reef sharks. No regular big pelagic sightings reported. The diving is reef-focused rather than macro or pelagic-focused.

Dive operators

Rainbow Divers Phu Quoc: The same chain as the Nha Trang operation. PADI Five Star facility. Runs daily dive boats to An Thoi. Consistent safety standards. 2-dive boat trip: ₫800,000–1,400,000 ($32–56). PADI Open Water: ₫5,000,000–7,000,000 ($200–280).

John’s Tours: A smaller, longer-established operator with positive reviews for personal service. 2-tank dives from ₫700,000 ($28).

Vietnam Explorer: Another reputable option. Runs combination snorkel/dive day trips.

Conditions

Best months: November–April. Visibility 10–20m in good conditions. Calm surface conditions make the 45-minute boat ride to An Thoi comfortable.

May–October: Southwest monsoon. Reduced visibility (3–8m on bad days). Rough surface conditions. Some operators reduce schedule or cancel. Diving is still possible in calmer periods but conditions are unpredictable.

Snorkelling

Island hopping day trips (₫350,000–600,000 / $14–24 per person) include snorkelling stops at the An Thoi reefs. Equipment provided. The snorkelling at Hon Thom and the fringing reefs is reasonable — good for reef fish and coral viewing in clear conditions.

If snorkelling is the primary goal, a private boat to one reef site (₫1,500,000–3,000,000 / $60–120) with a guide who knows the good coral areas gives a better experience than a large group day trip.

Dive courses

PADI courses are available from Rainbow Divers and other operators. The Open Water course (3–4 days) can be completed entirely around Phu Quoc. Confined water sessions in hotel pools followed by open water dives in the archipelago. The conditions are suitable for training — calm and warm in dry season.