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Do you think you truly understand Phu Quoc’s marine environment?
“Phu Quoc only has white sand and clear water, but all the coral is dead. If you want to see beautiful coral, you have to go to Nha Trang!” This statement is frequently mentioned in travel groups. Or “Going to Phu Quoc means taking island tours and taking Instagram photos—there’s nothing worth diving for!”
Such misunderstadings are not only incorrect but also cause thousands of tourists to miss the opportunity to witness one of Vietnam’s most diverse marine ecosystems. This article will debunk 5 common s about Phu Quoc’s marine ecosystem, helping you discover the true uniqueness of these waters.
MAIN CONTENTS
5 Common Misunderstandings – And the Surprising Truth
1. “Coral in Phu Quoc is scarce and unremarkable”
The shocking truth: Research shows that coral ecosystems in Phu Quoc still maintain many thriving areas—some even ranking among Vietnam’s highest coral coverage zones.
Several notable areas such as the Northeast Coral Reef, Half-moon Reef, and Coral Mountain are where coral species experience optimal growth conditions. Here, you can easily encounter expansive Table coral (Acropora) structures spreading like underwater forest canopies, interspersed with Brain coral (Porites), pillar coral, and numerous large boulder coral formations growing in layered clusters.
Data recorded by OnBird from 2018 to present shows:
- Average hard coral coverage in Phu Quoc reaches approximately 44.5%
- At some snorkeling sites surveyed by OnBird and visited by guests, coral coverage reaches 82–82.5%
- These areas have stable hydrographic conditions: located in enclosed bays, minimally affected by large waves and strong currents—ideal conditions for coral recovery and sustainable growth.
| Learn more: What Coral Species You Can See in Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam?
Particularly, the Coral Mountain dive site is one of the rare locations in Phu Quoc with unique underwater topography: coral clusters growing on hard rock foundations 1–3 meters high, creating “small mountains” in the middle of the sea. This is also home to many large reef fish species, soft corals, and sea anemones—an ideal environment for snorkeling exploration.
2. “Grouper fish are just for eating, nothing special about them”
The surprising truth: Phu Quoc has the highest grouper density in Southeast Asia, with many rare species playing crucial roles in the marine food chain.
These waters are home to over 15 grouper species, from giant Queensland grouper that can weigh up to 400kg, to rare coral trout. Grouper are not just seafood but “ecosystem engineers”—controlling small fish populations and preventing biological overload that could damage coral reefs. Some “village elder” grouper here have lived over 50 years, carrying invaluable genetic knowledge.
Phu Quoc is witnessing severe decline in many species including grouper, particularly large-sized grouper populations are decreasing significantly. OnBird recommends: limiting consumption of grouper and other seafood experiencing severe population decline.
3. “Phu Quoc doesn’t have clownfish and sea anemones?”
The interesting truth: Clownfish and sea anemones are still present in Phu Quoc. Thanks to stable biological conditions and currents at certain specialized reefs, visitors can observe Pink Skunk Clownfish—one of the characteristic clownfish species of the Gulf of Thailand region. This species lives symbiotically with giant sea anemones, reaching up to 1.5m in diameter, creating scenery like “a miniature city” on the seabed.
However, finding clownfish and sea anemones in Phu Quoc is not easy, due to their regional distribution patterns and requirements for stable ecosystems. Areas where anemones and clownfish can be observed include:
- Half-moon Reef
- Coral Garden
- Northeast Coral Reef
- Coral Jungle
| Learn more: Where to See Anemones and Clownfish in Phu Quoc Snorkeling Sites
4. “You need scuba diving to make it worthwhile”
The truth: Snorkeling is actually the premier experience for discovering the beauty of Phu Quoc’s coral reefs—where the most vibrant coral ecosystems develop in shallow waters from 0.5m to 5m depth. This is also a depth difficult to access with scuba diving.
With ideal average depths of 0.5m–8m, participants of all skill levels can join. Through snorkeling, you can access the most spectacular core reef areas, observe clownfish, giant grouper, and even sea turtles—with just a mask, snorkel, and fins.
Not only safe and flexible, the snorkeling exploration experience also helps participants develop buoyancy control skills, proper fin usage, and improve diving techniques—important foundational skills for advancing further in marine diving.
OnBird has developed multi-level specialized snorkeling programs with direct underwater instructor guidance—suitable for children from 4 years old, elderly people, and those with no diving experience.
| Learn more: 5 Differences Between Snorkeling vs. Scuba that You May Don’t Know
5. “You can’t encounter sea turtles in Phu Quoc”
The hopeful truth: Sea turtles are still present in Phu Quoc—though increasingly rare due to impacts from overfishing and pollution from small islands. However, nature is quietly recovering. In May 2025, OnBird recorded a hawksbill turtle swimming freely in southern Phu Quoc waters—an encouraging signal showing that with proper protection, the ecosystem here has the potential to welcome the return of sea turtles.
In just two summer months of 2025, OnBird’s survey expeditions and customer experiences recorded over 10–20 turtle sightings—a rare number in recent years.
Particularly, the coral reefs OnBird selects for guest exploration are all areas with hydrographic conditions suitable for sea turtle habitat preferences. Through long-term research and field observation, OnBird’s team understands the timing, currents, and movement habits of the species, thereby increasing the chances of naturally encountering sea turtles during snorkeling exploration journeys.
Phu Quoc vs Other Marine Areas – What Makes It Different?
1. Unique Advantages
- Nha Trang is famous but frequently affected by monsoons and large waves from October to March. Phu Quoc lies in an enclosed bay, creating calm sea conditions almost year-round.
- Con Dao is pristine but difficult to access with high costs. Phu Quoc has developed infrastructure while maintaining many pristine areas.
- Compared to Similan Island (Thailand), Phu Quoc has equivalent water clarity and biodiversity but much lower access costs.
2. Unique Ecological Characteristics
- Independent location in enclosed bay: Minimally affected by storms, creating stable coral development conditions
- Warm water year-round (26-29°C): Extended growing season, rich ecosystem
- Gently sloping shallow seabed: Ideal for snorkeling exploration activities, suitable for various levels from beginner to professional
- Endemic species: Pink Skunk Clownfish, Honey Grouper, Christmas Tree Worms
| Learn more: Diving Deep Into Phu Quoc’s Marine Heart – Exploring the Enchanting Underwater
Responsible Exploration – From Understanding to Action
Join small group experiences with professional guides: Choose tours of 8-12 people with marine biology-trained guides instead of mass tours with large crowds.
“Look only, don’t touch” principle: Maintain a minimum 1-meter distance from coral and marine life. Even a light touch can damage coral’s protective mucus layer.
Don’t feed fish: This changes fish’s natural behavior, creates dependency, and disrupts ecological balance.
Reef-safe sunscreen: Avoid chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate that can cause coral bleaching. Choose “reef-safe” products or use long-sleeved protective clothing.
Support operators with conservation philosophy: Choose tour operators committed to environmental protection and contributing to conservation projects.
Reference: 07 Tips for Responsible Snorkeling in Phu Quoc Island
Conclusion: Don’t Let Misconceptions Make You Miss the World Beneath Your Feet
Phu Quoc is not just a “pearl island” above water but also a biological treasure beneath the sea. From coral reefs with Vietnam’s highest coverage density, giant grouper species, rare Pink Skunk Clownfish, to the return of sea turtles—everything proves that Phu Quoc’s marine environment deserves to be explored and cherished.
Accurate knowledge is the first step to loving and protecting nature. Don’t let misconceptions keep you limited to Instagram photos on white sand. Phu Quoc’s underwater world awaits your discovery—a world more colorful and magical than anything you can imagine.
Let OnBird – Soft-Adventure Journeys accompany you in exploring Phu Quoc’s marine world through authentic and in-depth experiences. With our team of marine biology guides and commitment to sustainable tourism, we will help you not only see but deeply understand the miraculous beauty of this pearl island’s marine ecosystem.