Many parents, couples, groups of friends are surely excited about their upcoming family trip to the islands of Vietnam — such as Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, or Da Nang — and are planning a sea excursion to explore small islands and the coral reef ecosystem in Phu Quoc. Some families may already be experienced travelers and have taken part in snorkeling or island-hopping activities with their children in destinations like the Philippines, Indonesia, Nha Trang, Jeju, or Malaysia. Of course, there are also families who are new to marine activities such as snorkeling, swimming in the open sea, or exploring offshore islands.
Whether you’re experienced or not, OnBird Phu Quoc believes this article will be valuable for all types of travelers — individuals, couples, families with young children, or organized groups — to gain a deeper understanding of the potential risks and hidden dangers of the sea. It also provides insights into the safety management standards that OnBird upholds for all snorkeling, scuba diving, and island-hopping activities in Phu Quoc.
MAIN CONTENTS
- 1. Understand the different between Enclosed Water and Open Water
- 2. Differences in Water Conditions: Open Water vs. Enclosed/Sheltered Water Areas
- 3. Understanding Ocean Conditions (An Open Water): Waves, Currents, and Safety in Open Water
- 4. Professional Organizers: Expertise in Water Conditions and Safety Management Procedures
- 4. Gain Better Understanding About Phu Quoc Weather
1. Understand the different between Enclosed Water and Open Water

Many people — including parents with young children — often don’t distinguish between open water and enclosed water when thinking about activities like snorkeling or island-hopping. OnBird would like to clarify the difference:
- Enclosed Water refers to bodies of water that are isolated and do not connect with larger external water sources. These areas are typically small and surrounded by barriers. Examples include ponds and lakes.
- Open Water, on the other hand, refers to expansive bodies of water that are connected to surrounding water systems. These areas are vast, unbounded, and lack physical enclosures. Examples include the sea, rivers, and streams.
2. Differences in Water Conditions: Open Water vs. Enclosed/Sheltered Water Areas

This means that when swimming, diving, or boating in closed waters you will not encounter problems such as: large waves, complex changes in wave direction, and strong currents as with open waters.
3. Understanding Ocean Conditions (An Open Water): Waves, Currents, and Safety in Open Water
Swimming and diving in open water areas differ greatly from enclosed pools or sheltered lagoons. This is especially true for beginners, less-experienced, families, and children. The ocean’s physical environment is complex and influenced by several key factors:
Wave Height: Waves can vary from calm, pool-like conditions to heights of 1–3 meters or more. These variations often change hourly due to weather and tides.
Wave Direction: Waves approach from different directions. In some locations, waves can push swimmers toward hazardous areas like rocky reefs or cliffs, increasing the risk of injury.
Currents: Water currents are underwater flows that can be independent of wave behavior. Even when the sea surface looks calm, currents can flow at speeds of 3 to 5 meters per second, posing significant risks to swimmers and snorkelers.
Understanding these natural phenomena is essential for safe ocean activities. Awareness, preparation, and respect for the marine environment can prevent accidents and ensure enjoyable experiences for all.
4. Professional Organizers: Expertise in Water Conditions and Safety Management Procedures
Given the inherent risks and potential hazards associated with marine activities such as coral reef diving, island exploration, and swimming, travelers today are increasingly aware of the complexities and dangers involved. Among these, accurately understanding and assessing sea conditions—including wave height, wave direction, and currents—is a challenge for most visitors.
Therefore, selecting an organizer with comprehensive knowledge and extensive experience in the specific water conditions of each coastal area is a crucial factor. This expertise, combined with adherence to fundamental safety standards, ensures that guests can enjoy their activities with confidence and peace of mind.
A professional organizer plays a critical role in ensuring safe and enjoyable snorkeling and scuba diving experiences. Their deep understanding of local water conditions—such as tides, currents, wave patterns, and weather fluctuations—enables them to plan and schedule activities at the safest and most optimal times.
Moreover, strict safety control procedures are implemented throughout the entire experience. These include:
Pre-trip briefings to educate guests on potential risks and safe practices
Continuous monitoring of weather and sea conditions before and during excursions, offering highly accurate forecasts of water conditions to ensure safe and optimal excursion planning.
Providing appropriate safety equipment and ensuring all participants are properly trained
Employing certified and well-trained guides, instructors to supervise and assist guests at all times
Having emergency response plans and medical support readily available
By combining expertise in hydrological conditions with rigorous safety protocols, professional organizers minimize risks and maximize guests’ confidence and enjoyment in exploring the vibrant underwater world.
OnBird Phu Quoc is a pioneering organization in Vietnam and Southeast Asia that has developed an advanced early-warning and water condition forecasting model. This model allows for dynamic itinerary adjustments and destination selection to ensure safe and optimal experiences for snorkeling, scuba diving, and island-hopping exploration around Phu Quoc’s natural coral reefs, small islets.
With its exclusive Open Water Safety Management System, OnBird not only delivers unique and memorable travel experiences but also provides travelers with reliable safety assessments of wave height, wave direction, and current intensity across most coastal areas of Vietnam, especially in the Phu Quoc region, for many months each year.
OnBird is a trusted source of information and a reputable organizer for individual travelers, couples, families with young children, companies, and groups planning to explore the marine ecosystems of Phu Quoc through snorkeling, diving, and island activities.

4. Gain Better Understanding About Phu Quoc Weather
This post offers detailed insights into Phu Quoc’s monthly weather patterns based on real observations by OnBird. From the content below, you’ll gain an insider’s perspective on how weather conditions change throughout the year on the Pearl Island.
Comprehensive Monthly Phu Quoc Weather Guides Based on OnBird’s Observations
OnBird’s Exclusive Open Water Safety Management For Discovery Snorkeling
5. OnBird Marine Life Discovery Snorkeling Tours And Island Hopping
[HÀNH TRÌNH GHÉP] – KHÁM PHÁ “KHU RỪNG SAN HÔ” (Tối đa 9 – 10 khách)
[Island Explorer] Island Hopping: 4 Islands and 2 Coral Reefs & Relaxing (Max 12 PAX)