A short footage of a hawksbill (one of 5 sea turtle species found in Vietnam) swimming in South Phu Quoc Island, sea turtle is now rarely-seen marine animal in Phu Quoc due to serious threatens from fishing and irresponsible tourism business.
The Sea Turtles of Vietnam | A Rare Encounter in Phu Quoc’s Coral Reefs
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Introduction about sea turtles in Phu Quoc island
Vietnam in general has a long coast line of more than 3000 kilometers, many stretched, untouched beaches have been become home to sea turtles, in Vietnam there are 5 sea turtle species in total. A large number of sea turtles usually found in Vietnam Southern where is warmer and provide good habitat for sea turtles to live and nest.
- Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
- Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
- Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
- Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)
- Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
Can you see Sea Turtles in Phu Quoc now?
Sea turtle is kind of rarely-seen now in Phu Quoc Island due to overfishing and reducing water quality due to pollution by restaurant on small islands, however they are still out there. According to OnBird’s observation record, we have seen sea turtle at least 10 times within 15 days in 2025 May.
Protecting Marine Life in Phu Quoc Starts with Coral Reefs – OnBird’s Responsible Travel Guidelines
Sea turtles are not the only marine species in Phu Quoc that need our protection. Countless other ocean creatures rely on healthy coral reef ecosystems, which support up to 25% of marine life. At OnBird, we believe that marine conservation begins with reef preservation, and we encourage all travelers to Phu Quoc to follow these simple but impactful guidelines:
- Avoid consuming egg-bearing marine species, such as squid with eggs or female crabs carrying roe.
- Limit consumption of sea urchins, a species that is facing significant population decline in local reef areas.
- Refrain from eating pearl oysters (Pinctada species), which are listed in Vietnam’s Red Data Book but are still widely consumed on island tours.
- Avoid having lunch or dinner on small islets, as food waste and wastewater can severely impact fragile reef ecosystems.
- Do not participate in recreational or big game fishing – large fish populations in Phu Quoc are rapidly declining and need time to recover.
- Do not feed fish during island-hopping, snorkeling, or diving tours, as it disrupts natural feeding behaviors and the balance of the reef ecosystem.
- Do not anchor into coral reef: this is indeed not rare in Phu Quoc
Join OnBird in choosing responsible travel for a sustainable Phu Quoc, where future generations can still experience the magic of the underwater world.
OnBird Phu Quoc – The Premier Snorkeling Operator for Sea Turtle Encounters
As the only Phu Quoc-based operator specializing in snorkeling tours, OnBird Phu Quoc offers the highest chance to spot sea turtles in the waters surrounding the island — even during the so-called rainy season, which runs from April to October. Backed by in-depth local knowledge of coral reef systems and marine conditions, OnBird crafts exclusive, small-group experiences that take travelers to pristine, lesser-known reefs where sea turtles are most frequently seen.
Whether you’re an ocean lover or a curious adventurer, join OnBird for an unforgettable underwater journey to explore Phu Quoc’s vibrant marine life in a responsible and enriching way.