富国岛最美丽的珊瑚礁，适合浮潜和水肺潜水

The Post updates:

1. By OnBird Phu Quoc (Dec 30 2021)
2. By OnBird Phu Quoc (Mar 03 2022)
3. By OnBird Phu Quoc (July 13 2022)
4. By OnBird Phu Quoc (Dec 2022)
5. By OnBird Phu Quoc (Feb 05 2023)
6. By OnBird Phu Quoc (Mar 01 2023)
7. By OnBird Phu Quoc (Mar 18 2023)

为了更好地了解富国岛水域的珊瑚和生物，以成为水专家和探索珊瑚和与可持续旅游标准相关的深入海洋生态系统，保护海洋环境，同时少对珊瑚礁影响的经验组织者的目的，富国OnBird（珊瑚山旅游贸易服务有限公司旗下品牌）是富国岛第一家开创性公司，致力于建立和收集越南富国岛珊瑚礁、珊瑚物种、分布密度、珊瑚健康状况和水条件的数据。 自 2018 年以来，我们开始收集和开发有关富国岛珊瑚礁的信息，根据收集到的信息和资料，建立专注于探索海洋生物的活动和体验（专业浮潜和专业水肺潜水）。 OnBird 在人类、不可持续的旅游业或非法捕鱼的影响下，我们目睹富得国岛和一般越南的珊瑚迅速退化背景下，建设了解富国岛珊瑚礁的特征，并跟踪珊瑚礁在此随时间的变化。

Coral Restoration in Phu Quoc Island with OnBird Phu Quoc

富国岛是越南最大的岛屿，位于赤道附近，具有显著的热带季风气候，是越南首要的海洋环境之一，有利于珊瑚礁发展顺利、强大和多样。根据观察、潜水之旅的实际监测和考察，OnBird 评估并列出了适合潜水的富国岛海域中最美丽的珊瑚礁（更新至 2022 年 8 月）。我们使用单独的名称，并且不指定每个珊瑚礁的具体位置，以避免侵占，限制破坏珊瑚礁的未负责任的旅游开发，由于旅游活动的强劲发展，近年来富国岛正在发生警报的情况。富国岛跟芽庄、昆岛、土周、黄沙和长沙等区域可以被认为是越南一些顶级珊瑚礁或物种多样性的所在地。富国岛是260 种珊瑚的家，占世界珊瑚种类总数（798种）的32.5%，其中硬珊瑚252种，软珊瑚8种，隶属于14科49属，优势属为滨珊瑚属、轴孔珊瑚属、蔷薇珊瑚属、牡丹珊瑚属、刺孔珊瑚属、双星珊瑚属。 富国岛珊瑚自北向南分布，总面积473.9公顷，其中主要集中在安太群岛南部，面积362.2公顷（占76 %）。 平均珊瑚覆盖率相当高，为 44.5%（3 级），尤其是有地方高达 82.5%（富国岛北部）。

富国岛拥有全越南最健康的珊瑚区，珊瑚白化率最低（软珊瑚区几乎为 0%，硬珊瑚区只有 7.3% 被白化），而软珊瑚区为 65.8%，硬珊瑚区为 39.5%。 芽庄的硬珊瑚面积、昆岛的软珊瑚面积占 79.5%、硬珊瑚面积占 25%。 受影响最严重的白化发生在2010年的富国岛，56.6%的硬珊瑚区域被白化，我们现在仍然可以看到其后果。

我们网站上使用的所有珊瑚和浮潜和潜水照片均由 OnBird 在富国岛拍摄。

富国岛浮潜（Snorkeling）和水肺潜水（Scuba Diving）点简介

根据实际考察的观察，我们观察到富国岛珊瑚物种最繁盛的常见深度在 1至6 米深的范围内，尤其是苔表鹿角珊瑚（Table Coral或Acropora）是最活跃的与纽扣珊瑚（Button Coral或 Zoanthids）、安氏杯形珊瑚（Cauliflower coral）和叶珊瑚（Leaf coral）一起，占据了珊瑚礁的大部分区域。 在富国岛的一些珊瑚礁，可以看到直径2至7米的苔表鹿角珊瑚。 特别是富国岛南部的珊瑚多样性和密度高于和密集于富国岛北部。

为了有一个安全和理想的富国岛潜水之旅，请您在此阅读更多在一年内每个时期的富国岛天气综合指南。

以下部分是 OnBird 在富国岛水域发现的核心区珊瑚点或隐藏珊瑚点，几乎对 99% 的旅行者都隐藏。 （记得提前查看富国岛的详细天气和富国岛最佳浮潜和潜水时间以制定浮潜或水肺潜水计划，或咨询我们以获取有关富国岛水域和天气情况的高级建议 年）

I. 富国岛南部的珊瑚礁：富国岛海里潜水指南

1. 珊瑚山 (Coral Mountain)

• 珊瑚种类：仙人掌珊瑚（Pavona Coral）、纽扣珊瑚（Button Coral或 Zoanthids
• 深度：0.5 – 3米
• 珊瑚礁类型：近岸礁（Nearshore Reef）
• 适合的探索类型：浮潜（Snorkeling）- Try-dive（尝试水肺潜水）
• 珊瑚礁状况：发展状况良好，活珊瑚，部分区域已被游客破坏。 周边珊瑚区已死亡或严重受损
• 最佳探索时间：几乎全年

Phu Quoc Coral Mountain is one of the most worth visiting snorkeling spots in whole Phu Quoc Island, you will be surprised with the massive size of the Coral Mountain. The cactus corals have growth into a massive size that is around 200 – 300 square meters at the Crystal Reef, south Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam.

The special of the Coral Mountain is the massive size it is, the depth at which it is located and the coral species. The cactus corals stretch out 30 – 40 meters long, 7 – 8m wide in a very shallow water, the highest tide was recorded by OnBird is 1 m from the head of the Coral Mountain, the normal low tide was recorded is 0.2 m and exceptionally low tide even leaved the coral head exposed.

The Coral Mountain amplify the wildness of the underwater landscape of Crystal Reef, which worthy of the name “Coral Paradise of Phu Quoc Island” given to it.

Across thousands of square meters area of the Crystal reef, we have found almost 80-85% of coral reefs dying or being fallen into a bad state of health, and there will be no point in exploring coral heaven if you will not be able to see healthy coral.

But fortunately, after many times of exploring here we found out the biggiest Cactus coral (Pavona Cactus) colony that we name it as “Undersea Coral Mountain”, which is still healthy and alive. Which make us feeling happy after getting very disappointed with the bad situation of corals at Phu Quoc Crystal Reef. Especially, the Button Polyps Corals that live interspersed among the Cactus corals making amazing moments, when you wave slightly the Button corals they will retreat their tentacles, creating effects like color change on corals but sadly the Button Polyps Corals are invading and blanketing the Coral Mountain gradually thereby we are having to act to stop their invasion.

In the video below, we recorded a Nudibranch swimming at next to the Coral Mountain

2. Coral Hill: The Phu Quoc’s second largest Flowerpot Coral Cluster in Phu Quoc

Coral Hill is a huge Flowerpot coral (Goniopora) cluster located in South Phu Quoc Island which is the Phu Quoc’s second largest flowerpot coral cluster that OnBird has ever observed. Flowerpot coral is known as Goniopora stokesi is ball shaped with very long tentacles, is a genus of colonial stony coral found in lagoons and turbid water conditions. Flowerpot corals have numerous daisy-like polyps that extend outward from the base, each tipped with 24 stinging tentacles which surrounds a mouth.

This flowerpot coral cluster has been growing into a huge size with a hill-like outward appearance. We estimate that the area of this flowerpot coral cluster is around 40 – 45 sq meter which is much more smaller than the Coral Mountain (the largest cactus coral colony in Phu Quoc). Depth ranges to explore the Coral Hill is 3 – 6m, very ideal depth to try skindiving.

3. Half-moon Reef: A Snorkeling & Diving spot in Phu Quoc with an attractive underwater Soft corals-covered ridges of jagged material

• Coral Species (around 20 different speices of corals): Cactus Coral, Leaf coral, Table coral, Cauliflower coral, Plate coral, Mushroom coral, Plate and Pillar coral, Pillar coral, Finger coral, Sinularia Leather Coral, Toadstool coral, Honeycomb coral, Pore Coral, Flowerpot coral, Orange cup coral, Button coral, Brain coral, Giant tube sponge, Big Yellow Rope sponge, Staghorn coral, Anemone…
• Depth range: 0.5 – 10m
• Type of coral reef: Non-fringing Reef
• Proper diving experience: Snorkeling – Fun-dive (Scuba Diving) – Free-diving
• Coral health status: live coral, some closeshore spots are damaged by anchor of speedboats recently, some corals are cutted to be taken to bring to sea-walking clubs in Phu Quoc
• Exploring time: in the Dry Season (October – April), sometimes between April – August we can still explore

The video below was recorded in Phu Quoc Half-moon Reef on our snorkeling trip in 2022

Phu Quoc Half-moon Reef is one of the best spots for either scuba diving (fun-dive), snorkeling and free-diving, possess a great variety of coral species, you find here most coral species of Phu Quoc. Especially the underwater terrain make it an attractive spot to those who are keen on coral reefs and marine life. We find here coral-covered cliffs, canyons, anemone gardens, coral-covered walls, rocks and especially we find here the largest dome-shaped honeycomb coral in Phu Quoc. This is a proper site for those who are interested in free-diving, fun-dive to see a diversified marine world while swimming, diving through, over high cliff of corals and big walls. Easy to see soft corals here, with 2 popular ones: toadstool coral and finger coral. At the depth of 8 – 9m you find many big honeycombs. Anemone living at the depth of 4 – 5 – 6 -7 m. You find largest anemone populations of Phu Quoc here beside North-east Coral Reef. Descend down the depth of just 4 m, walls, cliffs or big rocks covered fully with finger corals begin to appear and surprise you. We do list out some amazing spots you can see at the Phu Quoc Half-moon Reef:

* Golden Anemone Garden

The anemone population located at the depth of 5m with an area of about 4 -5 square meters. Anemone species here is Ritteri Anemone is also referred to as the Magnificent Anemone, they are naturally brown, their bases are in violet color with adhesive foot attach to a big rock and massive coral. This anemone species can almost completely retract into their base as we witnessed many time. The clownfishs living with anemone are Pink skunk clownfishs, the most popular clownfish in Phu Quoc.

The anemone garden are surrounded by some hard corals, table and leaf corals.

* Phu Quoc Finger Coral-Covered Rock

Located at the depth of 6 meters with 4 meters long and 2 meters high, this is an amazing ideal spot for either snorkeling or free-diving, this Finger coral-covered rock located close to a big rock make a small cliff between. Finger coral or Sinularia Levi coral is a one of 2 most popular soft coral species in Phu Quoc. Enjoy a fascinating feeling of swiming, snorkeling, diving along the cliff with plenty of coral covering. The close view is totally different from above, look shimmering, magical. Around the cliff are anemones, leaf corals and giant tube sponges.

In the video below there is a section of the Finger coral-covered cliff (103s) we recorded in Phu Quoc Half-moon Reef

* Phu Quoc Golden Toadstool Coral-covered Canyon

In Half-moon Reef, we find interesting ridges of jagged material below the surface. Toadstool coral-covered Canyons are around 5 – 6 m long and 5 – 7m deep and almost 3 m in height, completely covered by Toadstool Coral (a common soft coral in Phu Quoc). Live interspered with toadstool corals or capret corals are brain corals and finger coral on the seabed surface you will be seeing the presence of Montipora Monasteriata Corals and Brain Corals… We find that the toadstool corals in Half-moon reef in particular and whole Phu Quoc in gerneral will get bleaching seasonal, sometime toadstool coral get white completely and then few days or a week later the tentacle start to extend and change the coral into yellow.

* Phu Quoc Coral Continental Slope

The slope is at the depth of 4 – 5m, it is about 5 – 6 m long, an amazing spot to view the corals from an incredible new perspective underwater. The slope is fullly covered by plate and pillar corals, a big colony of giant tube sponge and anemone make the spot charming when looking up from below.

* Phu Quoc largest Dome-shaped Honeycomb Coral

A 5 – 6-meter-wide Honeycomb Coral discovered at the depth of 7 meter of Phu Quoc Half-moon Reef, with a height of 3 – 4 meter from the foot to the head. This honeycomb coral is the widest we have ever found in the Phu Quoc water. On top of that, the Honeycomb coral has a twin brother which is smaller in size.

* Phu Quoc Lettuce Coral garden

This is the largest lettuce coral colony we have found in Phu Quoc Island, located at the depth of 2.5 – 4m in Phu Quoc Half-moon Reef. We document the lettuce coral garden in April 2022 for the first time, corals are healthy. Growth right at the shore the the colony is easily damaged by irresponsible speedboats if they drop down the anchors on.

Check out professional snorkeling tours by OnBird: Private tour or Small-group tour (Max 6 – 8 Pax) with underwater guides to explore this beautiful coral reef of Phu Quoc Island.

In the Phu Quoc Half-moon Reef, we can also observe an uncomon soft coral in Phu Quoc is Finger Leather Coral(Sinularia or Nepthea Coral), it is usually found at the depth of more than 8 – 12 m but we found somes at the depth of around 4 – 5m.

4. Shallow Reef: the kingdom of big-sized Table Corals in Phu Quoc Island

• Coral Species (around 12 different speices of corals): Table coral, Leaf coral, Cauliflower coral, Plate coral, Mushroom coral, Toadstool coral, Pore Coral, Button coral, Brain coral, Staghorn coral, Octopus coral, Anemone…
• Depth range: 0.3 – 6m
• Type of coral reef: Fringing Reef
• Proper diving experience: Snorkeling – Try-dive (Scuba Diving)
• Coral health status: both live and dead corals, some biggest table coral colonies were damaged by anchor of speedboats recently
• Exploring time: in the summer or Rainy Season (May – October) or even November

This is truly home to Table corals acrross whole Phu Quoc Island, you dont find here a great variety of coral species with just only around 12 different coral species among that, the reef is dominated by table corals the most. Thanks to the shallow water that Table corals here have been growing into very large in size. We found here largest table coral colony of Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam with 7 – 8 m arross and 1.5 m high separated into 3 – 4 floor. Please see the photos below of the largest table coral colony ever found in Phu Quoc Island.

The largest table coral colony growths into a flower-shaped colony, with the foot located at the depth of 4 – 5m.

To explore the Phu Quoc Shallow reef, a skilful snorkeling skill is a must, as you might get stuck and damage table corals when getting closer to the shore at where the depth is only 0.3 – 0.4m. Toadstool corals located close to the shore at the depth of just 1m.

Table corals live on pore corals and stony coral species

Video of snorkeling and corals in Phu Quoc Shallow Reef

However the reef is now under serious threat by speed boats as we found the largest table coral colony aforementioned damaged 80%. Besides that we find here many “ghost nets” left by fishermen and brought here by the waves, we sometimes make clean up snorkeling trip to clean “ghost nets” in Phu Quoc but we still find them sometime.

5. Coral Steep: A coral garden in South Phu Quoc

• Coral Species (around 12 different speices of corals): Table coral, Cactus coral, Plate coral, Cauliflower coral, Mushroom coral, Pore Coral, Button coral, Brain coral, Orange Cup coral, Giant tube sponge, Starghorn coral, Flowerspot coral, Anemone…
• Depth range: 0.5 – 8 m
• Type of coral reef: Fringing Reef
• Proper diving experience: Snorkeling – Try-dive – Fundive (Scuba Diving)
• Coral health status: both live and dead corals, a large cactus coral grove was damaged by anchor of speedboats recently (updated on 15/7/2022)
• Exploring time: All year around

The terrain is gently sloping coral with a depth of 0.5 – 8m, in which coral grows strongly in the range of 0.5 – 3.5m. The main group of coral species are Porite Corals, Table corals, Cactus corals and Cauliflower corals. This is one of the fringing reefs still preserve it’s pristine beauty and easy to explore for snorkelers (snorkeling). It can be likened to a miniature coral garden, although not too diverse in coral species, corals grow densely to form a large coral carpet. Cauliflower coral here is quite special when mostly purple cauliflower coral.

At a depth of 1-1.5m, large populations of table corals with coral diameters up to 1.5m are formed. Coral grows densely in the depth of 0.5 – 3m. The snorkeling experience here is like walking in a small garden, the coral color is quite fresh, updated to July 10, 2022, the coral here is hardly affected by humans compared to other places. other coral reefs in Phu Quoc due to being surrounded by large coral reefs.

At a depth of 1-1.5m, large populations of table corals with coral diameters up to 1.5m are formed. Coral grows densely in the depth of 0.5 – 3m. The snorkeling experience here is like walking in a small garden, the coral color is quite fresh, updated to July 10, 2022, the coral here is hardly affected by humans compared to other places, other coral reefs in Phu Quoc thank to being surrounded by large massive corals.

We find here only one small anemone across whole the Coral Steep.

However: latest update on 15/7/2022 we are shocked to see a heavy damage on the cactus coral colony and cauliflower at the Coral Steep. We found the same situation at Coral Mountain at the same time. We are not sure what cause the terrible damage on the corals but it must be strong as we saw even some stony corals found in an overturned state and broken in half.

6. U-Turn: A small bay for Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Phu Quoc Island 

• Coral Species (around 13 – 14 different speices of corals): Table coral, Leaf coral, Cauliflower coral, Plate coral, Mushroom coral, Toadstool coral, Pore Coral, Button coral, Brain coral, Giant tube sponge, Anemone…
• Depth range: 0.5 – 12 m
• Type of coral reef: Non-fringing Reef
• Proper diving experience: Snorkeling – Try-dive – Fundive (Scuba Diving)
• Coral health status: both live and dead corals, some biggest table coral colonies were damaged by anchor of speedboats recently
• Exploring time: in the Drys season (October – April)

Phu Quoc U-Turn is another good choice for people who are keen on free-diving as well as snorkeling. The coral populations here are not large and not as dense as Half-moon Reef, North-east Coral Reef. The average depth here is deeper than Half-moon Reef and North-east Coral Reef, average depth is about 4 – 6m. If you are not used to the sea then U-Turn will scare you as the reef is to drop down 12 – 13m suddenly in certain places.

For snorkeling you could do near to the shore and for scuba diving just need to descend down and get further a little bit from the shore to reach the depth of 12 m. You dont see here many anemones and finger corals like Half-moon Reef, but it is great to dive in a vast seabed right at the foot of the shore.

The photos below are a giant clam that you will be able to see when proceeding snorkeling at U-Turn and Half-moon coral reef

7. North-east Coral Reef: a Coral City in South Phu Quoc (the most beautiful coral reef in Phu Quoc – best choice in the summer time)

• Coral Species (around 19 – 20 different speices of corals): Cactus Coral, Leaf coral, Table coral, Cauliflower coral, Plate coral, Mushroom coral, Plate and Pillar coral, Pillar coral, Finger coral, Toadstool coral, Pore Coral, Flowerpot coral, Orange cup coral, Button coral, Fan coral, Brain coral, Giant tube sponge, Big Yellow Rope sponge, Staghorn coral, Anemone…
• Depth range: 0.5 – 9 m – 16 m
• Type of coral reef: Non-fringing Reef
• Proper diving experience: Snorkeling – Drift Snorkeling – Scuba Diving (either Fun-dive and Try-dive) – Free-diving
• Coral health status: live coral, some closeshore spots are damaged by anchor of speedboats recently, some corals are cutted to be taken to bring to sea-walking clubs in Phu Quoc
• Exploring time: in the rainy season (April – October), sometimes between October – April we can still explore

Northeast Reef is a kind of coral field with a great diversify of coral species, the reef depth ranges from 1 – 9m, go further to outer reef it could descende down 16m, the coral reef develops hunderus meters along the foot of an island, at Phu Quoc Northeast Reef you could find anemone gardens at the depth of 1.5 – 5m and big table corals with diameter of 3m…

We have found the existence of 20 coral species there. Due to the special location it is not easy to reach the coral reef as the water is usually wavy and strong current thereby we always check the water conditions to find dates and proper timeframe to explore this coral reef. Besides that this coral reef is also the best choice for snorkeling in the rainy season (summer time) in Phu Quoc island, a good place to enjoy drift snorkeling in Phu Quoc Island.

A video recorded by our guests on their snorkeling and scuba-diving trip to Phu Quoc Northeast Coral Reef

Make referrence to our snorkeling trips in Phu Quoc Island for the summer and rainy season

II. North Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam: Snorkeling and Diving Report

Not like the South of Phu Quoc Island, in the North there are less coral spots to explore. However the coral reefs in North Phu Quoc Island are less spoiled, less vulnerable than South Phu Quoc Island.

1. CORAL JUNGLE REEF: DECENT & THE HEALTHIEST CORAL REEF IN PHU QUOC

• Coral Species (around 19 – 20 different speices of corals): Cactus Coral, Leaf coral, Table coral gardens, Cauliflower coral gardens, Plate coral, Mushroom coral, Plate and Pillar coral, Pillar coral, Finger coral, Toadstool coral, Pore Coral, Flowerpot coral, Orange cup coral, Button coral, Fan coral, Brain coral, Giant tube sponge, Big Yellow Rope sponge, Staghorn coral, Anemone…
• Depth range: 0.5 – 9 m – 9 m
• Coverage of coral: 80 – 82.5%
• Type of coral reef: Fringing Reef
• Proper diving experience: Snorkeling – Scuba Diving (either Fun-dive and Try-dive) – Free-diving
• Coral health status: live coral, some closeshore spots are damaged by anchor of speedboats recently, some corals are cutted to be taken to bring to sea-walking clubs in Phu Quoc
• Exploring time: in the dry season (October – April), the best coral reef for diving & snorkeling in whole Vietnam during December and January

Coral Jungle is the healthiest coral reef in Phu Quoc Island with a extremely high coverage of coral up to 82.5%. If you want to immerse into the world of coral, this is the top choices in Phu Quoc, very different from coral view in Southern Phu Quoc Island coral reefs. This is the best coral reef for diving & snorkeling during December and January in Phu Quoc in terms of water conditions and biodiversity. 

Alive corals account for 99% at the Coral Jungle Reef, the reason is that there are usually strong current here which prevent most of people to reach the reefs and help to spread coral eggs easier and stronger to build the reef. Need to very high accuracy water condition tracker to find the good time to visit here. Make refference to our soft-adventure small-group snorkeling trip (max 6 – 8 PAX) by speedboat or a Private Snorkeling Trip by speedboat to explore the Coral Jungle, Phu Quoc and sunset in North Phu Quoc.

2. Border Reef: An amazing reef in North Phu Quoc

3. Nudibranch Garden: A spot for macro diving

III. CORAL REEFS IN PHU QUOC ARE UNDER EXTREME THREATS

Coral Reefs in Phu Quoc are now invaded by “Sea Mats” or Button Polyps Coral in particular, Button Polyp Corals grow rapidly and will crowd out their neighbors including any sessile life, corals. Many of coral reefs in Phu Quoc now are being invaded up to 20 – 30% area.

INVASIVE CORALS ARE PUTTING PHU QUOC CORAL REEFS UNDER THREATS | FIGHTING HARMFUL CORALS

IV. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SNORKELING & DIVING IN PHU QUOC ISLAND?

Insightful & reliable information about factors that impact on your snorkeling & diving experiences as well as clear the vague information about the best time to snorkeling and diving in Phu Quoc.

SCIENTIFIC SNORKELING: THE BEST TIME TO SNORKEL IN PHU QUOC ISLAND BY ONBIRD PHU QUOC