Snorkeling & Diving the An Thoi Islands
A visual guide from the Phu Quoc & Con Dao travel guide — see all posters in Visual Guides.
Off Phu Quoc's southern tip scatter the An Thoi islands — a dozen-plus jungle-topped islets rising from shallow, reef-fringed water. This is the island's aquatic playground: speedboats hop between coral gardens and empty beaches, snorkelers drift over staghorn and brain corals, and dive schools run beginner-friendly descents on mostly shallow sites. It is easy, warm-water underwater time rather than expedition diving — and all the better for it.
How the Trips Work
Most visitors join a morning speedboat tour from An Thoi port or a resort pier, typically hitting three or four islets — names like Hon May Rut, Hon Gam Ghi and Hon Mong Tay come up on most itineraries — with snorkel stops, a seafood lunch and beach time. Dive centres in Duong Dong and along Long Beach run two-tank mornings and entry-level courses; the gentle conditions suit first-timers well.
Conditions & Care
Visibility is best in the dry season, roughly November through April, when seas are flat and the water turns glassy; summer swells stir things up. The reefs here are shallow and fragile — fin carefully, never stand on coral, and favour operators who tie to buoys rather than drop anchor on the reef. Some islets and marine areas charge small entrance or conservation fees, so carry a little cash and confirm what your tour includes.