[GROUP] SCUBA DIVING For Beginners in Phu Quoc Island (TRY DIVE)

REVIEW · PHU QUOC

[GROUP] SCUBA DIVING For Beginners in Phu Quoc Island (TRY DIVE)

  • 5.09 reviews
  • From $100.00
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Operated by OnBird Phu Quoc · Bookable on Viator

Getting ready to go underwater is a little nerve-racking.

That’s exactly why I like this small-group try scuba format in Phu Quoc: you get clear basics, proper gear, and plenty of support without big-tour chaos.

The day is built for real beginners, but it still moves at a fun pace. You’re not just handed equipment and sent off; you’re taught, then you head out to explore reef areas and relax with tropical fruit time after.

One thing to keep in mind: return transport can be a bit confusing if you’re not watching for which shared van/bus you’re boarding, so it helps to confirm the right ride for drop-off before you leave the boat area.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

[GROUP] SCUBA DIVING For Beginners in Phu Quoc Island (TRY DIVE) - Key Highlights You’ll Care About

  • Max 2 students per instructor so you’re not lost in a crowd
  • Beginner-friendly try scuba taught in a group setting with an English-speaking instructor
  • All the key gear included: BCD, regulator, wetsuit, fins, mask (plus other on-water basics)
  • Pickup and drop-off from Duong Dong to the harbor on a shared van
  • Lunch included, with an option to share dietary needs
  • Time-efficient plan aimed at reducing seasickness risk

First Morning Meeting at 7:30 in Phu Quoc

[GROUP] SCUBA DIVING For Beginners in Phu Quoc Island (TRY DIVE) - First Morning Meeting at 7:30 in Phu Quoc
This experience starts early, with a 7:30 am meeting time. That’s a good thing in Phu Quoc because you get the day underway before the heat ramps up and before the island feels like it’s fully awake.

If you’re staying around Duong Dong center, pickup is included via an air-conditioned shared van to the harbor. You also get a mobile ticket, which is convenient when your day is already moving fast.

My practical tip: be ready for a hotel pickup window and try to be waiting a few minutes early. The whole flow depends on getting everyone to the water area together.

You can also read our reviews of more scuba diving tours in Phu Quoc

What Makes the Try Scuba Lesson Beginner-Ready

[GROUP] SCUBA DIVING For Beginners in Phu Quoc Island (TRY DIVE) - What Makes the Try Scuba Lesson Beginner-Ready
This isn’t a “you figure it out” style tour. The experience is designed for everyone aged 10+, with instruction focused on the basics of scuba and keeping the class manageable.

Here’s the part that matters most for confidence: the program is run with a maximum of 2 people per instructor. Even when it’s a group day, you’re not treated like a number. One review specifically highlighted that a solo participant still received a kind of 1-on-1 attention during the scuba portion.

They also state they serve all skill levels and communities, not only PADI-linked routes. In other words, you’re not expected to arrive with a specific certification pathway—just with a willingness to learn.

Potential consideration: if you’re anxious about equipment or breathing, the setup can help, but you should still treat this as an active lesson day. You’ll be learning while you’re suited up and preparing to get in the water, so plan to arrive with calm energy (not after a late night).

Gear and Comfort: What You Actually Get

One of the best values here is that your core equipment is included. You’re provided with BCD, regulator, wetsuit, fins, and mask—plus the broader on-water supplies such as water and beverages during the day.

That matters because “trial” experiences can hide costs. Here, you’re not paying separately for the stuff you’re likely to worry about most. And the instructor is the English-speaking support, which is useful when you need quick clarity on safety and technique.

You’ll also find a restroom on board, which sounds small until you’re on a day that stretches into the afternoon and you really don’t want to hunt for facilities mid-activity.

My practical comfort tip: if you’re sensitive to cold in water, mention it early. The tour includes a wetsuit, but your comfort still depends on fit and thickness.

The Water Time Plan: Efficiency and Seasickness

The tour description has an interesting theme: keeping the schedule tight. It notes they aim to save time and avoid sea sickness by not using a boat in the way you might expect on longer offshore trips.

At the same time, the included details mention a shared wooden boat with sundecks and a toilet. So what you can reasonably take away is this: you’ll have water transport, but the operator is trying to avoid making the day a long, choppy ride.

That balance is important. For beginners, the worst-case scenario is spending hours tired or nauseous before you even start learning. A try scuba day works best when you stay focused on instruction, breathing, and buoyancy basics.

My advice: if you know you get motion sickness easily, bring your preferred remedy and try to stay seated facing forward when movement matters. Also, drink water early—staying hydrated helps.

Exploring Phu Quoc From the Water (Snorkel + Reef Time)

Even though this is framed as beginner try scuba, the day also includes elements that look like a classic reef exploration outing. You’re provided snorkeling gear as part of the overall on-water plan, plus water and time at multiple spots.

In one review, the group described visiting four different swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing spots. Another review praised the way the route avoided the usual overcrowded hotspots, with the boat moving along the coastline toward reefs and beaches that felt more natural than tourist-factory.

You should expect a flexible rhythm: stop, gear up, spend time in the water, then move on when everyone’s ready. One review also mentioned they were able to spend as long as they wanted at each site before shifting locations.

Possible drawback to note: one review mentioned the sea conditions weren’t perfect on their day. Since this depends on weather and water clarity, keep your mindset flexible. When visibility is limited, you’ll get more value by focusing on comfort, instruction, and enjoying the island scenery rather than expecting movie-clear water.

Island Break: Fruit, a Beach Bar, and Downtime

After the water time, the day includes a relaxing island stop with tropical fruit and a beach-bar vibe. The plan is explicitly meant to end the outing on something easy and scenic—less pressure, more sun, and time to unwind.

If you’re traveling with mixed interests (one person wanting more action, another wanting a calmer day), this part helps. It’s not only water time. It’s also the chance to sit, snack, and reset after the learning portion.

One review even pointed to the overall day as very relaxed and good value for the time spent.

Real-world note: the food on these tours can be simple. One review mentioned Chinese food was a bit basic but still okay. If you’re picky, plan to treat lunch as fuel rather than a culinary highlight.

Lunch Included (And Dietary Requests)

Lunch is included in the price. They note it’s a share lunch style arrangement and that you can share dietary needs with the team.

That’s a helpful detail because it signals they’re prepared to communicate ahead. Still, since the exact menu isn’t specified here, it’s smart to mention your needs clearly when you book.

Practical tip: bring a little snack for yourself if you have strong preferences. It doesn’t cost much insurance, and it keeps you comfortable if the lunch timing runs close to your water session.

Pickup/Drop-Off: Where It Works Best

Pickup and drop-off are included for hotels located from Duong Dong center to the harbor, using shared van transportation.

If you’re staying elsewhere, there are area-based options and fees for pickup and drop-off:

  • Ong Lang area & The Shells Resort: 250,000 VND per booking
  • Cua Can area & Movenpick Resort: 350,000 VND per booking
  • Vinpearl area & Mai Phuong Resort: 450,000 VND per booking
  • Ganh Dau area: 500,000 VND per booking
  • Ham Ninh area: 300,000 VND per booking

There’s also an option for a private car on request (not included by default).

What to watch: one review complained about return transport confusion and the bus they took. Even though the operator replied apologizing for the missed communication, it’s a real reminder: confirm the exact van/bus for the return before you get on.

Price and Value: What $100 Buys You

At $100 per person, this is positioned as a full guided day for beginners, not just a rental. You’re getting:

  • an English-speaking instructor
  • scuba gear (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, fins, mask)
  • lunch and drinks
  • pickup and drop-off from Duong Dong to harbor (shared van)
  • a small-group format with tight instructor attention (max 2 per instructor)

That combination is what makes the price feel reasonable. You’re paying for teaching plus the gear plus the day plan. If you tried to recreate this independently, you’d likely end up spending comparable money on instruction and logistics, then still be missing the small-group structure.

Value sweet spot: if you want confidence fast (not just sightseeing), the instructor ratio matters. It can turn a scary first lesson into something you can actually follow.

Who This Try Scuba Day Fits Best

This experience is a good match if you:

  • are a true beginner and want structured basics
  • want a small group and personal attention
  • prefer a day that mixes learning with reef time and a beach break
  • don’t want a huge, crowded scene

It may be less ideal if you:

  • strongly prefer a fully private experience (this one is group-based)
  • get anxious with any transport confusion (double-check return pickup)
  • need very specific medical or mobility accommodations (those details aren’t outlined here)

Should You Book This Beginner Try Scuba Experience?

I’d book it if you want the simplest path to your first time with scuba in Phu Quoc: gear included, English instruction, and a small instructor-to-student setup. Add in lunch, drinks, and the fun factor of reef exploration plus a relaxed island break, and it turns into a solid one-day package.

I’d hesitate only if you know you’ll be stressed by shared-transport details. The water and instruction seem designed for beginners, but logistics still matter. If you do book, message ahead and confirm the correct return transport so you don’t lose time at the end of the day.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the try scuba experience?

It runs about 6 to 7 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The meeting/start time is 7:30 am.

How much does it cost?

The price is $100.00 per person.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off by shared van is included for hotels from Duong Dong center to the harbor.

Is this for absolute beginners?

Yes. You’ll learn the basics of scuba in a try dive format, open to everyone aged 10+.

How many people are in the group?

The tour is limited to a small group (the info lists maximum of 8 travelers, and also mentions a maximum of 10 PAX).

Does the instructor speak English?

Yes, there is an English-speaking scuba-diving instructor.

What scuba gear is included?

Your gear includes BCD, regulator, wetsuit, fins, and mask.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and you can share dietary needs.

What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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