Dry Island (Hon Kho) – Phu Quoc Dive Site

25m Max

10-25m Vis

boat

Site Overview

Dry Island (Hon Kho) is a small rocky island in the An Thoi archipelago that offers deeper wall diving with the possibility of reef shark encounters, making it one of Phu Quoc's more exciting advanced dive sites. The wall formation descends from 10 to 25 metres, its surface covered in large gorgonian fans, sponges, and soft corals that thrive in the current flowing around the island. Whitetip reef sharks are occasionally observed resting on the deeper ledges and patrolling the wall base, adding a thrilling dimension to the dive experience. Green turtles are regularly encountered feeding on the sponge and soft coral communities along the wall, while large groupers occupy the deeper crevices and ledges. Barracuda patrol the open water above the wall, and schools of snapper concentrate in the current on the upcurrent side. The wall's geological structure features dramatic ledges and overhangs that harbour diverse invertebrate communities including colourful crinoids and rare nudibranch species. The shallower sections at 10 to 15 metres provide excellent hard coral growth and schooling fish that create a productive safety stop environment. Dry Island represents the deepest and most pelagic diving available from Phu Quoc, rewarding experienced divers who seek encounters beyond the typical shallow reef experience.

Dive Briefing

"Descend to the wall top at approximately 10 metres and orient to the current direction. Explore the wall face between 14 and 22 metres where the largest gorgonian fans and the highest probability of shark encounters occur. Scan the deeper ledges for resting whitetip reef sharks and the water column for barracuda and trevally. Green turtles are commonly encountered feeding on the wall at mid-depths. Circle the island exploring different faces and depth zones, noting the changing marine communities. The upcurrent side concentrates the best fish aggregations and filter-feeding growth. Ascend gradually along the wall face to the shallower hard coral zones for your safety stop at 5 metres, deploying your DSMB before the final ascent. Throughout the dive, maintain awareness of your depth and bottom time while enjoying the diverse marine life that inhabits this reef system. The topography provides excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography, with larger species visible in the blue water off the reef edge and smaller critters hidden among the coral formations and rocky crevices. Remember to complete your safety stop at five metres in the shallow reef zone where colourful anthias and butterflyfish provide excellent visual interest during the mandatory three-minute pause. Current conditions are typically manageable with proper planning, and the site rewards patient divers who take time to explore the various microhabitats scattered across the reef structure."