Phu Quoc Underwater Sculpture Park: How to Visit Vietnam’s First Undersea Art Park in 2026

Vietnam’s first large-scale underwater sculpture park opened to visitors on July 5, 2026, marking a new chapter for eco-tourism in Phu Quoc. The park is situated 200 meters offshore from Bai Sao Beach, a popular stretch on the island’s southeast coast. Unlike traditional art galleries, this exhibition is submerged beneath the waves, accessible only by guided snorkeling or diving tours. The sculptures—over 50 in total—were created by a collective of Vietnamese artists working closely with marine biologists to ensure the installations serve both artistic and ecological purposes.

Each sculpture draws inspiration from marine life native to the Gulf of Thailand, with forms ranging from stylized coral reefs to abstract interpretations of fish and sea turtles. The intention is not only to provide a visually striking underwater experience but also to foster new habitats for coral and fish populations. Over time, these structures are expected to attract marine life, supporting local biodiversity and offering a living demonstration of art’s role in conservation.

The park’s launch is part of a broader effort by Phu Quoc authorities to position the island as a model for sustainable tourism in Vietnam. By integrating environmental education into every tour, the project encourages visitors to engage with marine conservation issues firsthand. Early responses from conservation groups have been cautiously positive, though ongoing studies will be needed to assess the long-term ecological impact of the installations.

Reaching the Phu Quoc Underwater Sculpture Park requires joining a licensed snorkeling or diving tour, as independent access is not permitted. The park lies 200 meters offshore from Bai Sao Beach, which is about a 40-minute drive from Duong Dong town. All tours depart directly from Bai Sao Beach, and there are no public boats or private charters allowed to the site—this is strictly enforced to protect the marine environment and manage visitor safety.

Tour packages cost between VND 1,200,000 and 1,500,000 per person (approximately 48–60 USD in mid-2026), which covers round-trip boat transfer, snorkeling or diving gear, a mandatory marine conservation briefing, and the guidance of certified instructors. Life jackets are provided and required for all participants, and tours typically last two to three hours. Both Vietnamese and international operators run tours, but it’s advisable to choose those listed by the Phu Quoc Tourism Board or established local dive shops such as Phu Quoc Divers or Rainbow Divers for up-to-date safety standards and English-speaking guides.

During the July to September peak season, daily departures fill quickly—especially for morning slots when water visibility is best—so advance booking is essential. Most operators recommend reserving at least two weeks ahead, either through their websites or via reputable travel agencies. Walk-up bookings may be possible in the low season but are not guaranteed. Note that all tours strictly prohibit single-use plastics and require participants to follow environmental guidelines, including not touching the sculptures or marine life.

The Phu Quoc Underwater Sculpture Park’s collection of over 50 sculptures sits at depths ranging from 3 to 6 meters, making it accessible for both snorkelers and novice divers. These marine-themed works, crafted by Vietnamese artists in collaboration with marine biologists, depict sea turtles, coral reefs, and stylized schools of fish. The sculptures are made from marine-safe materials and are spaced out along a sandy stretch 200 meters offshore from Bai Sao Beach. Visibility in the area is generally good from July through September, with water clarity typically between 10 and 15 meters, though conditions can vary after heavy rain or storms.

Before entering the water, all visitors join a mandatory environmental briefing led by tour guides. This session covers the ecological goals of the park, safety protocols, and strict rules: touching the sculptures or marine life is not allowed, and single-use plastics are banned on all tours. Life jackets are required for everyone, regardless of swimming ability, and the minimum age for participation is 10 years. While the park is designed for accessibility to beginners, basic swimming skills are essential, and the experience is not recommended for non-swimmers or those with limited mobility due to the need to swim short distances and navigate in open water.

Guided tours provide all necessary snorkeling equipment and supervision, ensuring that visitors can safely enjoy the underwater art while minimizing impact on the fragile marine environment. Most tours last about two hours, with time split between the environmental briefing, boat transfer, and in-water exploration. Advance booking is strongly advised, especially during peak season, as group sizes are capped to reduce disturbance to the site.

Touching the sculptures or any marine life at the Phu Quoc Underwater Sculpture Park is strictly prohibited, a rule enforced by all tour operators and guides. This measure is designed to protect both the newly installed artworks and the developing marine habitats they support. Guides remind visitors before entering the water and monitor compliance throughout the tour. Violations can result in removal from the tour and possible reporting to local authorities.

Single-use plastics are not allowed on any tours to the sculpture park. Visitors are asked to bring reusable water bottles and avoid disposable packaging in their gear. Tour operators provide refill stations at Bai Sao Beach and conduct bag checks before departure. This policy aims to prevent plastic pollution in the sensitive marine environment, aligning with Phu Quoc’s broader eco-tourism goals.

Every tour begins with a mandatory marine conservation briefing, led by certified guides. These sessions cover the ecological purpose of the sculptures, proper snorkeling and diving conduct, and the importance of not disturbing marine life. The briefing also includes information on how the park is monitored and how visitor behavior contributes to long-term conservation.

While early feedback from marine NGOs has been cautiously optimistic—citing increased fish sightings and early coral growth—comprehensive environmental impact studies are still pending as of July 2026. Visitors are encouraged to follow all guidelines closely, as the long-term health of the park depends on responsible tourism practices.

Phu Quoc’s visa-free policy continues in 2026, allowing most international travelers to stay up to 30 days without a visa. However, requirements can change, so it’s wise to confirm the latest entry rules with the Phu Quoc Tourism Board or your country’s embassy before booking flights. The island’s Bai Sao Beach is the departure point for all guided tours to the new Underwater Sculpture Park, with daily departures between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. English-speaking guides lead all tours, making the experience accessible for most visitors.

For your visit, pack swimwear, a towel, and a reusable water bottle. Reef-safe sunscreen is strongly recommended, as regular sunscreens can harm coral and marine life; check for oxybenzone- and octinoxate-free formulas before you go. Single-use plastics are banned on all tours, so avoid bringing disposable bottles or packaging. While most operators supply snorkeling gear as part of the VND 1,200,000–1,500,000 tour fee, bringing your own mask can improve comfort and fit, especially if you have prescription lenses or sensitive skin.

Bookings for the sculpture park tours are in high demand during the July to September peak season, so reserve your spot at least two weeks in advance. Children aged 10 and up can participate, but all swimmers must wear life jackets for safety. If you have limited swimming ability or mobility concerns, note that access to the sculptures requires basic swimming skills and there are currently no adapted facilities for non-swimmers.