I had snorkelled before, but walking on the ocean floor without knowing how to swim? That sounded almost impossible. When I came across Sea Walking in Phu Quoc, I was intrigued—but also a little nervous. Was it safe? Would I actually see marine life? And most importantly, what was the price?
One of the biggest reasons I wanted to visit Phu Quoc was to experience its beautiful beaches, longest cable car and crystal-clear waters. While researching activities before my trip, I came across Sea Walking—an underwater experience that promised the thrill of exploring marine life without needing to know how to swim or dive.
At first, I was skeptical.
After experiencing it myself, I can confidently say it was one of the most memorable adventures of my Vietnam trip. After experiencing it myself, here’s everything you need to know before booking.
What Exactly Is Sea Walking?
Imagine putting on a specially designed helmet, stepping down a ladder into the sea, and then… simply walking on the ocean floor.
That’s exactly what Sea Walking is.
Unlike scuba diving, you don’t carry an oxygen tank on your back or learn complicated breathing techniques. The helmet continuously supplies fresh air from the surface, allowing you to breathe naturally throughout the experience.
One of the best things about Sea Walking is that you don’t need to know how to swim. Since you’re walking along the seabed with the guidance of trained instructors, it’s a beginner-friendly activity that lets almost anyone experience the underwater world.
Before entering the water, the instructors explain the basic hand signals, safety procedures, and what to expect once you’re underwater. They accompany you throughout the experience, making sure everyone is comfortable and safe.
If you’ve always wanted to see marine life up close but felt intimidated by scuba diving, Sea Walking is a fantastic alternative.
How I Booked My Sea Walking Experience
I booked the activity through the Klook app a few weeks before my trip. Booking in advance was convenient because it secured my preferred date and the package clearly listed what was included.
The package cost me approximately ₹7,000 per person.
My package included:
- Sea Walking experience
- Safety equipment
- Professional instructors
- Underwater photos and videos
- Boat transfer to the activity site from An Thoi Port
Unlike some tours in Phu Quoc, hotel pickup wasn’t included in my booking.
Since I was staying in Sunset Town, I booked a Grab taxi to An Thoi Port, which was quick and convenient.
Once we reached the port, we checked in with the tour operator and completed a few formalities. The staff verified our booking, briefed us about the activity, and explained the safety rules in detail.
After everyone had checked in, we boarded the speed boat and headed towards the Sea Walking location. The boat ride itself was enjoyable, offering beautiful views of Phu Quoc’s coastline, cable car and the surrounding islands.
My Experience: What It Was Really Like
I’ll admit—I was excited and nervous at the same time.
Then the speed boat approached the cruise where the activity was taking place. We were briefed about the activity, formalities were done and we were given lockers and changing rooms to change into swim wear. If you, by any chance, doesn’t have swim wear, they would provide you with additional charges. We got ready and waited for our turn. I watched other participants preparing for their turn. Seeing people disappear underwater wearing those large helmets looked both fascinating and slightly intimidating.
When our turn came, the instructors helped us wear the helmet. It was heavier than I expected on land, but I was told it would feel much lighter once underwater.
Slowly, I climbed down the ladder.
The moment the water reached the helmet, something amazing happened—I could breathe completely normally.
That was probably the biggest surprise of the entire experience.
There was no feeling of suffocation or panic. After a few seconds, I relaxed and focused on my surroundings.
Once I reached the seabed, the underwater world came alive.
Schools of colourful fish swam around us, curious and surprisingly close. The visibility was good enough to appreciate the marine life, and walking on the ocean floor felt almost surreal.
The instructors stayed close throughout the experience, guiding us from one spot to another and making sure everyone was comfortable. They also helped us pose for underwater photos and videos, which made the experience even more memorable.
One of my favourite moments was feeding the fish, touching the corals and watching so many fishes swim around me. It was peaceful yet exciting, and unlike anything I’d experienced before.
The activity lasted around 15 minutes underwater, which felt just right for a first-time experience.
Is Sea Walking Safe?
This was probably my biggest concern before booking.
Thankfully, the operators followed a structured process from start to finish.
Before entering the water, everyone received a detailed safety briefing explaining how the equipment worked, how to communicate underwater using hand signals, and what to do if you felt uncomfortable.
The instructors accompanied us throughout the activity and regularly checked on each participant.
Because the helmet continuously supplies fresh air from the surface, breathing felt surprisingly natural.
That said, it’s important to follow the operator’s instructions carefully and check any health restrictions before booking. If you have certain medical conditions or concerns, consult the tour operator in advance to make sure the activity is suitable for you.
Pros and Cons
What I Loved
✔ No swimming skills required.
✔ Perfect for beginners.
✔ Great introduction to underwater adventures.
✔ Professional guidance throughout.
✔ Photos and videos included in my package.
✔ A unique experience that’s different from the usual sightseeing.
Things to Keep in Mind
✘ It may cause some ear clogging due to difference in air pressure on land and water. I personally did not experience it.
✘ Weather and sea conditions can affect visibility.
✘ The underwater session is relatively short, so enjoy every minute.
Tips Before Going:
Here are a few tips that would have made the experience even smoother:
- Wear comfortable swimwear.
- Carry a towel and a change of clothes.
- Avoid wearing jewellery.
- Reach An Thoi Port a little early to complete check-in without rushing.
- Book in advance during peak travel seasons.
- Listen carefully to the instructors—they’re incredibly helpful and want you to have a safe, enjoyable experience.
Is Sea Walking in Phu Quoc Worth It?
In my opinion—yes.
If you’re looking for an adventure that’s beginner-friendly, unique, and memorable, Sea Walking is absolutely worth considering.
It’s especially ideal if you’re curious about the underwater world but don’t feel ready for scuba diving or aren’t confident in your swimming skills.
While the price may seem high initially, the experience, professional guidance, and included photos and videos made it feel worthwhile for me. Looking back at those underwater memories still brings a smile to my face.
Would I do it again?
Absolutely.
If you’re planning a trip to Phu Quoc and want to try something beyond beaches and sightseeing, I’d happily recommend adding Sea Walking to your itinerary. It gave me a completely different perspective of the island and became one of the highlights of my Vietnam journey.
Sometimes, the best travel memories aren’t just about the places you visit—they’re about the experiences that leave you saying, “I’m so glad I did that.”
Sea Walking in Phu Quoc was definitely one of those moments.
Sea Walking vs Snorkelling vs Scuba Diving
| Feature | Sea Walking | Snorkelling | Scuba Diving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swimming required | No | Helpful | Usually yes/training required |
| Beginner-friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Duration | Short | Flexible | Longer |
| Close marine life | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Equipment complexity | Low | Low | Higher |
Final Verdict
I initially wondered whether it would live up to the hype, but it ended up being one of the highlights of my Vietnam trip. Walking on the ocean floor, surrounded by colourful fish while breathing normally, is something I’ll remember for a long time.
If you’re an experienced scuba diver, you may prefer the freedom and longer duration of a dive. But for beginners or anyone curious about the underwater world, Sea Walking offers a safe, accessible, and memorable introduction.
FAQs
Can non-swimmers do Sea Walking in Phu Quoc?
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of Sea Walking is that you don’t need to know how to swim. You’ll wear a specially designed helmet that supplies fresh air, allowing you to breathe normally underwater. Trained instructors accompany you throughout the experience, making it a great activity for beginners.
How long does the Sea Walking experience last?
The underwater Sea Walking experience typically lasts 15–20 minutes, although the total tour is longer as it includes check-in, the safety briefing, boat transfer, and preparation time. My entire experience took around 2–3 hours from check-in to returning to An Thoi Port.
Is Sea Walking in Phu Quoc safe?
Yes, Sea Walking is generally considered safe when you book with a reputable operator and follow the safety instructions. Before entering the water, the instructors explain the entire process, demonstrate the hand signals, and stay with you throughout the activity. If you have any medical conditions, it’s best to check with the operator before booking.
Can children participate in Sea Walking?
Yes, children can usually participate, but the minimum age and height requirements vary depending on the operator. It’s always best to check the latest guidelines with your tour provider before booking.
What’s the best time of year to go Sea Walking in Phu Quoc?
The best time to enjoy Sea Walking is during the dry season (November to April); We went in April, when the sea is generally calmer and the water is clearer. Better visibility means you’ll have a much better chance of enjoying the marine life and getting great underwater photos.
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