A fishing trip from Phu Quoc costs $15–$25 per person for the classic night squid-fishing tour, or $120–$300 for a private deep-sea charter with the whole boat to yourself. The best season runs November to April, when the sea is calm and the weather dry. Trips operate year-round, but May to October brings rougher seas, especially July through September.
When to Go: Phu Quoc Fishing Seasons, Month by Month
Phu Quoc is a year-round fishing destination, but the quality of your trip depends heavily on the month you pick. The island sits in the Gulf of Thailand, and its two seasons divide cleanly: dry and calm from November to April, wet and choppy from May to October. Every local operator books the bulk of their fishing trips between November and April, and for good reason — those are the months when a small wooden boat can comfortably reach the offshore grounds.
Within that window, squid have their own rhythm. Squid fishing is at its prime from October to March, when the water around the island's southern and eastern coasts darkens at night and squid rise toward the boat lights. Deep-sea anglers get a slightly longer runway: charters generally fish best from October to April, when swells stay low enough for a smooth run out.
| Period | Sea conditions | What's biting / running |
|---|---|---|
| November – April | Calm, dry, best visibility | Prime season for everything: squid, reef fish, offshore trolling |
| October – March | Calm to moderate | Peak squid fishing; big catches on night trips |
| May – June | Warm, occasional afternoon showers | Fishing still good; squid boats shift departures to Bai Sao and An Thoi |
| July – September | Roughest seas of the year | Trips possible but weather-dependent; morning departures preferred |
If your holiday falls in the wet season, don't cancel the plan — just book shorter, flexible trips. Squid boats usually depart from Bai Sao or An Thoi between May and October precisely because those southern departure points sit closest to sheltered water and the best night grounds. Ask your operator to confirm the departure the day before, since July–September trips are sometimes pushed back a day for wind.
Night Squid Fishing: the Classic (and Cheapest) Phu Quoc Trip
Night squid fishing is the most popular fishing trip on the island, and the entry price is the friendliest you'll find: about $15–$25 per person, or 300,000–380,000 VND per adult on 2026 price lists. One of the best-value tickets currently sells for around $14.40 and includes hotel transfers, the boat, a local guide, life jackets, fishing gear, bottled water, and an on-board seafood dinner — the squid you catch often ends up grilled or cooked into congee right on deck.
How it works: boats leave in the late afternoon, anchor over a marked spot as the sun goes down, and switch on powerful lamps that draw squid up from below. You fish with hand lines and small jigs, feel for the characteristic double-tug, then haul the squid aboard. A decent night fills a bucket; a slow one still produces dinner. The lights work hardest from October to March, which is exactly why that window is considered squid prime time.
Great fit for
First-time anglers, families with kids (life jackets are included in the ticket), couples who want a sunset-plus-dinner evening, and budget travelers — the whole evening costs less than a single seafood dinner in a tourist restaurant.
Less suited to
Serious anglers chasing big game — squid gear is a hand line, not a fighting rod. Also less suited to travelers who turn in early (most boats return around 8–9 pm) and anyone wanting a private experience: these are shared group boats, not charters.
One practical note: this is genuinely a fishing trip, not a party cruise. Boats are simple wooden vessels, deck space is shared, and the lamps that attract squid also attract moths — bring a light jacket and leave the white shirt at the hotel.
Deep-Sea and Private Charters: Costs, Boats, and What's Included
For proper offshore angling, you charter a private boat. Deep-sea fishing charters in Phu Quoc cost about $120–$300 for the whole boat — not per person — which changes the math completely for a group. A full-day sea-angling charter runs about a whole day: expect to leave the harbor early in the morning and return late afternoon, often with a beach stop to grill the morning's catch.
Per-person pricing exists too. Group fishing tours run roughly 500,000–1,200,000 VND per person, and a fixed package tour can cost about 550,000 VND per person. If you'd rather have the boat to yourselves, small-boat rental starts around 1.3 million VND for up to five people — a middle option between the cheap group tours and the big offshore charters.
| Boat type | Capacity | Charter price (VND) | Approx. USD | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small boat | 2–5 people | 1,600,000–2,200,000 | ~$64–$88 | Couples, small families, nearshore reef fishing |
| Medium boat | 6–10 people | 1,800,000–3,000,000 | ~$72–$120 | Groups of friends, fishing + snorkeling combos |
| Large boat | 7–15 people | 2,300,000–3,900,000 | ~$92–$156 | Big groups, full-day offshore charters, celebrations |
Charter prices normally include the boat, captain, crew, rods, tackle, and basic bait. The items to confirm before you pay are fuel surcharges for far offshore runs, lunch, drinks beyond bottled water, and fish cleaning. A fair warning: if a quote sits far below these ranges, ask what's excluded — the bargain charter often ends up costing more once fuel and tackle are added at sea.
Less suited to: solo travelers who just want a few hours of casting. A private charter's $120–$300 price only makes sense split across a group. If you're alone or a couple, book a group package tour at 500,000–1,200,000 VND per person, or join a shared squid night at $15–$25.
Where You'll Fish and What You'll Catch
Most fishing trips from Phu Quoc head south into the An Thoi Archipelago, a chain of around 15 islands and islets off the island's southern tip, where reef drop-offs, sheltered bays, and fish-rich channels sit within a short boat ride of one another. The archipelago's water is famously gentle — An Thoi dive sites sit at only about 5–12 meters deep — which is exactly why it works so well for small fishing boats and first-timers alike.
Typical catches on reef and nearshore trips include grouper, red snapper, trevally, queenfish, barracuda, and mackerel, with cobia a welcome surprise in the warmer months. Night trips, of course, target squid and the occasional small cuttlefish. Offshore trolling during the November–April season adds a realistic shot at larger pelagic species — though any honest captain will tell you fishing is fishing: some days the box fills, some days it doesn't.
Local tip: Many captains around An Thoi will add snorkeling stops between the islets to a fishing day for little or no extra cost — just ask when booking. It turns a slow fishing morning into a full sea day and is the single best value hack for families with mixed interests.
Add-Ons: Snorkeling and Beginner Diving on the Same Grounds
If part of your group would rather get in the water than hold a rod, the An Thoi Archipelago doubles as Phu Quoc's snorkeling and diving hub. Scuba diving here is genuinely beginner-friendly: many dive sites sit in shallow water, and beginners can join guided discovery dives with professional instructors — no license required.
Beginner dives usually go to a maximum depth of about 6 meters, and the archipelago's reefs sit at roughly 5–12 meters, so first-timers get real coral, real fish, and real bottom time without ever approaching deep-water territory. Several charter operators can arrange a fishing-plus-snorkeling combo in one day, and dive centers near An Thoi pier run discovery dives daily through the calm November–April season, when visibility is at its best.
Booking Tips: How to Get the Right Boat at the Right Price
Phu Quoc's fishing market ranges from excellent family operators to beachside touts reselling the same boat twice. A few rules of thumb keep you on the right side of that line:
- Book high-season trips 1–2 days ahead. November to April is peak season; good captains fill their boats, and walk-up pier prices are rarely lower than booked rates.
- Confirm inclusions in writing. Transfers, gear, bait, life jackets, and dinner (on squid trips) should be listed — the ~$14.40 squid ticket is a good benchmark of a complete package.
- Match the boat to the season. In July–September, choose a larger, more stable boat and a morning departure; afternoon squalls are common.
- Ask where you actually depart from. May–October squid boats typically leave from Bai Sao or An Thoi; confirm whether hotel transfers are included or quoted upfront.
- Carry cash in VND. Deck tips, extra drinks, and fish cleaning are cash matters; with squid trips at 300,000–380,000 VND per adult, a quote wildly above that is a tourist price.
- Check the moon for squid. Darker nights around the new moon generally out-fish full-moon nights, because the boat lights work harder against a dark sky.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a fishing trip in Phu Quoc cost?
Group night squid-fishing tours cost about $15–$25 per person, with package tours quoted from around 550,000 VND per person. Private deep-sea charters run $120–$300 for the whole boat. Small boats for 2–5 people rent for 1,600,000–2,200,000 VND, and a basic private boat starts near 1.3 million VND for up to five people.
When is the best season for fishing in Phu Quoc?
The most ideal period is November to April, when seas are calm and the weather is dry. Squid fishing peaks from October to March, and deep-sea charters generally fish best from October to April. Trips operate year-round, but July to September brings the roughest seas of the year.
What's included in a night squid-fishing tour?
A typical ticket — one well-reviewed option costs about $14.40 — includes hotel transfers, the boat, a local guide, life jackets, fishing gear, bottled water, and an on-board seafood dinner. Squid trips cost 300,000–380,000 VND per adult on 2026 price lists, and your catch is usually cooked for you on deck.
Where do fishing boats depart from in Phu Quoc?
Night squid-fishing boats usually depart from Bai Sao or An Thoi during May to October, when the southern departure points sit closest to the calmest water and best night grounds. Deep-sea charters commonly leave from An Thoi pier in the far south, with hotel transfers typically included in the ticket or charter price.
Do I need a fishing license in Phu Quoc?
No. Recreational fishing on licensed tour boats and charters does not require a license for tourists — the operator handles permits and provides all gear. This applies to both group squid trips ($15–$25 per person) and private deep-sea charters ($120–$300 per boat).
Is night squid fishing suitable for children and non-swimmers?
Generally yes. The boat stays anchored in sheltered water the whole trip, life jackets are included in the ticket, and the deck is lit all night. Calm-season departures from November to April are best for kids; in July to September, check sea conditions first or opt for a larger, more stable boat.
Can I combine a fishing trip with snorkeling or diving?
Yes, and it's one of the best-value combos on the island. Most An Thoi charters add snorkeling stops between the islets on request. Diving is beginner-friendly too: no license is required, guided discovery dives go to about 6 meters maximum, and the archipelago's reefs sit at roughly 5–12 meters deep.
What fish can I catch around Phu Quoc?
Reef and nearshore trips typically produce grouper, red snapper, trevally, queenfish, barracuda, and mackerel, with cobia possible in warmer months. Night trips target squid, which are at their prime from October to March. Offshore trolling in the November–April season offers the best shot at larger pelagic species.
Which months should I avoid for a fishing trip?
July through September, when seas are roughest. Trips still run, but they're more likely to be rescheduled, kept nearshore, or bumpier than usual. If the wet season is your only travel window, book a small-group trip with flexible cancellation and ask for a morning departure.
Staying on Phu Quoc and want a boat sorted the local way? Sabrina Rental arranges night squid trips, private fishing charters, and fishing-plus-snorkeling days with trusted An Thoi captains — plus motorbike rentals and rooms to complete the trip. Message us with your dates and group size, and we'll match you to the right boat at a fair local price.
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