Phu Quoc's Snorkeling Paradise: Coral Bay, Encounter with a Dreamy Underwater World

🌊 Preparations Before Departure Before heading to Coral Bay for snorkeling, I made thorough preparations. I checked the local weather and tide conditions online in advance and chose a sunny day to set off. For equipment, besides renting the snorkeling essentials (mask, snorkel, and fins) from the hotel, I also brought my own waterproof camera, planning to capture the underwater beauty. To prevent sunburn, I packed high-SPF sunscreen, a sun protection shirt, and a sun hat. Additionally, I prepared a small bag of fresh water for rinsing after snorkeling. 🚗 Transportation Guide I took a local songthaew from my accommodation to Coral Bay. Songthaews, with their vibrant colors, shuttle through the island's streets, offering continuous scenic views along the way. I could see scenes of local life, with fruit stalls and small shops flashing by. The fare was affordable, and I could also chat with other tourists. For more freedom, you can also rent a motorbike and ride there, enjoying the sea breeze, which offers a unique experience. 🏝 First Encounter with Coral Bay Arriving at Coral Bay, the sight before me was breathtaking. The pristine white sandy beach encircled the bay like a ribbon. The sand was fine and soft, feeling like walking on clouds. The seawater was crystal clear, gradually transitioning from light blue to deep blue, sparkling under the sunlight. On the distant horizon, a few small boats drifted leisurely, where the sea met the sky, creating a picturesque scene. 🐚 Snorkeling Experience Preparation for Entering the Water After changing into my swimsuit and putting on the gear, I followed the instructor to the shallow water area to practice using the snorkel and mastering floating techniques. The instructor was very patient, constantly correcting my posture to ensure I could breathe and swim comfortably in the water. After adapting for a while, my confidence grew, and I was ready to head to the deeper waters. Deep Sea Exploration As I plunged into the water, it felt like entering a whole new world. Colorful coral reefs unfolded before my eyes, some resembling antlers, others like mushrooms, each with its unique shape. Various marine creatures inhabited the reefs. Clownfish darted among the anemones, their orange and white bodies particularly striking in the water. Angelfish gracefully moved their fins, as if dancing in the water. There were also schools of small yellow tropical fish swimming in unison, like a grand parade. I reached out to touch these adorable creatures, but hesitated, fearing I might disturb them, so I could only quietly admire this beautiful underwater scenery. Encounter with a Sea Turtle During snorkeling, I was fortunate enough to encounter a large sea turtle. It swam leisurely, and I carefully followed behind, marveling at its size and grace. The turtle would occasionally surface to breathe before diving back down to continue its underwater journey. I captured this rare moment with my waterproof camera, which will become the most precious memory of my trip. 🍱 Seaside Delicacies After snorkeling, my stomach was rumbling. I went to a small restaurant by the sea to savor the local seafood. The grilled shrimp were tender and juicy, with a firm and chewy texture. The steamed grouper was fresh and delicious, retaining its original flavor. There was also seafood soup, with a rich broth containing the umami of various seafood, making me want another bowl after finishing one. Paired with local fruits like mango and pineapple, sweet and refreshing, it added a touch of freshness to the meal. 💡 Travel Tips Be sure to warm up before snorkeling to avoid cramps in the water. Do not touch coral reefs and marine life at will to avoid harming them and to prevent yourself from being scratched or poisoned. Follow the instructor's directions while snorkeling, do not leave the group without permission, and ensure your own safety. The UV rays are strong at the seaside, so reapply sunscreen regularly during your visit. Coral Bay, this charming snorkeling paradise, allowed me to experience the mysterious underwater world up close. Here, I felt the magic and beauty of nature.