Bai Can (also known as Reef or Cage Be area) is a coral reef with an area of about 1 km2, located in the east of Phu Quy Island, about 300 m from the coast of Phu Long village, Long Hai commune. Corals here include many types such as rock corals, table corals, cabbage corals combined with sprawling green grape mats and many colorful fish species to create a beautiful scene, according to Phu Quy district website.
Shoal Beach is 300 m from the shore but the water level here is only about 1 to 3 m deep, suitable for SUP paddling and snorkeling. What makes the shoal special is that on days when the tide recedes strongly (15 to 17 lunar months) or when it comes to the shallow sea season, each piece of coral will rise to the surface beautifully.
To reach the coral viewing point, visitors need to move about 300 m to the sea. Tour operators have combined SUP paddling and scuba diving into a combined tour. Visitors will receive SUP from Phu Long beach, paddle their own boards with the supervision of a guide and then gather in the raft shacks in the middle of the coral reef beach to start the scuba diving experience.
The most suitable time to participate in coral diving and SUP paddling is from 3 to 8 months every year. After that time, these activities in Shoal will stop due to rough seas, prone to the appearance of high waves and high winds, not ensuring safety.
Visitors to the experience will be equipped with SUP paddle boards, paddles, life jackets, diving goggles, snorkels, propellers. Good swimmers and divers will be guided underwater photography with specialized equipment to get beautiful photos. Those who cannot swim can lie on a board and face down in the water to view the corals or pose with SUP from above.
The sea water is clear and blue, from the shore can also see corals at the bottom. Not good at swimming and diving, still take many beautiful photos with corals and fish due to the guidance.
Before diving to see the coral, visitors are trained to breathe, show how to wear a life jacket and are required, absolutely listen to the guide. Visitors are not allowed to trample, break corals and limit the use of sunscreen to contribute to preserving and protecting the marine environment of Phu Quy.
There are currently 7 travel agencies licensed to organize tours in Bai Can, with a common price of VND 250,000 per adult and VND 150,000 per child under 12 years old. In the high season, on average, about 300-500 guests participate in SUP paddling experience, watching corals every day.
Photo: Huynh Ka
According to VnE