Phu Quoc Boat

Height and Weight Limits for Snorkelling in Phu Quoc

Editorial team · Checked 5 November 2026

Small island and sandbar in the sea

In short

Limits vary by operator and activity. Operators ask for swimming ability, age, health, height and weight before a tour, and some activities have a minimum height. Tell them early and ask on WhatsApp.

There is no single height or weight limit for snorkelling in Phu Quoc that we can confirm, because operators and activities differ. Operators report that before a tour they ask for each guest’s swimming ability, experience, age, health history, pregnancy status, height and weight, and some activities have a minimum height. Give accurate details early and ask on WhatsApp.

Are there height or weight limits for snorkelling?

Limits depend on the operator and the activity, so ask for your exact tour.

Operators report that before the tour they require each guest’s swimming ability, experience, age, health history, pregnancy status, height and weight. That information is used to choose the right life vest, gear and level of supervision. It is not a test you pass or fail, and you should answer honestly.

Some activities have their own rules. For the sea walking helmet, children must be at least 1.2 m tall. Another operator says children under 1 metre tall ride free and children from 1 to 1.4 metres pay a child rate, which shows that height figures differ by operator. Treat these as examples and confirm the rule for your tour on WhatsApp.

Plain snorkelling from the surface is the gentlest option. It is done at a depth of about 1 to 3 metres, which suits families and gentle experiences.

Price depends on date and operator and is confirmed on WhatsApp.

What life jacket sizes are available for large adults and children?

Sizes vary by boat, and we have no confirmed size chart, so ask in advance.

Give the operator your height and weight when you book. If you need a larger adult size, or a child needs a small one, ask whether the boat carries it. Choose a life jacket of the correct size and check that its straps are fastened, because a loose or incorrectly worn jacket may not give proper support.

For children, see life jackets for children on Phu Quoc speedboats. It covers child sizes, fit checks and what to do if no size is offered.

Questions to ask:

  • Do you have life jackets for my height and weight?
  • Is there a child size, and an infant size if needed?
  • Can the crew check the fit before the boat leaves?

How well do I need to swim?

You do not need to be a strong swimmer for a gentle snorkel, but tell the operator how you swim.

Snorkelling is done from the water surface, and a buoyancy vest lets a non-swimmer float face-down and look. Most nervousness disappears within minutes. Shallow water such as Turtle Island is a better first snorkel than the deeper outer sites. Mornings are calmer, which matters more for a nervous swimmer than for anyone else.

Be honest about your swimming ability when you book. Operators ask for it because it decides where you start and how closely the crew watch you. If you are unsure, say so and ask for the shallowest site.

For what to expect on the day, read snorkelling trip in Phu Quoc: what to expect.

Which health conditions should I mention?

Mention anything that affects your heart, breathing, blood pressure or pregnancy, and do it before you book.

Operators report that guests with high blood pressure, seizure conditions, pregnancy or advanced age should consult the operator before booking. Operators also ask for health history and pregnancy status as part of the pre-tour details.

Also mention:

  • Heart or lung conditions. People with a history of cardiovascular or respiratory issues should carefully consider scuba diving, which typically goes 5 to 10 metres deep and requires oxygen tanks.
  • Eyesight. Guests with eyesight around -4 diopters should report it in advance so a prescription snorkelling mask can be prepared.
  • Alcohol. Guests visibly under the influence of alcohol or other substances cannot join and are not eligible for a refund.

This page is a guide, not medical advice. If you have a medical condition, ask your doctor and tell the operator.

What options are there for non-swimmers?

Non-swimmers have two main options: floating with a life vest, or sea walking.

OptionHow it worksThings to ask
Snorkelling with a life vestYou float face-down at the surface and look at the reefWhich shallow site, and is the entry shallow?
Sea walkingA helmet with air lets you walk on the sea floor, even if you cannot swimMinimum height, supervision and guest limits

Sea walking uses a helmet with air, so even people who cannot swim can access the coral space. One operator reports a diver providing one-on-one supervision and a safe handrail system. Children must be at least 1.2 m tall for the helmet activity, so check the rule for your tour. Not all operators offer it, and it may not be included in the tour price.

Getting in and out of the boat is harder than swimming. A boat ladder in slight swell is hard for older guests, so ask whether the boat can beach or has a shallow entry. Our guide to boat trips for older travellers and wheelchair users covers access in more detail.

What to do next

Write down your height, weight, swimming level and any health conditions, and send them in your WhatsApp message so the operator can confirm what suits you. Then read snorkelling trip in Phu Quoc: what to expect and life jackets for children on Phu Quoc speedboats. Price depends on date and operator and is confirmed on WhatsApp before you pay.

Frequently asked questions

Are there height or weight limits for snorkelling in Phu Quoc?
There is no single limit we can confirm. Operators report that before the tour they require each guest's swimming ability, experience, age, health history, pregnancy status, height and weight. Some activities, such as the sea walking helmet, have a minimum height. Give accurate figures when you book and confirm the rule for your tour on WhatsApp.
Do I need to be a good swimmer to snorkel?
Not necessarily. Snorkelling is done from the water surface at a depth of about 1 to 3 metres, which suits families and gentle experiences, and a buoyancy vest lets a non-swimmer float face-down and look. Tell the operator how well you swim, and start at a shallow site with a life vest.
What health conditions should I mention before snorkelling?
Operators report that guests with high blood pressure, seizure conditions, pregnancy or advanced age should consult the operator before booking. Mention any heart or breathing problems too, and note that people with cardiovascular or respiratory issues should think carefully about scuba diving. Ask the operator in advance, not at the pier.
What options are there for non-swimmers?
A life vest lets a non-swimmer float and look at the reef from the surface. Sea walking uses a helmet with air, so even people who cannot swim can access the coral space. Ask the operator about the guest's weight and height limits, and whether supervision is one-on-one.
Can children snorkel, and is there a minimum height?
Operators report that children can snorkel with a life vest at a shallow site, and Turtle Island is the gentlest introduction. For the sea walking helmet, children must be at least 1.2 m tall, and age guidance differs by operator, so confirm before you book. Fins are not available in children's sizes on some tours.
Can I snorkel if I wear glasses?
Possibly. Guests with eyesight around -4 diopters should report it in advance so a prescription snorkelling mask can be prepared. Ask your operator whether this is offered, and give your prescription when you book. Do not wait until the boat leaves.

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