Phu Quoc Sunset and Night Squid Fishing with Dinner

The main draw is simple: you watch the sun drop over the Gulf of Thailand, then sit under the night sky with a hand line, waiting for squid to grab your lure. The sunset cruise gives you a pleasant sea outing for a low price, and I like that dinner is served on board rather than after you return to town.

I also like the easy three-hour schedule and included hotel pickup within Duong Dong. The catch is the big question. Squid fishing is hit or miss, and the boat may carry more than 20 people, so you should book this as a casual evening on the water, not as a sure-fire fishing trip.

Key points at a glance

• Sunset before squid fishing: The boat heads out in time for broad Gulf of Thailand views, though rainy-season departures may leave from Sao Beach or An Thoi without a sunset view.
• About two hours with a hand line: Local fishing equipment is supplied, but catches are not guaranteed. On some nights, only a few people catch anything.
• Dinner is included: The crew prepares food on board, with caught squid cooked if there is a catch. The meal may be quite basic.
• Low headline price: At $14 per person, this is one of the cheaper ways to get onto the water, but optional shellfish and drinks cost extra.
• Duong Dong pickup is included: Pickup covers the central Duong Dong area, from the night market along Tran Hung Dao Street toward Eden Resort.
• Expect a shared boat: Delays, waiting for late arrivals, and a crowded fishing area are possible, so patience matters.

A sunset boat trip with a fishing gamble

Phu Quoc is known for warm water, seafood, and long evenings by the coast. This outing combines three local holiday pleasures in one short package: a boat ride, a sunset, and a seafood meal.

The first part is the prettiest. As the boat leaves the harbor, you can watch the late afternoon light spread across the Gulf of Thailand. The activity is scheduled around the sunset, so bring your camera, but keep the weather in mind. From May through November, the boat may depart from Sao Beach or An Thoi instead. That rainy-season arrangement does not offer the advertised sunset view.

After sunset, the boat anchors at a fishing area and the mood changes. You are given local fishing equipment and spend roughly two hours trying to attract squid in the dark. This is not a guided lesson with a guaranteed result. It is more like a patient, low-pressure group activity where you lower a lure, wait, and hope.

That distinction matters. On one outing, only two people caught squid. On another, a boat of 23 people caught none. If you need steady action, you may find the fishing slow. If you enjoy trying something unfamiliar and can accept an empty line, the waiting becomes part of the evening.

What the 16:45 pickup means

The normal pickup window is 16:45 to 17:00. You can be collected from a hotel in central Duong Dong or meet at the John’s Tours office at 143 Tran Hung Dao. The free pickup area runs from the Phu Quoc night market along Tran Hung Dao Street toward Eden Resort.

You should add your hotel details when booking and contact the operator at least 24 hours before the trip to confirm the pickup point and time. The company asks you to be ready at reception 15 minutes early. That is sensible advice here, since the bus will not wait for a late arrival.

Pickup outside Duong Dong can bring an additional charge. The Shells Resort is specifically outside the free Duong Dong area, so check the cost before booking. Return transport to your hotel is included for the covered area.

The timing can be less exact than the printed schedule. A boat may leave late if people arrive separately, and the group may wait in the harbor for missing passengers. Delays of 5 to 30 minutes are possible because of traffic or other problems. I would not schedule a flight, spa appointment, or tight dinner reservation after the 21:00 return.

Boarding the boat and watching the sun go down

Once everyone is gathered, you ride by car to the harbor and board the boat. The trip description promises a panoramic sunset view from the water, which is the strongest visual part of the evening on a clear day.

You will want to keep your phone and camera handy during this stretch. The sunset portion is fairly short, and the boat then moves toward the fishing location as daylight fades.

The setting should not be confused with a private cruise. This is a shared excursion, and the boat can become crowded. More than 20 people have been on board, with one reported outing carrying 23 people. That affects comfort, personal space, and how much attention the crew can give each person.

The rainy-season note is especially important. From May through November, departures from Sao Beach or An Thoi may be needed, and the sunset viewing portion may not be available. If sunset is your main reason for booking, ask about the planned departure location before paying.

Two hours of night squid fishing

Night squid fishing is the heart of the outing. The crew supplies basic local fishing equipment, so you do not need to bring a rod or tackle. The exact method is simple enough for a first attempt, but success depends on the location, conditions, equipment, and luck.

The available feedback points to uneven results. Some evenings produce a few small squid. Other evenings produce none at all. One person described old lures that were not luminescent, a detail worth noting because lighted tackle can matter during night fishing.

Do not book this expecting to take home a large seafood haul. The better way to see it is as a short cultural activity: you try a local fishing method, sit on the water after dark, and share the anticipation with the group.

The fishing can also become repetitive. One outing spent around an hour waiting in one area before moving to another, with no improvement. If the crew is unable to find squid, there may be little to do until dinner is served.

I would bring a little patience and keep your expectations modest. Families and couples who enjoy simple activities may have fun even without a catch. People who dislike idle time or crowded group outings may find this part dull.

Dinner on board, with catches cooked if available

Dinner is included in the $14 price, and the crew prepares any squid caught during the outing. That promise gives the activity its local flavor, but you should understand the wording: your dinner does not depend on catching squid.

When there is no catch, a basic meal is still served. Reports describe items such as noodles, porridge, and a small amount of grilled shrimp. The quality appears inconsistent. Some people found the food tasty enough, while others considered it too light or questioned the cleanliness of the preparation area.

I would treat the meal as a convenient included supper, not a special seafood dinner. The price is too low to suggest an elaborate spread, and optional shellfish may be offered for an additional charge. Clams, mussels, snails, and similar snacks have been sold separately, along with beer and soft drinks.

Ask the price before accepting any extra food or drink. One reported offer of several shellfish cost 350,000 Vietnamese dong, far above the bargain feel of the main ticket. You can bring your own expectations down to earth by viewing the included meal as part of the boat outing rather than its main reason.

Food hygiene is another practical concern. If you are cautious about cooking conditions, consider eating a proper meal before departure and treating the onboard serving as a bonus. The tour includes dinner, but it does not promise a particular menu or a formal dining setup.

Is $14 good value?

At $14 per person, the price is appealing. It covers round-trip car and boat transport, an English or Vietnamese guide, a bottle of water, fishing equipment, sunset viewing when conditions allow, and dinner.

For that amount, I think the outing can be good value if you mainly want an inexpensive evening on the sea. A separate sunset cruise, seafood dinner, and fishing activity would normally cost more, though this package keeps each part fairly simple.

The value drops if you are paying mainly for squid. Fishing is not guaranteed, and some nights produce no catch at all. The group may also be large, and time can be lost waiting for late arrivals or changing fishing spots.

Extra purchases also change the final cost. Personal expenses, drinks, and optional shellfish are not included. New Year and Lunar New Year departures carry a 10 percent surcharge paid directly on site.

I see this as a budget sampler. It lets you test three things, a sunset boat ride, night fishing, and an onboard meal, without committing much money. You are paying for the chance to enjoy them, not for a polished private excursion.

How crowded and punctual is it?

The boat capacity is not stated, but group size can exceed 20 people. That is enough to affect the entire rhythm of the evening. Fishing is less personal, the boat may feel busy, and not everyone can expect one-on-one help.

The late-start problem is worth taking seriously. The bus may arrive on time for hotel pickups, but the boat can still wait at the port for people who arrange their own transport. A reported delay reached about 30 minutes before the group finally set out.

I would build flexibility into your evening. The published return time is 21:00, but traffic, late arrivals, and weather can alter the schedule. The company asks you to contact Ms. Rosie by text message or through Zalo, WhatsApp, KakaoTalk, WeChat, LINE, or Viber if you need help. Keep that contact available on the day.

Large bags and luggage are not allowed. Bring only what you need for the boat, including a towel, swimsuit if you plan to get wet, sunscreen, and a small personal bag.

Who will enjoy this evening?

I would recommend it most to budget-minded couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants an uncomplicated way to spend an evening near Duong Dong. The short duration leaves room for other plans during the day, and the combination of sunset and fishing gives the outing more variety than a simple transfer by boat.

It can also suit first-time visitors who want a small taste of local coastal life without arranging equipment or transport. The English-speaking guide and supplied fishing gear make the planning easy.

I would be more careful recommending it to anyone with limited mobility. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and boarding a boat can require movement through a harbor and onto the vessel.

It is also a poor fit if you want privacy, strong fishing results, a substantial dinner, or a carefully timed schedule. For those priorities, the low price will not compensate for the compromises.

Practical tips for a smoother trip

• Confirm your pickup: Send your hotel information and check the meeting point at least 24 hours ahead.
• Arrive early: Be at reception or the office 15 minutes before departure.
• Pack lightly: Large bags and luggage are not allowed.
• Bring sun and sea gear: A towel, sunscreen, and swimsuit are advised.
• Carry a little patience: The bus may be late, and the boat may wait for people who arrive after the scheduled time.
• Ask about add-ons: Confirm the price of shellfish, beer, and soft drinks before ordering.
• Check the season: From May through November, the departure point may change and sunset viewing may not be available.
• Keep expectations realistic: A successful catch is a bonus, not a promise.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your weather plans are uncertain, but you should still confirm the pickup details before the day of the trip.

Should you book Phu Quoc Sunset and Night Squid Fishing?

Book this outing if you want a cheap, shared boat evening and you will be happy with a sunset, a try at fishing, and a basic dinner even if no squid comes aboard. The strongest parts are the low price, included transport within Duong Dong, and the chance to eat anything you catch.

Skip it if your main goal is reliable squid fishing or a high-quality seafood meal. The modest rating of 3.3 from 93 ratings reflects the uneven experience: some evenings have a good mood and tasty food, while others bring delays, crowded conditions, empty lines, and a disappointing dinner.

My advice is to ask two questions before booking: How many people are expected on the boat, and where will it depart during your dates? If the group is manageable and the weather is clear, $14 is a reasonable gamble. Just treat the squid as a lucky extra, not the centerpiece you are guaranteed to receive.

FAQ

How long does the Phu Quoc squid fishing trip last?

The activity lasts about three hours, with pickup scheduled around 16:45 to 17:00 and return to your hotel around 21:00.

Where is pickup included?

Free pickup and drop-off are available in central Duong Dong, from the Phu Quoc night market along Tran Hung Dao Street toward Eden Resort. Other areas may require an extra fee.

Is dinner included?

Yes. Dinner on the boat is included, and the crew can cook any squid caught during the fishing session. The exact menu is not fixed.

Is squid guaranteed?

No. The catch depends on conditions and luck. Some outings produce only a few squid, while others may produce none.

What happens during the rainy season?

From May through November, the boat may depart from Sao Beach or An Thoi. The sunset view is not available on those departures.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve the activity and pay later.