Squid fishing begins with sunset views. On Phu Quoc, you ride out on a local boat for the Gulf of Thailand sunset, then the real fun starts when night falls and you try night-time squid fishing with the crew.

What I like most is how simple and local it feels. You get round-trip pickup from central Duong Dong or you can meet at John’s Tours office, then you’re guided aboard with local fishing equipment ready for you.

One thing to keep in mind: a squid catch is not guaranteed. Even with the gear and coaching, the best way to enjoy this trip is to treat it as an evening on the water first, and a squid hunt second.

Key things that make this Phu Quoc night squid trip worth your time

• Panoramic sunset before the boat anchors off the coast
• About 2 hours of night fishing when squid are most active
• Crew cooks your catch if you land one
• Dinner on the boat after fishing, with basic meal included
• Hotel pickup and English-speaking guide for an easy, low-stress night plan
• You must pack a towel, swimsuit, and sunscreen and keep bags small

Why this night squid fishing tour feels like a real Phu Quoc evening

Phu Quoc sunsets can be gorgeous, but this one has a payoff: you’re on the water, not on a viewpoint. The boat sets the stage with a panoramic look over the Gulf of Thailand, then you shift into a different mode once it’s dark—handing you gear and sending you squid fishing with local fishermen.

I also like that the tour doesn’t pretend you’re guaranteed dinner from the sea. The crew is there to help, and they’re happy to prepare and cook any squid you catch, but the experience is still about the rhythm of the night: cruise, anchor, cast, wait, and see what happens.

At $15 per person for a 3-hour outing with pickup and dinner included, it’s priced like a fun activity night, not a luxury seafood event. You’re buying time on a boat and a unique skill attempt, with the chance of squid to make it memorable.

Getting to the boat: pickup timing and where you meet

The tour starts late afternoon. You’re picked up between 16:45 and 17:00 from either:

• John’s Tours office, or
• your hotel lobby in the center of Duong Dong town (coverage described around Tran Hung Dao Street from the Phu Quoc night market toward Eden Resort)

If your hotel is outside the Duong Dong pickup zone, there can be an extra fee. The Shells Resort is specifically noted as not in the Duong Dong area.

If pickup is arranged, you’ll head to the harbor and get on the boat. If not, make it easier on yourself and plan to be at 143 Tran Hung Dao at least 15 minutes early. The operator notes the bus won’t wait if you show up late, and traffic can add 5 to 30 minutes, so being early keeps your stress low.

The sunset cruise portion: what you’re doing and why it matters

Once you arrive, you board, settle in, and enjoy the sunset from sea level. This is the part that often makes people smile even if the fishing ends up quiet.

The tour runs in a way that matches the natural timing of the day:

• the boat goes out with time for the sunset
• then, as the sun goes down, you cruise toward a good anchoring spot
• once anchored, you start night-time squid fishing

There’s also an important seasonal note. In the rainy season (May to November), the boat may depart from Sao Beach or An Thoi, and the sunset viewing may not happen in the same way. If your trip lands in those months, I’d adjust expectations and see the tour as primarily a night fishing outing, not a guaranteed sunset show.

Night squid fishing: what the crew provides and what to expect

This is the core of the experience: the chance to fish for squid at night, guided by local knowledge. You’re provided local fishing equipment, so you don’t need to bring gear or figure out how to rig up. That’s a big value point because the whole activity stays approachable.

How it plays out:

• the boat anchors at the fishing spot
• you spend around 2 hours fishing at night
• if you catch squid, the crew is happy to prepare and cook it for you

Now, the practical reality: squid are not guaranteed. The lighting, the water conditions, and just plain luck all matter. Even when you’re doing everything “right,” you might still go home with a story instead of a squid.

So here’s how to make this part work for you: treat it like a hands-on night lesson, not a strict outcome. Watch how the fishermen move, pay attention to timing and technique when the crew shows you, and keep your pace calm. When you get frustrated, that’s when you fumble the simplest steps.

On-board dinner: when it happens and what you might order

Dinner is included, served on the boat after fishing. One real-world detail to plan for: dinner may not land immediately. In practice, it can be served after about 7:30, which leaves you time to finish fishing and then settle in.

What the basic dinner is like:

• fried noodles
• soup
• two grilled shrimps per person
• watermelon as dessert

You may also see add-on seafood options while you’re out at sea. Soft drinks and beer can be available, but those are typically extra charge items. There’s also mention of possible shellfish upgrades (like oysters or mussels) that you can buy if you want more than the basic included meal.

One more tip: since your meal timing depends on the flow of fishing and cooking, be ready for the fact that you might be hungry for a bit. Bring a snack if you’re the kind of person who gets hangry, though that’s not listed as included.

Price and value: is $15 a good deal for this Phu Quoc experience

For $15 per person, you’re getting a bundle: round-trip car and boat transport, an English-speaking guide, one bottle of water, dinner on board, and local fishing equipment.

If you compare that to booking a sunset boat cruise alone, $15 starts to look like you’re mostly paying for the boat ride and having dinner added. The fishing portion is what makes it feel special, because you’re not just watching from shore—you’re actually participating.

Is it a bargain if you catch a squid? Yes, because the experience turns into a full circle: cast a line, then eat what you helped bring up. Is it still worth it if you don’t catch squid? I think it can be, as long as you go in for the night atmosphere and the novelty of trying squid fishing in the Gulf.

Just don’t expect a guaranteed seafood haul. The best value comes from pairing the trip with a flexible mindset: sunset plus a fun challenge, with dinner included either way.

Practical tips so the night goes smoothly

A few small details can make this much more comfortable:

Bring the essentials for sea time

• swimsuit
• towel
• sunscreen

The activity also notes you can’t bring luggage or large bags. If you’re packing for Phu Quoc, keep it light. This is a boat night, not an all-day trekking setup.

Plan for a real start-to-finish evening

You’re picked up late afternoon, then return around 21:00. That means it’s a complete block of time. If you’re also planning to hit the night market, I’d avoid stacking too much right before pickup.

Bring patience for timing

The operator warns the bus might be 5 to 30 minutes late due to traffic or unexpected issues. And while they won’t wait for late arrivals, a little patience on schedule keeps the evening enjoyable.

In rainy season, be ready for a different sunset

From May to November, the departure may change, and sunset viewing may not be available the way you expect. You still get night squid fishing and dinner, but you might want to view it as a night activity first.

If you need help, use the emergency contact

For assistance, you can contact Ms. Rosie via the emergency phone number using text message/ Zalo/ WhatsApp/ Kakaotalk/ Wechat/ Line/ Viber. It’s listed as the point of contact if something goes off-plan.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This trip is a great fit if you want:

• a budget-friendly boat activity with dinner included
• a hands-on activity at night, not just sightseeing
• an easy plan with pickup in Duong Dong

It’s not a great fit if:

• you have mobility limitations (the tour is marked not suitable for people with mobility impairments)
• you hate the idea of possibly not catching anything
• you need to travel with big bags (large luggage isn’t allowed)

If you’re traveling with friends and you like silly challenges, squid fishing can turn into a fun group memory even if catches are rare.

Should you book Phu Quoc sunset and night squid fishing?

If your goal is to spend a gorgeous evening on the water, try something practical and slightly chaotic, and still eat dinner without extra planning, I’d book this.

I’d especially consider it when:

• you’re staying in or near Duong Dong
• you want a single organized outing with pickup and dinner
• you’re open to the fact that the squid might not cooperate

I’d think twice if you’re traveling in May to November and your main focus is sunset photos. You’ll still likely have a good night, but the sunset portion may not match what you’re picturing.

FAQ

How long is the Phu Quoc sunset and night squid fishing tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours. Starting times can vary based on availability.

Where is the pickup in Phu Quoc?

Pickup is available from the center of Duong Dong town around 16:45 to 17:00, including areas along Tran Hung Dao Street (from the Phu Quoc night market toward Eden Resort). If you’re outside the pickup area, an extra fee may apply. If no pickup is arranged, you can meet at John’s Tours office at 143 Tran hung Dao at least 15 minutes before departure.

What time does the tour return?

The tour returns to your hotel at around 21:00.

What is included in the price?

The price includes round-trip transport by car and boat, an English-speaking tour guide, 1 bottle of water, dinner on the boat, and local fishing equipment.

What should I bring, and is there any luggage limit?

Bring a towel, swimsuit, and sunscreen. Large bags or luggage are not allowed.

Will I be able to see the sunset every time?

Not always. During the rainy season (May to November), the boat may depart from Sao Beach or An Thoi, and sunset viewing may not happen.

Is there an extra charge on holidays?

Yes. There is an extra 10% charge during New Year/Lunar New Year, paid directly on-site.