Nearly 1,000 dolphins spotted swimming off Vietnam’s Phu Quy Island
A massive pod of nearly 1,000 dolphins has been spotted swimming off Vietnam’s Phu Quy Island, creating a rare spectacle that has stunned local fishermen and captivated social media users.
Dolphins are seen swimming together in waters off Vietnam’s Phu Quy Island. Photo: Screenshot from video
At around 10:00 am on Tuesday, local fishermen Pham Hiep and Huynh Ka encountered the dolphins about one nautical mile from Hon Tranh Islet in Phu Quy Special Zone, Lam Dong Province.
The marine mammals spread across a stretch of water one to two kilometers wide, repeatedly surfacing as they swam near the fishing boat.
Footage of the extraordinary encounter quickly went viral, attracting hundreds of thousands of views and drawing widespread amazement online.
Local residents said they had not witnessed such a large gathering of dolphins in more than 20 years, speculating that abundant food sources may have drawn the animals to the area.
Why are dolphins gathering near Phu Quy?
The sighting came six months after another pod of about 100 dolphins was spotted swimming alongside a speedboat and leaping out of the water near Hon Tranh on April 5.
The earlier encounter occurred just 500 meters offshore while a group of fishermen and a tour guide were diving and fishing.
The presence of large dolphin pods may be linked to coastal upwelling, a natural oceanographic phenomenon prominent in the waters off the former Binh Thuan Province, including Phu Quy.
Upwelling occurs when cold, nutrient-rich water rises from the ocean depths, stimulating plankton growth and supporting an abundance of fish and other marine life.
These favorable feeding conditions can attract dolphins and other marine predators.
While the sightings may reflect the area's rich marine biodiversity, further scientific assessment would be needed to determine what specifically drew the dolphins to Phu Quy.
Phu Quy emerges as island tourism hotspot
Located around 120 kilometers southeast of Phan Thiet, Phu Quy has become an increasingly popular destination thanks to its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and island landscapes.
The island and its surrounding islets, including Hon Tranh, Hon Do, Hon Da Cao, and Hon Hai, offer activities such as snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and exploring local fishing villages.
Covering just over 18 square kilometers, the island is accessible by ferry from the mainland, with journeys taking around 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
The most favorable period for visiting Phu Quy is generally from December to June, when sea conditions tend to be calmer.
Ngoc Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News
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