When people think of Phu Quoc, they envision crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and endless stretches of soft white sand. Yet beneath this beauty lies a harsh reality: the ocean is under increasing pressure from plastic waste, ghost nets, and harmful human habits. As a tour operator whose work is deeply connected to the sea, Rooty Trip understands that if we do not take action today, these precious natural treasures may disappear tomorrow.

For that reason, Rooty Trip is proud to join the Management Board of the Marine Protected Area in the second phase of the 2025 Coral Reef and Beach Cleanup Campaign. The initiative took place from October 20–24, 2025, across the southern waters of Phu Quoc. More than a simple environmental activity, this mission reflects Rooty Trip’s long-term commitment to building a sustainable and responsible tourism future for the island.

Five Days Dedicated to “Rescuing” Coral Reefs and Beaches in South Phu Quoc

Over the course of five continuous days, the cleanup campaign was carried out at several of Phu Quoc’s most iconic islands:

• Hon Kim Quy
  
• Hon Vong
  
• Hon May Rut Trong
  
• Hon Gam Ghi
  
• Hon Xuong
  

Meanwhile, shoreline cleanup efforts took place at popular stopovers such as:

• Hon Mong Tay
  
• Hon May Rut
  
• Hon Gam Ghi
  

The Marine Protected Area Management Board partnered with tourism businesses in the region-including Rooty Trip-alongside volunteer groups and professional divers to conduct this large-scale operation.

Beneath the Waves: A Silent Battle Against Ghost Nets and Marine Debris

While visitors often see only picturesque underwater scenes, the divers spent hours working meticulously to:

• Remove ghost nets, fishing lines, and damaged gear entangled in coral
• Collect bottles, cans, plastic bags, and other debris scattered across the seabed
• Handle the coral gently to avoid harming fragile young colonies in recovery
  

At the surface, volunteer teams supported the divers by transporting, sorting, and moving collected waste back to boats for proper disposal.

On the Shore: Restoring the Natural Beauty of Phu Quoc’s Beaches

On the beaches of Hon Mong Tay, Hon May Rut, and Hon Gam Ghi, volunteers gathered debris washed ashore: plastic bottles, footwear, Styrofoam boxes, nylon bags, and old fishing nets.

After just five days, 1,096 kilograms of waste were collected and processed according to environmental standards.
Behind that number are countless hours of hard work under the sun-driven by a shared passion to keep the coral reefs clean and thriving.

Why Coral Reef Protection Is Rooty Trip’s Core Responsibility

For Rooty Trip, coral reefs are far more than a “beautiful backdrop” for photos. They are:

• A vital ecosystem supporting countless marine species
  
• A natural shield that reduces waves and prevents coastal erosion
  
• The foundation of island tourism-without coral reefs, Phu Quoc would gradually lose its appeal
  

Therefore, participating in environmental campaigns is not just an option-it is a responsibility that goes hand in hand with sustainable tourism operations. Rooty Trip firmly believes that only when the environment is protected can tourism develop in a meaningful and lasting way.

Spreading the Message: “Green Travel – Green Action”

The cleanup campaign is more than an environmental effort; it is an opportunity to inspire collective awareness. It aims to:

• Educate residents, fishermen, and visitors about proper waste disposal
  
• Encourage reduced use of single-use plastics
  
• Connect tourists, businesses, and the local community in shared environmental action
  

Rooty Trip’s tour programs consistently feature environmental education. Our guides help guests understand:

• The importance of marine protected areas and coral ecosystems
  
• Why they should not stand on, touch, or break coral when snorkeling
  
• How to manage their own waste-and even pick up additional litter on the beach
  

Every traveler who leaves Phu Quoc with greater awareness becomes an ambassador for ocean conservation.

Sustainable Tourism in Phu Quoc – More Than Just a Slogan

To build the image of a truly “green pearl island,” long-term collaboration is essential:

• Close coordination between the Marine Protected Area Board, authorities, businesses, and communities
  
• Clear environmental commitments from tour operators, hotels, and restaurants
  
• Active participation from visitors-the ones who directly touch the island’s ecosystems
  

Looking ahead, Rooty Trip will continue to:

• Join regular cleanup missions across island sites
  
• Develop eco-educational experiences such as beach cleanup tours, marine biology talks, and children’s workshops
  
• Work with partners to reduce single-use plastics on boats, canoes, and meal services
  

How You Can Help Protect Phu Quoc’s Coral Reefs

Every traveler can contribute, starting with simple habits:

• Bring a reusable bottle instead of buying plastic water bottles
  
• Never discard cigarette butts, plastic bags, or food waste into the sea
  
• Avoid touching, stepping on, or breaking coral while snorkeling
  
• Pick up litter on the beach when possible
  
• Choose responsible operators-like Rooty Trip-who prioritize environmental protection

Small Actions Today – A Blue Ocean Tomorrow

The 2025 Coral Reef & Beach Cleanup is just one of many efforts Rooty Trip and the community are undertaking to preserve the beauty of South Phu Quoc. The 1,096 kilograms of trash collected is meaningful-but even more important is the awareness planted in every participant.

At Rooty Trip, we believe:

“Every small action on the beach today is a big step toward protecting the ocean of tomorrow.”

If you love Phu Quoc—its turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and pristine beaches-join us.
Sometimes, protecting the ocean begins with something as simple as choosing a responsible tour provider…
or picking up one piece of trash.

Because keeping the ocean clean today is protecting the future of Phu Quoc-and our own future.