Ideal places for scuba-diving in Vietnam
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Explore the best scuba diving destinations in Vietnam, from Quang Ninh’s Co To Island to Phu Quoc’s coral reefs. Discover vibrant underwater worlds! Vietnam's coastline offers a wide variety of scuba diving experiences, from vibrant coral reefs to unique underwater adventures. Here are some of the best locations to explore the underwater beauty of Vietnam:
1. Co To Island District, Quang Ninh
Co To Island, off the coast of northern Vietnam, launched its coral diving services in April 2023. Popular diving spots include Vung Tron, Hon Chim, and Ong Tich islet. Visitors can enjoy scuba diving, sea walking, and additional activities like stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and underwater photography.
2. Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang
Located near Da Nang, Son Tra Peninsula is home to several stunning beaches like Nam, Rang, and Bac beaches. The peninsula’s coral protection zone offers five designated spots for diving, with coral viewing available at shallow depths. Tours typically include a city departure, followed by a day of snorkeling and scuba diving at Sup islet.
3. Cu Lao Cham, Quang Nam
Cu Lao Cham Island, close to Hoi An, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with crystal-clear waters perfect for diving. Tours often take visitors to Hon Dai and Bai Xep, where they can snorkel or scuba dive to explore the island's vibrant coral reefs.
4. Ly Son Island, Quang Ngai
Known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, Ly Son Island offers shallow diving experiences around Be Island. Divers can explore coral reefs at depths of 1–2 meters, with the option to combine diving with traditional fishing and SUP activities.
5. Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh
Quy Nhon features two prime diving spots: Ky Co and Hon Kho. Hon Kho, with its coral reefs located just 1–2 meters below the surface, is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. The tranquil waters and colorful fish make it a perfect diving destination.
6. Vinh Hy Bay, Ninh Thuan
Vinh Hy Bay, near Nui Chua National Park, offers pristine diving opportunities. Visitors can explore coral reefs via glass-bottom boat tours or dive into the clear waters to experience the rich marine life of one of Vietnam's most beautiful bays.
7. Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa
As one of Vietnam’s most popular diving destinations, Nha Trang offers extensive diving services. Hon Mun, Hon Tam, and Bai Tranh are among the top spots to explore vibrant coral gardens. Nha Trang is also home to diving schools for beginners and more advanced divers.
8. Phu Quy, Binh Thuan
Bai Can Beach on Phu Quy Island is known for its expansive coral reefs. SUP paddling and scuba diving are popular activities, and from March to August, visitors can enjoy prime coral viewing.
9. Phu Quoc, Kien Giang
Phu Quoc’s coral reefs, particularly around Mong Tay Island and Gam Ghi Island, offer excellent scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities. Visitors can opt for a day tour exploring several islands with stops for diving, SUP, and underwater photography.
10. Con Dao, Ba Ria-Vung Tau
Con Dao is a premier scuba diving destination, with the best diving spots being Bay Canh, Tai, and Cau islands. The protected waters are home to diverse marine life, and from March to September, conditions are ideal for exploring coral reefs.
Each of these locations offers a unique experience for both novice and experienced divers, making Vietnam a prime destination for underwater exploration.
1. Co To Island District, Quang Ninh
Co To Island, off the coast of northern Vietnam, launched its coral diving services in April 2023. Popular diving spots include Vung Tron, Hon Chim, and Ong Tich islet. Visitors can enjoy scuba diving, sea walking, and additional activities like stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and underwater photography.
2. Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang
Located near Da Nang, Son Tra Peninsula is home to several stunning beaches like Nam, Rang, and Bac beaches. The peninsula’s coral protection zone offers five designated spots for diving, with coral viewing available at shallow depths. Tours typically include a city departure, followed by a day of snorkeling and scuba diving at Sup islet.
3. Cu Lao Cham, Quang Nam
Cu Lao Cham Island, close to Hoi An, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with crystal-clear waters perfect for diving. Tours often take visitors to Hon Dai and Bai Xep, where they can snorkel or scuba dive to explore the island's vibrant coral reefs.
4. Ly Son Island, Quang Ngai
Known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, Ly Son Island offers shallow diving experiences around Be Island. Divers can explore coral reefs at depths of 1–2 meters, with the option to combine diving with traditional fishing and SUP activities.
5. Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh
Quy Nhon features two prime diving spots: Ky Co and Hon Kho. Hon Kho, with its coral reefs located just 1–2 meters below the surface, is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. The tranquil waters and colorful fish make it a perfect diving destination.
6. Vinh Hy Bay, Ninh Thuan
Vinh Hy Bay, near Nui Chua National Park, offers pristine diving opportunities. Visitors can explore coral reefs via glass-bottom boat tours or dive into the clear waters to experience the rich marine life of one of Vietnam's most beautiful bays.
7. Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa
As one of Vietnam’s most popular diving destinations, Nha Trang offers extensive diving services. Hon Mun, Hon Tam, and Bai Tranh are among the top spots to explore vibrant coral gardens. Nha Trang is also home to diving schools for beginners and more advanced divers.
8. Phu Quy, Binh Thuan
Bai Can Beach on Phu Quy Island is known for its expansive coral reefs. SUP paddling and scuba diving are popular activities, and from March to August, visitors can enjoy prime coral viewing.
9. Phu Quoc, Kien Giang
Phu Quoc’s coral reefs, particularly around Mong Tay Island and Gam Ghi Island, offer excellent scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities. Visitors can opt for a day tour exploring several islands with stops for diving, SUP, and underwater photography.
10. Con Dao, Ba Ria-Vung Tau
Con Dao is a premier scuba diving destination, with the best diving spots being Bay Canh, Tai, and Cau islands. The protected waters are home to diverse marine life, and from March to September, conditions are ideal for exploring coral reefs.
Each of these locations offers a unique experience for both novice and experienced divers, making Vietnam a prime destination for underwater exploration.
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