Nature has given Vietnam many beautiful beaches and bays. There you can see a wide variety of plant and animal species, such as the beautiful coral reefs. One of the most wonderful experiences during a trip to Vietnam is diving, to explore the ocean.
Here is the list of the best scuba diving sites in Vietnam waiting for you:
1. Nha Trang – Best of Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Vietnam
If you travel to this coastal city without diving into its sea, you will not explore Nha Trang.
Naturally, this region is blessed with beautiful coral reefs, hundreds of species of plants, and magnificent fish. The most beautiful dive in Nha Trang is Mun Bay, Vietnam’s first marine protected area. There are also many diving attractions such as Tam Island or Monkey Island.
The dive sites here are great for beginners learning to dive, due to its shallow waters, but they are also great for experienced divers!
Expect to see an array of tropical fish ranging from butterfly to boxfish or moray to pufferfish. Take advantage of July and August for this activity, the visibility being favorable, you will see them perfectly. The average depth of this dive is around 18 meters and is suitable for divers of all levels.
2. Whale Island – Nha Trang
Just a 90-minute drive north of Nha Trang, you will find the idyllic Whale Island nestled in Van Phong Bay.
This magnificent sheltered bay is the very embodiment of a true getaway on an island with turquoise waters and white sand beaches. With whales and whale sharks coming to the archipelago to feed on masses of krill and plankton (between April and July), there is no better name for the island than this.
3. Con Dao Island
Con Dao is considered the best view of Vietnam’s coral reefs. There are 16 islands and a unique ecosystem here. You will have a wonderful time exploring the ocean, admiring the beauty of marine plants, especially corals.
Observe rare marine animals such as sea turtles, dugongs. The best diving in Con Dao is Canh Bay, Con Son Bay, Tai Island, and Cau Island.
The best time to dive Con Dao each year is from March to September.
4. Phu Quoc Island – Swimming, Diving, Snorkeling
Phu Quoc is reputed to be “the Maldives’ alternative in Vietnam”.
This pearly island of Vietnam is not only famous for its beautiful beaches but also attracts visitors from all over the world with its beauty, especially that of its ocean where you can find incredible mysterious coral reefs of various shapes and colorful fish.
Phu Quoc is a great place to learn to dive and get a certificate or a fun dive. Most of the dive sites are very shallow. If you want to learn to scuba dive, Phu Quoc is a perfect place, relatively safe, inexpensive, and a great alternative to Nha Trang or Koh Tao in Thailand.
In Phu Quoc, there are many diving spots such as An Thoi Archipelago, Thom Island, Ganh Dau Island, Cua Can Island, May Rut Island. The best season for diving in Phu Quoc is during the dry season, from October to April, as the sea is calmer, and visibility is at its highest. The water temperature varies between 28 and 31 degrees. However, if you are diving in the north, you can do it at any time of the year.
5. Cham Island (Hoi An)
The 5,000 hectares of marine protected areas of the island of Cham include 165 hectares of coral reefs and 500 hectares of seagrass beds containing many marine species. There are also over 200 species of fish, many of which are listed in the Vietnam Red Book. Cham Island’s rich marine resources make it a popular diving destination in Vietnam.
On Cham Island, there are three famous dive sites: Tai Island, Hon Island, and Long Island. You can dive 5-7 meters deep to explore the beauty of the ocean.
6. Vinh Hy Bay
Vinh Hy is one of the four most beautiful bays in Vietnam. It is just over an hour’s drive from downtown Phan Rang – Thap Cham.
The sea at Vinh Hy is green all year round with over 300 species of coral. This diversity makes this bay an ideal destination for exploring the beauty of the ocean. Follow the local guides, observe the magnificent plants and fish!
For those who do not dive, nothing prevents you from exploring the coral reef in complete safety. Just take a boat with a glass hull. So, you will also enjoy the underwater beauty.
7. Bay of Whale Island
It is the ideal site for an easy dive. Explore this water to discover anemones and many clownfish. The area is also home to jacks, groupers, and snappers, which tend to swim around large rock formations.
With a depth ranging from 15 to 50 meters, this dive site is ideal for divers of all levels.
Best time to dive in Vietnam
Dive sites in Vietnam are accessible year-round, but the best time to dive is from March to October. This period is the best period for diving because it offers better visibility, and the currents are calmer. Weather differs from place to place in Vietnam, so check the weather for each of these places before diving there!
All good things must end, but why not take advantage of all this information and check out some of these places to dive in Vietnam? Are you looking for a great place to challenge yourself or to experience your first dive? You will find the best dive site in Vietnam!