Diving in Vietnam: The 10 Most Beautiful Dive Spots

With over 3,260 km of coastline, Vietnam boasts white sandy beaches and turquoise waters set against a lush green landscape, making it a true paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts. The country's numerous dive sites offer perfect opportunities to discover the enchanting world of the Vietnamese underwater world.

Nothing matches the thrill of diving straight into the water and observing the beautiful sea creatures. If you're planning a scuba diving trip in Vietnam, this guide will help you find the best dive sites and the optimal times to visit them.

Written by Oliver PHUNG (local expert)Updated on 19-07-2024

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1. The best times for a diving trip in Vietnam

The best time to dive along the East Sea beaches, including Danang, Hoi An, Ly Son, Whale Island in Nha Trang, and the Con Dao Archipelago, is from March to August. The weather is dry and sunny during this period, and the sea is calm. The summer months, especially June, July, and August, offer the best diving conditions with clear water, making it easy to observe a variety of colorful tropical fish and beautiful corals.

However, the rainy season lasts from September to February. During this time, the weather is dreary and the sea is rough, making it unsuitable for diving. Many days of heavy rain result in zero visibility, especially during storms. Additionally, the waves can stir the bottom, further reducing visibility. A lot of diving services also close from mid-September or October to February.

In contrast, snorkeling spots in the south, such as the Gulf of Thailand islands like Phu Quoc, are ideal from November to May of the following year. Therefore, carefully plan your diving trip in Vietnam to make the most of your experience!

2. Where to snorkel in Vietnam? The 10 best diving spots in Vietnam

The best scuba diving spots in Vietnam are found in central and southern Vietnam, where conditions are generally favorable almost all year round. 

On the central coast near Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Quy Nhon, temperatures are temperate and vary between 22°C and 28°C, with the coolest temperatures observed between November and March. 
 

On the south coast, in Con Dao and on the island of Phu Quoc, the water is a bit warmer, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 31°C. From the center to the south, discover the most beautiful dive sites in Vietnam!

• 2.1. Where to Snorkel in Danang

Just a 30-minute drive (35 km) from Da Nang city center, the Son Tra Peninsula is a must-visit natural site. You can enjoy breathtaking sights like Linh Ung Pagoda and But Beach. The Da Nang scuba diving area offers a unique and diverse ecosystem, perfect for diving enthusiasts.

Hon Sup, located in the south of the peninsula, boasts an incredible marine environment with 54 different species of corals, creating a magical underwater landscape. The crystal-blue waters allow for clear coral viewing and a wide range of underwater activities. If you're an experienced diver or a beginner, Hon Sup has plenty of entertainment options and diving services to satisfy your every craving. 

Thus, enjoy an unforgettable day discovering the underwater wonders of Son Tra. Rent your dive equipment and find the colorful marine fauna, or opt for a guided tour to learn more about this unique and unspoiled environment.

>>> Complete Guide: What to do and see in Danang? All our travel tips and tricks!

• 2.2. Cham Islands Diving Experience, Hoi An

The Cham Islands are a premier scuba diving spot in Hoi An, Vietnam, perfect for diving enthusiasts. The crystal-clear waters around these islands are home to vibrant coral reefs and a variety of colorful fish, offering an unforgettable underwater spectacle. Whether you're an experienced diver or prefer snorkeling, the Cham Islands have something for everyone. 

Besides, snorkeling is another ideal activity for those who want to explore the shallow waters in a relaxed way. Unlike scuba diving, no certification is required, and it's less strenuous since you don't have to deal with underwater pressures. This makes snorkeling perfect for beginners or kids. If you get tired, you can easily return to the boat for a break before continuing your underwater adventure.

• 2.3. Visit and observe the corals on Đảo Bé, Lý Sơn Island

Far away, 100 kilometers (about a 2-hour drive) from Hoi An ancient town, Ly Son Island's Dao Be (Little Island) is a must-see for lovers of nature and tranquility. Unlike more touristy spots, this island boasts wild, unspoiled beauty.

A trip wouldn't be complete without exploring Dao Be's underwater wonders. The crystal-blue sea is home to vibrant corals and fascinating marine life. Visit the impressive volcanic lava rock arch and snorkel among the corals. Whether you're an experienced diver or new to snorkeling, you'll be amazed by the Dao Be's marine beauty.

>>>Discover the Most Beautiful Beaches: 2-Week Getaway in Vietnam from Halong to Phu Quoc Island

• 2.4. Scuba diving in Nha Trang

Hon Mun Island, home to the Hon Mun Marine Reserve, is a paradise for diving enthusiasts. This protected area boasts over 350 species of hard corals and a diverse array of fish, including barracudas, clownfish, and lionfish. To explore the stunning reefs of Hon Mun, you'll need to take a boat. A professional dive team will handle all the details, from round-trip transfers to providing the necessary equipment for a safe dive.

Another top dive site is Whale Island (Hòn Ông), situated 100 km from Nha Trang in Van Phong Bay. You can witness swirling clouds of barracudas with just a mask, snorkel, and fins. Small-group diving trips are organized in this pristine sea area, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Finally, Yen Island (Hon Noi) is a unique destination with Vietnam's largest bird's nest reserve and a stunning coral reef beneath crystal-clear waters. Divers can uncover this under-the-radar spot and marvel at the vibrant marine life in an untouched environment.

>>> Read also: Nha Trang, coastal pearl in central Vietnam

• 2.5. The most beautiful snorkeling spots in Quy Nhơn

Discovering the seabed of Quy Nhon is an unforgettable experience to live during your trip to Vietnam. Hon Kho is a true underwater treasure where you can admire incredible marine life, especially the coral reefs. No matter if you are a professional diver or a beginner, this remote island provides even purer and more pristine water, where you can also practice snorkeling.

In addition, Ky Co Beach, with its pristine white sand and crystal-clear water, is a must-visit gem. Take a refreshing dip and enjoy the gentle waves before exploring nearby Bai Dua Beach or Hon Seo Island. These spots are renowned for their beautiful coral reefs and diverse marine life. Arrive at Hon Seo, a small, untouched island resembling a boat heading to the sea, which features clear waters teeming with colorful corals.

>>> For Couples: Love Amidst Tranquility - A 2-Week Vietnam Honeymoon

• 2.6. Discover the colorful aquatic world in Hon Yen (Phu Yen)

Positioned just 20 kilometers northeast of Tuy Hoa (Phu Yen), Yen Island is a pristine natural site, untouched by mass tourism. This makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers, who can even admire its beauty without diving.

At low tide, the coral reefs resemble natural sculptures rising from the water, creating a captivating scene under the afternoon sun. You can observe many aquatic animals, such as fish, bivalves, mollusks, starfish, and more. The coral plateau, formed by black cliffs, white sand, and rocky grooves, adds a touch of whimsy to this spectacular landscape.

• 2.7. Vinh Hy Bay (Ninh Thuan): a popular snorkeling spot

Vinh Hy Bay, situated 45 km from Phan Rang city in Ninh Thuan province, is a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and marine life lovers. The bay's pristine waters harbor natural coral reefs of stunning beauty.

To marvel at these underwater wonders, visitors have several options. Glass-bottom boats provide exceptional panoramic views of the coral reefs, which are easily visible just 2 to 4 meters below the water's surface from the edges of the islands.

For a more immersive experience, diving enthusiasts can enjoy excursions to explore the enchanting coral reefs up close. Additionally, Vinh Hy Bay offers boat tours for visitors to explore the bay, visit Hang Rai, and soak in the scenic views of the nearby islands.

• 2.8. Scuba diving in Con Dao

From Con Dao in southeastern Vietnam, you can explore the wonderful, secluded islands that offer unspoiled and safe diving opportunities for divers of all levels. The coral reefs surrounding the islands boast a lot of shapes and colors and are home to soft and hard corals, table-shaped corals, bubble corals, and anemones. With more than 20 dive sites around Con Dao, divers can explore locations such as Hòn Tre Nhỏ, Hòn Bà, Egg Island, and Lucky Island.

Furthermore, this island is home to an array of marine species, including Moorish idols, clownfish, lionfish, cuttlefish, and octopus. You can also spot pelagics, rays, reef sharks, and green turtles swimming near the islands of Con Dao.

>>> Complete Guide: Con Dao Island Travel Guide: 6 Must-Ask Questions Before Your Trip

• 2.9. Diving to see the corals in Bai Can, Phu Quy Island

Based in Binh Thuan's southern province, Bai Can is a stunning coral reef just 300 meters from the shore, featuring a nearly kilometer-wide living coral beach. Visitors can enjoy vibrant coral clusters, green algae carpets, and pristine white sandy beaches in crystal-clear waters.

Despite being a bit offshore, the water at Bai Can is only 1-3 meters deep, making it simple to walk the entire reef. Bai Can's unique feature is its transformation during very low tides (on the 15th, 16th, and 17th lunar days), when coral clusters 200–300 meters from the shore emerge, creating a temporary island.

• 2.10. Scuba Diving in Phu Quoc: An Exceptional Experience

In southern Vietnam, Phu Quoc is one of the country's largest and most beautiful islands. The southern part of the island is a fantastic destination for snorkeling, with its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. 

Off the coast of Phu Quoc lies the An Thoi Archipelago, a collection of over 18 islands offering some of the best coral reef views. Visitors can encounter a variety of colorful fish, starfish, and sea urchins. 

The best time to dive in Phu Quoc is during the dry season, from November to May when the water is warm and clear. Professional PADI-certified dive centers provide scuba diving and snorkeling services, with experienced trainers and guides to assist divers of all levels.

>>> Learn more about: 7 Useful Phu Quoc Island Travel Tips For First-Time Visitors!

3. Best Tips for Diving in Vietnam

If you're an experienced diver, you know the necessary equipment and can rent it in Vietnam. For beginners, signing up for a diving course is a great way to get familiar with the gear. Here’s what you’ll need to get started: snorkel, oxygen tank, diving fins, dive computer, and wetsuit.

Here are our top diving tips:

• Honestly assess your physical condition before diving.
• Listen carefully to instructions and memorize the underwater gestures.
• Pay attention to your body signals. If you feel uncomfortable, stop and surface.
• Regularly check all your diving equipment before each dive.

• Control your breathing and descend slowly.
• Practice diving regularly to improve your air conservation.
• Always follow safety regulations, and never dive alone or in unfamiliar areas.
• Avoid using sunscreen when diving to protect coral reefs.
• Do not touch corals or fish to maintain the underwater ecosystem.

Our Final Words

In conclusion, Vietnam is full of many diving opportunities for beginners and experienced divers alike.. With crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, every dive is unforgettable. Phu Quoc Island, Cham Island, Con Dao Islands, and Nha Trang are among the most beautiful dive sites in Vietnam. Regardless of the location, it is essential to follow safety rules, protect the environment, and fully enjoy this unique underwater experience. We wish you great dives!