Not far from the coast of Hoi An, are the Cham Islands, one of Vietnam’s most popular snorkeling destinations.

With a moderate climate and a rich and diverse marine environment, the waters off Hoi An’s shores are the perfect place to observe abundant marine life including many fish species, colorful corals and other underwater sea-life.

Here's all you need yo know about snorkeling tours, one of the most fun outdoor activities from Hoi An.

What are the best snorkeling tours in Hoi An?

Small group snorkeling tours

A small group snorkeling tour usually includes a pickup from your hotel in Hoi An for a transfer to Cua Dai Wharf, where you board your speedboat or traditional Vietnamese boat. A small-group excursion usually has 15 or fewer participants.

Some tours travel to Cham Island and disembark, allowing you to enjoy activities including snorkeling, swimming, and sea-bed walking. Other trips sail around the islands to offshore coral reef sites, where you can snorkel directly from the boat.

Longer tours typically also include a seafood lunch before the return journey to Hoi An.

Large group snorkeling tours

On a large group snorkeling tour, your group of no more than 48 people sail from Cua Dai Wharf to Cham Island by Vietnamese traditional boat. Once at Cham Island, you can relax, snorkel and swim.

After lunch at Bai Chong Beach, there will be some leisure time before your return to Hoi An in the mid-afternoon.

Private snorkeling tours

Private snorkeling tours can also include other activities such as fishing or a tour to the Cham Islands. On a private tour, you will have the exclusive use of your boat and guide services.

Depending on the tour length, you may be able to tailor the itinerary or choose between snorkeling sites. Some activities, such as sea-bed walking are not private activities and you will join other tour participants when doing such activities.

Private 2-day tour including snorkeling

You can combine two unique UNESCO listed sites, exploring Hoi An with an experienced local guide and snorkeling around the Cham Islands on a 2-day excursion. Some parts of the tour, such as the snorkeling experience are on a small group basis, but your city tour and all other aspects of the tour will be private.

How much do snorkeling tours in Hoi An cost?

Half day small-group snorkeling tours start from US$45 per person. If the excursion includes a sea-bed walking experience, then expect to pay from US$65 per person.

Large group snorkeling tours are a full day experience and cost from US$40 per person.

Private half-day snorkeling tours cost around US$55 per person and typically include lunch.

A 2-day tour including a private Hoi An city tour and a small-group snorkeling experience can start from as little as US$90 per person sharing.

What is included?

Snorkeling day trips are fully guided and a pickup from your hotel is usually included.

Tours can be by speedboat or traditional Vietnamese boat. Snorkeling gear and access fees are part of the tour cost and if your tour includes a sea-bed walk, this is included in the package.

Most tours include bottled water, and lunch is typically included in full day tours.

Where does it start?

Most snorkeling tours include a pickup from your hotel in Hoi An or central Da Nang. Boats typically depart from the Cua Dai Wharf.

How long does it last?

The average length of a snorkeling tour from Hoi An is seven hours. There is also, however, a 2-day tour option from Hoi An that includes snorkeling.

When is the best time for a snorkeling tour in Hoi An?

The best time to go on a snorkeling tour from Hoi An is from March until September. During these months, the weather is usually pleasant and the water is clear and calm. Mornings usually offer the best snorkeling conditions.

Are there any combo tours available?

From Hoi An, it is also possible to do some day tours that include snorkeling and other activities. These include:

Cham Island fishing day trip including snorkeling

A private fishing day trip that includes learning traditional fishing techniques. Snorkeling at some of the best underwater spots near Hoi An, a museum visit and a short hike are also included in the excursion.

Cham Island day tour plus snorkeling experience

A full day tour that includes a speedboat trip to Cham Island. Half of the day is spent at Bai Lang Beach, with time to explore, sunbathe and swim. Snorkeling on the coral reef and a seafood lunch complete this memorable trip.

Is it safe?

While snorkeling tours are generally considered to be safe if supervised by a professional guide, if you have a heart condition or are asthmatic, you should not book this kind of tour. If you are in doubt, speak to your doctor.

Are children allowed?

Some snorkeling tours may accommodate children, but typically, participants are required to be 8 years or older.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Snorkeling tours usually require good weather and calm ocean conditions. In the event of bad weather or rough seas, you will be offered a full refund or a different date for the activity by your tour operator.

Wich other water activities can be done in Hoi An?

Travel tips

Avoid seabed walking if you suffer from claustrophobia.
Bring reef-sunscreen and apply regularly throughout the day.
Bring swimwear and a towel.
An underwater camera is great for capturing footage of your experience.

Snorkeling in Hội An