Snorkeling/diving experience to see coral reefs at Cu Lao Cham island

The Geographic Location of Cu Lao Cham

Located about 15km from Hoi An Ancient Town and 45km from Da Nang, Cu Lao Cham has long become a famous island destination in Central Vietnam. Not only does it boast pristine beaches and jade-turquoise waters, but this place is also renowned for having one of the most diverse coral ecosystems in Vietnam. That is why coral reef diving at Cu Lao Cham always ranks among the "must-try" experiences for visitors coming to Hoi An – Da Nang.

Thanks to its location fairly close to the mainland, traveling to the island is very convenient. You can:

Drive from Da Nang or Hoi An to Cua Dai Port

After that, travel by high-speed boat for about 15 – 20 minutes

Or a traditional wooden boat, about 60 minutes

After being guided on how to use the diving mask, snorkel, and life jacket, you will slowly lower yourself into the clear blue water. Just put your face down into the water, and a completely different world will unfold right before your eyes.

You can see fish swimming right in front of the colorful coral that stretches along the seabed — the water here is so clear that you can make out every detail. Besides fish, if you look closely you can also spot: colorful starfish, sea anemones, sea snails, sea urchins, and more...

Popular coral diving experiences at Cu Lao Cham

When joining the coral reef diving experience at Cu Lao Cham, visitors can choose from a variety of different options depending on their swimming ability, desired level of adventure, and budget. The two most popular forms today are snorkeling (breathing-tube diving) and diving (scuba diving with air tanks).

A safe and exciting coral diving experience at Cu Lao Cham

Although snorkeling is quite easy to take part in, to have a complete and safe experience, you should keep in mind a few tips below.

The Most Beautiful Time for Coral Reef Diving

According to the experience of many local guides, the ideal time for coral diving is from March to September.

During this period:

Calm sea. Clear water. Few storms.

The rainy season from October to February usually brings big waves and murky water, so it's not suitable for snorkeling.

Preparation before diving

For a smooth diving trip, you should prepare:

SunscreenSwimsuitBeach towelSunglassesWaterproof camera (if you have one)

Also, you should have a light snack before diving and avoid drinking alcohol.

Precautions when diving

To protect the marine ecosystem and ensure safety, visitors need to follow a few rules:

Do not step on the coral. Do not break off or take coral ashore. Do not touch marine creatures. Always follow your guide's instructions.

According to marine environment experts, even a single light step can take corals many years to recover from.