Vietnam

Nha Trang

A couple of hundred kilometres of pristine white sand beaches coupled with the modern day comforts of city life makes it easy to see why Nha Trang is Vietnam’s diving hub and premier beach resort. A great place to learn to dive, Nah Trang is also a macro diver’s paradise. Renowned for its vibrant Nudibranchs, over 350 species of corals, and home to an abundance of marine life, it’s easy to see why Nah Trang is becoming recognised as one of Asia’s hidden gems. There are several offshore islands in the area; try a visit to the beautiful Hon Mun island where you a sure to get great dives and a real sense of adventure.

Experience Level: Beginner-Advanced
Season: February- September
Visibility: 10-30 meters
Water Temp.: 23 – 28 Celsius
Surface Conditions: Calm
# Dive Sites: 12 +

Whale Island

Located about 80 kilometers north of Nah Trang you will find the idyllic paradise Whale Island. A perfect location for both beginners and advanced divers, here you have everything from gentle sloping reefs and coral gardens, to deep cave and wall diving.

A great spot for the adventurous diver, expect anything here. There’s the chance of spotting whale sharks during the day, then night dives with seahorse and Spanish Dancers. Photographers will find lots to keep them busy down here with ghost pipefish camouflaged amongst feather star covered walls, a full spectrum of Nudibranch species, and loads of other critters crawling about. Back on the island, the diverse and wild natural environment is a nature lover’s dream. It’s plain to see why Whale Island is the spark which ignited Jacques Cousteau’s passion for the underwater world.

Experience level: Beginner - Advanced
Season: February - September
Visibility: 10 - 40 meters
Water Temp.: 23- 28 Celsius
Surface Conditions: Calm
# Dive Sites: 16+

Phu Quoc Island

Here’s the chance to discover for yourself one of Asia’s best kept secrets. Phu Quoc Island lies 100 kilometers off the southwest coastline of Vietnam, very close to Cambodia. A relatively new dive destination, the marine life here is reminiscent of that found in the Gulf of Thailand. With large pelagics like mantas and sharks visiting, and coral reefs teeming with a full variety of colourful fish, at times it’s hard to know where to look. The largest of all the Vietnamese islands, Phu Qouc is about the same size as Singapore, but virtually unspoilt. Comprised of several mountains and hills covered in green primitive rainforest and majestic waterfalls, looking onto the cobalt blue waters from a picturesque bay, it’s hard not to feel like a true adventurer here. Travellers will tell you its Thailand 30 years ago; combined that with some of Vietnams finest diving and you have two great reasons to be one of the first to discover Phu Quoc island.

Experience Level: Beginner - Advanced
Season: Mid October – April
Visibility: 10 - 40 meters
Water Temp.: 26 – 28 Celsius
Surface Conditions: Calm
# Dive Sites: 23+

Hoi An

Hoi An is one of Vietnams newest dive locations. Here they offer daily dive trip to the nearby Cu Lao Cham Marine Park, some 25 minutes by speedboat. The Marine Park is comprised eight islands which are home to 155 species of corals, 202 species of fish, four species of lobster, and 84 species of mollusks. This new location promises much excitement, with extensive numbers and variety of marine life, new species and even new dive sites being found in the area on a regular basis. This is a real explorer’s location. In the bay on the west side, protected by the 7 islets and Cham Island, fishermen rest in their boat enjoying the safety and calmness of Cham bays. During the good season, from beginning of March till end of August, the water clears up and can offer up to 20 meters underwater visibility. This reveals some beautiful coral reefs near the islets and Rang Manh pinnacle that even the most experienced diver will be happy with.

Walking through Hoi An’s streets, it’s hard to suppress the feeling that you are in a small part of old time Vietnam. With its exquisite dark wooden houses, absence of cars, and the deeply romantic pedal-powered cyclos to negotiate as you wander its narrow, shady lanes, Hoi An is impossibly picturesque. With exquisite cuisine, friendly bars and a relaxed atmosphere, this is the perfect place to relax and get a taste of the real Vietnam.

Experience Level: Beginner - Advanced
Season: March- September
Visibility: 10 - 30 meters
Water Temp.: 26 – 28 Celsius
Surface Conditions: Calm
# Dive Sites: 18+