Hoi An/Da Nang: Snorkelling & Island-Hopping Speedboat Tour

Exploring Cham Islands with a Speedboat: An Authentic Snorkeling Adventure in Central Vietnam

If you’re dreaming of a day filled with colorful marine life, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful beaches away from the tourist crowds, the Hoi An/Da Nang: Snorkelling & Island-Hopping Speedboat Tour might just be your ideal escape. We’ve gathered insights from travelers and experts to give you an honest look at what makes this tour stand out—and what to keep in mind before booking.

This tour offers a small-group experience with personalized attention, which many reviewers rave about, along with stunning snorkeling spots and delicious Vietnamese cuisine. The fact that it avoids the usual tourist traps makes it especially appealing if you value authenticity and tranquility. However, weather conditions and the seasonal cold water might influence your comfort and the overall experience. Perfect for anyone eager to explore Vietnamese marine life or unwind in serene island settings, this trip delivers a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Small-group size (20-25 people) ensures personalized service and less crowded spots.
• Excellent snorkeling, with carefully chosen locations featuring soft and hard corals.
• Delicious, plentiful lunch with fresh fruits and traditional Vietnamese dishes.
• Secluded beaches for relaxing and soaking up the sun, away from crowds.
• Expert guides who are attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly.
• Good value for money at $63 per person, considering all included activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why This Tour is Worth Considering

This tour is designed for travelers who want more than just a quick boat ride. It caters to those who appreciate quality snorkeling, tasty food, and the chance to see the Cham Islands without the hassle of overly commercialized experiences. The tour’s focus is to provide a relaxed, authentic day that combines marine exploration with cultural glimpses and beach time.

One thing that truly elevates this experience is its small-group format. With only 20-25 guests, you’re less likely to feel lost in a crowd, and guides like Cha Cha and others can give you more personalized attention. Several reviews highlight how guides stayed close, explained things clearly, and even swam with guests to ensure safety—something that adds to the overall comfort.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Morning Pickup and Boarding

The day kicks off early with hotel pickups in Hoi An at 8:45 AM and Da Nang at 8:30 AM, making it a hassle-free start. From there, it’s a short trip to Cua Dai Harbour, where you’ll board your speedboat—a key feature of this tour. Unlike larger boats that can feel crowded, this vessel is designed for speed and agility, helping you avoid seasickness and giving you more time at each stop.

First Snorkeling Stop at Dai Island

At around 10:15 AM, the boat anchors at Dai Island, known for its soft corals and vibrant fish. Expect about an hour in the water, which many reviewers describe as a beautiful, lively underwater world. The masks and snorkels provided are praised for being high quality and leak-free, making the experience more comfortable.

Second Snorkeling at Tai Island

Next, around 11:30 AM, you’ll move to Tai Island, home to hard corals and a bustling fish population. Some guests mention a fish feeding session, which adds an interactive element. With approximately another hour in the water, you’ll get a second dose of colorful underwater scenery, often described as crystal-clear and teeming with life.

Lunch and Beach Relaxation

By 1 PM, you’ll head to Chong or Ong Beach for a hearty Vietnamese lunch. The reviews confirm the meal is plentiful, tasty, and served in a relaxed setting—perfect for refueling after snorkeling. You’ll have about an hour and 15 minutes to enjoy the beach, with access to toilets, showers, and the option to buy extra drinks or snacks. Many say this break is a highlight, offering a peaceful retreat with stunning views.

Return and Drop-off

By 2:30 PM, it’s time to head back to your hotel, completing a full, enriching day. The return trip is smooth, with many passengers noting the attentive service and well-organized logistics.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Careful Location Selection: Unlike busy tourist-packed spots, guides intentionally pick quieter snorkeling sites with excellent visibility and abundant marine life. Several reviews mention how the guides, such as Cha Cha, work hard to find spots away from crowds—making the experience more enjoyable and intimate.

Focus on Snorkeling and Island Hopping: Unlike some tours that include shopping or overly commercial stops, this experience concentrates on what travelers love most: underwater exploration and beach time. Snorkeling is the core activity, with just one session lasting around 30 minutes to an hour at each spot.

Expert Guides and Personal Attention: Guests praise guides like Cha Cha and Fi for their friendliness, local knowledge, and safety consciousness. One reviewer mentioned, “Cha Cha was a great character and very knowledgeable,” emphasizing the importance of a good guide in making the day memorable.

Quality Equipment and Food: Multiple reviews highlight the good quality masks and snorkels, with no leaks or discomfort. The lunch is described as “plentiful,” “delicious,” and featuring fresh tropical fruits, making the overall day feel indulgent and well-catered.

Small Group Feel: Compared to larger tours with 70-80 guests, the smaller size keeps the experience more personal and less rushed. Travelers like Russell and Gemma appreciated the intimate setting, which allows for more interaction and flexibility.

Practical Details and Considerations

Pricing and Value: At $63 per person, the tour offers excellent value given the inclusions—hotel pickup, guide, speedboat, lunch, drinks, and all fees. The reviews consistently mention how worthwhile the price is, especially considering the quality of snorkeling and the small-group experience.

Timing and Duration: From pickup at around 8:30-8:45 AM to return by 2:30 PM, the trip is a full but comfortable day. Expect about 2 hours of snorkeling spread across two locations, with a generous beach break.

Transportation: The pickup is included in Hoi An, but not from Da Nang’s New World Hoiana resort. The speedboat ride is quick and smooth, giving you more time to enjoy the water rather than sitting in transit.

Weather Dependency: Since the experience is weather-dependent, poor conditions may lead to cancellations or rescheduling. Guests recommend checking weather forecasts beforehand and being prepared for the possibility of cold water, especially in March, which some reviewers noted.

Accessibility and Physical Requirements: The tour involves swimming and floating in open water. It’s suitable for those comfortable with light water activity and able to walk on beaches and boats.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking authentic snorkeling in quieter spots away from tourist crowds. It suits those who appreciate small-group intimacy, tasty local food, and expert guides. If you’re a relatively confident swimmer eager to see vibrant coral reefs and interact with marine life, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

It’s also ideal if you want a relaxing beach break combined with underwater adventure, rather than a crowded, rushed day. Active families, couples, or solo travelers who value good value and quality over gimmicks will feel right at home here.

Who Might Want to Consider Other Options

If you’re looking for a tour that includes shopping, sea walking, or visits to crowded tourist sites, this might not meet your expectations. Also, if you’re sensitive to cold water or seasickness, check the timing season and consider bringing seasickness remedies.

Final Word

This snorkeling and island-hopping tour from Hoi An/Da Nang offers a genuine taste of Vietnam’s marine beauty, with a friendly, well-organized approach that leaves many guests raving. With carefully chosen snorkeling spots, attentive guides like Cha Cha, delicious local food, and a peaceful beach retreat, it delivers a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and authentic cultural glimpses.

It provides excellent value for money—particularly for those who prioritize quality, intimacy, and natural beauty. Whether you’re an avid snorkeler or simply looking for a scenic day in the sun, this trip makes a compelling choice for your Vietnam itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An, a guide, speedboat rides, a Thai island snorkeling experience, lunch, drinks, and all fees and taxes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, high-quality masks and snorkels are provided and praised for their comfort and effectiveness.

How long is the snorkeling?
There are two main snorkeling stops, with about 30 minutes to an hour at each location, depending on conditions and guest interest.

What if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a reschedule or a full refund.

Are there any additional activities included?
Other activities like sightseeing temples, caves, or shopping are sometimes added, but snorkeling remains the primary focus, with only one session in the itinerary.

Who are the typical guests?
Most of your are foreigners, and the tour is designed around their preferences—quiet spots, quality snorkeling, and relaxed pacing.

Can I join if I don’t swim well?
Swimming ability is helpful, but guides are attentive, and you can float or stay near the boat if you prefer. More confident swimmers will enjoy the full experience.

Is the tour suitable for families or kids?
Yes, as long as children are comfortable with water activities. The pace and safety measures make it family-friendly.

How much does the tour cost?
It is priced at $63 per person, which many guests find provides excellent value considering the inclusions and quality of the experience.

In summary, the Hoi An/Da Nang: Snorkelling & Island-Hopping Speedboat Tour offers an authentic, well-organized way to explore Vietnam’s vibrant underwater world with a small-group vibe and great food. It’s perfect for those who want to see beautiful reefs, relax on pristine beaches, and avoid tourist crowds—making it a memorable addition to your Vietnam journey.

You can check availability for your dates here: