Cham Island Snorkeling Private Tour (Only Snorkeling & Beach)

If you’re considering a day away from the bustling streets of Hoi An or Da Nang, the Cham Island Snorkeling Private Tour offers a compelling alternative. This tour promises an authentic, crowd-free experience focused solely on what matters most—snorkeling and relaxing on pristine beaches. With a private speedboat, personalized attention, and a delicious seafood BBQ, it’s a great way to enjoy Vietnam’s coastal beauty.

What immediately appeals about this trip is the private nature of the experience—no sharing your boat or lunch with strangers, plus the flexibility to spend more time snorkeling and sunbathing. The tour is designed for travelers who love the water, want to skip the typical tourist traps, and seek genuine oceanic adventures.

One thing to note is that this tour skips the usual cultural stops, temples, or shopping excursions. It’s all about enjoying the sea and beaches, which can be perfect if you’re looking for a laid-back and immersive snorkeling day. The only potential drawback? Since it’s a private tour, it might be pricier than group options, but many find the added comfort and exclusivity worth it.

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers, beach lovers, or those simply wanting a peaceful, scenic escape. If your main goal is stunning underwater life and quality time on the sand, this experience will meet your expectations.

Key Points

• Exclusive experience with private transportation and boat.
• Focuses on snorkeling and beaches, avoiding crowded spots.
• Includes a fresh seafood BBQ lunch with fruits and drinks.
• Flexible timing and personalized attention due to private booking.
• Skip cultural stops, perfect for water and beach enthusiasts.
• Good for all levels of swimmers, with provided gear and safety equipment.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

How It Starts: Hotel Pickup and Speedboat Transfer

Your adventure begins early around 8:00 am with hotel pickup in Hoi An or Da Nang. The transport is private, giving you comfort and convenience right from your doorstep. We appreciate the logistical ease, especially if you’re juggling other travel plans. The driver takes you to Cua Dai quay, where you’ll check in with the management for your speedboat registration. This process takes about 20 minutes but is straightforward and well-organized.

The boat itself is a speedboat, designed for a quick and exciting ride across the water. The review mentions that the boat is similar to the group boats but rented exclusively for your group, which means you’ll avoid the typical crowded conditions often seen with shared tours.

First Stop: Hacoconut Coconut Basket Boat

Before heading to the islands, there’s a quick stop at Hacoconut Coconut Basket Boat. While the main focus isn’t on this activity, it offers a brief taste of traditional Vietnamese craft. It’s a good photo-op and minor cultural highlight before fully diving into your snorkeling adventure.

Arrival at Cham Island: Two Stunning Snorkeling Sites

First snorkeling stop: Dai Island — This is where many reviewers, including one who appreciated the soft coral and colorful fish, said they enjoyed the vibrant underwater life. Expect soft corals and a variety of tropical fish, perfect for beginner and intermediate snorkelers alike. The tour allocates about an hour here.

Second snorkeling stop: Tai Island — This site features hard coral and more colorful fish, with an added bonus of a fish-feeding session, which many found to be an engaging highlight. Some reviewers mentioned that arriving early at the snorkeling spots meant you could beat the crowds and enjoy clearer water — a definite advantage of the private tour.

Midday: Rest, Relax, and Feast

After snorkeling, you’ll head to Chong or Ong Beach for a well-deserved seafood BBQ lunch. The meal includes fresh seafood, possibly paired with local fruits and drinks, providing a true taste of Vietnam’s coastal flavors. Reviewers described the lunch as “wonderful,” emphasizing how fresh and delicious the food was. It’s a perfect moment to unwind, sunbathe, and share the day’s stories.

Afternoon: More Sun and Snorkeling

Post-lunch, the schedule allows extra time for sunbathing or swimming. The emphasis on relaxation means you can soak in the sun or enjoy the waters at your own pace. Many travelers appreciated having plenty of time to just lounge and enjoy the tranquil environment, away from crowds.

Return Journey: Back to the Hotel

Around 14:30, you’ll head back to the Cua Dai estuary, where your private vehicle awaits to return you to your hotel. The entire experience lasts about 6 hours, making it a full but manageable day trip.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Private and Less Crowded

Unlike large group tours, the private setup means fewer people at snorkeling sites and beaches. Reviewers like Anneliese_S noted that being the first at snorkeling spots gave them a more refined experience, avoiding the usual crowds. The private boat and transfer are key to this exclusivity, making the day more relaxed.

Focus on Snorkeling and Beach Time

By intentionally skipping cultural or shopping stops, this tour offers more time in the water and on the beaches. If your priority is underwater scenery and sunbathing, this is a major plus.

Quality of Food and Drinks

The seafood BBQ is consistently praised for its freshness and taste. Fruits and drinks complement the meal, making it a real treat after several hours in the water.

Scenic, Exciting Transportation

Speedboats provide an exhilarating ride, and reviewers often mention the fun of skipping over the water at speed. It’s a quick way to reach the islands without the discomfort of a long, slow ferry.

Practical Details and Value Analysis

Cost and What You Get

At $265 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option but offers considerable value for its exclusivity and comprehensive experience. You’re paying for private transfers, personal snorkeling time, and a quality seafood lunch. For travelers seeking a more personalized and less touristy experience, many find this price justified.

Duration and Timing

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, starting early in the morning. The timing is ideal for avoiding strong midday sun and crowds. The structured schedule ensures you get ample snorkeling and beach time without feeling rushed.

Equipment and Inclusions

All necessary gear—snorkels, masks, and life jackets—are provided, removing the hassle of bringing your own. Entrance fees and a guide are included, simplifying the planning process.

Considerations

• Tips and personal items are not included, so bring some cash for gratuities or additional snacks.
• Travelers need to be comfortable swimming or snorkeling, but the gear and safety measures make it accessible for most.
• If you prefer cultural stops or shopping, this tour might not fit, as it’s laser-focused on water activities.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

One reviewer highlighted that their transfer to the boat pier was exclusive—a nice perk not always present in group tours. The early arrival at snorkeling sites meant better visibility and fewer swimmers. Another mentioned that lunch was “by yourself”, emphasizing the privacy and flexibility that are rare on large group tours.

The emphasis on quality seafood was a real highlight, with many users citing the BBQ as a memorable part of their day. Plus, the overall experience was described as “enjoyable,” with a good balance of adventure and relaxation.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private tour suits water lovers, snorkelers, and beach fans looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more tailored experience. It’s also perfect for couples or small groups who want privacy or celebrate a special occasion. The focus on snorkeling and beach time makes it less appropriate for travelers who want cultural or shopping stops during their day.

Final Thoughts

The Cham Island Snorkeling Private Tour offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and exclusivity. With private transport, early access to prime snorkeling spots, and a delicious seafood lunch, it provides genuine value for those who prioritize underwater scenery and serene beaches.

While the price may seem steep compared to group tours, the added comfort, privacy, and flexibility might be exactly what some travelers need. The focus on snorkeling and beaches is its defining feature—perfect for those who want to spend their day immersed in Vietnam’s stunning marine environment without the distraction of crowds or touristy stops.

If you’re after a laid-back yet exciting ocean adventure, this tour can fulfill those expectations, offering a memorable day on Cham Island with plenty of underwater sights and good food.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
While snorkeling gear is provided and safety equipment is available, comfort in water is helpful. If you’re not confident in swimming, check with the tour operator, but many beginners enjoy the gentle, calm waters at these sites.

How early do I need to book?
On average, this tour is booked about 18 days in advance, so it’s best to reserve early, especially during peak season.

What do I need to bring?
Bring swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, and personal items. The tour provides snorkeling gear, but packing some cash for tips or additional snacks is recommended.

Is the lunch included?
Yes, a seafood BBQ lunch with fruits and drinks is part of the package. Many reviewers described it as fresh and delicious.

Can I customize the experience?
Since this is a private tour, you might have some flexibility with timing and activities. Confirm with the provider if you want to extend snorkeling or relax longer on the beach.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Tour relies on good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

To sum it up, this private Cham Island snorkeling tour is an excellent choice for travelers seeking intimate, water-focused escapades. With its emphasis on snorkeling, beach relaxation, and exclusive service, it delivers a memorable and authentic experience—ideal for those who love the sea and want to avoid the tourist crowds.