Da Nang/Hoi An: Diving in Cham Islands with an instructor

Taking a trip to Vietnam’s central coast promises incredible scenery, delicious food, and a taste of local culture. The Cham Islands tour from Da Nang or Hoi An offers a chance to explore coral reefs, relax on pristine beaches, and visit historic sites—perfect for travelers wanting a balance of adventure and leisure. While this tour touts snorkeling and beginner-friendly diving, recent reviews suggest it may not fully meet expectations for those seeking a true underwater exploration.

What we love about this experience is the combination of scenic boat rides, opportunities to enjoy fresh seafood, and visits to cultural landmarks like the Champa well and Hai Tang Pagoda. The beautiful natural beach scenery provides a peaceful backdrop for relaxation, and the inclusion of a knowledgeable guide helps visitors learn about the island’s history. The local cuisine, especially the seafood, is a highlight—offering fresh, flavorful dishes that satisfy after a day of sun and sea.

However, a notable concern is the quality and authenticity of the diving experience, especially for those expecting a proper dive. At least one reviewer describes a quick, rushed “smoker” experience that doesn’t align with the description, which could disappoint travelers planning to truly explore underwater life.

This tour is best suited for those who want a combination of sightseeing, light snorkeling, and cultural visits, rather than serious divers or underwater enthusiasts. It’s ideal for first-timers, families, or anyone looking to enjoy a scenic boat trip with some marine activity involved, without high expectations for professional diving.

Key Points

• Scenic boat rides with speedboats to Cham Islands offer stunning views of clear waters.
• Cultural sites like Champa’s ancient well and Hai Tang Pagoda enhance the experience.
• Delicious seafood and local cuisine provide a satisfying meal after activities.
• Snorkeling opportunities are available around coral reefs and marine sanctuaries.
• The diving experience may be less than expected, especially for seasoned divers.
• Relaxing beach time with hammocks and chairs offers a peaceful break.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Pick-up and Journey to Cua Dai Port

Your day begins with a hotel pickup in Da Nang or Hoi An, in a comfortable air-conditioned coach. The journey to Cua Dai Port is straightforward, offering glimpses of Vietnam’s coastal charm—waves crashing against rocky shores and colorful seaside villages. This part of the trip is quite scenic, setting the tone for the day ahead.

Speedboat to Cham Islands

Once at the port, you’ll board a high-speed boat, which is a highlight for many travelers. The ride itself is exhilarating—riding over the waves with the wind in your hair, and gazing across blue waters dotted with fishing boats and distant islands. The boat ride lasts around 20-30 minutes, and you’ll love the views of the coast and the open sea.

Arrival at Lang Island and Cultural Stops

Upon reaching Cham Islands, your first stop is Lang Beach, the largest of the islands, home to about 3,000 residents. Here, you’ll visit the Marine Sanctuary, where displays showcase some of the special marine creatures in the area, and hear stories about local life from your guide.

Next, you’ll explore the Champa’s ancient well—a site wrapped in local legend, where visitors are told stories about love and tradition. The guide, often cheerful and engaging, shares insights into the island’s past and how the local people use the well’s water for prayers and rituals.

A visit to Hai Tang Pagoda offers a quiet, spiritual moment, where you can appreciate the architecture and learn about the significance of this revered site. These stops not only break up the day but give you a taste of the island’s history and cultural fabric.

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Snorkeling and Diving at Chong/Ong Beach

The main activity here is at Chong/Ong Beach—where you’ll find the diving spot. The tour promises “diving” to explore coral reefs and marine life, with equipment provided. For many, this is an optional or secondary activity; some find it to be a highlight, especially the chance to see colorful fish and starfish up close.

But be aware: according to one recent review, the diving experience was not quite what was expected. The reviewer, Florian, described it as “not a real dive” but rather a quick 15-minute experience with a jacket that pulls you through the water. They also mention the large group of about 30 people being rushed through the process, which might not satisfy those looking for an immersive underwater adventure.

Free Time for Relaxation and Lunch

After snorkeling or diving, you’ll enjoy a delicious seafood lunch—fresh fish, shrimp, and other local specialties, often served with rice and vegetables. Vegetarian options are available, making it accessible for different dietary preferences.

Post-lunch, you get some well-deserved time to relax on the beach, lay in hammocks, or simply soak up the tranquil scenery. The beautiful white sands and crystal-clear waters create an ideal setting to unwind, forget worries, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Return Journey and Drop-off

The trip winds down with a leisurely boat ride back to the mainland, followed by a comfortable coach transfer to your hotel. Expect to arrive back in the late afternoon or early evening, with plenty of photos and stories to share.

The Practicalities: Transportation, Cost, and What’s Included

This tour offers round-trip hotel transfers, which simplifies logistics and makes it accessible for most travelers. The modern coach is air-conditioned and driven by a safe, friendly driver, ensuring a smooth ride to and from the port.

The cost of $81 per person covers most essentials: boat tickets, snorkeling or diving gear, lunch, water, a local guide, and insurance. While this might seem reasonable, keep in mind that the actual diving component may be quite brief and rushed, which impacts perceived value for serious underwater enthusiasts.

The tour is designed for beginners and families, with an emphasis on light snorkeling and cultural sites. It’s not suitable for very young children (under 3), pregnant women, or those with certain health issues, especially since the diving is introductory and involves minimal underwater training.

What to Bring

• Comfortable shoes for walking
• Sun protection: hat, sunscreen
• Camera for capturing scenic views and marine life
• Light clothing suitable for warm weather
• Towel or swimsuit for water activities

What Not to Bring

• Alcohol or drugs
• Litter—preserving the natural beauty is essential

The Authenticity and Customer Experience

From the reviews, it’s clear that expectations around the diving component vary. Florian’s comment highlights a discrepancy: “That wasn’t/isn’t a dive, just a 15-minute smoker experience,” with the perception that it doesn’t match the description or offer the depth of an actual dive. They also mention the crowd of 30+ guests on the “exchange ship,” which can make the experience feel rushed and less personalized.

Despite this, other parts of the tour—such as the scenic boat rides, the cultural visits, and the delicious seafood—are generally appreciated. The tour’s value for money relies heavily on what travelers hope to get out of it. If your goal is a quick, light introduction to marine life and cultural spots, this hits the mark. For those expecting more serious diving or a longer underwater experience, it might fall short.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip works well for first-time visitors wanting a taste of island life, beaches, and marine scenery. It’s particularly suited for families with kids who prefer not to scuba but want to snorkel and relax. If you’re keen on sightseeing combined with some marine activity and cultural insights, this is a practical option.

However, serious divers or underwater enthusiasts may find the diving component too superficial and rushed. The experience seems geared more toward casual travelers rather than those wanting a comprehensive marine adventure.

The Sum Up

The Cham Islands tour from Da Nang or Hoi An offers a convenient way to enjoy Vietnam’s natural beauty, local culture, and fresh seafood all in one day. The scenic boat rides, relaxed beaches, and cultural stops make it a wholesome experience, especially for those new to the area.

But, be cautious about the diving aspect—if your expectations are high for marine exploration, you might find it underwhelming based on recent feedback. The tour’s value truly shines in the stunning scenery, authentic food, and cultural insights.

For travelers seeking a scenic, laid-back day with light marine activities and cultural discoveries, this tour is a solid choice. Just remember to manage expectations around the diving, and you’ll likely come away with fond memories—and plenty of photos to prove it.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, non-swimmers can enjoy the boat rides, beach relaxation, and cultural visits. Snorkeling is optional, and the introductory diving experience involves shallow water practice.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel transfers, boat tickets, snorkeling or diving gear, lunch, bottled water, a local guide, and insurance.

How long is the boat ride?
The speedboat ride from the port to Cham Islands lasts about 20-30 minutes, offering scenic views of the coastline and open sea.

Can vegetarians be accommodated?
Yes, vegetarian options are available for the seafood lunch, and the tour caters to different dietary preferences.

Is the diving experience worth it?
Reviews suggest the diving is brief and may feel rushed or superficial, especially if expecting a full underwater exploration. It’s more of an introduction rather than a deep dive.

What cultural sites are visited?
Visitors can explore Champa’s ancient well and Hai Tang Pagoda, gaining insight into the island’s history and local traditions.

Are there free activities on the island?
Yes, after the main activities, you can relax on the beaches, sunbathe, swim, or enjoy the scenic environment in your free time.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, camera, and swimwear or a towel for water activities.

Is there a minimum age for participation?
Children under 3, pregnant women, and those with certain health issues are advised against participating, especially for the diving component.

How do I book or cancel?
You can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, and cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

In summary, this tour offers a good introduction to Cham Islands’ scenic beauty, cultural sites, and marine life, especially appealing to those wanting a relaxed day trip. Just keep expectations in check regarding the diving, and you’ll leave with memorable views and tasty local food.

You can check availability for your dates here: