Hoi An: Cham Island Discover Scuba Dive for Beginner 1-Day

Hoi An: Cham Island Discover Scuba Dive for Beginners – A Practical Look at a One-Day Underwater Adventure

Imagine spending a day exploring Vietnam’s vibrant marine life, feeling the sea breeze on your face, and trying out a new and exciting activity—all without needing prior experience. That’s exactly what the Discover Scuba Dive tour offers. Based in Hoi An, this 7-hour adventure is perfect for those who want to see below the surface without committing to a diving certification. For $71 per person, you get to hop on a speedboat, visit two reef sites, and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at Chong Beach.

What really makes this experience stand out? First, the accessibility for non-certified divers. You don’t need any previous training—just a bit of courage and a love for new experiences. Second, the opportunity to explore two different dive sites, each offering a unique glimpse into the colorful marine ecosystem. We also appreciate the included equipment—mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuits, BCD, tank, and weights—so you’re not fussing with gear.

On the downside, this tour is weather-dependent. If the sea’s not cooperating, your experience might be rescheduled or refunded. Also, the maximum depth is about 6 meters, which keeps things safe but might limit the sense of “big ocean” adventure for some.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers, families with older children (the minimum age for Try Dive is 10), and anyone curious about the sea but hesitant to take a full certification course. It’s a layered experience—offering adventure, beauty, and a taste of Vietnamese hospitality—all in one day.

Key Points

• Accessible for beginners: No diving license required, making it ideal for first-timers.
• Includes all gear: Hassle-free with imported equipment provided.
• Beautiful reef sites: Each with stunning coral gardens and vibrant marine life.
• Delicious seafood lunch: Perfectly timed to relax and recharge.
• Comfortable transportation: Speedboat rides add an adrenaline rush with scenic views.
• Weather-dependent: Be prepared for possible rescheduling due to poor weather.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Cham Island Discover Scuba Tour

If you’re visiting Hoi An and craving an authentic undersea experience without the long-term commitment of certification, this tour hits all the right notes. We found it offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and culture—at a very reasonable price point.

Starting from Hoi An: Convenient Pickup and Speedboat Thrills

The day kicks off with hotel pickup, a real convenience after a restful night in Hoi An’s charming streets. The guide, speaking fluent English, will typically confirm the timing and give a quick rundown of what’s ahead. Then, it’s a 30-minute speedboat ride across Cua Dai Harbor to Cham Island.

The boat ride itself is a highlight—feeling the wind and catching views of the coastline while the engine hums. For many, it’s a fun start that builds anticipation. As one traveler put it, “The speedboat ride was exhilarating and gave us a great view of the coast.”

The Underwater Experience: Two Marine Sites, One Hour Each

Once you arrive at the marine park, the focus shifts to exploration. The tour visits two separate sites, each for about an hour. Your guide, often a friendly local, will give you a detailed briefing about the equipment, signals, and safety precautions. For non-divers, it’s a chance to try breathing underwater with a regulator, which can feel surprisingly natural.

The maximum depth of 6 meters is perfect for beginners. You’ll see vivid coral gardens, teeming with colorful fish and other sea creatures—these shallow reefs are surprisingly vibrant. Multiple reviews mention being “stunned by the stunning coral and lively fish,” which speaks to the quality of the marine environment.

What You’ll See Underwater

The reefs are full of visual delights—brightly colored corals, small fish darting in and out, and perhaps even some larger varieties like groupers or triggerfish. Because the depth is shallow, you won’t need to worry about complex buoyancy control, but you’ll still get that exhilarating feeling of floating in an alien world.

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Relaxation and Lunch at Chong Beach

After the dives, everyone heads to Chong Beach for a well-earned seafood lunch. The meal is typically a buffet-style spread of fresh seafood, accompanied by tropical fruits and local sides. Drinks are not included, so bring some cash if you want a cold beer or soda.

Most travelers love the relaxed vibe here—lounging on the sand, swimming, or just soaking up the sun. One reviewer said, “The lunch was delicious, and the setting was perfect for unwinding after the morning’s adventures.” The free time in the afternoon is a bonus, giving you a chance to swim, snorkel, or simply relax.

Return Trip and Hotel Drop-off

By 2:30 pm, it’s time to head back to the mainland. The return journey is equally scenic—another chance to enjoy the sea breeze and views of Cham Island’s rugged coast. You’ll be back in Hoi An around 4 pm, feeling a bit more connected to the sea and perhaps with a camera full of underwater snapshots.

Practical Details and Considerations

Transportation: The tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel within Hoi An, which is highly convenient. For those staying in Da Nang or outside Hoi An, private arrangements are available for an extra fee.

Duration & Timing: The entire experience lasts about 7 to 7.5 hours, with specific start times depending on availability. It’s best to check ahead and plan for a comfortable, unhurried day.

Gear & Equipment: Everything from masks to wetsuits is included, so you don’t need to worry about packing your own. The gear is imported and well-maintained, which is reassuring.

Age & Health Requirements: Children aged 10 and above can participate, making this suitable for families. However, pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or wheelchair users should note that the activity isn’t suited for them.

Weather & Cancellation: The experience depends on good weather. If cancelled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Why This Tour Is a Good Value

At $71, this tour offers a lot—transportation, equipment, two dive site explorations, and a substantial seafood lunch—all in one day. Compared to diving certification courses, which can cost hundreds of dollars and take multiple days, this experience provides a tangible taste of the underwater world for a fraction of the price.

The inclusion of two dive sites means you get to see slightly different reef environments, making it more engaging than a single snorkeling stop. The professional guides ensure safety and provide valuable insights that help beginners feel comfortable underwater.

The scenic boat rides and relaxing beach lunch add to the overall value, transforming what could be just a snorkel into a full-day adventure. Many reviewers note that the experience exceeded their expectations, especially the vibrant coral reefs and friendly guides.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for first-time divers or snorkelers wanting a guided, safe introduction to underwater exploration. It suits families with children over 10 who are curious about marine life but aren’t ready for certification.

If you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach combined with underwater discovery, this tour strikes a good balance. It’s a great choice for travelers who want a hassle-free experience, with all gear provided and a sensible schedule.

However, if you’re an experienced diver or snorkeler seeking a longer or more intensive underwater adventure, this probably isn’t the tour for you. Its safety limits and shallow depth are perfect for beginners but might feel limiting after more advanced experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to be a certified diver to join?
No, this tour is designed for non-certified divers. It’s a “Try Diving” experience that introduces you to breathing underwater in a safe, controlled environment.

What is the maximum depth for the dive?
The maximum depth is approximately 6 meters, making it ideal for beginners and those who want a gentle introduction to underwater exploration.

Is the gear included?
Yes, all necessary equipment—mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuits, BCD, tank, and weights—is provided, so you don’t need to bring anything but your enthusiasm.

Can children participate?
Yes, children from age 10 and above can do the Try Dive, making it suitable for families looking for a shared adventure.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a change of clothes, and a towel. Remember, no high heels or large luggage are allowed on the boat.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience is weather-dependent. If canceled, you will be offered a reschedule or full refund. It’s best to check the forecast beforehand.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included in the lunch, so bring some cash if you’d like to purchase beverages at Chong Beach.

Final Thoughts

For anyone curious about the underwater world but wary of certification, this Discover Scuba tour from Hoi An to Cham Island offers a practical, safe, and memorable introduction. The combination of scenic boat rides, vibrant coral reefs, and a delicious seafood feast makes it a well-rounded day out.

If you’re traveling with family, want an easy and guided way to try snorkeling or diving, or simply wish to add a splash of adventure to your Vietnam trip, this experience is hard to beat. It delivers authentic marine encounters without the fuss or expense of full diving courses, making it a smart choice for first-timers.

The only caveat is weather dependence, so flexibility in your schedule might be wise. This tour offers great value and a chance to see Vietnam’s marine treasures in a friendly, guided environment.

You can check availability for your dates here: