Hoi An/ Da Nang: Snorkeling Cham Island By Speedboat

If you’re craving a day of sun, sea, and some surprisingly colorful underwater life, this snorkeling tour of Cham Island is worth considering. For about $37 per person, you get a roughly 7 to 8-hour adventure that promises crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a taste of authentic Vietnamese seafood. Tours depart from central Vietnam’s Hoi An or Da Nang, making it easily accessible and a popular choice for travelers wanting a mix of nature and relaxation.

What makes this tour particularly appealing are two standout features: First, the chance to see the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve up close and personal, thanks to guided snorkeling and sightseeing. Second, the delicious seafood lunch at a traditional Cham Jungle Restaurant, which rivals any seaside café for freshness and flavor.

However, there’s one noteworthy consideration: the pace of the tour can feel a bit rushed for some. If you’re not comfortable with boat rides or prefer a more leisurely day, this might not be your ideal choice. Also, if you’re prone to seasickness, it’s worth noting that the experience involves a speedboat ride of about 20 minutes each way.

This tour suits travelers who love underwater adventures, want a quick escape from the city, and enjoy authentic local cuisine. Families with children over five who are comfortable with water activities and small-group tours will find it manageable and enjoyable.

Key Points

• Convenient pickup from multiple locations in Hoi An and Da Nang
• Short speedboat ride makes it accessible yet exciting
• Snorkeling at Cham Island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with vibrant sea life
• Relaxing time on Bai Chong Beach, perfect for sunbathing or swimming
• Authentic seafood lunch served at a local Cham Jungle Restaurant
• Limited free time for exploration after snorkeling and lunch

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Details: What to Expect from This Tour

This tour combines a bit of everything — boat rides, snorkeling, beach time, and local dining — making it a well-rounded half-day for travelers eager to experience Cham Island’s natural beauty.

Pickup and Transportation

Your day begins with pickup from one of 18 designated hotel locations, which is quite convenient. The journey to Cua Dai Wharf takes roughly an hour, giving you a chance to settle in, chat with fellow travelers, or review the simple but informative itinerary. Once at the wharf, you’ll hop onto a speedboat for a swift 20-minute ride to Cham Island.

The Speedboat Experience

While the speedboat promises a quick jaunt, it’s not what you’d call a luxury vessel. It’s more of a typical boat, with reviews mentioning that the ride can be bumpy and the seating somewhat cramped. If you’re sensitive to motion, consider taking precautions beforehand. That said, the boat ride adds a sense of adventure and quickens your access to the island’s natural attractions.

Exploring Cham Island

On arrival at Hon Nhon Beach, you’ll find a prime spot to snorkel and swim. The waters are famous for their colorful coral reefs and vibrant fish, experiencing what UNESCO recognizes as an important biodiversity hotspot. Guides are available to assist, and the snorkeling gear is included. Expect about 75 minutes of free time to enjoy the underwater world at your own pace, making it suitable for all skill levels—though, as some reviews point out, swimmers should be comfortable in open water.

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Sightseeing and Photos

Before heading to lunch, there’s a brief photo stop and guided tour at Bai Lang, a scenic area on the island. This provides a chance to take some photos of the stunning coastline and perhaps learn a bit about the local environment.

The Seafood Lunch

Post-snorkeling, you’ll have a delicious seafood meal at a Cham Jungle Restaurant. Reviewers often praise the freshness of the seafood and the authenticity of the flavors, which makes this part of the tour a rewarding highlight. The lunch is served as a set menu for sharing, which offers a taste of traditional Vietnamese seafood dishes, adding a cultural element to the day.

Relaxing at Bai Chong Beach

In the afternoon, your group heads to Bai Chong Beach for more relaxation. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or just lounging in a hammock. The reviews indicate that many travelers love this downtime, especially since the beach is pristine and less crowded than some more touristy spots. You’ll have about 2.5 hours here, so it’s enough to unwind before boarding the boat back to the mainland.

Return Journey

The return involves another quick 20-minute boat ride, followed by a one-hour van ride back to your hotel. Most travelers find the day well-paced, although a few mention that the waiting around and group setup can feel a little disorganized at times.

Authentic Experiences That Matter

One of the key charms of this tour is the combination of active snorkeling and relaxing beach time. Many reviews, like that of a traveler from France, highlight the “very nice day” spent on Cham Island, emphasizing the friendly guides and the scenic views.

Yet, not all experiences are perfect; a review from Australia criticizes the crowded boat conditions, saying it felt like being “packed like sardines,” which might be less appealing for those seeking comfort. Plus, some mention that the snorkeling might not be as spectacular as expected—if underwater scenery is your main goal, do keep expectations realistic.

The local seafood lunch is often praised, with travelers enjoying the authentic flavors and the opportunity to taste freshly caught seafood in a relaxed setting. The beach time at Bai Chong is another hit, giving you a chance to rest, sunbathe, or take another swim.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring essentials: sunglasses, sun hat, camera, sunscreen. The Vietnamese sun is strong, especially on the water.
• Dress appropriately: swimwear under comfortable clothes, and maybe a light cover-up.
• Seasickness: if you’re prone, consider medication since the boat ride is about 20 minutes each way.
• Luggage: avoid large bags or oversize luggage, as they’re not permitted on the boat.
• Timing: confirm your pick-up time and arrive at your designated location 10 minutes early.
• Age restrictions: children as young as five can participate, but be mindful of their comfort with water activities.
• Medical considerations: the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women or those with serious medical conditions.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This snorkeling adventure is ideal for families with older children, groups of friends, or couples looking for a short escape into nature. It’s suitable for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike, thanks to the guided support. If you’re not prone to seasickness and enjoy seafood and beach relaxation, you’ll find it a worthwhile day.

On the flip side, serious snorkelers or divers seeking extensive underwater exploration might find the 75-minute snorkeling a bit limited. Also, if you prefer a more comfortable boat ride, you might want to consider other options.

A Balanced View: What You Get & What You Might Miss

This tour offers a value-packed experience—for around $37, you get transportation, snorkeling gear, guided tours, beach time, and a seafood lunch. It’s a great way to see a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve without a lot of fuss or expense.

That said, it’s not a luxury experience. The boat ride can be crowded, and the snorkeling might not rival the coral reefs of more specialized tours. The schedule is quite packed, leaving little room for spontaneous exploration or extended relaxation. If you’re seeking an immersive, luxurious, or luxury-focused day with fewer crowds, this might not be the right fit.

Still, for travelers wanting a taste of Vietnam’s vibrant marine life, a chance to relax on beautiful beaches, and authentic local cuisine, it hits many marks.

Final Thoughts

For the budget-conscious, adventure-minded traveler, this tour offers a solid introduction to Cham Island’s natural beauty. It’s a quick, fun-filled day that balances snorkeling, sightseeing, dining, and relaxing. The guides are generally helpful, and the scenery is genuinely stunning, especially if you love marine environments.

If you prefer a more leisurely experience or are concerned about the crowding on the boat, consider arriving early or asking about smaller group options. But overall, this trip delivers a worthwhile slice of island life — vibrant sea life, tasty seafood, and some well-earned beach rest.

For anyone wanting a cost-effective, active day with a mix of nature and culture, this tour is a wonderful choice. Just remember to bring your sunscreen, your sense of adventure, and a good attitude for a day on the water.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 7 to 8 hours, including transfers, snorkeling, lunch, and beach time.

Where do I get picked up?
Pickup is available from 18 different locations across Hoi An and Da Nang, so there’s likely a convenient spot near your hotel.

How long is the boat ride?
The speedboat ride to Cham Island takes about 20 minutes each way. It’s quick but could be bumpy, depending on weather conditions.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a camera. Large luggage or big bags are not allowed on the boat.

Is snorkeling suitable for beginners?
Yes, but you should be comfortable in open water and know how to swim. The guides can assist, but the reefs aren’t overly deep.

Is the seafood lunch vegetarian-friendly?
This isn’t specified, but since it’s a seafood-focused meal, vegetarians might want to clarify or bring extra snacks.

Can children participate?
Yes, children over 5 years old are permitted; however, parents should consider their comfort with open water and boat rides.

This tour blends adventure, relaxation, and local flavor into a day that many travelers find memorable. It’s perfect for those wanting to see Vietnam’s beautiful marine environment without breaking the bank.

You can check availability for your dates here: