Snorkeling is a must do activity in Cham Islands in Hoi An. It’s often in the itinerary of daily tours. In this article, HoiAn Day Trip Company provide all information about it.
You may also like: Diving in Cham Islands, Underwater Walking in Cham Islands
• Content by Tam Le, founder of HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD
• Designed by Giang Cong Minh, co-founder of LS E&C LTD and his team
• Photo by Dang Cong Loi, Dao Xuan Son, Tam Le & others
Must Knows about Cham Islands Vietnam
– Location: Tan Hiep commune, Hoi An city, Quang Nam, Vietnam
– Name of islands: Hon Lao (‘beach sheoak island’), Hon Dai (‘long island’), Hon Mo (‘tomb island’), Hon La (‘leaf island’), Hon Kho Me (‘dry island the mother’ or ‘big dry island’), Hon Kho Con (‘dry island the baby’ or ‘small dry island’), Hon Tai (‘ear island’), Hon Ong (‘uncle island’)
– Other name(s): Hoi An Islands,
– Name’s meaning: ‘islands of Cham people’ (Cham people lived here before 14th century)
– Area: 16,16 km2
– Population: 2,300 people
– Ticket price: 70,000 VND/adult & children above 1,3m, 35,000 VND/children from 1 to 1,3m, free for smaller kids
– Extra fee: ecological fee (20,000 VND/person), boat transfers, tour, food & drink, shopping
– Reason(s) to visit: beautiful beaches, one of the best snorkeling/diving place in Vietnam
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/cham-islands-travel-guide
– Tour guide: contact +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo)
– Recognition(s): national marine park (2003), Unesco world biosphere reserve (2009)
– Food & drink: yes available
– Shopping: yes available
Cham Islands Vietnam on Map
Is Cham Island Vietnam Good for Snorkeling?
Cham Islands in Hoi An is absolutely good for snorkeling (as well as diving and other underwater activities). It’s a popular place for snorkeling seekers in central Vietnam, due to its unique environmental status and vibrant underwater landscape. Here are five reasons why it is a great choice:
+ UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status: The archipelago is a recognized UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, ensuring the marine ecosystem is strictly protected and preserved.
+ Exceptional biodiversity: The waters are home to over 270 species of coral and 280 species of reef fish, providing a dense and colorful viewing experience.
+ Great visibility: During the peak season from March to August, underwater visibility can reach up to 20 meters, offering clear views of the reefs.
+ Shallow reef access: Many of the best coral gardens are located in shallow areas, making them easily accessible for snorkelers without the need for scuba gear.
+ Convenient location: Situated just 15 kilometers off the coast of Hoi An, the islands are easily reachable via a short 20-minute speedboat ride for a day trip.
HOIAN DAY TRIP Company daily organizes tours and transfers to Cham Islands. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com, browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
When Are Best & Worst Times to Snorkel Cham Island?
The best time of the year to snorkel Cham Islands: March to August
The dry season offers peak conditions. From March to May, you’ll enjoy pleasant temperatures and calm seas. However, June to August is the absolute best for snorkeling; the water is clearest, with visibility reaching 25 meters, allowing you to fully appreciate the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Top tip: If want to find your luck for a snorkeling tour at Cham Islands in February or September (just before or after the best season), please contact local travel agencies and tour operators in Hoi An to check.
During the best snorkeling season, HOIAN DAY TRIP organizes daily group and private tours to Cham Islands.
The worst time of the year to snorkel Cham Islands: October to February
This period marks the monsoon season and is the worst for snorkeling. Frequent storms, heavy rain, and rough swells make the water murky and dangerous. During these months, boat services from the mainland are often suspended entirely, and the marine park may close to visitors for safety reasons.
How about going snorkeling in December?
December falls in the peak of the monsoon season, making snorkeling conditions highly unfavorable. Strong northeastern winds and frequent tropical storms often cause high sea swells, leading to the suspension of speedboat services for safety. Underwater, the heavy rains result in poor visibility and cloudy water, obscuring the coral reefs. Consequently, most professional tour operators close their snorkeling and diving operations during this month due to these unpredictable conditions.
How about going snorkeling in January?
January remains part of the rainy season, characterized by cool temperatures around 20°C and occasional lingering storms. While the rainfall begins to decrease compared to December, the sea often remains rough and the water temperature can feel quite chilly for swimming. Visibility is typically still restricted by sediment stirred up by winter waves. Most travelers find that snorkeling is not viable until the transition to the dry season begins in late February or March.
HOIAN DAY TRIP Company daily organizes tours and transfers to Cham Islands. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com, browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Best Place to Snorkel Cham Islands Vietnam?
The best snorkeling spots in Cham Islands Vietnam:
– Hon Dai (the Long Island): located just off the western coast of the main island, the most popular snorkeling spot in the Cham Islands because its shallow, protected waters host an impressive variety of hard and soft corals. To go to this island, visitors need a boat or tour from the main fishing village Bai Lang.
– Hon Mo (the Tomb Island): another popular snorkeling destination located just off the southern coast of the main island (near Hon Dai Island). To go to this island, visitors need a boat or tour from the main fishing village Bai Lang.
– Pristine beaches on the biggest island of Cham Island: visitors need to walk or hire a motorbike ride from local people to reach one of these places. However, can not find snorkeling gear, life vest, food and beverages there. Before visiting, make sure that you have a preparation in the city on the day before or purchase them in the main village (where the boats dock). No other activities at all, except swimming in the clear sea.
At both Hon Dai and Hon Mo Islands, visitors can consider scuba diving. However, scuba diving is impossible to participate in hidden beaches, where day trippers often don’t come.
HOIAN DAY TRIP Company daily organizes tours and transfers to Cham Islands. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com, browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Is Cham Island Snorkeling Worth It?
Yes, the snorkeling experience in Cham Islands is worth it. Within a daily tour from the mainland, visitors will have roughly 60 minutes to explore the reefs using provided masks, snorkels, and life vests. The crystal-clear waters, shallow coral gardens, and convenient proximity to Hoi An make it a perfect, affordable escape. It offers a rare, immersive glimpse into a thriving underwater ecosystem that remains one of Vietnam’s most pristine natural treasures.
If want to spend more time for snorkeling, visitors can book a private speed boat. The price should include entry fee, environment fee, snorkeling gear and/or pick up at the hotel.
Before discover the marine world at Cham Islands, visitors need to know these:
+ No single-use plastics: The islands have a strict “no plastic bags” policy, so bring a reusable water bottle and cloth bag; this directly prevents pollution in a fragile ecosystem.
+ Don’t touch or step on coral: Coral is a living, fragile organism that can be easily killed by contact, and touching it can also result in painful stings or cuts.
+ Use reef-safe sunscreen: Many standard sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone that are toxic to coral reefs, so choosing reef-safe alternatives helps protect the water quality.
+ Wear a life jacket: Regardless of your swimming ability, mandatory life jackets ensure buoyancy and safety, preventing accidental damage to the reef if you get tired or struggle with currents.
+ Stay within designated areas: Always follow your guide’s instructions and stay within the marked snorkeling zones; this keeps you clear of boat traffic and protects undisturbed conservation areas.
+ Avoid feeding fish: Feeding marine life disrupts their natural behavior and diet, which can imbalance the local ecosystem and encourage fish to become overly aggressive.
+ Respect the “look, don’t collect” rule: Never remove shells, rocks, or coral as souvenirs, as every piece of matter plays a role in the health and biodiversity of the reef.
HOIAN DAY TRIP Company daily organizes tours and transfers to Cham Islands. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com, browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Cham Island Tours with Snorkeling
Here are the best tours to Cham Islands in Hoi An:
– Cham Island Day Tour from Da Nang with Snorkeling
– Cham Island Day Tour from Hoi An with Snorkeling
– Cham Island Diving Tour by Wooden Boat
– Cham Island Tour from Da Nang Port (Tien Sa Port)
– Cham Island Tour with Hoi An Coconut Village
– Cham Island Tour with Hoi An Ancient Town
HOIAN DAY TRIP Company daily organizes tours and transfers to Cham Islands. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com, browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Photos, Videos about Cham Island Snorkeling
Here are photos, videos about snorkeling in Cham Islands Vietnam:
