Diving and Snorkeling

Rainbow Divers. This professional PADI-certified scuba diving outfit is a seasonal operation on Con Dao, leading daily dive and snorkel trips during the nonrainy season from April to September. Rainbow Divers operates out of a bar called the Rainbow, the only place on Con Dao you'll find a cold Magners Cider or a can of Draught Guinness. Be warned: the Rainbow team are sharks when it comes to playing darts. The Rainbow, 40 Ton Duc Thang St., Con Son, Con Dao Islands, Ba Ria-Vung Tau. 905/577–671; www.divevietnam.com. Snorkeling-only trips from 958,000d; 2-dive scuba trips from 3,100,000d.

Con Dao Dive Center. Set up by two Brits and a South African in February 2013, Senses Diving operates snorkeling and diving trips around the archipelago on the Poulo Condore, a 56-foot converted Vietnamese fishing boat. The three owners are all certified PADI master scuba diver trainers and the outfit runs two-dive/snorkeling trips every day, departing at 9 am. There are also "try" dives for first-timers, night dives, and dive courses, including open water, advanced open water, and rescue certification. It's all run from the little Bar200, which doubles as the clubhouse and office. Bar200, Khu 6, Nguyen Van Linh, Con Son, Con Dao Islands, Ba Ria-Vung Tau. 937/008–483; divecondao.com. 3,360,000d for a 2-dive trip, including all equipment, taxes, marine park fees, and lunch. Snorkeling starts at 1,000,000d.