Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Having gained UNESCO recognition as a global biosphere reserve in 2007, the seven islets that make up the Cham Islands just 10 nautical miles off the Hoi An coast are home to more than 165 hectares of coral reefs and some 947 aquatic species. The scenic underwater landscape is rich in macro life, making it a popular spot for underwater photographers, scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming. Scuba diving, as well as PADI-certified courses, are available during the dry season that runs from April through September, with prices starting at as little as 1,550,000d for a fun dive to more than 7,000,000d for a three-day open-water course. Snorkeling trips are widely available, with most speedboats running the route over to the islands and offering the use of equipment and a short reef stop. However, due to overcrowding and the lax safety measures applied by speedboat staff, it is better to tag along with one of the dive companies where all-inclusive prices for snorkel day trips start at 1,000,000d.
Blue Coral Diving. This professional five-star IDC diving outfit offers snorkel and scuba-diving day trips to the Cham Islands that include stops at two dive sites and a seafood buffet lunch on the beach. PADI certification courses are available for all levels with prices starting at 1,000,000d for a one-tank fun dive, and underwater photography equipment is available to rent. The main office is on Nguyen Thai Hoc in the center of Old Town, where the outfitter also sells a small range of diving and snorkeling equipment. 33 Tran Hung Dao , Hoi An, Quang Nam. 235/6279–297; www.divehoian.com.
Cham Island Diving. "No troubles, make bubbles" is the mantra for this friendly five-star PADI dive center with over 15 years of experience under its belt. Slickly professional, the outfitter offers daily boat and speedboat transfers over to the coral-fringed Cham Islands, taking breaks along the way at the various dive and snorkel sites. All levels are catered to. For seriously good sunsets, book an overnight camping trip with a seafood barbecue on the incredible Cham Island Beach. 88 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi An, Quang Nam. 235/3910–782; www.vietnamscubadiving.com.
