Hoi An Diving Guide: Best Cham Islands Scuba Diving & Tours 2025

Hoi An is not only famous for its lantern-lit streets and rich cultural heritage but also for its incredible diving opportunities. Just a short boat ride away lies the Cham Islands Marine Protected Area, home to vibrant coral gardens, mysterious shipwrecks, and diverse marine life.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first scuba experience or an advanced diver chasing deep-water adventures, Hoi An diving promises something unforgettable. In this complete guide, we’ll explore the best diving spots, dive centers, costs, tips for beginners, conservation efforts, and how to plan your perfect diving tour in Hoi An.

Why Choose Hoi An for Diving?

Hoi An is unique because it combines UNESCO cultural heritage with a rich marine ecosystem. After strolling through the ancient town’s lantern-lit streets, you can spend the next day diving into coral reefs and swimming alongside exotic fish. Few places in the world offer this perfect blend of history, culture, and underwater adventure.

Key highlights:

Cham Islands Diving: A protected area with over 135 coral species.
Beginner-friendly dives: Shallow coral gardens perfect for first-timers.
Advanced dives: Shipwrecks and deeper sites for experienced divers.
Eco-tourism: The Cham Islands are a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Best Diving Spots in Hoi An

1. Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham)

The crown jewel of Hoi An diving, Cham Islands are a group of eight small islands just 18 km offshore.

Top dive sites include:

Hon Lao Island: Coral walls, sea turtles, and colorful reef fish.
Hon Dai Island: Ideal for drift diving with stronger currents.
Moray Beach & Coral Gardens: Shallow reefs, perfect for beginners.
Hon Tai: Known for larger marine species and excellent visibility.

Cham Islands diving tours usually include a boat ride, professional guides, diving gear, and lunch on the beach, making it a great day trip from Hoi An.

2. Wreck Dives near Hoi An

Hoi An’s maritime history has left fascinating shipwrecks beneath the waves. While not as famous as Nha Trang or Phu Quoc wrecks, local wreck dives offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s trading past and attract larger marine species.

Depth: 20–35 meters
Marine life: Barracudas, snappers, groupers
Best for: Advanced divers with certification

3. Snorkeling in Cham Islands

Not ready to scuba dive? Snorkeling in Cham Islands is equally rewarding. Clear waters, shallow reefs, and colorful coral gardens make it accessible for all ages. Many Hoi An snorkeling tours combine sightseeing with eco-friendly marine exploration.

👉 Cham Islands Snorkeling & Diving Tour

Hoi An Diving for Beginners

If you’ve never dived before, Hoi An is one of the best places to start. Calm waters, shallow reefs, and certified instructors create a safe and exciting environment.

Beginner Tips:

Join a Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) program – no certification needed.
Start with shallow dives (3–6 meters) in coral gardens.
Listen carefully to safety instructions from your dive master.

Recommended Dive Centers in Hoi An

Cham Island Diving Center (PADI certified)
Hoi An Diving Center – Blue Coral
Local eco-dive operators promoting sustainable diving

👉 Private Vietnam Tours – Combine diving with a customized Vietnam itinerary.

Advanced Diving Experiences

For certified divers, Hoi An offers deeper, more challenging dives:

Drift dives at Hon Dai with strong currents.
Night dives to see octopuses, cuttlefish, and bioluminescent plankton.
Underwater photography tours for coral walls and macro life.

Tip: Bring your underwater camera – the Cham Islands are a paradise for photographers!

The Cultural & Historical Side of Hoi An Diving

What makes Hoi An special is how land and sea experiences complement each other.

After a morning dive, spend the evening exploring Hoi An Ancient Town.
Learn about Hoi An’s maritime history – once a bustling port for traders from Japan, China, and Europe.
Visit Hoi An’s museums and temples, then compare them with the underwater heritage of shipwrecks.

👉 Hoi An Ancient Town Travel Guide

Conservation & Responsible Diving

Hoi An diving is not only about fun but also about protecting marine life.

Cham Islands Marine Protected Area (MPA): Established to safeguard coral reefs and marine species.
Eco-diving practices: No touching corals, avoid plastic waste, choose dive centers committed to conservation.
Community programs: Many dive operators partner with locals to preserve the marine ecosystem.

By diving responsibly, you’re helping ensure the future of Vietnam’s marine biodiversity.

Practical Travel Guide: Hoi An Diving

Best Time to Dive in Hoi An

April – September: Best season with calm seas and clear visibility.
October – March: Not ideal (rainy season, rough seas).

How to Get There

From Hoi An town: 30 minutes to Cua Dai Pier, then a 30–40 min speedboat to Cham Islands.
From Da Nang Airport: 1-hour drive to Hoi An, then transfer to the pier.

Where to Stay

Hoi An Ancient Town: Perfect for nightlife and cultural experiences.
An Bang Beach & Cua Dai Beach: Great for divers who prefer beach resorts.

👉 Suggested stay: Hoi An Free & Easy Package

Costs of Diving in Hoi An (2025 Estimate)

Discover Scuba Diving: $75–$95 per person
Certified Dive (2 tanks): $90–$120 per person
Snorkeling tour: $40–$55 per person
PADI Open Water Course: $350–$400

Real Experiences & Testimonials

“I had never dived before, but my instructor at Cham Islands was patient and made me feel completely safe. Swimming with schools of colorful fish was magical!” – Emma, UK

“As an advanced diver, I was impressed with the coral diversity and the professionalism of the guides. Hoi An diving exceeded my expectations.” – Lucas, Australia

FAQ: Hoi An Diving

Is Hoi An good for scuba diving?
Yes! With Cham Islands’ coral reefs, calm waters, and PADI-certified centers, it’s one of the best places to dive in Vietnam.

Can beginners dive in Hoi An?
Absolutely. Discover Scuba programs are available for first-timers, even with no certification.

How much does diving in Cham Islands cost?
Around $75–$120 per trip, depending on whether you’re a beginner or certified diver.

When is the best time to dive in Vietnam?
From April to September, when seas are calm and visibility is best.

Plan Your Hoi An Diving Adventure

Diving in Hoi An is more than just an underwater trip – it’s a journey that blends adventure, culture, and conservation. Whether you’re snorkeling in shallow reefs or diving deep into shipwrecks, you’ll carry unforgettable memories home.

👉 Book your Cham Islands Diving Tour with Sao La Vietnam Tours today. Our tours include: