12 Most Beautiful snorkeling & best Diving Spots in Vietnam

March 18, 2026

Do you love diving? Discover 12 Most Beautiful snorkeling & best Diving Spots in Vietnam with crystal-clear waters, stunning coral reefs that will captivate you at first sight!

If you are a fan of the blue ocean and colorful coral reefs, then Vietnam is paradise for you. From South to North, our country boasts countless stunning diving spots that not everyone knows about – where you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters and admire a vibrant coral world like a painting. More than just a fun “check-in” activity, it’s also a fascinating journey of nature discovery.

Coral Mountain & Halfmoon Reef Phu Quoc Snorkeling Tour by Speedboat

Let Living Nomads help you discover 12 stunning coral reef diving spots in Vietnam for travel enthusiasts!

Why Should You Dive in Vietnam?

Southern Phu Quoc Sea Walking Experience at Roi Island

Vietnam is one of the few Asian countries blessed with an incredibly rich coral reef ecosystem, stretching from the Gulf of Tonkin to the central and southern coastal regions. The coral reefs are diverse in shape and color, while retaining their pristine characteristics – making scuba diving more attractive than ever.

An added bonus is that scuba diving in Vietnam is quite budget-friendly. The average cost for a diving session ranges from 500,000 to 1,500,000 VND per person, suitable for both first-time divers and ocean explorers.

Southern Phu Quoc Island – Vietnam’s Hottest Scuba Diving Destination

When mentioning scuba diving spots to see coral reefs and walk underwater, Southern Phu Quoc Island cannot be overlooked. Small group diving tours by speedboat quickly take visitors to beautiful coral reefs with crystal-clear water and diverse marine life. In particular, underwater walking allows you to admire coral and fish swimming at a depth of about 20 meters without needing to know how to swim.

The price of a diving tour in Phu Quoc ranges from about 1.3 to 1.5 million VND, including equipment, insurance, drinking water, and transportation. Notable diving spots include Hon Thom, Hon May Rut, Hon Mong Tay… Each place has its own unique scenery, from colorful coral to diverse marine life. Southern Phu Quoc Island also offers services such as kayaking, underwater photography, and enjoying fresh seafood, suitable for families or groups of friends.

Best Diving Spots in Vietnam: Scuba Diving to See Vibrant Coral Reefs & Submarine Tours in Nha Trang

Nha Trang is famous for its colorful coral reefs and professional diving services. Nha Trang coral reef diving tours are organized by Vietnamese guides, making it easy for beginners to immerse themselves in the ocean. Besides scuba diving with equipment, this area also offers modern submarine tours that allow you to observe marine life at the bottom of the ocean without going underwater.

Diving paradise for divers. | best Diving Spots in Vietnam

Nha Trang Half-Day Bay Cruise & Snorkeling Tour

The tour prices are quite reasonable, suitable for both first-time and experienced divers. The coral reefs in Nha Trang are very diverse, from colorful fish to a variety of soft and hard corals, creating a vibrant underwater landscape. With its location near the city center, Nha Trang is a top choice for combining beach relaxation and ocean exploration.

Exploring Bay Canh Island & Snorkeling in Con Dao

Bay Canh Island, part of the Con Dao archipelago, is a snorkeling destination boasting pristine marine nature and a rich ecosystem. Tours usually include transportation, a speedboat to the island, and safe snorkeling equipment. The island has many beautiful coral reefs, various types of fish, and clear, calm waters, making it ideal for enjoying snorkeling.

Scuba diving here doesn’t require advanced skills, making it ideal for families or groups of friends wanting to explore the ocean. The best time to visit Hon Bay Canh for snorkeling and coral viewing is from April to September each year, when the sea is calm and the water is clear. Besides snorkeling, visitors can also admire the natural beauty of Con Dao with its countless pristine beaches.

Underwater Walking & Snorkeling in Cu Lao Cham – Quang Nam

Cham Islands Sea Walk and Snorkeling Experience by Speedboat from Da Nang

The Cu Lao Cham World Biosphere Reserve in Quang Nam is a paradise for exploring the ocean in both forms: underwater walking and snorkeling. Speedboats take visitors from Da Nang to the island in a short time, opening up opportunities to see colorful coral reefs and countless rare marine creatures.

Underwater walking is quite different, with a special diving helmet that helps maintain continuous oxygen, allowing for safe and exciting observation of the deep-water world. This area is ideal for both exploration and relaxation, with clear blue waters and calm sea conditions favorable from March to August. A day in Cu Lao Cham is a harmonious combination of relaxing on the beach and a vibrant ocean adventure.

Snorkeling at Hon Kho and Ky Co – Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh

Hon Kho, located in Nhon Hai fishing village, Quy Nhon, is famous for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs just 1-2 meters below the surface, suitable for both shallow diving and snorkeling. Half-day tours here usually include transportation by speedboat, snorkeling, a seafood lunch, and a visit to the unique sea-crossing road. Tour prices range from 290,000-330,000 VND/person, depending on the tour operator.

Discover the Only Deer Antler Coral Reef in Northern Vietnam – Co To Island, Quang Ninh

Co To is the only licensed coral reef diving spot in Northern Vietnam, with diving areas at Vung Tron, Hon Chim, and Hon Ong Tich in Thanh Lan island commune. Hon Chim stands out with its 500m² coral reef area featuring the unique Deer Antler coral species. A diving tour here costs approximately 1.5 million VND per person, including transportation by electric vehicle and speedboat to the diving spot, fruit, drinks, diving equipment, and insurance.

Alova Day Cruise: Ha Long Bay Tour, Sung Sot Cave & Ti Top Island

Additionally, there is an underwater walking tour priced at 1.3 million VND. Visitors can also experience kayaking, underwater photography, and enjoying seafood at sea for 100,000 – 300,000 VND per person. The ideal time for diving is from April to September, when the weather is favorable and the sea is clear.

Snorkeling and Admiring the Crescent Coral Reefs & Coral Mountains in Nam Du

Southern Phu Quoc Sea Walking Experience at Roi Island

The highlight is Hon Hai Bo Dap, with its crystal-clear, varying-depth waters, allowing you to both snorkel and relax while swimming. The crescent-shaped coral reefs stretch and curve, and the rare “coral mountains” are home to dozens of colorful coral species and tropical fish. Snorkeling services cost only 150,000 – 550,000 VND per session, very affordable for young travelers.

From January to March, the sunny weather and calm waves make it the ideal time to explore the ocean of Nam Du. Unlike popular tours, Nam Du snorkeling tours focus on small groups, creating a more private and comfortable experience. A snorkeling session here is an immersion in the purest nature of the Southwest Sea.

Scuba Diving or Underwater Walking at Hon Mun Island – Nha Trang

Hon Mun Island – Vietnam’s first marine protected area – has long been the “coral capital” of Nha Trang. With the richest marine ecosystem in the country, it boasts over 350 species of coral and hundreds of colorful fish. Visitors can choose simple snorkeling or underwater walking, allowing you to step into the ocean world as if walking through a vibrant coral forest.

Scuba diving services here always include a team of professional instructors, ensuring safety for even beginners. Hon Mun also attracts tourists with its fresh air, idyllic beaches, and turquoise waters. If you want to see firsthand how beautiful the Vietnamese sea is, Hon Mun will surely amaze you.

Snorkeling, Mud Bath & Beach BBQ at Hon Tam Island, Nha Trang

Hon Tam Island is famous for its fine white sand beaches and turquoise waters, and is a true paradise for entertainment and relaxation. The snorkeling package here combines coral reef diving with many exciting activities such as natural mineral mud baths, soaking in jacuzzi pools, and enjoying a seafood BBQ by the sea.

Deluxe Snorkeling Tour with Mud Bath at Merperle Hon Tam Nha Trang

With just one day tour, you can explore the ocean with colorful coral reefs and rejuvenate your energy in a high-class eco-resort. Hon Tam offers a complete vacation experience, suitable for both groups of young people and families. Located not far from the center of Nha Trang, it is a great choice to enjoy the beauty of the Central Vietnamese coast.

Snorkeling and Coral Reef Viewing by Glass Bottom Boat in Vinh Hy Bay, Ninh Thuan

island-info-snorkeling-koh-samui-2 — Snorkeling

Vinh Hy Bay, located in Ninh Thuan, is on the list of the most beautiful bays in Vietnam, nổi with its clear blue waters and rich marine ecosystem. Tourists can participate in a coral reef snorkeling tour by glass-bottom boat for approximately 150,000 VND/person for a 90-minute experience. Other attractions in Vinh Hy include Yen Cave, Turtle Island, Rai Cave, and Ninh Thuan Stone Park.

For larger groups, private boat rentals are available from 700,000–1,500,000 VND/boat, depending on the number of guests. Additionally, 2-day, 2-night tours combining Ninh Chu and Vinh Hy are available from 1,690,000 VND/person, including transportation, accommodation in 2-3 star hotels, meals, and entrance fees.

Check-In at Yen Island, Phu Yen & Snorkeling Near the Water’s Surface

Yen Island, located in Tuy An District, Phu Yen Province, is an eye-catching check-in spot with its pristine landscape and rich marine ecosystem. The highlight here is that you can admire the vibrant coral reefs just a few tens of centimeters from the water’s surface, especially during low tide (from April to August), when the coral beds are clearly visible like an underwater garden.

No need to dive deep; just bring your goggles and gently wade to the beach to admire the spectacular natural scenery. If combined with underwater walking in the South of Phu Quoc Island, you will experience the interesting contrast between these two novel forms of marine exploration. Hon Yen offers a tranquil space, suitable for tourists who love pristine beauty and fresh sea air.

Snorkeling Amidst the Mountains and Forests of Hai Van – Son Tra, Da Nang

Da Nang Son Tra Peninsula Half-Day Snorkeling & Fishing Tour

The Hai Van – Son Tra area is a snorkeling spot that blends mountains and sea, amidst diverse and unspoiled natural landscapes. Snorkeling here gives visitors the opportunity to explore rich coral reefs and many colorful marine fish under strict protection.

In addition, a diving tour combined with a mud bath at Merperle Hon Tam and a BBQ lunch amidst the dreamy seascape is the perfect suggestion for a relaxing and exploratory trip. The fresh air, calm waves, and quality service make this a nature-friendly resort that visitors must visit when coming to Da Nang city.

Tips & Notes When Snorkeling to See Coral Reefs

Snorkeling to see coral reefs is a professional activity that requires thorough preparation to fully enjoy and ensure safety. Below are some points you need to know before starting your diving trip:

Best time for snorkeling: The best diving season in Vietnam lasts from April to September, when the weather is stable, the sea water is clear and calm, and underwater visibility is at its best.

Essential Equipment: Whether you’re snorkeling or diving, don’t forget to bring goggles, a snorkel, a life vest, and reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin without harming the ecosystem.

Safety Precautions: Absolutely do not touch or stand on the coral reefs to avoid harming marine life. It’s best to dive in a group or with a professional instructor; do not swim far out or dive alone.

Finally, respecting the sea is the best way to preserve its natural beauty for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Snorkeling

Snorkeling | best Diving Spots in Vietnam

1. Is snorkeling in Phu Quoc safe?

Yes. Snorkeling tours in Phu Quoc are professionally organized, with instructors, fully equipped with protective gear, and adhere to strict safety procedures. With calm seas, good visibility, and moderate depths, it’s one of the safest and most accessible locations for snorkeling, even for beginners. 2. Do I need a permit to go snorkeling?

No. Tourists do not need to apply for a separate permit to participate in snorkeling tours in Vietnam. Simply registering with a travel company or tour operator is sufficient; all procedures and insurance will be handled by the tour operator.

3. How much does snorkeling cost?

The price of a snorkeling tour ranges from 500,000 to 1,500,000 VND per person, depending on the location, type of snorkeling (snorkeling or scuba diving), duration, and included services. Consider booking an all-inclusive snorkeling tour on Klook, which includes transportation, lunch, and a professional guide.

4. Do I need to know how to swim?

Not required. For snorkeling tours, you only need to wear a life vest and follow the instructions. For scuba diving, an instructor will closely supervise to ensure safety.

From Phu Quoc and Cu Lao Cham to Hon Mun and Vinh Hy – each coral reef diving spot in Vietnam possesses its own unique charm, with crystal-clear waters, diverse ecosystems, and pristine natural scenery. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced divers, exploring the ocean here is always accessible, exciting, and well worth a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

So what are you waiting for? Mark down these coral reef diving spots in Vietnam and start planning your summer trip now!

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