Cham Islands Snorkeling Speedboat Day Trip from Hoi An

The Cham Islands marine reserve

The Cham Islands, or Cu Lao Cham, are a cluster of small islands around 15 to 20 kilometres off the coast of Hoi An, designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2009. Their waters protect coral reefs and marine life, and the local villages depend on fishing and small-scale tourism. If you search for a Cham Islands day trip from Hoi An, you will find that snorkelling and beach time are the main reasons to go.

Is the Cham Islands trip worth it? For anyone who enjoys the sea, yes: the water is clear, the islands are green and the pace is slower than the mainland. The best time to visit the Cham Islands is from spring to early autumn, when the sea is calmer. Bring reef-friendly sunscreen and a hat, and follow the guide's rules about not touching the coral.

The speedboat crossing

After pickup from your hotel in Hoi An Ancient Town, you are taken to the harbour and board a speedboat for the crossing, which takes around 20 to 30 minutes in calm conditions. The small group keeps the trip relaxed, and the guide briefs you on safety, the schedule and the marine rules before you arrive.

Sea conditions can change, especially outside the summer season, and crossings may be delayed or suspended when the sea is rough; we contact you if that happens. If you tend to feel seasick, take a tablet before departure and sit near the middle of the boat. A life jacket is provided for the whole trip.

Snorkelling over the coral

Snorkelling is the heart of the day. Equipment and a life jacket are included, and the guide takes you to reef areas where you can see coral, small fish and other marine life close to the surface. Snorkelling in the Cham Islands suits beginners, since the group is small and the guide stays nearby, and confident swimmers can explore further along the reef.

Wear a swimsuit or rash guard, and keep your feet off the coral. Underwater cameras and waterproof phone pouches are useful. The entrance fee to the islands and the environmental fee are already included in your booking, so there is nothing more to pay on arrival.

Beach time and Vietnamese BBQ lunch

After snorkelling, the group lands on a white-sand beach for a Vietnamese barbecue lunch, with fruit, water and soft drinks also included. There is free time to swim, walk along the shore or rest in the shade before the boat returns to the mainland.

The tour lasts about six hours in total, and you are dropped back at your hotel in Hoi An Ancient Town. Pickup from Da Nang city centre, the airport, the port and some resort areas is not included, so tell us where you stay when you book.