Quang Nam Province dive sites

The Cham Islands are approximately 18 kilometres off the coast from Cua Dai beach near Hoi An. Speedboats make the crossing in about 25 minutes, while slower wooden boats take around 90 minutes. Several operators in Hoi An run day trips combining snorkelling or diving with island exploration. The marine park charges an entrance fee that includes a landing permit. During the diving season from June to September, departures are weather-dependent and may be cancelled during rough seas.

The Cham Islands offer a different experience from Nha Trang. Visibility is generally lower and the reefs are smaller in scale, but the marine park management has been more effective, resulting in healthier fish populations within the protected zones. The macro diving is excellent and often underrated. For divers already visiting Hoi An, the Cham Islands provide a convenient and worthwhile diving experience. Dedicated dive travellers seeking the best Vietnamese diving should consider the Cham Islands as a complement to Con Dao or Phu Quoc rather than a replacement for them.

The diving season runs from June to September, coinciding with the calmest sea conditions and warmest water temperatures. July and August typically offer the best visibility and most consistent conditions. Outside this window, the northeast monsoon from October to February creates rough seas that make the crossing dangerous and diving conditions poor. March to May is a transitional period with improving but unpredictable conditions. The islands remain accessible for day tourism outside dive season, but underwater activities are limited.