Ah, the thrills of scuba diving! Nothing can compare to the exhilaration of plunging straight into the water into the world of colorful sea creatures. Although Vietnam is not the first destination that pops into your head when you think of a water sporting adventure, it is certainly one that is fast gaining popularity.
Check out the top 8 destinations for scuba diving in Vietnam:
1. Moray Beach
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Hidden away in the bosom of the South China Sea is Moray Beach, where azure waters take you away on an adventure like never before. Situated in Nha Trang, the scuba diving epicenter of Vietnam, you'll be amazed as you explore the mystical water along with fish such as scorpionfish, clownfish, and black frogfish as they swim their way through coral reefs. You might find a few nudibranch mollusks lazying away, and if you manage to explore the mystical caves of Moray, you might catch a glimpse of pipe fish, razor fish, and devil scorpionfish. With a maximum depth of about 18 meters/60 feet, this destination is perfect for first-time divers as well as seasoned divers.
2. Madonna Rock, Nha Trang
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Another wondrous destination in Vietnam for scuba diving is Madonna Rock, where the water houses some rock niches and caverns. These rocks serve as the perfect hideaway for some sea creatures, such as Glassfish, flatworms, shrimp species, and ghostfish. Other than these, moray eels and lionfish are often seen meandering about the sea, and octopuses, too, appear now and then.
3. Ho Trau Nam, Whale Island
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Another popular destination for scuba diving in Vietnam is Ho Trau Nam on Whale Island. Also known as Three King Island, this destination has three peaks that rise to the surface from within the water. This destination is a favorite haunt among fish such as manta, eagle, and stingrays. The seabed of this destination is quite ornate as well. Yellow, white, and purple corals and gorgonians adorn the floor and form an intricate labyrinthine network of underwater vegetation.
4. Nudibranch Gardens, Phu Quoc
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Smaller marine creatures mostly frequent this destination, making this an exotic place for scuba diving in Vietnam. Don't be surprised if a school of these little creatures make their way right past you. You may also find bamboo sharks here. Coral reefs and rocks form a unique underwater landscape, which is further embellished with dark red gorgonian. Most of the animals prefer to stay in the nooks and crannies of the rocks, so don't forget to explore these places.
5. Hon Ko, Phu Quoc
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Also is known as 'Dry Island,' a destination worthy of scuba diving in Vietnam just for its incredible underwater coral reef system. On the surface, you might see a few rocks breaking the surface, but don't be deceived! It is nothing compared to the complex seabed underneath, which houses several sea creatures such as miter shells, rays, bamboo sharks, nudibranchs, catfish, and scorpionfish.
6. Hon Nhan, Hoi An
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The depth of the sea at Hon Nhan in Hoi An is about 40 meters; first-timers can easily get the hang of scuba diving at this Vietnamese desitination. This spot is a popular hangout for a number of fish, such as pipefish, clownfish, triggerfish, and lionfish. In addition to these, you might also have a happy encounter with seahorses, barracudas, ribbon eels, and crabs. You will certainly encounter some fish skimming through the tangles of nudibranchs, which is an endearing sight indeed!
7. Con Dao Islands
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The Con Dao Islands is a relatively lesser explored territory when it comes to scuba diving in Vietnam, but that doesn't translate into any negatives at all! Pristine and away from the din of people, the underwater beauty of this place is divine. Among the sea creatures here, you will find coral reefs and a wide variety of exotic fish, such as barracuda, moray eels, Moorish idols, and well-camouflaged stonefish. Turtles also make an appearance here. Overall, it is a wonderful experience for newbies and diving veterans alike!
8. Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City District
Represenatational ImageHo Chi Minh City, which is a destination bubbling with thousands of people during the night, transforms during the day into a wonderful scuba diving destination in Vietnam. Diving here takes place just off the coast, and you can witness some enthralling sights below the surface of the sea. However, this is not as popular a diving destination as the others, so you might want to skip this if you find an option elsewhere.
Equipment Required for Scuba Diving in Vietnam
You will require the following gear when going scuba diving:
Dive Mask
Snorkel
Oxygen Regulator
Scuba Fins
Buoyancy Compensator
Wetsuit
Dive Computer
All dive centers in Vietnam provide all of this equipment. Ensure that no gear is missing from this checklist for a safe dive.
Diving Schools in Vietnam
1. Nha Trang Fun Divers
SSI is affiliated and has PADI instructors on the staff that teach from entry level up to divemaster level. Internships for dive pro training are also available. They offer a long bottom time on each dive, free hotel pickups from Nha Trang City Centre, and lunch on the boat.
Address: Hung Vu'o'ng, Nha Trang Website: http://www.ntfundivers.com/ Approximate cost: VND 1500213 - 7000994 Best time: February- October
2. Rainbow Divers
Diving centers are in Nha Trang, Whale Island, Hoi An, Con Dao, and Phu Quoc Island. Offer PADI Courses, daily dive trips, instructor training, and technical diving.
Address: The Rainbow Bar, 90a Hung Vuong Street Website: http://www.divevietnam.com/ Approximate cost: VND 2024000 - 2934000 Best time: February - October
3. Oceans5 Instructor Training Centre
Online learning, multimedia room, the latest dive gear from Hollis, and dive computers available. Multilingual instructors to assist your diving experience.
Address: Yersin 5, Nha Trang, Vietnam Website: http://www.oceans5.co/ Approximate cost: VND 1500213 - 7000994 Best time: February - October
The thought of leaping headfirst into a sea of the unknown might seem risky at first, but with proper guidance and precaution, it can be the experience of a lifetime. Go ahead and take the first step towards scuba diving in Vietnam; you surely won't regret it!
