Hoi An/Da Nang: Snorkelling & Island-Hopping Speedboat Tour

Cham Island is the main event here, not a quick stop between shopping and sightseeing. You spend roughly two hours in the water, split between two snorkeling sites, then eat lunch and rest on a beach. The speedboat cuts the crossing from Cua Dai Harbour to the islands to about 20 minutes.

I especially like the small group size and the fact that the tour is built around snorkeling rather than packing in extra attractions. I also like the choice of two different reef areas: one known for soft coral and another for hard coral and fish. The main caution is weather and water temperature. In March, one visitor found the sea cold, while another became seasick despite the speedboat.

• Two reef stops: Expect about 45 to 60 minutes at each site, with soft coral, hard coral, fish, and sometimes starfish.
• Guides in the water: Cha Cha, Phi, Sam, and other English-speaking guides help with safety and point out marine life.
• Small speedboat group: The usual group is about 20 to 25 people, rather than 70 to 80 on larger boats.
• Lunch at Chong or Ong Beach: A generous Vietnamese meal follows the snorkeling, with time to rest, sunbathe, use showers, and refill your water.
• Good value for serious snorkelers: At $63, the price includes transport, boat, guide, lunch, drinks, and fees.
• Pickup needs checking: Hoi An hotel pickup is included, but Da Nang arrangements and New World Hoiana Resort pickup require confirmation.

Why Cham Island works so well for a snorkeling day

Cham Island sits off the coast of Hoi An and Da Nang, and this trip uses it as a proper water outing rather than a brief photo stop. You leave from Cua Dai Harbour and head out by speedboat, arriving with much of the day still ahead.

The tour company keeps groups to roughly 20 to 25 people. That matters in the water. You have a better chance of hearing safety instructions, staying near the guide, and finding open space around the reef than you would on a boat carrying 70 or 80 people.

I also like the stated focus. There is no forced shopping stop, sea walker activity, or long string of unrelated sights. If you are booking this because you want time with a mask and snorkel, the schedule gives that priority.

The trip earns a 4.6 rating from 397 ratings, and the strongest praise centers on the same points: two useful snorkeling sessions, friendly guides, good food, and less crowding than larger island boats. That does not make the sea conditions predictable, but it does give you a clear idea of what the operator does best.

The morning ride from Hoi An or Da Nang

The planned pickup is around 8:30 a.m. in Da Nang and 8:45 a.m. in Hoi An Ancient Town, followed by a 9:15 departure from Cua Dai Harbour. The written inclusion information specifically confirms hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An, not Da Nang, so you should verify your Da Nang pickup before paying.

Some bookings have included a private car from Da Nang to the harbor, but that should not be treated as automatic. Pickup from the New World Hoiana Resort area is not included.

Once you reach the harbor, you board the speedboat. The crossing to Cham Island takes about 20 minutes according to one detailed account, though the published schedule allows more time for the full harbor-to-island journey.

The boat is a real advantage for a half-day water trip. It gets you to the snorkeling areas faster, leaving more time for swimming and less time sitting on the way out. The speed also tends to be easier for people who dislike long ferry rides, though it is not a guarantee against seasickness. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring your usual medicine and take it before boarding.

First stop at Dai Island: soft coral and easy exploration

The first snorkeling stop is planned for Dai Island at about 10:15 a.m. You should expect close to an hour in the water, although several accounts put the actual sessions closer to 45 or 50 minutes.

This site is selected for soft coral and colorful fish. The guide may swim with the group and show you places where fish gather. One useful tip is to stay reasonably close to the guide rather than drifting off on your own. The guide can help you see more, keep track of the group, and get assistance quickly if you need it.

The equipment receives strong marks for fit and condition. One snorkeler specifically found the mask did not leak, which is a small detail that can make or break the morning. Still, fit varies from person to person, so test your mask before leaving the boat and ask the crew for another one if it leaks.

If you are new to snorkeling, this is a good format. You get instructions, a guide in the water, and plenty of time to settle into breathing through the tube. The operator also says the site can be changed if visibility is poor, but sea conditions still control what you see.

Second stop at Tai Island: hard coral and more fish

Around 11:30 a.m., the boat moves to Tai Island for the second session. This area is described as having more hard coral and plenty of fish, making it a useful contrast with the first stop.

Several accounts describe the second location as the stronger of the two, with larger fish and clearer underwater views. That is not a promise for every departure, since weather and water clarity change, but the two-stop format gives you a better chance of finding good conditions somewhere around the islands.

The published plan includes fish feeding at this stop. One person noted that the activity did not happen and questioned whether feeding fish is good practice. I agree that this is worth treating cautiously. If the crew offers it, you can simply choose to watch the fish without taking part. The coral and fish are the reason to visit, not the feeding itself.

Guidance during this stop can vary. Some guides, including Cha Cha, are described as swimming with the group and explaining the fish, coral, and shells. One person found the instructions a little loose and wished for clearer guidance about where to go and what species they were seeing. If you want more interpretation, stay near the guide and ask questions directly.

Lunch and beach time on Chong or Ong Beach

After the snorkeling, you head to Chong Beach or Ong Beach for lunch and a slower stretch of the day. The schedule places lunch around 1 p.m., with the return to the hotel planned for about 2:30 p.m.

The meal is described as plentiful, fresh, and Vietnamese in style. One account called it almost too much food, while another praised the many dishes and seafood. Drinks are included, and the boat may carry cold water, cola, Fanta, and beer. Fresh watermelon and pineapple have also been served during the outing.

Expect a relaxed beach break rather than a tightly timed meal. You have time to eat, sunbathe, use the toilets and showers, and order extra drinks if available. The beach portion gives your body a chance to warm up after the water, especially in cooler months.

This stop is valuable because the tour does not rush you straight back to the harbor after snorkeling. You get a proper pause on land, though the beach is still part of a shared island visit, not a private beach arrangement.

Guides such as Cha Cha, Phi, and Sam

The guide can shape this trip more than any single attraction. Cha Cha receives repeated praise for his humor, attention, and ability to explain the area. He is described as staying in the water, checking that people return to the boat, answering questions, and sharing information about the Cham people.

Phi and Sam are also named as helpful guides. The crew includes local guides who live on Cham Island, giving the day a local connection beyond simply transporting you to a reef.

The best approach is to use the guide actively. Ask about the coral, fish, shells, and Cham culture. Follow the safety directions, and stay within sight if the group spreads out. One person who became badly seasick appreciated the extra help from Cha Cha, including assistance while drifting in the water.

The tour is conducted in English. The tone appears friendly and informal, but this is not a marine biology lesson. You will get useful explanations and practical help, though the amount of detail depends on the guide and the size of the group.

What $63 includes, and where the value lies

At $63 per person, this is not the cheapest boat outing in Vietnam. I think the price makes sense if snorkeling is your main goal.

The fee includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An, the speedboat, an English-speaking guide, lunch, drinks, and all listed fees and taxes. You also receive two substantial snorkeling sessions rather than one short swim at a public site.

The small group is part of the value. A cheaper boat can look appealing until you spend much of the day waiting for a large group to board, moving between crowded stops, or receiving only 30 minutes in the water. This outing is designed to avoid that pattern.

The cost is less attractive if you mainly want a boat ride, a beach visit, or general sightseeing. You are paying for the operator’s choice of reef locations, equipment, guide support, and the extra water time. Someone who does not enjoy snorkeling may find that too narrow.

Water temperature, weather, and seasickness

Weather controls the whole day. If conditions are poor, the trip may be canceled and you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The tour also requires a minimum number of participants, so a low booking total can lead to cancellation.

Clear water is not guaranteed. One account from March praised the coral but found the water cold enough to limit time in the sea. Another person had excellent visibility and little crowding. These reports fit the nature of snorkeling: location choice helps, but season, wind, rain, and water temperature still matter.

The speedboat reduces the length of the open-water ride, but it does not eliminate motion. One person had severe seasickness and needed help. If you are sensitive, bring medication, avoid a heavy meal before the crossing, and tell the crew early if you feel unwell.

The trip works best for people comfortable entering the sea from a boat. You do not need to be an expert snorkeler, but you should be able to manage yourself in the water with the provided equipment and follow the guide’s instructions.

Who should book this Cham Island tour

I would choose this trip if you want snorkeling to fill the center of your day. It suits first-time snorkelers, couples, families with confident swimmers, and anyone who prefers a smaller boat to a large group cruise.

It is also a good fit if you want a simple schedule: harbor, two reef stops, lunch, beach time, and return. You do not lose time at shops, temples, caves, or unrelated attractions.

I would think twice if you dislike speedboats, get motion sick easily, or want guaranteed warm water. I would also confirm transport carefully if you are staying in Da Nang, at New World Hoiana Resort, or outside the normal Hoi An pickup area.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and any seasickness medicine you normally use. You may want a rash guard or light layer if you feel cold in the water. The operator provides snorkeling equipment, but you can ask for a replacement mask if the first one does not seal properly.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want two proper snorkeling sessions, a smaller group, and a generous lunch and beach break. The strongest reasons to choose it are the time in the water, the guide support, and the effort to use quieter reef sites.

Skip it if you are seeking an entirely dry sightseeing cruise or need guaranteed calm, warm water. For an active Cham Island day from Hoi An or Da Nang, though, $63 is fair value, provided you confirm your pickup and accept that nature decides the final quality of the snorkeling.

FAQ

How much does the Cham Island snorkeling tour cost?

The tour costs $63 per person.

How long does the tour last?

Pickup begins around 8:30 a.m. in Da Nang or 8:45 a.m. in Hoi An, with the planned return to the hotel around 2:30 p.m.

Where does the boat leave from?

The tour reaches Cua Dai Harbour around 9:15 a.m., where you board the speedboat to Cham Island.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling stops are included, one near Dai Island and another near Tai Island.

How long do you snorkel at each stop?

The schedule allows about one hour at each site. Some outings have lasted approximately 45 to 50 minutes per stop.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the equipment has been described as good quality. Ask the crew for another mask if yours leaks.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served at Chong Beach or Ong Beach, and drinks are included as well.

Is hotel pickup included from Da Nang?

The published inclusions confirm pickup and drop-off in Hoi An, while the schedule lists a Da Nang pickup. Confirm Da Nang transport before booking because arrangements may vary.

Is pickup included from New World Hoiana Resort?

No. Pickup and drop-off in the New World Hoiana Resort area are not included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can choose another date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes cancellation. A full refund or alternative arrangement is also offered if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.