Diving in Hội An, Cham Islands

I’ve been diving since I was 13 years old. It’s a passion I’ve nurtured throughout the different stages of my life. I even introduced my children to diving as soon as they were old enough to move from snorkeling to scuba and get their PADI certifications. Together, we’ve traveled across parts of the world in search of exceptional dive spots. That’s how central diving is in my life.

I’ve been living in Vietnam for over 18 years, and I had always heard that the country’s marine life had suffered greatly from overfishing, dynamite fishing, and other destructive practices. For that reason, I never paid much attention to Vietnamese waters, preferring instead to dive in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and elsewhere.

Missing both the time to dive and diving itself, it came naturally during a trip to Hoi An with my two now-grown children. I didn’t even know there were dive centers in Central Vietnam. So, I booked a day with Blue Coral Diving, heading out to the Cham Islands.

What a surprise it turned out to be. We had an unforgettable experience. Steve’s team is incredibly professional and cohesive—they’ve been working together for years. Their Australian accents can be a little tricky for us French people (especially for me), but they more than make up for it with kindness and professionalism.

We did two dives, each lasting about 60 minutes, at depths ranging from 12 to 20 meters—together, as a family! And what truly amazed us was the coral. It was far richer than I had expected, rivaling what I’ve seen in Malaysia and Thailand. I made the same observation in Con Dao, a small island in southern Vietnam.

We encountered nudibranchs, lionfish, moray eels, stonefish, barracudas—and of course, Nemo and Dory made their appearance too. Two incredible dives, guided by skilled and friendly professionals.

The day itself is perfectly paced. Once the boat leaves the port, the briefing begins. By the time you reach the Cham Islands, you’re ready to dive in. After more than an hour underwater, you surface, weigh anchor, sip a coffee, and 20 minutes later you’re back in the water for a second dive—another hour of pure magic. All stress just melts away.

Lunch is served in a stunning cove, surrounded by palm trees, coconut groves, and emerald waters—paradise itself. The boat returns to the port around 3 p.m. It’s an early start, but after a day like that, sitting down with a cold beer at Soul Kitchen feels like the perfect ending.

As someone who dives all over the world, I can honestly say that Vietnam is a fantastic destination. Hoi An in particular stands out—not just for its diving, but also for its cultural heritage, rice fields, and so much more.

Whether you’re looking for a first introduction, snorkeling, or a full scuba experience, Hoi An and the Cham Islands are absolutely worth it. Go with confidence—you won’t regret it.

🤿 Blue Coral Diving :

📍33 Trần Hưng Đạo, Street, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Viêt Nam

🔗 https://divehoian.com/

📱 https://www.instagram.com/DIVEHOIAN/