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

Two reefs, one quiet beach. This Cham Islands speedboat trip is built around the water rather than a long list of unrelated stops. I like the two separate snorkelling sessions, each lasting about an hour, and I like the smaller group size of roughly 20 to 25 people. The main thing to check before booking is pickup: the tour details clearly include Hoi An hotels, but Da Nang pickup information is less consistent.

I also like the practical setup. The speedboat cuts the trip from Cua Dai Harbour to the islands, leaving more time for coral and fish instead of a slow ride. The possible drawback is seasonal water temperature. One March outing had beautiful visibility but cold water, and another passenger found seasickness difficult, so bring suitable precautions if either issue concerns you.

Key points at a glance

• Two proper snorkelling sessions: Spend about an hour at Dai Island and another hour at Tai Island, rather than treating snorkelling as a short side activity.
• Small speedboat group: The usual group is around 20 to 25 people, much more manageable than boats carrying 70 to 80.
• Different underwater sights: Dai Island is noted for soft coral and colorful fish, while Tai Island has hard coral, fish, and a possible fish-feeding stop.
• Useful beach break: After the water time, you get lunch and roughly an hour or more to rest, swim, sunbathe, and use showers and toilets.
• Strong guides: Guides such as Cha Cha, Phi, Sam, and Fi are repeatedly praised for safety help, humor, and care in the water.
• Good inclusions for the price: At $63, the package includes transport from Hoi An, the speedboat, guide, lunch, drinks, and fees.

Leaving Cua Dai Harbour for Cham Island

The day starts with hotel pickup at about 8:30 a.m. in Da Nang and 8:45 a.m. in Hoi An, according to the published schedule. The road journey brings you to Cua Dai Harbour, where you board the speedboat at about 9:15.

Here is the first practical point: confirm your exact pickup before paying. The inclusion information says hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An, not Da Nang, while the schedule describes Da Nang pickup. Several people did receive private-car pickup from Da Nang, but one booking failed because the accommodation appeared selectable online even though the operator did not serve it. New World Hoiana resort area is specifically excluded.

The speedboat ride to Cham Island takes roughly 20 minutes in some conditions, with the wider schedule allowing arrival around 10:15. That is a useful advantage over a slower public or high-capacity boat. You spend less of the morning sitting on the water and more of it with a mask on.

The operator’s stated focus is simple: snorkelling and island time, without adding shopping, temple visits, cave stops, sea-walker activities, or other diversions. That matters if you want a marine day rather than a general sightseeing circuit.

Dai Island: the first hour in the water

The first snorkelling stop is at Dai Island. The area is described as having soft coral and colorful fish, and the schedule allows about one hour here. Several outings had clear water, plenty of fish, and little crowding, with some boats finding a spot shared by only one other group.

I like this opening stop because it gives you time to settle in. If you are new to snorkelling, the guide can help you get comfortable with the mask, stay near the boat, and understand where to look. One first-time snorkeller found the water clear and the equipment well-fitting, with no mask leaks.

The guides often enter the water with the group. Cha Cha was especially praised for keeping an eye on people, helping them return to the boat, and pointing out marine life. Other guides, including Phi, Sam, and Fi, also received strong marks for making the day feel well managed.

Still, do not expect a formal marine biology lesson. Some people wanted more structure and clearer explanations about fish and coral during the snorkelling itself. The best approach is to stay near the guide if you want the strongest chance of seeing what the guide has spotted.

Tai Island and the second coral stop

The boat then moves to Tai Island for a second session of about one hour. This stop is described as having hard coral and many fish. Several outings found the second site especially good for fish, including larger fish, while the first site offered a different coral setting.

That variety is one of the best reasons to choose this trip. You are not simply repeating the same short swim in the same bay. The conditions can change between sites, and the guide may adjust the location if visibility is poor. One outing changed the location when the water was not clear enough, which is a sensible choice for a snorkelling-focused day.

The itinerary mentions fish feeding at Tai Island. This did not happen on every outing, and one person questioned the environmental value of feeding fish. Treat it as a possible extra, not a guaranteed feature. The reefs, fish, and water visibility are the real reasons to book.

The total water time is a major strength. Many island excursions allow only one short snorkel before lunch. This one generally gives you close to two hours across two locations, though cold water, personal stamina, and sea conditions can shorten that time.

Lunch and beach time at Chong or Ong Beach

After the two water stops, the boat heads to Chong Beach or Ong Beach for lunch and rest. The schedule puts lunch at about 1 p.m., followed by relaxation before the return journey. Some outings offered around an hour and 15 minutes on the beach, while the schedule suggests returning to the hotel at about 2:30 p.m.

The food is one of the most praised parts of the day. Expect a plentiful Vietnamese meal with several dishes, and some outings included seafood. Fresh fruit such as watermelon and pineapple may be served during the cruise, along with water, cola, Fanta, and beer. The exact meal can vary, so I would not book this solely for a particular dish, but the portions appear generous.

The beach stop gives the day a needed pause. After nearly two hours in the water, you can dry off, eat, sit in the sun, and regain your energy without being hurried through another attraction. Toilets and showers were available on one outing, and extra drinks could be ordered at the beach.

This is not a deserted island experience in the strict sense. The beaches are part of a visitor route, and facilities are basic. Yet the smaller operation aims to avoid the most crowded areas, and several outings found a clean, peaceful beach for the lunch break.

The speedboat, group size, and seasickness question

The advertised group size is about 20 to 25 people, compared with boats carrying 70 to 80. That difference affects the whole day. Boarding is less chaotic, the crew can keep better track of people in the water, and the boat does not feel like a floating coach.

The speedboat is also sold as a way to reduce seasickness and save time. That can help, but it is not a guarantee. One passenger became very seasick despite enjoying the snorkelling, while another found the ride comfortable. If you are prone to motion sickness, take your usual precautions before departure and tell the guide early.

The boat itself was described as spacious, and drinks were available onboard. You should still expect a real sea crossing, with spray, movement, and changing conditions. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Guides who make the difference

The guide quality is a clear strength. Cha Cha is repeatedly singled out for humor, care, and clear help in the water. People also praised his ability to answer questions, explain the Cham people, and make nervous snorkellers feel looked after.

Phi, Fi, Sam, and other local guides received similar praise for friendliness and organization. The guides do not simply point from the boat. They may swim with you, watch people return, identify good areas to look, and help anyone who is struggling.

The style can be a little informal. One person found the snorkelling guidance less structured than expected and was unsure where to go at times. If you prefer a tightly led route, ask the guide to show you the best area and stay close. If you like exploring at your own pace, the looser approach may suit you well.

Is $63 good value?

At $63 per person, this is not the cheapest water outing in Vietnam. It is also not just a boat transfer. The price includes Hoi An hotel pickup and drop-off, the speedboat, an English-speaking guide, lunch, drinks, and fees.

The key value is the amount of time devoted to snorkelling. You are paying for two reef stops and a beach break, not a quick public-site swim added to shopping and sightseeing. The smaller boat and guide attention also matter, especially if you are new to snorkelling or want to avoid large groups.

The price becomes less attractive if you only want a brief look at the sea, dislike speedboats, or will not spend much time in the water. It is also worth checking pickup costs if you are staying in Da Nang, since the transport policy is not presented consistently.

Who should book this Cham Island trip?

I would choose this tour if snorkelling is your main goal. You get meaningful water time, two different sites, equipment, a guide in the water, lunch, and a relaxed beach stop.

It also suits first-time snorkellers, provided you are comfortable in open water. Guides have helped beginners, and the equipment is generally well received. Families and mixed-ability groups may appreciate the beach break, although the tour still involves boarding a speedboat and spending long periods in the sea.

You should think twice if you want a slow cultural tour, a quiet private boat, or guaranteed warm water. This is an active marine excursion with a fairly early start. Conditions control the quality of the reefs, visibility, and comfort more than any itinerary can.

Booking details worth checking

The tour is offered in English. You can reserve and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Weather can cancel the trip, and a minimum number of participants is required, with a different date or full refund offered in those cases.

Confirm these points before booking:

• Is your hotel inside the Hoi An pickup area?
• If staying in Da Nang, is hotel pickup included or charged separately?
• Are you staying at New World Hoiana, which is excluded?
• Is the water likely to be comfortable for your planned date?
• Do you need motion-sickness medicine?

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a snorkelling-first day around Cham Island. The two long reef sessions, smaller group, capable guides, generous lunch, and peaceful beach break make the $63 price reasonable.

I would not book without confirming Da Nang transport, and I would pack for changing sea conditions. If you can accept that visibility and water temperature are weather-dependent, this is one of the stronger choices for getting substantial snorkelling time from Hoi An or Da Nang.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour collects people from hotels in Hoi An and is scheduled to collect from Da Nang as well. The published inclusion specifically lists Hoi An hotel pickup, so confirm Da Nang arrangements before booking.

How long is the snorkelling?

The schedule allows about one hour at Dai Island and one hour at Tai Island. Actual time can change with weather, visibility, water temperature, and personal comfort.

What can you see underwater?

Dai Island is known for soft coral and colorful fish. Tai Island is described as having hard coral and fish, with some outings seeing larger fish and a possible fish-feeding activity.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with drinks. The meal is described as a plentiful Vietnamese spread, and some outings included seafood and fresh fruit.

What is included in the price?

The $63 price includes the speedboat, English-speaking guide, lunch, drinks, all fees and taxes, and hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An.

Is Da Nang pickup included?

The information is inconsistent. The schedule describes Da Nang pickup, but the inclusion details list Hoi An only. Contact the operator to confirm your exact hotel before booking.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund.