Cham Island Snorkeling Tour 2025: An Honest Review & Guide

So you’re looking at a day trip to Cham Island, you know, from Da Nang or Hoi An. Honestly, it’s one of those trips that pops up on every ‘what to do’ list and stuff. We went on this tour recently, like, to get a real feel for what you get in 2025. This review is basically just our genuine take on the whole day, from the boat ride to the snorkeling and that seafood lunch everyone talks about. At the end of the day, it’s about figuring out if this experience is really right for you. It’s often painted as a perfect paradise getaway, which in some respects it is, yet there are some things you should probably know beforehand. This is, you know, our story and our tips to help you decide.

The Morning Pickup and Speedboat Adventure

Okay, so the day started really early with a van picking us up from our hotel. The pickup was, like, pretty much on time, which was a good start to the day. You then go on to collect a few other people from different hotels, which is, you know, a fairly standard tour thing. As a matter of fact, it was a good way to see a little of the city waking up. The drive to the Cua Dai pier isn’t too long, maybe just thirty minutes or so, depending on traffic, of course. At the pier, it’s honestly a little bit chaotic with all the different tour groups gathering around. But, basically, your guide sorts you out pretty quickly and gets you onto your designated speedboat. Now, that speedboat ride is definitely an experience in itself. Seriously, they don’t call it a speedboat for nothing; it’s extremely fast and gets pretty bumpy as it smacks against the waves. You absolutely get a face full of salty sea spray, which, you know, is all part of the fun, I suppose. Just make sure your belongings are, like, in a waterproof bag, for instance. The views back towards the mainland are actually quite stunning as you head out into the open sea.

First Snorkeling Stop: What to Actually Expect

So, after about 20 minutes on the speedboat, you pretty much arrive at the first stop: the snorkeling spot. The boat moors with a bunch of other tour boats, so it is, like, a very popular area. The crew hands out the snorkeling gear—a mask, a snorkel, and a life jacket, you know, and stuff like that. Honestly, putting on a slightly used, wet life jacket is never my favorite part of any tour, but here we are. You just sort of slide off the side of the boat into the water, which is actually quite refreshing. The water clarity can really vary, you know, depending on the day’s weather and currents. On our day, it was moderately clear, but not crystal, to be honest. You will definitely see some fish; for example, there are little schools of sergeant major fish and some smaller, colorful reef fish darting about. In terms of coral, frankly, a lot of it seems a bit damaged, probably from the sheer number of visitors over the years. You’re not going to see, like, a massive, thriving reef like in a nature documentary. At the end of the day, it’s a fun and safe way to try snorkeling for the first time, but for very experienced snorkelers, it might be just a little underwhelming.

Bai Lang Village and That Seafood Lunch

Alright, so after you’ve had your fill of snorkeling, you get back on the boat for a very short trip to the main island, specifically to Bai Lang village. This is basically where the local community lives, and it’s quite a different vibe from the mainland. You can just wander around a little, see the fishing boats, and there’s a small temple and a tiny museum about the local history and culture. The main event here, of course, is lunch, which is included in the tour. You’re led to a big, open-air restaurant by the water, which is, you know, kind of nice. The lunch is served family-style, with a bunch of different dishes on the table for your group to share. Obviously, seafood is the star. We had, for instance, grilled scallops, steamed shrimp, a whole fried fish, and some stir-fried squid, and so on. There was also a vegetable soup, rice, and some morning glory, which is pretty much a staple in Vietnam. Frankly, the food was quite good and plentiful; it wasn’t fancy, you know, but it felt very authentic and was incredibly fresh. It’s a very satisfying meal after a morning of swimming, honestly.

Bai Chong Beach: Relaxation and More Swimming

Now, after that really filling lunch, you might think it’s time to head back, but nope. The next and final stop is Bai Chong beach, which is on the other side of a little hill. Basically, you can walk or some tours provide a little electric buggy ride over. Bai Chong is arguably the picturesque beach you see on all the posters. It’s a really lovely stretch of white sand with that classic turquoise water. There are, like, plenty of deck chairs with umbrellas set up for you to just relax on. Some people choose to just nap in the shade, which, after the early start and big lunch, is honestly a very good idea. Others, you know, head right back into the calm water for a swim. The water here is typically very clear and perfect for just floating around. You can also, like, buy a fresh coconut or a beer from one of the small beach bars there. This part of the day feels much more relaxed; it’s just about chilling out and enjoying the beach scenery for an hour or two before you have to, you know, make the trip back to the pier.

A Few Extra Tips for Your Cham Island Trip

As I was saying, being prepared can make the trip more or less perfect. Seriously, there are a few things that could be really helpful.

• Bring a Waterproof Bag: You will definitely need this for the speedboat ride to protect your phone and camera from the sea spray, you know.
• Lots of Sunscreen: The sun in Vietnam is incredibly strong, and you’re exposed all day, like, on the boat and the beach. A hat and sunglasses are pretty much non-negotiable, too.
• Motion Sickness Pills: If you are even slightly prone to seasickness, I mean, you should probably take something before the speedboat ride. It’s very fast and can be quite jarring.
• Cash for Extras: While the tour covers most things, you know, you might want cash for a cold drink at Bai Chong beach or for any small souvenirs from the village.
• Manage Your Snorkeling Expectations: As a matter of fact, it’s a great intro to snorkeling, but don’t expect a pristine coral wonderland. Just enjoy the experience for what it is.

“To be honest, the Cham Island tour is a very solid day out. It’s well-organized, the food is surprisingly good, and the speedboat ride is a thrill. It’s an almost perfect package for families and casual tourists who just want a fun day at sea and on the beach.”

Read our full review: [Cham Island Snorkeling Tour 2025 Full Review and Details]

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