Diving
in Nha Trang

Yes, you can try scuba diving in Nha Trang without a certificate. Beginners receive a detailed briefing in English: how to breathe underwater, use the equipment, equalize pressure and behave during the dive. After that, you dive with an instructor in calm waters near Hon Mun Island. Nha Trang is a good place for a first diving experience: there are no large dangerous predators, and you can see marine life even at shallow depth.

The main place for diving and snorkeling is the protected area around Hon Mun Island. This is where you can find the most interesting coral reefs, dive sites and marine life. There are almost no good diving spots directly from the city beach, so trips are usually done by boat to the islands. Sometimes tours also visit Hon Tre or Hon Mot, but the underwater life there is usually simpler and less rich than around Hon Mun.

The best season for diving in Nha Trang is usually from April to September. During this period there is generally less rain and strong wind, the sea is calmer and clearer, and the water temperature is around 28 °C. From October to March, conditions can be more difficult: there may be more waves, wind, rain and lower visibility, while the water temperature can drop to around 23 °C. However, the weather is unpredictable, and even in winter there can be good days for diving.

The price depends on the program. Introductory dives without certification start from 85 USD for 2 dives. For certified divers, the price starts from 80 USD for 2 dives. Snorkeling or joining the boat as a passenger — 35 USD. Certification courses cost from 340 to 410 USD, depending on the agency and level: Open Water PADI, Open Water SSI, Advanced PADI or Advanced SSI.

The beginner program usually includes an English-speaking professional instructor, basic dive theory, scuba equipment, wetsuit, two dives, lunch, fruit, water, tea and a trip on a spacious two-deck boat. The instructor helps you prepare, accompanies you underwater and takes care of your comfort and safety. Photos and videos may be available on request, sometimes for an additional fee.

The certified divers program is for guests who already have an international diving certificate. It usually includes two dives near Hon Mun Island with an English-speaking dive guide. The route and dive site are chosen depending on the weather, season and the level of the group. It is recommended to bring your certification card and logbook. The program includes equipment, wetsuit, lunch, fruit, water, tea and the boat trip.

Yes, you can choose the snorkeling program or join as a passenger. This is a good option for friends, couples or families when not everyone wants to scuba dive. The program includes a boat trip, snorkeling on the reef, mask, snorkel, fins, lunch, fruit, water and tea. It is a nice choice for those who want to spend a day at sea, see the islands and swim near the reefs without diving.

The underwater world of Nha Trang is best explored around Hon Mun Island. You can see soft and hard corals, reef fish, moray eels, mollusks, sea urchins and other small reef creatures. Large animals such as turtles, rays or whale sharks are very rare, so they should not be expected as part of a regular trip. The main beauty of Nha Trang is its coral gardens, colorful fish and calm tropical reef.

Hon Mun Island has several popular dive sites. From May to October, trips often visit the northern side of the island, including Mamahanh and Madonna Rock. Madonna Rock is known for its rock formations, small swim-throughs and schools of fish. From November to April, the southern side is often chosen, including Fisherman and Coral Garden. Moray Beach also has a beautiful coral garden, but because of the number of boats in the area, it is not always possible to dive there.

You should bring swimwear, a towel and sunscreen. Certified divers should also bring their certification card and logbook if available. Alcohol is not allowed before diving. If you have heart disease, asthma, high blood pressure, epilepsy or any other serious medical condition, you may need a doctor’s approval before diving. After introductory dives, it is recommended not to fly for at least 12 hours. After a course or several days of diving, it is better to wait around 18 hours before flying.