Diving in Con Dao is considered one of the best underwater experiences in Vietnam, offering pristine reefs, diverse marine life, and unique dive sites. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced diver, this guide will help you plan your perfect diving adventure in Con Dao.
Best time for diving in Con Dao
The high season for diving in Con Dao runs from March to September, coinciding with warm temperatures and mostly calm seas. Although this is also the rainy season (especially from July to September), the rain usually comes in short bursts during the afternoon or evening, leaving the mornings ideal for diving.
The low season spans November to February, when stronger winds create choppier waters. However, there are still opportunities to dive on sheltered dive sites during good weather spells. Thanks to the variety of dive locations around the islands, you can often find spots suitable for diving even during this period.
Con Dao’s underwater world
Con Dao’s underwater world is a hidden gem, offering some of the most pristine and diverse marine environments in Vietnam. Protected as part of Con Dao National Park, this archipelago boasts vibrant coral reefs with over 340 species, making it a haven for marine life and a paradise for divers. The reefs are home to a dazzling array of tropical fish, including parrotfish, clownfish, and angelfish, while larger pelagic species like barracudas and groupers occasionally glide through the deeper waters.
The underwater landscape is equally captivating, featuring dramatic drop-offs, underwater rock formations, and caves that provide shelter to countless marine creatures. Con Dao’s warm, clear waters with visibility exceeding 20 meters during the high season make it an ideal diving destination for both beginners and experienced divers.
What truly sets Con Dao apart is its ecological significance and unique marine species. The islands are one of the last havens for the endangered dugong in Vietnam, a rare and gentle marine mammal that divers might glimpse in the area. Con Dao is also famous for its green and hawksbill sea turtles, which use the islands’ beaches as crucial nesting sites. These majestic creatures are often spotted by divers around the reefs.
Adding to the allure is Vietnam’s only shipwreck dive site, where marine life such as scorpionfish, moray eels, and sponges have transformed the wreck into a thriving artificial reef. With its biodiversity, ecological importance, and pristine conditions, Con Dao offers a truly unparalleled underwater experience.
Best dive sites
Con Dao boasts an impressive selection of 25 dive sites, offering diverse underwater experiences. Weather conditions and the time of year play a role in determining the best sites to explore, but the variety ensures there’s always an option suited to your visit. Whether you’re on a multi-day diving vacation or just planning a single dive, Con Dao’s underwater world has something for everyone. Dive depths range up to 21+ meters for recreational divers, while shallow areas cater to snorkelers and beginners.
Hon Cau Island
Hon Cau is the furthest dive site from the main island, accessible within 20–30 minutes by speedboat. This site features shallow reefs filled with vibrant corals and a wide range of marine life, including bamboo sharks, trevally, and even turtles. Visibility here often exceeds 20 meters, making it one of the clearest dive spots around Con Dao.
Hon Bay Canh Island
Located just 10–15 minutes by speedboat, Hon Bay Canh is a top choice for beginners and experienced divers alike. Its calm waters and rich marine life include clownfish, eels, and colorful corals. The site is also home to a protected turtle nesting area, adding to its ecological significance.
Hon Tai Island
Hon Tai, a mere 5–10 minute ride from Con Dao, is known for its pristine reefs and abundant fish populations. Divers can spot schools of batfish, barracuda, and parrotfish, as well as a variety of nudibranchs. Its relatively untouched environment makes it a favorite among marine enthusiasts.
Fish Highway
This unique dive site features a sunken fishing boat now teeming with marine life, including sponges, stonefish, and scorpionfish. With depths ranging from 20–28 meters, this site is ideal for those interested in wreck diving.
Hun Trung
Known for its strong currents, Hun Trung is a thrilling spot for advanced divers. It’s a great location to observe dolphins, sharks, and schools of tuna and barracuda, along with walls adorned with soft coral.
White Rock
Reserved for experienced divers under perfect conditions, White Rock boasts stunning soft corals and vibrant tropical fish. Occasional sightings of manta rays add to the allure of this challenging dive site.
Dive options
Con Dao offers a variety of diving options, catering to both beginners and experienced divers. Whether you’re looking for a discovery dive, a guided underwater adventure, or a professional PADI certification, the island has something for everyone.
Discovery Dives
Perfect for those without prior diving experience, discovery dives allow you to explore the underwater world without requiring a diving license. Guided by professional instructors, you’ll get a chance to witness the vibrant marine life of Con Dao’s shallow reefs in a safe and controlled environment.
Diving Trips for Licensed Divers
Certified divers can join organized trips to explore the best dive sites in Con Dao. These excursions cater to all levels and often include visits to multiple dive spots, giving you the chance to experience the island’s diverse underwater ecosystems.
Free Diving and Shore Diving
For those who prefer independent exploration, free diving and shore diving are also possible at certain sites around Con Dao. The clear, calm waters make these options both accessible and rewarding.
PADI Certification Courses
If you’re planning a longer stay on the island, consider earning your PADI certification. Con Dao’s professional dive centers offer courses for beginners and advanced divers, allowing you to improve your skills while exploring this stunning marine environment.
Flying after diving
When planning your trip to Con Dao, it’s important to account for the time needed between diving and flying to avoid decompression sickness. Divers should not ascend to a high altitude within 12 hours after a single dive or 18 hours after completing multiple dives. If possible, waiting a full 24 hours is the safest approach.
This precaution is especially crucial for those taking multiple dives during their visit to Con Dao. Be sure to factor this waiting period into your itinerary, especially if you have a tight schedule involving flights back to the mainland or onward destinations.
Best diving center in Con Dao
Con Dao’s diving scene is relatively small compared to other popular diving destinations in Vietnam, like Phu Quoc or Nha Trang. However, the few diving centers on the island ensure a more personalized and intimate diving experience. Here are the top options:
Dive! Con Dao
Dive! Con Dao is one of the most reputable diving operators on the island, offering a variety of diving experiences suitable for both beginners and advanced divers. Their knowledgeable guides are well-versed in the unique marine life of Con Dao and provide safe, eco-conscious diving trips to the area’s best dive sites. They also offer PADI certification courses.
Amadive Con Dao Dive Center
Amadive Con Dao Dive Center prides itself on small group dives and individualized attention. They specialize in both recreational and discovery dives, making them a great option for those without prior diving experience. They also provide guided snorkeling trips and can cater to free divers.
