CON DAO ISLAND DIVING HOLIDAYS

Con Dao Island Overview

Con Dao refers to a group of islands located off the southeast coast of Vietnam. Dao is delightfully remote yet only a 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City. These gorgeous islands are known for their sandy beaches, coral reefs, marine life and luxury island resorts. The islands offer fun fresh markets, ancient sites, beautiful scenery and friendly locals and are a breeding ground for turtles with many dive sites in the surrounding clear waters. While exploring the islands you can trek through dense forests, visit historical lighthouses, and enjoy the most amazing view as you let your eyes wander over the Con Dao archipelago and the South Sea. 

Diving At Con Dao

With depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters, Con Dao offers divers a unique opportunity to explore the amazing variety of underwater life; from green and hawksbill turtles, curious cobia and batfish, to a scattering of rays, lionfish, scorpionfish, nudibranchs (adorable sea slugs), huge cuttlefish, and some of the best coral coverage around Vietnam. Whether you are an experienced diver, beginner or just want to snorkel around the stunning reefs, there is a total of 16 islands around Con Dao archipelago to discover. For recreational diving – and sheltered, shallow areas for snorkelling – Con Dao offers divers a unique opportunity to interact with the amazing variety of underwater life and explore the untouched and pristine corals (over 400 different species of coral). Con Dao can boast to have the best diving in Vietnam. 

When To Visit Con Dao

From May to October, turtles nest on the beaches around the Islands. There are some thirteen beaches around the islands where Green Turtles come to nest. From mid-July to early-November, you'll be given an opportunity for an up-close experience to watch baby turtles heading down to the beach as they start their life's journey as you may have a chance to participate in the early morning hatchling releases. 

During February to July, the waters around Con Dao are at their clearest for diving, with visibility averaging around 70 to 100 feet (20 to 30 meters). This time also offers little wind, low tidal movement and access to Vietnam's only underwater shipwreck. There is diving available for all competence levels and also the possibility to become certified divers for those wishing to learn.