© Aqualung

Explore Cham Island

Cham Island, a captivating cluster of granite islands off the coast of Vietnam, offers a unique diving experience that is slowly gaining attention in the diving community. Once restricted due to military presence, these islands are gradually opening up, providing an untouched paradise for divers. As part of a protected marine park, the waters surrounding Cham Island boast an impressive array of marine life, including 135 species of coral, vibrant boulders, and pinnacles. Divers can expect to encounter delightful macro creatures such as seahorses and pipefish, making every dive an exciting underwater adventure.

The diving environment around Cham Island caters to various preferences, featuring both shallow and deep sites. Advanced divers can explore depths of around 40 meters (131 feet), where they may discover more elusive marine species. The area offers a mix of shore and boat dives, with options for those interested in liveaboard experiences. The islands' development as a tourist destination means divers can enjoy overnight stays, extending their exploration of this underwater haven. Whether you're drawn by the rich biodiversity or the serene beauty of these islands, Cham Island promises an unforgettable diving experience in Vietnam.

Top Cham Island Dive Sites

Hon Tai Reef

Hon Tai Reef is a vibrant dive site teeming with diverse marine life, including parrotfish, angelfish, and moray eels. The site is suitable for both scuba and freediving, appealing to divers of all skill levels. The reef's rich coral gardens offer an easy and enjoyable experience.

Hon Nhan Island

Known for its dramatic underwater topography, Hon Nhan Island features large boulders and tunnels, making it an exciting spot for advanced scuba divers. Schools of barracuda and groupers are common here. The site boasts stunning visibility, enhancing its adventurous allure.

Hon Mo Rock

Ideal for both beginners and experienced divers, Hon Mo Rock offers a peaceful dive with vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life, including clownfish and sea turtles. The site is perfect for scuba diving with calm conditions and stunning underwater landscapes.

Hon Lao

Hon Lao is part of a marine protected area, offering a rich ecosystem with colorful coral reefs and various fish species. It's an easy and enjoyable dive for scuba enthusiasts. The ecological importance of the area contributes to its pristine marine environment.

Hon Dung

Hon Dung is a site for technical divers, offering deeper exploration and unique underwater formations. The area is known for its strong currents and challenging conditions, suitable for experienced scuba divers seeking an adrenaline rush. The diverse marine life adds to the excitement.

The best Months to dive in Cham Island

Cham Island offers diverse diving conditions throughout the year, with varying water temperatures and visibility. From March to September, water temperatures range from 28°C–30°C/82°F–86°F, providing warm conditions ideal for diving. Visibility during these months is generally good, ranging from 10 to 25 meters/33 to 82 feet. The best diving season is from March to August, as weather conditions are more favorable, with less wind and calmer currents. However, diving is possible year-round. During the monsoon season from October to February, water temperatures drop to around 25°C–27°C/77°F–81°F, and visibility can decrease due to increased currents and wind, making conditions less ideal for diving.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Cham Island

Cham Island, located off the coast of Vietnam, is a vibrant marine habitat teeming with diverse species of reef fish, making it a popular destination for divers. Among the common inhabitants are colorful parrotfish, butterflyfish, and clownfish that can be seen year-round in the coral reefs surrounding the island. These reefs are accessible through numerous dive sites, offering divers an opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity.

Seasonally, divers may also encounter larger marine life. Between the months of April and September, sightings of green sea turtles are more frequent as they visit the region. Additionally, eagle rays and blacktip reef sharks may be spotted, particularly in deeper waters or during their respective migratory seasons. While encounters with these larger species are less common than with the resident reef fish, they offer thrilling experiences for those fortunate enough to witness them.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel

Moray Eel
79 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
3
A
8
M
5
J
15
J
17
A
19
S
11
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 27

iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda

Barracuda
61 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
5
A
2
M
2
J
9
J
16
A
12
S
14
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse

Wrasse
11 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
5
A
3
S
1
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus

Octopus
6 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
1
M
0
J
0
J
2
A
1
S
2
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 12

iStock/cinoby
Lionfish

Lionfish
239 Sightings
J
1
F
8
M
29
A
24
M
24
J
36
J
39
A
50
S
27
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 28

Udo Kefrig
Clownfish

Clownfish
225 Sightings
J
1
F
8
M
25
A
18
M
23
J
27
J
49
A
47
S
26
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish

Pufferfish
113 Sightings
J
1
F
3
M
8
A
16
M
7
J
14
J
22
A
31
S
11
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch

Nudibranch
110 Sightings
J
0
F
4
M
10
A
8
M
12
J
24
J
25
A
16
S
11
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
Bannerfish

Bannerfish
92 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
10
A
0
M
7
J
9
J
29
A
22
S
14
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish
85 Sightings
J
1
F
2
M
7
A
6
M
11
J
15
J
17
A
15
S
11
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish

Parrotfish
84 Sightings
J
1
F
2
M
13
A
3
M
9
J
12
J
19
A
17
S
8
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-wrangel
Triggerfish

Triggerfish
80 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
1
A
3
M
7
J
13
J
16
A
21
S
17
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish
79 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
8
A
1
M
10
J
12
J
13
A
20
S
13
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish

Angelfish
74 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
4
A
6
M
8
J
10
J
15
A
21
S
8
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 30

SSI-Peter-Schinck
Stonefish

Stonefish
65 Sightings
J
1
F
7
M
6
A
2
M
9
J
0
J
12
A
18
S
10
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish
55 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
2
A
1
M
3
J
6
J
13
A
19
S
10
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
Boxfish

Boxfish
48 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
4
A
0
M
8
J
18
J
11
A
4
S
2
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross
Shrimp

Shrimp
42 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
2
A
1
M
6
J
7
J
19
A
6
S
1
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 85

iStock-mirecca
Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish
33 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
0
A
2
M
5
J
3
J
9
A
7
S
5
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab

Crab
33 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
1
M
7
J
5
J
7
A
7
S
5
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish

Damselfish
31 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
2
M
8
J
1
J
10
A
9
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix
Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts
28 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
4
A
0
M
3
J
4
J
5
A
5
S
6
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 15

Shutterstock-Hans Gert Broeder
Garfish

Garfish
24 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
2
J
3
J
8
A
4
S
6
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 55

Shutterstock-RLS Photo
Lobster

Lobster
18 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
3
M
1
J
3
J
3
A
3
S
3
O
0
N
1
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Soldierfish

Soldierfish
17 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
3
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
5
A
2
S
6
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 20

iStock-stephankerkhofs
Porcupinefish

Porcupinefish
17 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
3
J
6
A
5
S
2
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Shutterstock_DiveIvanov
Squid

Squid
17 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
4
A
7
S
5
O
0
N
1
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 30

Shutterstock-s_a_j
Sand Eel

Sand Eel
16 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
2
M
0
J
5
J
4
A
2
S
2
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Shutterstock-Miroslav Halama
Cornetfish

Cornetfish
15 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
2
A
0
M
2
J
0
J
1
A
5
S
4
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 50

istock-atese
Frogfish

Frogfish
14 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
1
A
2
M
1
J
4
J
4
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 1900

Shutterstock-John A. Anderson
Starfish

Starfish
13 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
4
J
2
J
5
A
0
S
2
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 120

SSI-Peter-Schinck
Cuttlefish

Cuttlefish
12 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
2
M
2
J
2
J
3
A
2
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster
12 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
4
A
0
M
1
J
2
J
0
A
2
S
2
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis
Snapper

Snapper
11 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
2
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
5
S
1
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

iStock-Christian von Mach
Pipefish

Pipefish
10 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
2
A
0
M
1
J
3
J
0
A
2
S
1
O
0
N
1
D
0
Alamy-WaterFrame
Common Seahorse

Common Seahorse
10 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
3
J
0
A
2
S
3
O
0
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

iStock-deraugenzeuge
Snake Eel

Snake Eel
9 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
0
A
1
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
1
S
4
O
0
N
0
D
0
Shutterstock-Jesus Cobaleda
Razorfish

Razorfish
9 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
4
J
5
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

Shutterstock-Ethan Daniels
Crinoids

Crinoids
8 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
4
J
0
J
2
A
0
S
2
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 950

Unsplash-Sonia Kowsar
Sea Urchins

Sea Urchins
8 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
5
A
0
S
2
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
Goatfish

Goatfish
7 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
4
A
1
S
1
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3500

Unsplash-pascal van de vendel
Soft Corals

Soft Corals
7 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
4
A
0
S
2
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 1700

Shutterstock-Ethan Daniels
Sea Cucumbers

Sea Cucumbers
7 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
2
J
3
A
0
S
2
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets
7 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
0
A
1
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
2
S
1
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp
Jackfish

Jackfish
6 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
2
A
1
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
AdobeStock_cherylvb
Garibaldi Damselfish

Garibaldi Damselfish
6 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
2
A
1
S
1
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

iStock-bearacreative
Emperor

Emperor
6 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
3
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 6

Peter-Schinck-SSI
Ghost Pipefishes

Ghost Pipefishes
6 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
2
A
2
S
1
O
0
N
0
D
0
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Leaf Scorpionfish

Leaf Scorpionfish
6 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
2
A
0
M
2
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 1500

iStock-ifish
Hard Corals

Hard Corals
6 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
3
A
0
S
2
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 2

iStock-stock_colors
Tarpon

Tarpon
6 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
3
S
1
O
0
N
0
D
0