2-day snorkeling in Lan Ha Bay: Kayak, swim, village bike

Paddle through limestone caves, then drift past hundreds of islands from your cabin

A 2-day snorkeling and kayaking tour in Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay departing from Cat Ba includes overnight accommodation on a cruise ship, meals, and guided exploration of less-visited areas. Day one covers kayaking through named caves, swimming at private beaches, cycling through Viet Hai Village rice fields, and an evening squid-fishing activity. Day two adds kayaking to the Three Hidden Lagoons at Dau Be Island before returning to Cat Ba by mid-afternoon. Hotel pickup is included, and a live English-speaking guide leads the group.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Boat trip and overnight cruise

• Pick up at hotel to Beo harbor
• Cruise through Floating Fishing Village
• Kayak through Bright and Dark Caves
• Swim and snorkel at Ba Trai Dao Beaches
• Have lunch on board
• Visit Viet Hai village
• Cycle across rice fields in Viet Hai
• Change to cruise and check in cabin
• Enjoy sunset party with welcome drinks
• Have dinner and squid fishing or games
• Overnight on the bay

Day 2: Ha Long Bay and Dau Be island

• Breakfast on board
• Cruise to Cong Tau lagoon and Ha Long Bay
• Visit Dau Be Island
• Kayak to Ho Ba Ham lagoons
• Swim and snorkel on quiet beach
• Have lunch on board
• Cruise to Lan Ha Bay for sightseeing
• Return to Cat Ba Town and end tour

The experience

Hotel pickup starts the morning, and by 8:30 you're on the day boat heading into Lan Ha Bay to pass the floating fishing villages and limestone islands. Turtle islets and toad islets named for their shapes. The kayaking section takes you through two caves: the Bright Cave and the Dark Cave, where the water narrows and the rock walls close in. After paddling, you swim and snorkel at Ba Trai Dao Beaches, a private area away from the main tourist routes.

Around 2pm you cycle through Viet Hai Village, crossing rice fields on bike before heading back to the boat. The transition happens at 4pm when you board the overnight cruise. The cabin becomes your base for the next eighteen hours. Sunset drinks and a welcome party happen on deck, then dinner is served and squid fishing runs through the evening. You can join in or stay on the sundeck. Karaoke and bar activities continue if you want them, or you can rest in your cabin.

Day two starts with breakfast while the boat cruises toward Dau Be Island and Cong Tau Lagoon, passing hundreds of limestone islands in the quieter sections of Ha Long Bay. Kayaking to Ho Ba Ham, the Three Hidden Lagoons, is the main event, followed by swimming and snorkeling on a quiet beach. Lunch happens onboard as you cruise back toward Cat Ba, and the tour ends by 3pm, leaving the rest of your afternoon free.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in the morning.
• kayak and snorkel equipment.
• overnight cabin on the cruise.
• dinner on day one and breakfast and lunch on both days.
• cycling through Viet Hai Village.
• sunset tea and welcome drinks.
• squid fishing and onboard entertainment.
• English-speaking guide throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to18h before

AgesAdult (6 to 90 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Full Moon Travel Asia (Cat Ba)

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're landing in Cat Ba with one free day: the included pickup and overnight cabin mean you skip booking separate lodging, and you start kayaking and snorkeling that same afternoon.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's included in the meals over the two days?

Dinner on day one, breakfast on day two, and lunch on both days are included. Drinks and personal expenses are not.

Do I need my own snorkel gear or kayak experience?

Snorkel equipment and kayaks are provided. No prior kayaking experience is needed. The guide leads the group through the caves and to the beaches.

What is Viet Hai Village like, and how long is the bike ride?

Viet Hai Village sits inland on rice fields. The cycling portion lasts about an hour and crosses the farmland before you return to the boat. The route is flat and suitable for all fitness levels.

Can I skip activities if I want to rest on the cruise?

Yes. Kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, cycling, squid fishing, karaoke and other onboard activities are included and can be skipped at your choice for relaxation.

How does the overnight cabin work, and what are the sleeping arrangements?

You stay in a cabin on the cruise ship overnight between day one and day two. The cabin type and bed configuration depend on your booking selection at checkout.

What time does the tour end on day two, and how do I get back to Cat Ba town?

The cruise returns to Cat Ba Town by 3pm on day two, ending the tour. You'll have the rest of the afternoon free to explore or return to your hotel.