Cham Island: Snorkeling, Seafood Lunch & Beach Day Trip

Summary

Snorkeling Cham Island clear waters plus seafood lunch and village stops

You’ll feel the rush of speeding over open water from Hoi An or Da Nang before exploring Cham Island’s quiet villages and lively reefs with a local guide. Snorkel clear shallows teeming with fish, taste just-caught seafood for lunch, then nap in a hammock or wander sandy beaches before heading home salty and sun-warmed.

What’s the experience like?

Is it weird that the first thing I remember is the smell of sunscreen mixing with the salty air at Cua Dai port? Maybe not — it was early, and our group was still half asleep when the speedboat took off toward Cham Island. The ride itself felt like a wake-up call; sea spray everywhere, wind in my hair, and our guide (Minh) cracking jokes about his “crazy boat-driving skills.” He pointed out fishing boats bobbing around us, their paint chipped but bright against the blue. I tried to snap a photo but mostly just ended up with blurry water drops on my lens.

The island isn’t far — maybe 20 minutes? — but it feels like you’re landing somewhere different. We wandered through a stone carving village first. I’ll admit, I thought we’d just breeze through, but watching an old man coax a Buddha face out of rough rock was kind of hypnotic. Minh explained how these families have done this for generations, hands moving slow and sure. The air there smelled dusty and sweet, like wet stone after rain.

After that came the part everyone talks about: snorkeling at Xep Beach. It’s funny because I was nervous (I’m not exactly graceful in fins), but once I put my head underwater… all those darting fish and weird coral shapes made me forget everything else. Minh swam nearby, pointing out things — some tiny neon fish whose name I immediately forgot. The water was so clear you could see your own shadow on the sand below. Later we ate seafood caught that morning — shrimp with chili salt that made my lips tingle — at these long tables under palm trees. Someone’s kid tried to feed a crab rice; it didn’t work out.

You get free time after lunch to swim or just lie in a hammock and watch clouds drift past. There were wild monkeys somewhere up in the trees (I heard them before I saw them), and honestly, I could’ve stayed longer doing nothing much at all. When we left Cham Island behind on the speedboat back to Hoi An, my skin was sticky with salt and sunblock and I felt oddly peaceful — still thinking about that underwater silence.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cham Island snorkeling and cultural tour

• Pick up from hotel in Da Nang or Hoi An
• Visit local Stone Carving Village
• Explore Marine Protected Area on Cham Island
• Visit Champa ancient well and Hai Tang pagoda
• Snorkel at Xep Beach with coral reefs
• Optional scuba diving with professional guide
• Enjoy fresh seafood lunch with local family
• Free time for photos, swimming, sunbathing
• Shower and relax in hammocks
• Return to Hoi An and Da Nang
• Drop off at hotel and end tour

Top questions

How long does the Cham Island snorkeling tour last?

The tour is a full-day trip starting around 7:30am with return drop-off between 3:00pm and 3:30pm.

Is hotel pickup included for the Cham Island day trip?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels in Da Nang city center, Hoi An city center, or Cua Dai port.

What activities are included on Cham Island?

You’ll visit a stone carving village, snorkel at Xep Beach, explore local sites like Hai Tang Pagoda and Champa ancient well, enjoy lunch, and have free beach time.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, a fresh seafood lunch (with vegetarian options) is included as part of the day trip.

Are snorkeling equipment and guides included?

Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, life jacket) is provided along with an English-speaking local guide throughout the tour.

Can children join this Cham Island snorkeling tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather prevents travel to Cham Island you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Are there showers or changing facilities on Cham Island?

You can shower after swimming and rest in hammocks provided for guests at the beach area.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup from Da Nang or Hoi An city center (or Cua Dai port), all entry fees to Cham Island attractions like Hai Tang Pagoda and Marine Park areas, use of snorkeling equipment with guidance from an English-speaking local expert, bottled water throughout the day, two-way speedboat transfers across to Cham Island and back again, access to showers plus hammock time for relaxing after swimming or sunbathing—and a big family-style seafood lunch with fruit (vegetarian options available) before returning in the afternoon.