Halong Bay cruise: 7-hour Sea Octopus tour with caves

The caves here are large enough that you paddle or walk inside them, not just past them from the water.

A 7-hour Halong Bay cruise aboard the Sea Octopus departs from Hanoi with round-trip shuttle transfers, a professional English-speaking guide, lunch and all entrance fees included. You visit Surprise Cave (the largest in the bay), choose between kayaking or canoeing through Luon Cave, and spend time on Titop Island and at Fighting Cock Islet. The itinerary is fixed and arranged: transport, timing, meals and sightseeing are all coordinated so the day holds together without building it yourself.

Options for this experience

2 options

From US$ 88.90 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Begins at the Halong International Cruise Port. 08:30 Guide in 9 languages ->Sea Octopus Vessel: Named after the symbol of Halong's specialty, its mission is to give visitors an unforgettable Bay experience ... ->Plenty of fun activities: Kayaking between karst limestone outcrops, thrilling rides on bamboo boats, and sipping cocktails you've mixed and shaken yourself ->First 5 Star Day Cruise: Sea Octopus Cruise is the first and largest 5-star day cruise in Halong Bay, with an elegantly designed ship that possesses ... Duration: 7 hours: The trip covers about 7 hours touring Halong Bay, with guest pickup and drop-off at the Halong International Cruise Port ->Lunch featuring the finest of Asian and Eurasian cuisine: Lunch is served at Bayside Delight restaurant (1st floor) or Sea Breeze (2nd floor), offering 100 essentials of Asian and Eurasian cooking ->World Nature Heritage Site: Discover Halong Bay, including Sung Sot cave, Luon cave, Titop island, Bai Tho Mountain, and the Dinh Huong and Ga Choi islets ->Welcome drinks on check-in: Upon boarding the vessel you'll be served a welcome drink and given a cold towel. Includes pickup.

Begins in central Hanoi. 06:30 Guide in 9 languages ->Sea Octopus Vessel: Named after the symbol of Halong's specialty, its mission is to give visitors an unforgettable Bay experience ... ->Plenty of fun activities: Kayaking between karst limestone outcrops, thrilling rides on bamboo boats, and sipping cocktails you've mixed and shaken yourself ->First 5 Star Day Cruise: Sea Octopus Cruise is the first and largest 5-star day cruise in Halong Bay, with an elegantly designed ship that possesses ... Duration: 12 hours: The trip includes pickup and drop-off in Hanoi City Center (a 4.5-hour road journey plus more than 7 hours exploring Halong Bay) ->Lunch featuring the finest of Asian and Eurasian cuisine: Lunch is served at Bayside Delight restaurant (1st floor) or Sea Breeze (2nd floor), offering 100 essentials of Asian and Eurasian cooking ->World Nature Heritage Site: Discover Halong Bay, including Sung Sot cave, Luon cave, Titop island, Bai Tho Mountain, and the Dinh Huong and Ga Choi islets. ->Private air-conditioned car or minivan: A private, new, modern air-conditioned car (on request) or a limousine van (default) provides round-trip transfers to and from Hanoi City Center. ->Welcome drinks on check-in: Upon boarding the vessel you'll be served a welcome drink and given a cold towel. Includes pickup.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Halong Bay Sea Octopus Cruise

• Embark at Halong International Cruise Port
• Enjoy welcome drink and fresh fruit
• Watch cruise information and safety video
• Visit Sung Sot Cave
• Choose activity: explore Luon Cave by bamboo boat or kayak
• Or choose private canoe tour (contact for info)
• Visit Ti Top Island beach
• Cruise returns to port

Stops and time spent at each 3 stops

1. Surprise Cave Entry included 1h
2. Titop Island Entry included 1h
3. Hon Ga Choi Island passing by

What’s included

• Round-trip shuttle transfers between Hanoi City Center and Halong Port (or start at the port if you prefer).
• welcome drink and fresh fruit upon boarding.
• English-speaking professional guide.
• entrance and sightseeing fees for all attractions.
• lunch onboard at one of two restaurants with Vietnamese, seafood and international cuisine.
• life jackets and onboard insurance.
• the services of the professional crew throughout the day.

Times

• Every day 06:30 08:30

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Before you book

Group Up to 280

Live guide English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Thai Another language? ›

Audio guide English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Thai

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included.

Ages Adult (18 to 80 years) · Senior (81 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Cancellation and refunds Free 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.

Good to know

Low physical effort Infant seats available Public transport nearby Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems

Operated by Halong Luxury Cruise Lines Jsc,.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

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The experience

The Sea Octopus leaves Halong International Cruise Port after you board with a welcome drink and fresh fruit. An English-speaking guide leads the group through the day's stops: Surprise Cave (the largest and one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay), then your choice of either a bamboo boat or kayak excursion through Luon Cave (a narrow entrance opens to a skylight surrounded by steep cliffs reflecting in calm water), or a private canoe tour to explore the bay's limestone formations. The route then takes you to Titop Island, where a crescent-shaped beach of white sand sits in still blue water, and past Fighting Cock Islet, the rock formation that is the symbol of Halong Bay.

Lunch is served onboard at one of two restaurants (Bayside Delight on the first floor or Sea Breeze on the second), with a menu of Vietnamese, seafood and international dishes. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, notify the operator at least three days before departure. The cruise returns to port by mid-afternoon. Round-trip shuttle transfers between Hanoi City Center and the port are included, or you can start directly at Halong Cruise Port if that suits your schedule better. A professional crew handles safety and service throughout. Life jackets are provided and onboard insurance is available.

Weather can affect the water activities: kayaking or swimming excursions may be replaced by land-based alternatives if conditions are poor. Advance registration is required with your full name, date of birth, nationality, gender, passport number and visa expiry date. You'll need a valid passport at check-in or the port authority may deny boarding. The itinerary is the same for all departures, so you travel with other guests rather than as a private group.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Thai, Korean and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (4 to 9 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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 is Surprise Cave like, and how do you get inside it?

Surprise Cave is the largest and one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay. You enter it on foot as part of the guided tour. The cave itself is a major stop on the itinerary.

Can I choose between kayaking and canoeing, or is one activity set for the day?

You choose between a bamboo boat or kayak excursion through Luon Cave, or a private canoe tour to explore the bay. The guide will explain both options when you board, and you pick which one suits you.

Does the 7-hour cruise include lunch, and what kind of food is served?

Lunch is included and served onboard at Bayside Delight or Sea Breeze restaurant, with Vietnamese, seafood and international dishes. Tell the operator about dietary requirements or allergies at least three days before your departure date.

Is the shuttle transfer from Hanoi included in the price, or do I need to arrange my own way to the port?

Round-trip shuttle transfers between Hanoi City Center and Halong Port are included in the standard option. You can also choose to start directly at Halong Cruise Port if you prefer to arrange your own transport.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the cruise?

Swimming or kayaking excursions may be cancelled or replaced by land activities due to poor weather. The rest of the itinerary (the caves, islands and sightseeing) continues as scheduled.

Do I need a passport to board, and is there any advance paperwork?

A valid passport is required at check-in. The port authority may deny boarding without one. Advance registration is required with your full name, date of birth, nationality, gender, passport number and visa expiry date before the cruise date.