Kayaking in Cat Ba: Deep Water Soloing & Lan Ha Bay

Jump off cliffs into turquoise water, then paddle through three hidden lagoons.

Full-day kayaking and deep water soloing activity in Cat Ba, combining rock climbing at multiple sites in Lan Ha Bay with paddling through limestone formations and a floating fishing village. You climb at high tide on routes graded 4a to 7c+, kayak at low tide to explore hidden lagoons, and rest between efforts with lunch on the boat. An English-speaking local guide meets you at the office at 8am and returns you by 5:30pm, with climbing shoes, kayak, lunch and water provided.

The experience

The day starts with a boat cruise from Cat Ba town into Lan Ha Bay, where your guide briefs you on tide timing and technique before you climb at Hòn Tay Kéo. More than ten routes here range from beginner-friendly to advanced, so you start on easier heights to build confidence before moving to harder terrain. The guide stays with you as a partner, pointing out landing techniques and helping you find safe lines.

After warming up, you move to Three Brothers, a location with over fifteen routes graded 5a to 7c+, many of them overhanging. You climb when the tide is high enough to make the water safe below you. Lunch (seafood, meat or vegetarian options) happens on the boat at noon, giving you time to recover before the afternoon push to Dầu Bê Island and Le Mekong, where the routes are steeper and mostly overhang.

When the tide drops, you switch to kayak and paddle into Hồ Ba Hầm, a system of three hidden lagoons carved into the limestone. The paddling lets your arms rest while you take in the bay's geology and the floating fishing villages anchored in the shallows. The boat returns you to Cat Ba by 5:30pm.

What’s included

• Full-day kayaking and rock climbing in Lan Ha Bay with an English-speaking local guide.
• climbing shoes and kayak.
• seafood, meat, vegetarian or vegan lunch on the boat.
• 1.5 liters of water.
• boat transport around Lan Ha Bay and Dầu Bê Island.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10 · max 5 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Cat Ba Ventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to climb multiple grades in one day with tide-timed transitions between rock and water: the guide sequences climbing during high tide and paddling during low tide so you climb, kayak, and swim all in one outing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years). Under 10: they can't be included in the booking.

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 climbing grades are available, and do I need experience before I book?

Routes span from 4a to 7c+, with more than ten beginner-friendly options at Hòn Tay Kéo where you start. Your guide teaches technique on easier climbs first, so you build skills before advancing to harder terrain at Three Brothers and Le Mekong. Moderate fitness is required, but prior climbing experience is not.

How does the tide affect what I do during the day?

High tide is when you climb, because the water below is deep enough to make jumping safe. When the tide drops in the afternoon, you switch to kayaking to explore the hidden lagoons and the bay's islands. Your guide times the day around the tide schedule for that date.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Lunch (with seafood, meat, vegetarian or vegan options), water, climbing shoes and kayak are all provided. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and a change of clothes. Public transportation to the office in Cat Ba town is available nearby.

How long is the full day, and what time does it start?

You depart at 8am from the Cat Ba office and return at 5:30pm, a full nine hours on the water and rock. Lunch on the boat breaks up the climbing and paddling.

Is this activity safe for someone who has never climbed before?

Yes. The guide teaches you on easier routes first and stays with you as a partner throughout the day. Children from age ten are welcome. The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy.