Snorkeling in Ha Long Bay: Kayak, Lunch & Monkey Island

Paddle through limestone karsts, then drop anchor to snorkel among marine life

A full-day snorkeling tour from Cat Ba combines kayaking through Lan Ha Bay's hidden caves and limestone formations with snorkeling in Ha Long Bay's protected waters. The itinerary includes hotel pickup, a traditional wooden boat, kayak and snorkel gear, a Vietnamese lunch with vegetarian options, and an afternoon stop at Monkey Island where wild residents often appear. A live guide speaks English or Vietnamese throughout, and the day ends with a return to your hotel around 4:30 PM.

The experience

The day starts with hotel pickup between 8:00 and 8:30 AM on Cat Ba Island, then moves to Ben Beo Pier where you board a traditional wooden boat. The route crosses Lan Ha Bay first, passing limestone formations and Cai Beo Floating Fishing Village, one of Vietnam's oldest, before heading into Ha Long Bay itself. You'll paddle your own kayak through clear, calm water around the karsts, exploring the kind of hidden caves and narrow passages that make this a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After kayaking, the boat anchors at a spot chosen for snorkeling. You have the choice to snorkel among the marine life, swim to Ba Trai Dao Beach, or simply rest on deck. A Vietnamese lunch of fresh local food arrives midday, prepared by the crew. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. An afternoon snack with tea and fresh fruit keeps you going through the final leg.

Before returning to Ben Beo Pier at sunset, the boat stops in front of Monkey Island. Encounters with the wild monkeys are common but not guaranteed. A bus waits at the pier to take you back to your hotel, arriving around 4:00 to 4:30 PM. The schedule can shift slightly based on weather, and one large bottle of water is provided for the full day.

What’s included

• Kayak and snorkel equipment.
• traditional wooden boat with live English or Vietnamese guide.
• Vietnamese lunch with fresh local food and vegetarian or vegan options.
• afternoon snack with tea and fresh fruit.
• one large bottle of water.
• hotel pickup and return transport on Cat Ba Island.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (under 4)

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Vietnamese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Alibaba's Tours

Is this one for you?You paddle and snorkel yourself rather than watching from the boat, so this suits anyone who wants to be in the water and active throughout the day. The shared boat and fixed schedule mean you travel with other guests and follow a set route, which keeps the price lower and the group small enough to feel personal.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Vietnamese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 4).

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 snorkeling trip from Cat Ba?

Kayak and snorkel gear, a Vietnamese lunch with vegetarian options, an afternoon snack with tea and fresh fruit, one large bottle of water, hotel pickup and return transport, and a live guide in English or Vietnamese.

How long does the full day take from hotel to hotel?

Eight hours total, with pickup between 8:00 and 8:30 AM and return around 4:00 to 4:30 PM, depending on weather and sea conditions.

Will I definitely see monkeys at Monkey Island?

Monkey Island is a regular stop and encounters are common, but the monkeys are wild animals, so sightings are not guaranteed.

Can I snorkel if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The snorkeling happens in calm, clear water where the boat is anchored. You can also choose to swim at Ba Trai Dao Beach or stay on deck during the water activities. The tour suits all physical fitness levels.

What is Cai Beo Floating Fishing Village like?

Cai Beo is one of Vietnam's oldest floating fishing villages, passed during the boat's route through Lan Ha Bay on the way to Ha Long Bay. You'll see it from the water as part of the morning cruise.