Nha Trang Diving Guide: Sustainable Underwater Adventures in Vietnam’s Coastal Jewel

A Marine Paradise with Eco-Conscious Adventures

Nha Trang, located in Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam, is a world-class diving destination 440 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, attracting over 300,000 divers annually. Its 507 km² bay, part of the Hon Mun Marine Protected Area, boasts 400 coral species, 1,500 marine species, and clear waters (10–30m visibility), making it ideal for beginners and certified divers. Diving costs range from $30–$150 (750,000–3,750,000 VND), with eco-friendly practices like reef-safe gear aligning with Khanh Hoa’s “Blue Tourism” initiative. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable dive tours, using electric boats, ensure a responsible exploration of this UNESCO-recognized marine reserve. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your underwater adventure

Administrative Note

Ninh Thuan Province has merged into Khanh Hoa Province, with Nha Trang city reclassified as Nha Trang Ward. For global tourists, “Nha Trang” remains the key term. Use “Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa” in navigation apps for accuracy.

With over 17 years as Southeast Asia’s leading sustainable tourism operator, Legend Travel Group offers eco-friendly diving tours in Nha Trang, tailored for adventurers seeking authentic marine experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport, PADI-certified instructors, and small groups (max 4 divers per guide), sharing conservation insights and Cham cultural stories. Supporting local communities, we align with Khanh Hoa’s green goals. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book our eco-tours via links throughout this guide to dive responsibly

Nha Trang’s diving, established in the 1990s, centers on the Hon Mun Marine Protected Area, 10 km from Nha Trang’s center. With water temperatures of 22–30°C (71.6–86°F), divers encounter moray eels, lionfish, turtles, and rare macro life like nudibranchs. Key sites like Madonna Rock and Electric Nose offer wall dives, caves, and swim-throughs, with depths of 6–30m. Sustainable practices, such as no-touch coral policies and biodegradable sunscreen, preserve the bay’s 400 hard and soft coral species, making Nha Trang a model for eco-tourism, just a 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City.

These eco-friendly diving experiences, costing $30–$150, cater to all levels:

1. Discover Scuba Diving at Hon Mun

Try diving (6–10m depth, 30–40 min) for beginners, best at 8:00 AM, for $50–$80 (1,250,000–2,000,000 VND), spotting clownfish and corals.

• Cost: $50–$80; includes gear, instructor, boat.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–3:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Reef-safe sunscreen mandatory; no coral touching.

• Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group’s Discover Dive Eco-Tour ($80–$120) for 1:1 instruction.

2. Fun Dives at Madonna Rock

Dive two sites (12–18m depth, 40–50 min each) for certified divers, best at 9:00 AM, for $70–$100 (1,750,000–2,500,000 VND), exploring caves and macro life.

• Cost: $70–$100; includes gear, guide, lunch.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups (max 4 divers); electric boats reduce emissions.

• Tip: Bring a dive log; included in Legend Travel Group’s Fun Dive Eco-Tour ($100–$150).

3. PADI Open Water Course

Earn certification (4 days, 4 dives, max 18m), best at 7:00 AM, for $300–$400 (7,500,000–10,000,000 VND), with pool and open-water training.

• Cost: $300–$400; includes materials, gear, certification.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Digital manuals reduce paper; conservation training included.

• Tip: Book early; included in Legend Travel Group’s PADI Certification Tour ($350–$450).

4. Freediving at Electric Nose

Learn breath-hold diving (5–10m depth, 1 day), best at 8:00 AM, for $60–$90 (1,500,000–2,250,000 VND), in calm, clear waters.

• Cost: $60–$90; includes mask, fins, instructor.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–3:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: No tanks reduce environmental impact; eco-friendly gear provided.

• Tip: Practice breathing exercises; included in Legend Travel Group’s Freedive Eco-Tour ($90–$130).

5. Night Dive at Coral Garden

Dive at dusk (10–15m depth, 40 min) for certified divers, best at 5:00 PM, for $80–$120 (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND), spotting nocturnal marine life.

• Cost: $80–$120; includes torch, guide, boat.

• Hours: Daily, 4:00 PM–8:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Low-light torches minimize disturbance; biodegradable soaps used.

• Tip: Check dive certification; included in Legend Travel Group’s Night Dive Eco-Tour ($120–$160).

• Dry Season (January–August, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F): 10–30m visibility, calm seas, ideal for all dives. Mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) offer clear waters; afternoons (2:00–4:00 PM) suit night dives. Weekdays see fewer divers (100–200 daily) than weekends (500–1,000).

• Rainy Season (September–December, 24–28°C or 75.2–82.4°F): 5–15m visibility due to sediment; avoid October–November storms. Midday (10:00 AM–2:00 PM) best for calmer conditions. Quieter post-Tet (50–100 daily divers).

• Tip: Book dives during Nha Trang Sea Festival (June, biennial) for cultural events; check AccuWeather for storm alerts.

Nha Trang Ward is 440 km from Ho Chi Minh City, with dive sites 10–15 km from the center:

• By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): From Cam Ranh Airport to Nha Trang Ward (40 min, 35 km), $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND); to Cau Da Harbor (10 min), $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND). Book via Xanh SM app.

• By Electric Boat: From Cau Da Harbor to Hon Mun (30–45 min), $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND) round-trip, included in dive packages.

• By Hybrid Bus: From Nha Trang center to Cau Da Harbor (15 min), $0.30–$0.80 (7,000–20,000 VND). Use BusMap app.

• By Bicycle: Rent in Nha Trang Ward ($2–$5/day), 20–30 min to harbor, emission-free for short trips.

• By Motorcycle: Rent in Nha Trang Ward ($5–$10/day), 10–15 min to harbor, $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) fuel. Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).

• By Legend Travel Group Tour: Electric taxi to harbor, then electric boat to dive sites, $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND)/person, including guide.

• From Ho Chi Minh City: Fly to Cam Ranh Airport (45 min, $30–$60 or 750,000–1,500,000 VND), then taxi ($10–$15); or sleeper train (7–9 hours, $15–$30), then cyclo ($1–$2). Navigation Tip: Save “Hon Mun Marine Park, Nha Trang” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Electric boats and taxis reduce emissions; bicycles minimize impact.

• Safety: Wear life jackets on boats; secure valuables. Confirm boat schedules.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable dive:

• Clothing: Swimsuit, rash guard, light cover-up; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season.

• Sun Protection: Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.

• Dive Gear: Personal mask/snorkel (optional; rentals $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND), dive log, certification card.

• Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50).

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with Xanh SM/BusMap apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).

• Other Gear: Waterproof bag, underwater camera (rentals $10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND).

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for snacks ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.

• Extras: Snacks for boat trips; cash for small vendors.
  Tip: Carry small VND notes for transport ($0.30–$5), rentals ($5–$10), or snacks ($0.50–$2); secure valuables in dive center lockers.

Diving and Related Costs

Diving Fees

• Discover Scuba Diving: $50–$80 (1,250,000–2,000,000 VND).

• Fun Dives (2 dives): $70–$100 (1,750,000–2,500,000 VND).

• PADI Open Water Course: $300–$400 (7,500,000–10,000,000 VND).

• Freediving: $60–$90 (1,500,000–2,250,000 VND).

• Night Dive: $80–$120 (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND).

• Gear Rental (full set): $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

• Underwater Photography: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Snacks (e.g., Banh Xeo): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Drinks (Water, Coconut): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).

• Souvenirs (Dive Stickers): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

Transportation

• Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) from airport; $2–$5 in ward.

• Electric Boat: $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND) round-trip.

• Hybrid Bus: $0.30–$0.80 (7,000–20,000 VND)/trip.

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Motorcycle Rental: $5–$10/day; fuel $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Flight from Ho Chi Minh City: $30–$60 (750,000–1,500,000 VND).

• Train from Ho Chi Minh City: $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND).

• Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).

• SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $30–$50 (bus, Discover Scuba, snacks).

• Mid-range: $80–$120 (taxi, Fun Dives, tour).

• Luxury: $150–$250 (PADI course, premium tour).
  Tip: Budget for dives ($30–$150), transport ($0.30–$15), and add-ons ($5–$20); carry cash for dive centers and vendors (no cards at most sites).

• Timing: Dive 7:00–10:00 AM for best visibility; January–August for clear waters. Weekdays for fewer divers (100–200 vs. 500–1,000 on weekends). Avoid Tet for quieter boats.

• Booking: Reserve dives 24–48 hours ahead via Legend Travel Group for small groups. Confirm medical clearance online before trips; no diving if unfit.

• Sustainability: Follow no-touch coral rules; use reef-safe sunscreen. Support local vendors for snacks ($0.50–$2) or dive souvenirs ($1–$5).

• Dive Safety: Log dives, check air frequently, stay with guides. Decompression chamber available in Nha Trang. Avoid diving 24 hours before flying.

• Navigation: Save “Cau Da Harbor, Nha Trang” in offline maps; follow signs from Nha Trang center. Confirm boat departure times (7:00–8:00 AM).

• Weather: Dry season ideal for diving; rainy season may reduce visibility (5–15m). Bring rain gear ($2–$5) for September–December. Check AccuWeather.

• Cultural Respect: Say “xin chào” to dive staff; respect marine life. Avoid loud noises on boats.

• Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); carry hand sanitizer. Complete PADI medical forms for safety.

Our eco-friendly tours showcase Nha Trang’s underwater wonders:

• Nha Trang Discover Dive Eco-Tour ($80–$120/person, 1 day): Electric boat to Hon Mun, Discover Scuba Diving, beach lunch ($2–$5). Includes guide, gear.

• Khanh Hoa Diving Adventure ($150–$200/person, 2 days): Fun Dives at Madonna Rock, Po Nagar Towers, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.

• Vietnam Coastal Dive Journey ($350–$500/person, 4 days): Nha Trang, Hoi An, Phu Quoc dives, eco-transfers. Includes meals, guides. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book via links!

Diving in Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province, offers an unparalleled underwater escape in a 507 km² marine paradise, showcasing 1,500 marine species and vibrant corals around Hon Mun Marine Protected Area, with costs from $30–$150 (750,000–3,750,000 VND) for experiences ranging from beginner-friendly Discover Scuba to PADI certifications. Located 440 km from Ho Chi Minh City, eco-friendly practices like electric boats and regulated diving preserve this aquatic haven. Legend Travel Group’s Khanh Hoa Tours ensure a responsible, thrilling Khanh Hoa Travelexperience, blending diving adventures with visits to Po Nagar Cham Towers and Nha Trang Beach. Don’t miss out—sign up for our newsletter to follow new guides and book your eco-friendly diving adventure today!
Ready to dive into Nha Trang’s marine wonders in Khanh Hoa? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable underwater adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Nha Trang Diving Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vinpearl.com, tripadvisor.com, nha-trang-tourism.com