Cat Ba
Diving in Vietnam
Cat Ba Island, part of the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay area in Vietnam, is known for its stunning landscapes and limestone karst formations. While the main attraction is often the above-water scenery, there are also opportunities for diving around Cat Ba Island. Here are some key points about diving in the Cat Ba area:
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Dive Sites:
Lan Ha Bay: This area, adjacent to Halong Bay, offers a variety of dive sites. Divers can explore underwater caves, rock formations, and encounter marine life such as seahorses, nudibranchs, and various fish species.
Marine Life:
Cat Ba's underwater environment is home to diverse marine life, including coral reefs, fish, and invertebrates. While the marine biodiversity may not be as extensive as some other dive destinations, the unique limestone formations add to the underwater charm.
Where to stay?
Cat Ba Town
Cat Ba Town is the main urban area on Cat Ba Island. It’s the hub for tourist activities, accommodations, restaurants, and transportation.
Most dive centers and tour operators are based in Cat Ba Town. Staying here means you will be within walking distance or a short ride away from the dive shops and departure points for dive trips.
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Additional Information
Visibility can vary, but in general, it tends to be moderate. Factors such as weather conditions and the specific dive site can influence visibility. It's advisable to check with local dive operators for current conditions.
There are dive centers on Cat Ba Island that offer diving services. These centers provide equipment rental, guided dives, and sometimes diving courses for various skill levels.
The diving season in the Cat Ba area is typically from March to October when the weather is more favorable with calmer seas. However, diving is possible year-round, and some operators may continue to offer services during the off-season.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, some dive centers on Cat Ba Island offer courses such as Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver.
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How to get there?
From Hanoi:
Direct Bus and Ferry Services:
Good Morning Cat Ba & Cat Ba Express: This company offers a direct bus service from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island. The journey includes a bus ride to Hai Phong, a ferry crossing to Cat Ba Island, and then another bus ride to Cat Ba Town. The total travel time is around 4-5 hours.
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Independent Travel:
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Bus from Hanoi to Hai Phong:
You can take a bus from Hanoi's Gia Lam or Nuoc Ngam bus stations to Hai Phong. The ride takes about 2-2.5 hours.
Ferry from Hai Phong to Cat Ba:
Upon arriving in Hai Phong, take a taxi to one of the ferry terminals (Bến Bính or Pha Got).
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Ferries from Bến Bính to Cat Ba Town or hydrofoils from Pha Got are available. The ferry ride takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
From Halong City:
Bus and Ferry Combination:
Take a bus or taxi from Halong City to Tuan Chau Island. From Tuan Chau, you can catch a ferry to Gia Luan Harbor on Cat Ba Island. The ferry ride takes about 1 hour.
Upon arriving at Gia Luan Harbor, take a bus or taxi to Cat Ba Town, which takes about 30-45 minutes.
From Ninh Binh (South):
Direct Bus and Ferry Services:
Companies like Cat Ba Express offer direct bus services from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island. The service includes a bus ride from Ninh Binh to Hai Phong, a ferry crossing, and another bus ride to Cat Ba Town. The total travel time is around 5-6 hours.
Cat Ba Island
Known for its limestone caves and vibrant coral reefs, Cat Ba Island offers divers the opportunity to see a wide variety of marine life, including tropical fish, turtles, and nudibranchs.