Con Dao: Vietnam's Best-Kept Diving Secret
An archipelago of 16 islands, a national marine park and the country's most pristine reefs — Con Dao is Vietnam's frontier for serious divers.
Long known to Vietnamese travellers and almost unknown to international divers, Con Dao Marine Park sits 230 km off Vietnam's southern coast — protected, remote and home to the country's only confirmed dugong population.
What you will see
Healthy hard coral on shallow plateaus, schooling fusiliers, sea turtles (green and hawksbill) nesting on nearby beaches, occasional reef sharks and — for the lucky — dugongs grazing on seagrass beds.
Best season
March to September brings the calmest seas and best visibility (15–25 m). The northeast monsoon (October–February) closes most operations.
Getting there
Daily 45-minute flights from Ho Chi Minh City. Two main dive operators currently work the islands; both offer multilingual guides and small-group boats.
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Create my dive tripFrequently asked questions
Can I see dugongs?+
Sightings are possible but uncommon — patience and local knowledge are essential.
Is Con Dao good for beginners?+
Yes — most sites are 8–18 m with mild current. Open Water certification is sufficient.
