Diving in Con Dao: Where Wilderness Meets History
If you’re searching for a diving experience that goes beyond just coral reefs, a place where every dive feels like a true expedition, then Con Dao is the answer. This remote and almost perfectly preserved archipelago is not only one of Vietnam’s healthiest marine ecosystems but also a silent historical witness resting at the bottom of the ocean.
As a highlight of our Complete Guide to Diving in Vietnam, this Amadive article will take you to the most special waters in Vietnam. We will share our experience to maximize your chances of turtle encounters, safety considerations for wreck exploration, and why Con Dao is the destination for adventurous souls.
Why is Con Dao a One-of-a-Kind Diving Experience?
- The Highest Chance of Seeing Sea Turtles in Vietnam: Con Dao National Park is the most important nesting ground for Green and Hawksbill turtles in Vietnam. Seeing these gentle creatures grazing on seagrass or gliding gracefully is an almost guaranteed experience when diving here in the right season.
- Pristine Coral Reefs: Due to its remote location and excellent protection, the reefs in Con Dao have very high coral coverage and diversity, with little impact from human activity.
- Historic Wreck Diving: These waters are the final resting place of several ships, offering a chance to explore history for divers certified as Advanced Open Water or higher.
- Chance Encounters with Large Marine Life: Besides turtles, Con Dao is one of the few places in Vietnam where you have a rare opportunity to spot interesting species like Dugongs, dolphins, and even whale sharks during their migration season.
An In-Depth Look at the Top Dive Sites
Dives in Con Dao will take you to the small islands surrounding the main island, each with its own unique character.
1. Con Son Bay and the Shipwreck
- Who is it for? Advanced Open Water divers and above.
- The Experience: Resting at a depth of about 25-35 meters, the wreck of a Thai freight ship that sank in the 1980s has now become a fantastic artificial reef. Diving around the ship requires good buoyancy control and gas management. You’ll see the ship’s structure completely encrusted in coral and serving as a home for large schools of fish.
- Marine Life Spotlight: Great barracudas, schools of snappers, sweetlips, and large groupers frequently patrol the wreck.
2. Bay Canh Island
- Who is it for? All levels.
- The Experience: This is the “capital” of sea turtles. The dive usually takes place along a gentle sloping reef with plenty of seagrass—the favorite food of green turtles. Swim slowly, keep your distance, and just observe. You will have a great chance of seeing them resting or grazing. Please do not touch or chase them.
- Marine Life Spotlight: Green turtles, Hawksbill turtles, bumphead parrotfish, and large table corals.
3. Cau Island
- Who is it for? All levels, especially coral lovers.
- The Experience: Cau Island is known for having one of the highest coral diversities in Con Dao. The dive will take you through a vibrant coral garden with all types of hard and soft corals, interspersed with patches of white sand.
- Marine Life Spotlight: Anemonefish, various butterflyfish, and if you look closely, you might find a well-camouflaged stonefish.
Planning Your Trip
- The Best Diving Season: The best time to dive in Con Dao is from March to September. During this period, the main seas (East and Northeast) are sheltered from the southwest monsoon, the water is very calm, and visibility is good. This is also the peak season for turtles to nest.
- Water Conditions: The water temperature is warm, from 27°C to 30°C. Currents can be variable depending on the dive site and tides, requiring divers to have some experience.
- Advice from Amadive’s Experience: Book your trips and accommodation well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the peak season (June, July, August). Con Dao is still quite wild, and services are limited. Bring seasickness medication if you are prone to it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do I need an Advanced certification to dive in Con Dao?
- It’s not mandatory, but highly recommended. To explore the shipwreck and some of the deeper sites, you will need an Advanced Open Water certification. With an Open Water cert, you can still enjoy the shallower sites like Bay Canh Island.
- How can I increase my chances of seeing a Dugong?
- Dugongs are very shy and rare. The best chance is to dive in the northern part of the archipelago (Dam Tre Bay area) on a calm, early morning. However, there are no guarantees.
Conclusion: A True Adventure
Con Dao is not a typical diving destination. It is an expedition, a connection with wild nature and history. For divers seeking a profound and authentic experience, far from the crowds, Con Dao is truly a treasure of the Vietnamese seas.