Vietnam isn’t widely known for its diving. When people think of underwater adventures in South East Asia, places like Indonesia or the Philippines usually steal the spotlight. However, tucked away along the central coast is an area with some genuine hidden gems. If you’re a macro photographer, or a diver who enjoys hunting for the little things rather than chasing big pelagics, then Nha Trang is a surprisingly rewarding destination.
There are several dive sites to choose from in the area, but the majority of dive shops in the city head out to Hon Mun Marine Park. At the time this article was written, much of the marine park was closed to the public, meaning dive operators were limited to a smaller selection of sites. The main dive sites were Madonna Rock, Dam Bay, Hon Mot, Cemetery and Electric Nose. Although these sites sit relatively close to one another, each offers a completely different underwater experience.
Madonna Rock
Depending on the boat, the journey out to Madonna Rock takes around 30 minutes. The trip itself is part of the experience, following a very scenic route that really highlights how compact the city is. The mountains surrounding Nha Trang are dramatic and beautiful, and the boat ride alone is worth enjoying.
Underwater, Madonna Rock is a haven for macro life. The site is scattered with boulders that create ideal conditions for swim-throughs and sheltered areas for small creatures to thrive. Around the northern side of the island, the reef drops down to around 35–40 metres. This deeper section is mostly sandy, but it’s well worth taking your time and carefully checking around the boulders, as this is where many of the hidden gems can be found. Expect to see ghost pipefish, snappers, nudibranchs and a wide variety of sea urchins.
Visibility here can be extremely unpredictable. One day you might enjoy a clear 20 metres, and the next you could be diving in as little as 5 metres. Water temperature is generally stable, usually sitting between 26–29°C, although we did experience a full week where temperatures dropped dramatically.
This is a fantastic site for first-time divers and keen photographers alike. There is no current, and as soon as you descend you’re greeted with plenty of marine life. It is, however, the most popular dive site in the area, so you should expect to see quite a few other divers underwater.
Dam Bay
Dam Bay is a relatively small dive site, but it requires a good level of awareness. Flower urchins and scorpionfish are everywhere here, making good buoyancy control essential. As with many of the sites in Nha Trang, the real highlights are tucked away in the rocks. Look closely and you’ll find mantis shrimp, Lambert’s worms, pipefish, nudibranchs, stonefish and plenty of sailors’ eyeballs.
Once you reach the wall, there are a few small bays that you can explore. These areas are alive with damselfish and snappers, adding a bit of colour and movement to the dive. While the site stretches along a long wall, most guides are advised not to stray too far from the boat, keeping the dive fairly compact and controlled.
Cemetery
Cemetery is a small, gently sloping reef, with the top sitting at around 2–3 metres before dropping down to roughly 20–25 metres. The shallow section is covered in funnel weed, a type of algae that creates a very different look compared to the other sites. As you move deeper, the landscape transitions into boulders and then sand.
Among the rocks you’ll find whip coral and scorpionfish, but even out on the sand there’s plenty to see. Nudibranchs are common here, often found clinging to small, partially buried rocks. These isolated patches make perfect hiding spots, and it’s well worth taking a slow, methodical approach to this dive.
Electric Nose
I only managed to dive Electric Nose a couple of times, but without a doubt it’s the standout site in the area. It’s an underwater pinnacle, with the top breaking the surface, making it instantly recognisable.
As soon as you enter the water, it’s obvious why this site feels so different from the others. The pinnacle is covered in soft corals, and life clings to every surface. Staying close to the rock is key here, as nudibranchs are everywhere — a true macro photographer’s dream. In some areas, smaller rock formations branch off from the main pinnacle, but I found that the richest marine life was concentrated directly on the pinnacle itself.
Diving in Nha Trang
There are only a handful of dive shops operating in the Nha Trang area, and they all visit the same sites, so there isn’t a huge difference in where you go or what you’ll see. The diving here really shines if you’re interested in small critters and close-up photography, making it an excellent place to practise and improve your macro skills.
Due to the unpredictable visibility, a good dive light for photography is highly recommended. If you’re hoping to see big animals or dramatic pelagic action, this probably isn’t the destination for you.
The dive trips themselves are also a great day out. The scenic boat rides, relaxed atmosphere and sociable surface intervals make for an enjoyable experience. Boats often moor together, giving you the chance to chat with other divers. Between dives, you can jump off the boat, drink coffee, eat fresh fruit, sunbathe or even a cheeky nap.
On the journey back, lunch is served — and it does not disappoint. The food is delicious, portions are generous, and you’ll leave feeling more than satisfied. Dietary requirements are catered for, just make sure you let the dive shop know in advance.
SCUBA Level: Beginner
Temperature: 21-29°C/70-84°F
Visability: 5-20m /16-65ft
Depth: 3-30m /10-100ft
SCUBA Level: Beginner
Temperature: 21-29°C/70-84°F
Visability: 5-15m /16-50ft
Depth: 3-15m /10-50ft
SCUBA Level: Beginner
Temperature: 21-29°C/70-84°F
Visability: 5-10m /16-30ft
Depth: 3-25m /10-82ft
SCUBA Level: Advanced
Temperature: 21-29°C/70-84°F
Visability: 10-25m /30-82ft
Depth: 0-45m /10-147ft
What to Watch Out For
When I first arrived, every dive shop told me to keep an eye out for frogfish. Previously, all the frogfish I’d seen had been tiny, some no bigger than my little fingernail, so I spent most of my dives searching for something small. What I didn’t realise was that Nha Trang is home to giant frogfish, often measuring 30–40 cm in length.
You can imagine my surprise when I finally spotted one. Despite their size, they are incredibly well camouflaged, and spotting them feels like a real achievement.
