The islands off Quy Nhon at a glance
The sea off Quy Nhon holds a few islands and reef areas, each with different rules. Cu Lao Xanh, also called Nhon Chau, is the best-known island. It has a lighthouse, beaches and places to stay, according to the national tourism description. Hon Kho near Nhon Hai is known for reef snorkeling. Hon Seo is a day-trip island that leaves from the Nhon Ly harbor. Hai Giang is a peninsula, not an island.
Do not assume that every island accepts visitors on every day. Boats stop when the sea is rough, and some places limit who may land or where you may swim.
Cu Lao Xanh: access for foreign visitors
Cu Lao Xanh lies off the coast, and one local operator sells a day tour there for VND 700,000 to 750,000 (about $28 to $30), with an advertised crossing of 25 to 30 minutes by speedboat. The price includes a hotel transfer, snorkeling and lunch. The same operator states that this tour is only for Vietnamese citizens, and that foreigners may not go ashore because the island has military status.
That is one operator's rule for one product. If you want to go as a foreign visitor, ask a local tour operator or your hotel whether landing is possible for your passport, and do not pay for a trip before you have an answer. Do not plan your Quy Nhon days around Cu Lao Xanh. The same operator warns that trips can be postponed in rough seas, especially from October to December.
If an operator does offer a trip to foreign visitors, ask what documents or permits are needed and whether the price covers them.
Boat trips and snorkeling from Quy Nhon
Snorkeling, island and boat trips from Quy Nhon and Nhon Ly, with live prices and availability.
Hon Kho and Nhon Hai
Hon Kho belongs to the Nhon Hai area, now part of the Quy Nhon Dong ward. A 2025 report on the local reef guardians separates a closed core reef from a buffer area where snorkeling is allowed. Not every coral area is open to tourists. The same report mentions a community contribution of VND 10,000 (about $0.40) per snorkeler per trip at that time. Ask your boat operator whether any island or reef fee is included in the price.
A report from 24 August 2026 describes community-managed reefs in Quy Nhon Dong, with stricter checks and the removal of food stalls that disturbed turtle nesting grounds. Marine turtles are recorded at Nhon Hai and Nhon Chau. Bryde's whales were observed in 2024 and 2025 near Hon Kho Nho and Bai Dua. These are observations, not sighting guarantees. Never chase or touch animals, and follow your boat crew's instructions.
In April 2026 a marine protected area for Quy Nhon Bay was still described as a proposal.
A Hon Seo day trip: one operator's 2026 terms
These terms belong to a single operator. They are not a harbor tariff and do not apply to other operators.
| Item | Terms |
|---|---|
| Adults and ages 7 and up | VND 750,000 (about $30) per person |
| Ages 3 to 6 | VND 562,500 (about $22.50), 75 percent of the adult price |
| Under 3 | Free |
| Solo traveler | 1.85 times the price |
| Car pickup | VND 350,000 (about $14) each way, VND 700,000 (about $28) round trip, per vehicle |
| Meeting point | Nhon Ly harbor, 08:30 |
| Online payment | Adds a 15 percent platform fee, cash on the tour day is offered |
The hosts speak Vietnamese and simple English, and a fluent English-speaking guide costs extra on request. Life jackets are advertised. Have the boat, the weather plan and the final price confirmed before you commit.
Boat safety and weather
A few checks apply to every island trip.
Check the boat
The UK foreign office advises checking the boat's registration and safety record, the crew's qualifications, the safety briefing and whether life jackets are on board. Ask before you pay.
Expect cancellations
There is no fixed yearly boat timetable that you can rely on. A day can be cancelled for weather, and an operator's weather promise is not an official clearance. Keep a spare day.
Know the season
Storms can hit Vietnam's coast from May to November. Rain peaks in October and November. For monthly numbers, see the weather page.
Weather and best time →Respect the reef
Do not stand on coral, do not collect shells or marine life and stay out of closed areas. Your guide should say where snorkeling is allowed.
Hai Giang and MerryLand
MerryLand is on the Hai Giang peninsula in Quy Nhon Dong, not on an island. The developer advertises a 7-minute boat ride from Mui Tan and 20 minutes by road from the city. Those are marketing figures, not a public ferry timetable. The same page mentions cable car and helicopter links that are plans. Check whether the site is open to visitors before you go, and do not count on ticket sales or a ferry.
Plan the rest of your trip
More on boats, beaches and the coast.
Islands off Quy Nhon: frequently asked questions
Can foreigners visit Cu Lao Xanh?
One local operator limits its day tour to Vietnamese citizens and says foreigners may not land because of the island's military status. Ask a local operator whether landing is possible for your passport, and do not pay before you get a clear answer.
Can I snorkel at Hon Kho?
Yes, in the buffer area. The core reef is closed. Ask your boat crew where snorkeling is allowed.
How much is a Hon Seo day trip?
One operator lists VND 750,000 (about $30) for ages 7 and up in 2026. Online payment adds a 15 percent platform fee. Other operators will differ.
Are whales and turtles guaranteed?
No. Turtles and Bryde's whales have been observed in local waters, but sightings cannot be promised.
Is MerryLand on an island?
No. It is on the Hai Giang peninsula. Advertised boat and cable car links are marketing or plans, so check access before you go.