Con Dao Dive Center

Located in the Con Dao archipelago, this PADI 5 Star dive centre operates within a protected marine park comprising 16 islands. These waters are home to largely intact coral reefs and a high level of biodiversity, making it a significant destination for divers looking for pristine environments.

Operating since 2013, the centre has established itself as a specialist in responsible diving and marine conservation. You can access the area via flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao via VASCO (Vietnam Airlines), with the centre located near the Tourist Pier.

The team consists of certified instructors and local guides who are passionate about the local marine environment. To ensure a personalised experience, the centre maintains a maximum ratio of 4 divers per guide.

Instruction is conducted in English, covering everything from introductory dives to professional training. The centre also focuses on environmental education to support the preservation of the local reef systems.

The centre offers a comprehensive range of PADI courses, starting from the PADI Open Water Diver for beginners. For those looking to advance, they provide the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and Peak Performance Buoyancy courses.

More advanced training includes the EFR & Rescue Diver course and the Emergency First Response (EFR) certification. For freedivers, the centre also provides Molchanovs Wave 1 Freediving training.

The centre operates a covered speedboat for excursions, with a capacity of 8 divers per trip. These trips are designed for small groups to ensure a high standard of instruction and attention.

On board, you will find snacks, drinking water, fruit, and chocolate to keep you fuelled between dives. The centre also offers night diving sessions and boat diving opportunities.

For those looking to rent kit, the centre provides professional equipment, including Mares Rover regulators and Coltri Sub 12L cylinders. This ensures you have reliable, high-quality gear for your excursions.

All prices for services include the required marine park fees and the local 10% tax.

The archipelago is a thriving ecosystem featuring a variety of reef fish and large pelagics. You can expect to see barracuda (Sphyraena) and various tropical reef fish patrolling the coral structures.

For those interested in larger species, the area is home to sea turtles (Cheloniidae) and reef sharks (Carcharhinus). You might also encounter grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) or bamboo sharks.

During the nesting season from June to September, you may observe more sea turtle (Cheloniidae) activity. Other notable residents include stingrays and various species of coral that form the backbone of the reef.

Macro enthusiasts can look for specific species such as the Halgerda batangas nudibranch or seahorses (Hippocampus).

The best time to dive in the archipelago is from March to September, when the sea remains calm. During this period, you can expect visibility ranging from 10 to 30 metres.

Between October and February, the region experiences the northeast monsoon, which can result in rough seas and increased swell. It is generally advised to avoid diving during this period due to these weather conditions.