Swimming in Halong Bay is something that visitors can't wait to experience. With its pristine white sand beaches and shimmering emerald waters, Halong Bay's magnificent splendor is hard to resist. If you’re on vacation with Halong Bay Cruises and you’re a huge fan of swimming, let’s take a look at the detailed information and travel guidelines for this exciting activity.
I. Why is Halong Bay an ideal destination for swimming?
Apart from breathtaking limestone islands, Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is well-known for its crystal-clear green water and a variety of stunning beaches, which makes it the perfect place for swimming and sunbathing in Vietnam.
Thanks to its sheltered position, Halong Bay's water surface is generally calm and clean, except for a two-month stormy summer season. While soaking in the green waters, you can take in splendid panoramic views of green limestone islands and white cruise ships, which contribute to the tranquil ambiance of the bay.
In addition to swimming on soft white sand beaches, you may take a refreshing plunge in the middle of Halong Bay by jumping from the boat into the cool water. This exhilarating activity will help you let go of all your stress, escape the bustling life for a little while, and connect with nature deeply.
II. Is it safe to swim in Halong Bay?
Definitely yes, as long as you swim in the right places and follow all the cruise’s safety rules and instructions. Not everywhere can you swim in Halong Bay, but some spots are announced by the bay’s management board.
Adventurers can jump directly from the cruise into the bay, as the depth ranges from 15 to 29 meters, and the feeling of rushing into the fresh water and floating in the midst of nature is absolutely thrilling and exciting. However, make sure you are an excellent swimmer and prepare carefully before taking any jumps.
III. Best places to go swimming in Halong Bay
As an artwork of nature, Halong Bay offers picturesque beaches with white sand, an emerald sea, and gentle waves that provide a fantastic setting for tourists to enjoy plenty of water activities. Below are some of the best spots for swimming in Halong Bay.
1. Titov Island
In Halong Bay, Titov Island is unquestionably one of the greatest swimming locations. The island has a serene and beautiful crescent-shaped sandy beach and clean water for a refreshing swim. This offshore beach is nestled at the foot of an imposing mountain, making it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and resting as it is less busy than the inland beaches. Titop Island also offers various fascinating activities, such as mountain hiking, sightseeing, and kayaking. So, if you're searching for a lovely spot to swim in Halong Bay, Titop Island should be at the top of your list.
2. Ba Trai Dao Beach
Located on an eponymous islet with three small hills, Ba Trai Dao Beach is famous for its clear and clean water. Compared to other beaches in the region, the water here is shallower. The beach is also quite secluded because it is surrounded by rocky islands. Coming here, you will feel truly peaceful and relaxed while dipping in the cool water.
3. Tra Bau/Ao Ech Area
If you travel with Lan Ha Bay Cruises, you can swim freely around where your cruise anchors, but most cruises will choose the Tra Bau and Ao Ech areas as their swimming points. The whole area is an untouched watersacpe, far from the shore and surrounded by towering rocky mountains, creating a perfect place for relaxing, sightseeing, kayaking, and especially swimming.
4. Cap La Beach
Cap La Beach is a wonderful white sand stretch nestled in a small, lush eponymous island with a peaceful waterscape of Bai Tu Long Bay. Not many cruise lines operate in this area, so it remains unspoilt with wild features, and sometimes there’s only your group enjoying the enchanting beach and turquoise waters. Cap La Beach is among the best spots to go kayaking and swimming.
IV. Best time to experience swimming in Halong Bay
The summer months of April through October, when the weather is pleasant and the water is calm, are the ideal times to go swimming in Halong Bay. The water is usually between 25°C and 30°C (77°F and 86°F) at this time of year, which makes it perfect for swimming and other water sports.
Travelers should visit Halong Bay in the shoulder seasons from April to May and September to October if they would like to stay away from the crowds. You can delightfully take in the bay's natural beauty in a more tranquil environment during these months because there are fewer visitors and the weather is warm with still water.
V. Best cruise options for swimming in Halong Bay
All Halong Bay cruises, from budget to mid-range or luxury, will include swimming as a part of their sailing activities, along with kayaking and caving. Nevertheless, each vessel will have a distinct cruising program with different attractions. If you’re keen on swimming and other water activities, you can consider the following top choices:
- Halong Bay: Ambassador Cruise, Paradise Elegance Cruise, Hermes Cruise, Athena Cruise, Indochine Premium Cruise, Catherine Cruise, Essence Grand Cruise.
- Lan Ha Bay: Orchid Cruises, Ambassador Signature Cruise, Mon Cheri Cruise, Peony Cruise, Dora Cruise, Doris Cruise, M’Gloria Cruise, La Regina Cruises, Nostagia Cruise
- Bai Tu Long Bay: Signature Cruise, La Regina Royal Cruise, Swan Cruise, Renea Cruise, Lily Cruise
VI. Tips for an enjoyable swimming experience in Halong Bay
If you want to have a great swimming adventure in Halong Bay, here are some top tips to ensure a safe and fun experience:
Before swimming:
- To avoid injuries, warm up for at least five minutes before getting in the water.
- Avoid heavy meals and alcohol. Eating a large meal or drinking alcohol right before swimming might throw off your balance and coordination.
- Apply sunscreen to protect your skin.
- Wear a swimming suit or bikini, and keep your jewelry off the beach.
- Wear a life jacket if you're not confident in swimming.
While swimming:
- Always swim in groups or ask a cruise staff member to watch you.
- Avoid swimming in areas where the currents are unknown to be strong or too far from your ship.
- Don’t swim in the early morning, at noon, or late at night, when the currents might be stronger.
- If you see big waves, dive as deep as you can beneath them and then wait for a break before swimming back to shore or ship.
- Be aware of jellyfish, which can cause discomfort and itching.
- Set a time limit of 15-20 minutes for swimming to avoid getting too cold.
- Keep an eye on kids. If kids are swimming, make sure their parents are watching them at all times.
After swimming:
- Rinse off after a swim to remove sand and seawater from your skin.
- Head back to the beach or the cruise to stay warm.
- Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated after swimming.
Overall, swimming in Halong Bay is an activity that anyone visiting Vietnam should not miss. With Halong Bay Cruise, you will have a great time fully immersing yourself in the blue sea and the surrounding natural beauty of the heritage bay. So, pack your swimsuit and make your way to Halong Bay for a memorable swimming experience. Contact our cruise experts to find the best Halong Bay cruises and get the most out of your trip.
