If you are looking for the absolute "gold standard" of diving in Vietnam, Con Dao is the destination. This archipelago of 16 islands, located off the southern coast, is a rugged, breathtaking world apart. Unlike the busy tourist hubs, Con Dao has remained beautifully preserved thanks to its status as a National Park and a strictly managed Marine Protected Area. At Rainbow Divers, we provide access to these remote waters through our professional local partnerships, ensuring you experience the healthiest reefs in the country with the safety and expertise of Vietnam's longest-established PADI operator.

Con Dao is famous among the global diving community for its impressive visibility and dramatic underwater topography. Because the islands are far from the mainland’s river runoff, the water is consistently clearer than almost anywhere else in Vietnam. Here, you will find massive table corals, deep drop-offs, and volcanic rock formations that host a staggering diversity of marine life.

This is the only place in Vietnam where you have a significant chance of diving alongside Green and Hawksbill turtles.

Sites like Bay Canh Island are legendary for their coral density and turtle sightings, while Cau Island offers stunning soft coral gardens and the chance to spot bamboo sharks or blue-spotted rays hiding in the crevices. The reefs here are "old growth," featuring coral structures that have been allowed to thrive for decades without the pressure of heavy tourism.

Diving in Con Dao is a privilege. As a National Marine Park, there are strict regulations in place to protect the ecosystem. At Rainbow Divers, we pride ourselves on our "Anti-AI," human-first approach—meaning our guides aren't just there to lead the way; they are educators who will help you understand the delicate balance of this unique environment.

The window for diving Con Dao is specific. The best conditions occur from March to September, when the seas are calm and the visibility can exceed 20 to 30 meters. During the winter months, strong winds can make the crossings difficult, so we always recommend planning your trip during the spring and summer for the best experience.

We bring 27+ years of industry-leading standards to every trip we organize. Booking through Rainbow Divers ensures you are working with the most reputable boats and guides on the island. We handle the logistics, so you can focus on the incredible experience of diving into Vietnam’s last true underwater wilderness.

NOTE: Our PADI Courses and daily diving on Con Dao are currently offered through our official PADI partner on the island.

Reopening for Diving after Tet 2025 (Early March)

Rainbow Divers established the 1st PADI Dive centre on Con Dao Island over 20 years ago;

the good-old days when you could only get to the Island by Russian Helicopter from Vung Tau!

We initially set up with Six Senses Resort before establishing our own identity on the Sea Front.

COVID devastated the Tourism on Con Dao Island and we sadly closed our Divecentre.

Whilst tourism is certainly not back at the pre-Covid levels, it is increasing.

Whilst we search for suitable premises on Con Dao to reopen in 2024-5, we will be offering

Daily Diving and all PADI Courses through our Official PADI Partner on the Island.

$150 PER DIVER

Beach and Night Diving available subject to prevailing conditions

Price on application

For non-certified divers

Download the PADI App

Scan the QR Code and take a FREE orientation

Attend a brief Pool Session in Saigon or on Con Dao

before 2 Ocean dives with your Instructor

$185

Theory online or in our D2-HCMC Classroom

around $150, depending on exchange rates

Pool Training in D2-HCMC

$75

4 Ocean Dives on Con Dao

$450

5 Dives over 2 Days

$530

PADI SPECIALTY COURSES

We can offer many PADI Specialties comprising 2-4 Dives over 1-2 Days

Theory available online

SERIOUS FUN!

Complete your theory online before arriving

When completed the theory you'll need half a day in the Pool in Saigon or from the Beach on Con Dao

Then 2 Mornings on the Speedboat!

$400 + eLearning 

You'll need to be First Aid + CPR certified before Rescue certification.

Sadly the EFR Course is not offered on the Island, so schedule in Saigon; maybe with your Pool training?

EFR Practical Training $125

We offer these professional training courses with personalized schedules

Contact us to start your development

We conduct these 4 times each year, usually in Nha Trang.

However with a group of 6+ Candidates, we can schedule on Con Dao Island.

Every diver should carry Dive-specific Insurance.

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