Whale Island sits in Van Phong Bay north of Nha Trang in the East Sea, and its bay geography provides shelter that often makes diving calmer than at more exposed sites along the same coastline. Four sites, Bai Su, Phat Wall, Bai Nhau, and the house reef, cover reef, wall, drop-off, cave, and drift terrain, all within a depth range manageable for beginners. Shore entry is possible at the house reef; the other sites require a short boat transfer. Recorded species include whale shark, whitetip reef shark, blacktip reef shark, hairy frogfish, nudibranch, seamoth, and bluespotted fantail ray, reflecting the bay's reputation for varied marine life.
Monthly water temperature across Whale Island's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
The diving season typically runs from February to October, when the bay is calm enough for consistent access. Water temperatures are at their coolest in the early months of the year and climb through late summer and early autumn. Outside the season, northerly weather can affect sea state, though the bay's sheltered position moderates conditions compared to more exposed sites nearby.
39 operators
Water temperature around Whale Island ranges from about 25°C in January to 29°C in October, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 29°C) a rash guard or 3mm shorty is comfortable in Whale Island; in the coldest months (about 25°C) step up to a 3mm full suit.
Fin maps 4 sites in Whale Island (4 scuba diving sites and 1 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
Across Whale Island's dive sites, April, May, June, July and August are most often reported as the best months to visit.
1 more site to explore
