Snorkel and Dive near Cong Do Island
Snorkeling and scuba diving are among the top things to do in Halong Bay because of the crystal-clear waters, but the areas near Cong Do Island and Van Gio Island are especially good starting points because of their remote location, which means less boat traffic and a large choice of marine species.
Cong Do Island has its own system of five lakes that are tucked away behind limestone peaks but still connect to the sea, providing a unique and diverse ecosystem, making it a popular snorkeling site. The island is also home to seagrass beds, which are the favored habitat for sea turtles and sea horses, in addition to rare corals including red and forest corals. Once on land, you can quickly locate stone crabs, lizards, and hornbills that live in the wet areas near the coast. Once you're off the water, the islands also provide lots of trekking options where you can find ancient trees and hidden lagoons.