Cat Ba Island
1/2 day
AH-HP05
4/10
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WHY THIS TOUR?

Chase the sunset. Witness the magic. Experience the enchanting transition of Lan Ha Bay from dusk till dark. Start your late afternoon with a relaxing Kayak or SUP paddle through the tranquil Van Boi area, surrounded by majestic limestone karsts bathed in golden sunset hues. After a local dinner on a floating house, embark on a magical journey into the darkness. Paddle through quiet, unlit waters to witness the mesmerizing "Bioluminescent Plankton" – a natural phenomenon where every stroke of your paddle makes the water glow with a fairy-tale blue light, resembling a starry night sky beneath the ocean.

Highlights

  • Experience spectacular sunset kayaking through the tranquil and towering karsts of the Van Boi area.
  • Kayak under the stars to witness and interact with rare, glowing bioluminescent plankton in the dark ocean.
  • Savor a unique, authentic local dinner served on a traditional floating house or a secluded beach.
SUMMARY

  • Start / Finish Point: Cat Ba Town

  • Duration: 1/2 day

  • Destination: Cat Ba Island

  • Group Size : 2 - 20 pax

  • Best Season: Apr - Sep

  • Difficulty level: 4/10

  • Activities: Kayaking, Paddle Boarding (SUP)

ITINERARY
Cat Ba Town – Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Town

15:30 Meet your tour guide at your hotel lobby and transfer to Beo Wharf. Board our boat and cruise toward the stunning Van Boi area, a pristine marine paradise nestled in the heart of Lan Ha Bay.

17:00 Arrive at our floating station to collect your kayak. Paddle out into the calm waters of Van Boi as the golden hour sets in, weaving through dramatic limestone karsts. You will have plenty of time to swim, relax, and unwind on the soft sands of Van Boi Beach.

18:30 Return to the floating house to savor a unique and authentic local dinner on the water, fueling up before our nighttime adventure.

19:00 As darkness falls, launch your kayaks once more. Follow your guide into secluded, quiet bays away from artificial light to witness the spectacular phenomenon of bioluminescent plankton. Each paddle stroke stirs up a glowing blue light on the surface, making tiny organisms shimmer like a galaxy and transforming the dark waters into an enchanting, glowing world.

20:30 Conclude your paddling journey, board the main boat, and cruise back to Beo Wharf. Transfer back to your hotel as the evening tour comes to a close.

* Approx. Duration: Cruise 20 minutes/ Kayaking 3 hours/ Dinner break 1 hour

* Meals included: Dinner

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

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Inclusion:

  • Transfer vehicle: Hotel - Beo Wharf - Hotel
  • Support boat
  • English speakig tourguide
  • Sit-on-top kayak
  • BBQ dinner
  • Drinking water 
  • Entrance fees & tickets
  • Domestic travel insurance 

Exclusion:

  • Additional food and beverages not stated in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation fee before and after the trip
  • Tips
THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

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Equipment provided by VAH:

  • Sit on top kayay
  • Headlamp
  • Dry bag
  • First-aid kit. 

What to bring: 

  • Water shoes 
  • Lightweight, quick-dry clothing
  • Rash guard for kayaking & swimming
  • Lightweight rain jacket.
  • Electronics: Mobile phone, camera, power bank, ...
  • Personal medications
  • Reusable water bottle
  • ID or Passport

Also recommended:

  • Sunscreen
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Pocket knife or multi-tool
TOUR EQUIPMENT
IMPORTANT NOTES

1.  Kayaking Notes

  • Distance: Approximately 4 to 5 km in total.
  • Terrain & Scenery: Paddlers will cross a stunning bay with clear, cool blue waters, dotted with dramatic limestone karsts and pristine white sandy beaches perfect for resting, relaxing, and swimming. 
  • Suitability: The water is generally calm and the distance is highly manageable, making it accessible even for those with little or no prior kayaking experience. Families are welcome, children from 6 to 10 years old are eligible to participate.

2. Responsible Travel & Environmental Protection

  • Leave No Trace: We strictly follow and promote the Leave No Trace principles in all our outdoor programs. We encourage our guests and partners to apply these ethics to minimize our impact on the natural environment. [See details about Leave No Trace here]
  • Reduce Plastic Waste: To limit single-use plastics, we encourage everyone to bring a reusable Reusable bottle (minimum 1L capacity). Refill stations will be provided throughout the trip.
  • Local Regulations: We kindly ask all guests to comply with the specific environmental regulations and instructions provided by our guides at the destination.

3. Health & Safety

  • Medical Considerations: Your safety is our priority. If you have a history of cardiovascular conditions or chronic joint issues (knees, ankles, shoulders, etc.), please consult with your doctor before booking this trip.
  • Physical fitness: Train by running or kayaking/SUP at least two weeks in advance. Run 2–3 sessions per week, about 5 km per session. Alternatively, paddle 2–3 sessions per week, covering 5–7 km per session.
  • Transparency: Please inform our tour guide of any existing health conditions or allergies at the start of the journey so we can support you best