Cat Ba
1/2 Day
Kayaking
4/10
5 (0 Customer rating)
Select departure date Sign up for a private tour
Tour overview

Embark on a breathtaking sunset kayaking journey through Lan Ha Bay, where you will gently glide across mirror-like waters, weaving between majestic limestone karsts and tranquil fishing villages. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky is painted in brilliant hues of gold, creating a picture-perfect, ethereal landscape. The cool ocean breeze and the soothing sound of water gently lapping against your kayak will bring a profound sense of relaxation and harmony with nature.

As night falls, prepare for a truly magical encounter: witnessing the bioluminescent plankton of Lan Ha Bay. With every stroke of your paddle, the dark water comes alive, glowing with a mysterious and captivating neon blue light. These microscopic glowing organisms sparkle like a fallen Milky Way, transforming the secluded bays and hidden islets into a mesmerizing, fairy-tale world under the stars.

Highlights

  • Sunset SUP/kayaking adventure through the pristine waters of the Van Boi area.
  • Nighttime kayaking expedition to marvel at the magical bioluminescent plankton.
  • An authentic, hearty dinner served on a traditional floating house.
Summary

  • Departure from: Cat Ba

  • Min: 6 people

  • Destination: Cat Ba

  • Max: 20 people

  • Duration: 1/2 Day

  • Best season: Apr - Sep

  • Activities: Kayaking

  • Level: 4/10

Images & Videos
Itinerary
Cat Ba Town – Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Town

15:30 Our team will pick you up at the designated meeting point in Cat Ba Town and transfer you to the pier. From there, we will board a boat and cruise out to the pristine Van Boi Beach, located right in the heart of the magnificent Lan Ha Bay.

17:00 Upon arriving at a local floating house, you will be equipped with your kayak. Set out to paddle around the stunning Van Boi area just as the golden hour approaches, soaking in the spectacular sunset views. Afterward, feel free to take a refreshing dip in the emerald waters and unwind on the secluded Van Boi beach.

18:30 Paddle back to the floating house where a delicious, freshly prepared dinner awaits you. Enjoy your meal while surrounded by the peaceful ambiance of the bay at dusk.

19:00 Once darkness has fully enveloped the bay, we will embark on the most enchanting part of our journey. Setting off from the floating house, we will kayak into tranquil, light-free areas to seek out the glowing bioluminescent plankton. Watch in awe as each stroke of your paddle stirs the water, triggering flashes of mystical, luminescent blue. The tiny glowing plankton shimmer like a celestial galaxy, turning the hidden corners of the bay into a sparkling, fairy-tale realm in the pitch black of night.

20:30 Conclude our kayaking adventure and board the boat for a relaxing cruise back to Cat Ba Town. The tour officially ends upon arrival, leaving you with magical memories of Lan Ha Bay by night.

* Kayaking duration: 3hrs

* Included meals: Dinner

Inclusion & Exclusion

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Inclusion:

  • Kayak & life jacket
  • Dinner
  • Tour guide
  • Sightseeing fee
  • Drinking water throughout the tour 
  • Domestic travel insurance

 

Exclusion:

  • Beverages during meals
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation fee before and after the trip

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Departure schedule
Departure day Finish day   Tour cost
Difficulty of the activity

Difficulty Level (4/10): Everyone can participate, including children. The activities are gentle, so no physical preparation or prior experience is needed. The tour typically lasts 1-2 days. For trekking tours at this level, the trek time is about 1 to 2 hours per day, with easy terrain. Kayak or SUP tours at this level involve paddling for 1 to 2 hours per day, with plenty of time for photo stops and breaks.

Suggested physical training: Start paddling (kayak/SUP) 1-2 weeks before the tour. Jogging twice a week, 3-5 km per session, or paddling 2-3 times a week, 5 km per session.

Equipment

Equipment provided by UA:

  • Double kayak
  • Lifejacket
  • Dry bag
  • First-aid kit

Essential stuff you need to bring:

  • Water shoes (for wading in water, paddling, and wet landings)
  • Reusable water bottle (approximately 1L capacity)
  • Flashlight or headlamp 
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Phone, camera, power bank
  • ID or passport

Optional items to bring:

  • Pocket knife or Multi-tool
  • Personal medication
  • Toitletries
  • Hand santiniser
Umove Adventure equipment provided
Essential info

1. Travel Insurance

  • Umove Adventure provides travel insurance through Bao Viet Insurance, with maximum coverage of VND 100 million per person per incident.
  • Please refer to the Bao Viet Insurance Policy for further details.

2. Tour Postponement and Cancellation Policy

3. Liability Waiver

  • Guests joining an Umove Adventure tour acknowledge that adventure travel involves physical challenges and inherent risks. All guests are therefore required to carefully read and sign the Liability Waiver before departure. Please review the form carefully before booking the tour.

                  Release Of Liability Form.     

4. Notes on the kayaking

  • Before starting the kayaking activity, your tour guide will provide basic paddling instructions, explain the planned route, and give a safety briefing. A properly fitted life jacket must be worn at all times while kayaking.
  • While paddling in the bay, always remain aware of your surroundings and keep a safe distance from reefs, rocks, boats, and other obstacles. Avoid paddling close to cliffs, particularly in rough or wavy conditions, as waves may push the kayak against the rocks or sharp barnacles.
  • During night kayaking to observe bioluminescent plankton, all participants must stay together as a group and must not paddle away from the designated route. Always follow the tour guide’s instructions and remain within the group throughout the activity.

5. Food & Drinks

  • BBQ dinner will be served at campsite (or on floating house). Vegetarian or special dietary meals may be arranged upon request. Please inform Umove Adventure in advance of any dietary requirements so that suitable meals can be prepared. 
  • Drinking water is provided in the vehicle and during the paddling activity

6. Environmental Responsibility

  • Umove Adventure follows Leave No Trace principles throughout its tours and outdoor activities. We also encourage our guests and partners to apply these principles whenever travelling in natural environments. Learn more about Leave No Trace.
  • To reduce the use of single-use plastic, each guest should bring a reusable one-litre water bottle for daily refilling.
  • Guests must follow all environmental protection instructions and regulations at each destination.

8. Health and Medical Considerations

  • If you have a cardiovascular condition or problems affecting your bones or joints—including your knees, ankles or shoulders—you should consult your doctor before joining the tour.
  • The tour guide carries a basic first-aid kit. If you have a medical condition that requires medication, please bring an adequate supply of your prescribed medication.
Q&A
1. When is the best time to join this tour?

Summer is the ideal time to visit Cat Ba. The best period for bioluminescence viewing and sunset paddling is from April to September.

 

2. From what age can children join this tour?

This tour is suitable for children from 5 years old and up, provided they are accompanied by parents or responsible adults.

 

3. Can I join this tour if I’ve never paddled SUP or kayak before?

This tour is rated 4/10 in difficulty, making it accessible even for those who have never kayaked before. Before entering the water, the tour guide will provide the group with basic kayaking techniques and essential safety instructions.

 

4. How much deposit do I need to pay, and when is the remaining balance due?

When booking the tour, customers are required to pay a 50% deposit via bank transfer or credit card through Onepay. The remaining 50% balance must be paid no later than 1 day before departure, also via bank transfer or credit card through Onepay.

UA will not confirm the booking until the deposit has been successfully received.

 

5. Can I postpone or cancel the tour before departure?

Cancellation or postponement fees will depend on how far in advance you notify us before the departure date. If you wish to change your departure date or switch to another tour, Umove Adventure will assist you with the rescheduling process and may or may not apply a fee. Please refer to our Cancellation and Postponement Policy for full details.

 

6. Can the tour accommodate vegetarian or special dietary requests?

Please notify Umove Adventure before booking if you have vegetarian or special dietary requirements. We will check whether the destination can accommodate your needs and inform you accordingly. Generally, Umove Adventure can provide vegetarian options depending on the tour location.

 

7. What if I get too tired to continue kayaking?

If you feel too tired to continue paddling, please immediately inform the tour guide or the support boat. The kayaking area is not far from the floating house and the boat docking area, so when needed, the boat can promptly pick you up and take you back to the floating house to rest.

 

8. Is it guaranteed that I will see bioluminescence in Lan Ha Bay?

While the probability of seeing bioluminescence from April to September is very high (over 80%), certain natural factors may affect the quality of the experience. Bioluminescence is caused by glowing plankton (often algae) that light up when disturbed. The denser the plankton, the brighter and more vivid the bioluminescence, and the darker the night, the more beautiful the display.
 Natural factors such as rain, recent rainfall, or a very bright moon may reduce plankton density or prevent the sky from becoming dark enough, which can impact the bioluminescence experience. However, with a success rate of over 80%, bioluminescence is visible on most occasions.

 

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