Kayaking

Cruise activities

Kayaking

North of Vietnam, the Gulf of Tonkin holds one of the country’s magical treasures — a gift from Mother Nature, and a bay best met at water level, under your own paddle.

  • Tra BauWhere it happens
  • ~20 mDepth at anchor
  • IncludedIn the cabin rate
Guests kayaking between limestone karsts in Lan Ha Bay with Venus Halong Cruises
On the water

Through the karsts, into the hidden caves

Guests kayak through limestone mountains and explore secluded bays along with peacefully hidden caves.

If you have time in Ha Long Bay, do not miss the chance to explore its hidden beauty — and there is no closer way into one of the most beautiful bays in the world than your own kayaking experience. Depending on the itinerary of the journey, the route passes stopping points with breathtaking scenery and gives a deeper read on the nature and the culture of the bay.

From the seat of a kayak you get the closest, best view of the wonder of the limestone mountains ringing the bay, and of the lifestyle on the floating village — the most interesting part of life out here.

Kayaks on the calm water of the Tra Bau area beside Venus Halong Cruises
Tra Bau

The morning the cruise drops anchor

The vessel anchors in the sheltered water of Tra Bau and the kayaks go in from the boat.

Paddle or swim around the vessel — the water here runs roughly twenty metres deep — while the bay is still quiet. It is also where the camera earns its place: from a kayak you can capture the natural beauty of Lan Ha Bay from angles that are inaccessible from the cruise ship.

Serene, tranquil, and the most intimate way to meet the bay — an activity that combines adventure, relaxation and a friendly connection with the environment.

Before you set off

Three things worth knowing

The paddle is open to everyone on board, and it is already part of what you have paid for.


Every level

  • Beginners
  • Experienced paddlers

The flexibility makes kayaking suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Where you go depends on the itinerary of the journey, so each sailing passes a different set of stopping points — and gives a different read on the nature and culture around them.

Safety first

  • Life jackets provided
  • Briefing before launch

Safety is always a top priority. Life jackets are provided for everyone going out, and guests are instructed on paddling technique as well as safety measures before embarking on the journey.

Already included

  • 2 Days 1 Night
  • 3 Days 2 Nights

Kayaking is included in the cabin rate on both sailings, along with swimming, the cooking class and night squid fishing. Entrance and sightseeing fees are covered as well.

On the schedule

Where the paddle falls in the day

Hours as they run on the 2 Days 1 Night sailing. On the 3 Days 2 Nights itinerary the kayaks go in at 07:00 on the final morning, out around the vessel while the bay is still quiet.


  1. Sunrise & Tai Chi

    First light on the sundeck, with a Tai Chi lesson for anyone who wants it.

  2. Light breakfast

    Pastries, tea and coffee in the restaurant before the kayaks go in.

  3. Kayaking at Tra Bau

    The cruise anchors. Kayak or swim around the vessel — in water roughly twenty metres deep.

  4. Check out & brunch

    Cabins vacated as the vessel turns for the mainland. Brunch before saying goodbye to the crew at 10:30.

Reservations

Take a paddle into Lan Ha Bay

Tell us your dates and our reservations team will come back with availability and rates.

Back to Cruise activities →

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