Paddling through the emerald waters around Cat Ba Island reveals some of Southeast Asia’s most dramatic limestone scenery. The best value comes from full-day boat tours combining kayaking with swimming stops in Lan Ha Bay, though watch for hidden costs. Half-day trips work well for budget travelers wanting sunset views on the water. My favorite options are the multi-day adventures linking kayaking with cycling and hiking – they showcase the island’s diversity without feeling rushed.
For something special, try the nighttime bioluminescent plankton tours where you paddle through glowing waters. The guided day trips with local lunch stops give you both active adventure and authentic flavors.
Check out these top kayaking tours around Cat Ba:
Key Points
- Full-day boat tours offer a highly rated 4.8-star experience with kayaking, swimming, and beach hopping for $27 per person.
- Half-day trips provide a personalized group experience with kayaking, sunset viewing, and positive driver feedback for $22 per person.
- Multi-day adventures combine cruising, kayaking, cycling, and trekking for travelers with strong fitness levels, with a 99% recommendation rate.
- Bioluminescent plankton tours offer a unique $38 per person experience with a 100% recommendation rate and accommodations for up to 15 travelers.
- Comprehensive guided tours combine day cruises and night kayaking with activities like beach hopping and swimming in intimate groups up to 30 participants.
Most Favorite Full Day Boat Tour With Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay, Ha Long Bay
Travelers flock to the breathtaking Lan Ha Bay, a lesser-known gem nestled within the iconic Ha Long Bay, to embark on a full-day boat tour with kayaking.
This highly-rated experience, with a 4.8 rating from 53 reviews, is recommended by 96% of travelers and has been awarded a Badge of Excellence.
The tour includes all fees, taxes, pickup and drop-off service, lunch, kayak equipment, and entrance tickets.
While drinks and personal expenses aren’t included, the experience offers excellent value at $27 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
This tour is a must-do for those seeking an unforgettable adventure in the stunning Lan Ha Bay.
Read our full review: Most Favorite Full Day Boat Tour With Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay, Ha Long Bay Review
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Kayaking at Lan Ha Bay
Kayaking enthusiasts embark on a leisurely paddle through the tranquil waters of Lan Ha Bay, a lesser-known counterpart to the iconic Ha Long Bay.
This full-day tour offers a chance to explore hidden lagoons behind limestone cliffs, soak in the local culture, and indulge in a tasty Vietnamese lunch with stunning views.
Travelers can enjoy activities like swimming, beach hopping, and observing aquatic life, all while taking in the peaceful atmosphere.
The tour is ideal for those who prefer a relaxed pace, with a maximum of 14 participants per group.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, excluding those with certain medical conditions.
Read our full review: Kayaking at Lan Ha Bay Review
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Cruising- Kayaking- Cycling- Trekking 3d/2n From Cat Ba in Less Tourist Areas.
Embarking on a thrilling 3-day, 2-night adventure, explorers can enjoy the captivating landscapes of Cat Ba beyond the typical tourist trails.
This comprehensive package includes a variety of activities like cruising, kayaking, cycling, and trekking, allowing visitors to fully experience the natural wonders of the region.
With 70 reviews and a 99% traveler recommendation, this Badge of Excellence experience caters to those with strong physical fitness, offering mealtimes and pickup options upon request.
Travelers should note the accessibility limitations and age restrictions, as well as the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior to the start of the adventure.
Read our full review: Cruising- Kayaking- Cycling- Trekking 3d/2n From Cat Ba in Less Tourist Areas. Review
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Cruise and Kayak on Lan Ha Bay Ha Long Bay With Local Experts
Visitors can embark on a captivating cruise and kayaking adventure in the stunning Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay, departing from the idyllic Cat Ba Island.
This highly-rated tour offers a comprehensive experience, with a licensed English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transportation, and an authentic Vietnamese lunch.
Highlights include paddling through lagoons, caves, and archways, and cruising past floating villages and unique rock formations.
With a maximum of 30 travelers, this tour provides an intimate and personalized experience in the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay region.
Priced from €30.79 per person, it’s an excellent value for the activities and inclusions provided.
Read our full review: Cruise and Kayak on Lan Ha Bay Ha Long Bay With Local Experts Review
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Lan Ha – Ha Long Bay 1 Day Boat Trip – Kayaking From Cat Ba, Avoid the Crowds.
This captivating one-day boat trip to Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay from Cat Ba Island offers visitors a chance to explore the UNESCO-listed landscapes, while avoiding the crowds.
Rated 5.0 from over 2,500 reviews, this affordable tour operated by Cat Ba Ventures provides an immersive experience with activities like cruising, swimming, kayaking, and cave exploration.
Guests enjoy a delicious lunch, complimentary water, and free use of snorkeling and kayaking gear.
The knowledgeable guides consistently earn high praise for their engaging storytelling and flexibility.
With convenient transportation and flexible cancellation, this tour is an excellent way to discover the natural wonders of Lan Ha and Ha Long Bay.
Read our full review: Lan Ha – Ha Long Bay 1 Day Boat Trip – Kayaking From Cat Ba, Avoid the Crowds. Review
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Discover Bioluminescent Plankton Using Kayak in Lan Ha Bay
Exploring the captivating bioluminescent plankton in Lan Ha Bay by kayak offers a truly mesmerizing experience.
With a 100% traveler recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this activity provides an opportunity to witness the natural wonder of glowing plankton. Priced from $38 per person, the experience includes kayaking, dinner options, and all necessary fees and taxes.
Pickup is available from the meeting point or hotel lobby, and the activity ends back at the starting point. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour accommodates up to 15 travelers, though it’s not recommended for those with certain medical conditions.
With high ratings and positive reviews, this kayak adventure is a must-try for nature enthusiasts visiting Cat Ba.
Read our full review: Discover Bioluminescent Plankton Using Kayak in Lan Ha Bay Review
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Cruising & Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay – Halong Bay – Cat Ba Island
Embarking on a captivating cruising and kayaking adventure through Lan Ha Bay, Halong Bay, and Cat Ba Island allows visitors to enjoy the region’s stunning natural beauty.
The full-day excursion offers a range of inclusions, from fresh Vietnamese cuisine to bottled water, alcoholic beverages, and snacks.
Travelers will explore the area by boat and kayak, with the option of single or double kayaks and the guidance of an English-speaking expert.
The activity is highly rated, with a 5.0 score and 100% recommendation from previous guests.
Meeting and pickup are conveniently located in Cat Ba town, and the trip is priced at €37.72 per person with flexible cancellation policies.
Read our full review: Cruising & Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay – Halong Bay – Cat Ba Island Review
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What a Great Combination, Day Cruise and Night Kayak With Glowing Biolumenescent
Visitors embark on a captivating combination of a day cruise and night kayaking excursion through the stunning Halong Bay. They explore breathtaking rock formations and beachside caves during the day, then paddle through the tranquil waters at night, marveling at the glowing bioluminescence.
The activity includes lunch and dinner at local restaurants, and travelers can enjoy beach hopping and swimming in the serene waters. With a maximum of 30 participants and intimate eight-person kayaking groups, this highly recommended experience provides an unforgettable glimpse into the natural beauty of Vietnam’s coastal landscapes.
Read our full review: What a Great Combination, Day Cruise and Night Kayak With Glowing Biolumenescent Review
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Full Day Trip to Lan Ha Bay With Kayaking in Less Tourist Areas
The captivating day cruise and night kayaking excursion through Halong Bay now gives way to a full-day adventure in Lan Ha Bay.
Travelers will explore hidden gems and kayak in less crowded areas, visiting a fishing village, paddling through lagoons, archways, and caves, and relaxing at secluded beaches like Bai Mieu Beach.
Activities include a bike ride through Viet Hai Village, a fish massage, and a seafood lunch prepared by a local chef.
With fewer travelers, guests can enjoy swimming in Lan Ha Bay.
The trip includes an air-conditioned vehicle, all fees and taxes, use of bicycle, kayak, and lunch, as well as alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and soda.
Read our full review: Full Day Trip to Lan Ha Bay With Kayaking in Less Tourist Areas Review
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Full-Day Small Group Guided Kayaking Tour With Lunch in Cat Ba
Typically, travelers on this full-day small group kayaking tour in Cat Ba, Vietnam, depart from their Cat Ba town hotels for a memorable water-based adventure.
With a maximum of 10 participants, the tour includes a knowledgeable guide, lunch, and all necessary equipment.
After hotel pickup, guests enjoy scenic kayaking in less touristy areas of Lan Ha Bay, taking in the region’s stunning limestone karsts.
The tour also covers entrance fees and water support.
Moderate physical fitness is required, and infants must sit on laps.
Cancellations up to 24 hours prior are permitted without charge, based on overall positive reviews from past participants.
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Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay From Cat Ba Island: Cruise and Kayak Tour
Adventurers embark on a captivating journey exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay from Cat Ba Island.
This full-day cruise and kayak tour, offered by Amazing Nature Travel, provides a comprehensive experience. The tour, priced at $32.06 per person, accommodates up to 15 travelers and includes a delicious lunch.
While drinks and personal expenses aren’t covered, the tour offers scenic vistas and a plentiful meal. Reviewers provide mixed feedback, with some noting additional costs and a language barrier with the guide, though the majority praise the stunning views and enjoyable lunch.
Travelers should be aware of the non-wheelchair accessibility and non-refundable cancellation policy prior to booking this adventure.
Read our full review: Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay From Cat Ba Island: Cruise and Kayak Tour Review
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Half Day Boat Trip With Kayaking on Lan Ha Bay Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island’s Lan Ha Bay offers adventurers a captivating half-day boat trip with kayaking. Priced from $22 per person, this tour provides an immersive experience in the bay’s serene waters.
The trip includes a group boat, kayaks, life jackets, and drinks. Pickup and drop-off van service is available, with a meeting point at TRAN NGUYEN TRAVEL.
The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible. Most participants can join, provided they’ve no serious medical conditions.
With an impressive 5-star rating from 2 reviews, this tour promises a lovely afternoon of activities, including kayaking and sunset viewing – all complemented by the driver’s kindness.
Free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours prior.
Read our full review: Half Day Boat Trip With Kayaking on Lan Ha Bay Cat Ba Island Review
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Recap
Cat Ba Island offers a range of captivating canoe and kayak experiences in the scenic Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay. From full-day boat tours with kayaking to multi-day cruises with cycling and trekking, visitors can explore the less crowded areas of these natural wonders. Whether seeking a guided group tour or a more independent adventure, there are plenty of options to take in the stunning landscapes and tranquil waters of this remarkable region.