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Pham Van Phong (a tourist from Thanh Hoa) had the opportunity to visit this place on a short trip. And amidst those turquoise waters, he experienced the ocean for the first time through an unforgettable experience: snorkeling to admire the coral reefs.
“Before diving, I was very excited, but honestly, I was also a little scared. Standing on the boat and looking down, the water was incredibly deep. But that very feeling motivated me; I had to go down and see what was down there, I had to see with my own eyes something I had only ever seen in pictures,” Phong shared.
Amidst the calm waters, suspended between light and depth, lies the ocean's hidden wonders.
Nhon Ly is a peninsula commune belonging to Quy Nhon city (Binh Dinh province), located about 20 km from the city center. It is famous for its pristine beaches, ancient fishing villages, and untouched coral reefs near the shore – valuable resources being preserved through controlled marine tourism tours. Nearby are Ky Co and Eo Gió – well-known tourist destinations, but the Nhon Ly area itself retains a more pure, less crowded, and exceptionally gentle beauty.
Beneath the crystal-clear waters of Nhon Ly, coral reefs flourish like a secret garden in the heart of the sea.
For his first scuba diving trip, Phong chose snorkeling – shallow diving with a snorkel, accompanied by a one-on-one instructor. Beneath the crystal-clear water, the underwater world seemed to come alive.
"I was overwhelmed. Down there, there were clusters of coral growing lushly like an underwater city, interspersed with colorful fish. I saw sea urchins, sea anemones, and schools of small fish swimming close to the coral surface as if they were accustomed to the presence of humans," Phong described.
Sunlight filters through the water's surface, illuminating vibrant patches of color in the underwater world.
The coral reefs in Nhon Ly are diverse in species and colors – from red, orange, yellow, and purple to blue and green… especially vibrant on sunny days when the light penetrates deep into the water. This is part of the characteristic coastal marine ecosystem of South Central Vietnam, with relatively shallow reefs, ideal for beginners.
“When the sunlight shines through the water, the coral seems to glow. I got to see the coral with my own eyes, and that was the purpose of my trip. I was impressed by the vibrant colors, and how they connect to form a large underwater ecosystem,” Phong recounted.
Diving is not just an adventurous experience, but a meeting with yourself in the blue ocean.
However, not everything was easy. In the beginning, he struggled with maintaining his breathing and getting used to the diving mask. He said, "I couldn't hold my breath to look down for long. While freediving requires you to stay calm and hold your breath underwater, that's key to a successful dive."
The ideal diving season in Nhon Ly lasts from April to August – when the weather is stable, there are few large waves, underwater visibility is good, and the seaweed and coral are at their most beautiful. Current tours are organized responsibly, avoiding contact with coral and preventing visitors from stepping onto the reefs without permission. Everything is controlled to preserve the precious marine ecosystem.
Nestled within a miniature city at sea.
"I advise everyone to learn some basic skills beforehand. Just knowing how to breathe correctly and staying calm will allow you to dive deeper and for longer. Rest assured, there will always be someone with you throughout the exploration," Phong advised.
After the trip, the underwater photos Phong took still weren't enough to express his feelings. The colors at the bottom of the ocean, the sound of waves crashing when he surfaced, the vibrant colors of the fish weaving among the coral reefs… all were captured like a dream in real life.
