BRIGHT STAR

Best months: Feb–May

Protected Area

Dao Ly Son

Why dive here

With 41+ marine species recorded in the area - including seahorses and sea turtles - BRIGHT STAR offers some of Hoi An & Cu Lao Cham's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 24-31°C, warmest June, August, September.

Best timeFeb–May

WetsuitA 3mm full wetsuit

Marine lifeSeahorses and Sea Turtles · 41+ species recorded

Water24-31°C · warmest June, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 5m

Bright Star isn't about depth or big fish. This is about history, plain and simple, and getting right up close to it. We love this site because it’s a living museum, sitting in just 5 metres of water, perfect for an extended rummage. You’re diving a genuine piece of World War II, a Japanese cargo ship that went down in 1944. The bow section is the most intact, still holding its shape, and it’s surprisingly big when you’re finning around it. Look inside; you can still make out the remains of machinery, and we've spotted pipefish and ghost pipefish tucked into the nooks. It’s also home to some impressively large lionfish, so keep your distance but enjoy the show. For photographers, it’s a dream, especially on a sunny afternoon when the light streams through the water, illuminating the ghostly form of the ship. We'd suggest getting there early to avoid any crowds, though it’s never overly busy. This site is definitely our pick for anyone who loves wrecks, history, or just wants a completely different kind of dive.

Typical BRIGHT STAR Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Today05:3517:2711h 52m daylightGolden hour 16:58

BRIGHT STAR Wreck History

Vessel Type

unknown

Cause

unknown

The story behind the Bright Star is a mystery waiting to be explored by divers. Located in the warm, clear waters near Hoi An and the Cham Islands, this wreck sits in a shallow 5 meters, making it an ideal site for novice divers and snorkelers. While historical details are scarce, the wreck itself tells a new story as an artificial reef. The visible hull and superstructure have become a bustling metropolis for local marine life, attracting schools of colorful fish and a variety of macro critters. It's a perfect dive for those who love the combination of history, mystery, and vibrant underwater ecosystems.

Reviews for BRIGHT STAR

Conditions

Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BRIGHT STAR

BRIGHT STAR Ocean Conditions

Monthly averages for BRIGHT STAR, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (15.95, 108.48) (16km away)