OAKLAND - Hoi An & Cu Lao Cham

Oakland is a real conversation starter, a massive container vessel that went down in 1988. We’re talking about a wreck so big, it’s actually two distinct dive sites: the bow and stern sections, separated by a fair swim, with the main cargo area somewhere in the middle. Diving the bow, you’re looking at serious steel, barnacle-encrusted plates, and the remains of the superstructure that offer some intriguing swim-throughs if you’re comfortable with overhead environments. It’s a site for advanced divers, no question, given the depth and potential currents. The scale alone is impressive. We love tracing the deck features, imagining the ship in its former life. You’ll see schools of fusiliers and yellowtail snapper darting through the rusted metal, and often a few lionfish lurking in the shadows. Look closely, and you might spot a stonefish blending into the growth. It’s a proper wreck dive, more about the history and the sheer presence of the sunken ship than vibrant corals, though the soft corals here add pops of colour to the industrial grey. Go early, before the thermocline settles in, for the best visibility.

Location
Hoi An & Cu Lao Cham, Vietnam, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
15.916667, 108.533330
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Cu Lao Cham (marine)

Best Time to Dive in Hoi An & Cu Lao Cham

The warmest water temperatures in Hoi An & Cu Lao Cham occur in August, averaging 30.7°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 24.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 24.1°C
  • February: 24.3°C
  • March: 25.7°C
  • April: 27.0°C
  • May: 28.8°C
  • June: 30.3°C
  • July: 30.2°C
  • August: 30.7°C
  • September: 30.3°C
  • October: 29.2°C
  • November: 27.3°C
  • December: 25.4°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Hoi An & Cu Lao Cham

Nearest Dive Centres to OAKLAND

Marine Life in Hoi An & Cu Lao Cham

Home to 41 recorded species including 28 reef fish, 7 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 sharks & rays, 2 other, 1 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for OAKLAND

Based on average water temperature of 27.8°C, currents 8 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths for recreational scuba diving trips departing from Oakland, California?
The provided data pertains to the 'Oakland' dive site located in Hoi An & Cu Lao Cham, Vietnam, not Oakland, California. For this specific wreck site, the listed depth is 0m. This typically indicates the shallowest point of the wreck or its proximity to the surface.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see on scuba trips organized by Oakland-based dive centers?
The provided information describes the 'Oakland' dive site in Hoi An & Cu Lao Cham, Vietnam, which is a large container vessel sunk in 1988. This data does not include details on marine life. Divers exploring this site can expect to encounter the impressive structure of the 208.8m x 23.8m wreck itself.
How challenging is the diving experience for beginners taking scuba courses in Oakland and completing open water dives nearby?
The provided data specifies the 'Oakland' dive site in Hoi An & Cu Lao Cham, Vietnam as having an intermediate difficulty. This information is specific to the wreck dive and does not apply to beginner scuba courses or open water dives in Oakland, California. The site is classified as a dangerous wreck.
When is the best time of year to go scuba diving if I'm starting my trip from Oakland, California?
The provided data describes the 'Oakland' dive site in Hoi An & Cu Lao Cham, Vietnam and does not contain information regarding the best time of year for diving from Oakland, California. For general guidance on dive seasons, you might consult our When to Dive resource.
What scuba diving certifications are needed to dive with Oakland-based dive shops?
The provided data pertains to the 'Oakland' dive site in Hoi An & Cu Lao Cham, Vietnam and does not specify certification requirements for diving with Oakland, California-based dive shops. Certification requirements typically vary based on dive site difficulty and depth.
What are the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility for scuba diving in the areas accessible from Oakland?
The provided data describes the 'Oakland' dive site in Hoi An & Cu Lao Cham, Vietnam and does not include details on typical water conditions, currents, or visibility for areas accessible from Oakland, California. Water conditions can vary significantly by location and time of year.