UNION PACIFIC - Hoi An & Cu Lao Cham

The Union Pacific isn’t your typical deep wreck dive; this is a shallow, sun-drenched exploration of history. We’re talking about a former carrier vessel, run aground back in ’71, sitting in just 3 metres of water. It’s less about penetration and more about seeing how time and the sea reclaim steel. What we love here is the light. The sun dapples right through the water onto the wreck, illuminating every barnacle and the small shoals of fish darting in and out of the exposed ribs. You’ll weave around the skeletal remains, spotting nudibranchs clinging to rusted plating and the occasional pufferfish peeking from behind a corroded bulkhead. It’s a very relaxed dive, perfect for those wanting to spend a solid hour just observing the details, maybe even spotting some of the old cargo anchors still fused to the deck. Our favourite time to visit is late morning when the sun is high, really making the water sparkle around the wreck. Just watch out for the occasional fishing line; it's still an active fishing area.

Location
Hoi An & Cu Lao Cham, Vietnam, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
15.486111, 108.679170
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Marine Protected Area: Dao Ly Son

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 UNION PACIFIC

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 UNION PACIFIC

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