Squid Fishing Tour at Nhon Ly, Vietnam

REVIEW · QUI NHON

Squid Fishing Tour at Nhon Ly, Vietnam

  • 5.04 reviews
  • From $58.96
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Operated by Starfish Travel Co,Ltd · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (4)Price from$58.96Operated byStarfish Travel Co,LtdBook viaViator

Squid fishing turns Quy Nhon into a working night. You’ll ride from your hotel to Nhon Ly, head out on open water, and learn the rhythm of catching squid with an English-speaking guide (Tri). One thing to keep in mind: this is weather-dependent, so if waves get rough, the plan may shift inland or the tour can be canceled.

I really like that you aren’t sent out empty-handed. You’ll get the fishing gear and free bait needed to try for big squid, and once you’ve caught some, you can eat what you catch—freshly cooked right on the boat. With a small group (up to 30), the guide can spend real time helping you get the technique right.

Key things to know before you go

Squid Fishing Tour at Nhon Ly, Vietnam - Key things to know before you go

  • Pickup starts in the late afternoon so you’re ready to fish around the evening slot (tour begins at 5 PM).
  • Nhon Ly is your launch point—you’ll board a boat and go out to sea (weather permitting).
  • Tri (and the team) teach by doing, not by lecturing, so even first-timers can join in.
  • Gear and free bait are included, which keeps this activity easy to book for last-minute plans.
  • You’ll eat squid onboard after catching some, turning the night into an actual meal, not a souvenir.
  • Weather can change the route, and in at least one case Tri offered a more inland alternative when seas were too rough.

Why Nhon Ly squid fishing feels different from a normal tour

Squid Fishing Tour at Nhon Ly, Vietnam - Why Nhon Ly squid fishing feels different from a normal tour
A lot of tours in Quy Nhon are about looking—temples, streets, viewpoints. This one is about doing. The premise is simple: you’re treated like a fisherman for a few hours, with an experienced local guide speaking English and showing you how to fish for squid in the open sea off Nhon Ly.

That hands-on element is the big reason I think people love it. You’re not just watching a process happen. You’re learning how to handle the line, reel, and bait, then adjusting as you go. And when the night delivers, you get an immediate reward: a freshly prepared squid dish cooked for you while you’re still on the boat.

The second reason it lands well is the food stays connected to the activity. Instead of a generic meal at a restaurant after the fishing is over, you eat squid that comes from the same night’s work. That makes the whole experience feel practical and local.

From hotel pickup to a boat ride at night: your flow of the evening

The tour starts at 5 PM, with pickup offered from your hotel. That timing matters. Late-day pickup gives you time to get settled, then you head out as evening approaches—exactly when night fishing becomes the point.

Once you reach Nhon Ly, you board the boat and set off toward the fishing grounds (again, weather dependent). The tour runs about 5 hours 30 minutes, so plan on a full evening even though it’s not a whole-night commitment.

Onboard, the vibe is part working night shift, part relaxed group activity. You’ll be guided step by step for squid catching, so don’t worry if you’ve never done this. This isn’t a test of skill before you arrive. It’s more like being given a job title—fisherman for the night—and then being taught how to do it.

One practical consideration: because you’re on the water, you should have moderate physical fitness. That doesn’t mean you need to be an athlete, but it does mean you’ll likely be standing, moving around the boat, and focusing on your technique while the boat is in motion.

The squid-catching lesson: gear included, English help included

Squid Fishing Tour at Nhon Ly, Vietnam - The squid-catching lesson: gear included, English help included
Here’s where this tour earns its value. You don’t have to hunt down a tour-specific fishing kit or rent equipment at the last minute. The experience supplies the essentials: fishing lines, rods, reels, and bait (bait is free).

The guide—again, Tri comes up in the experience accounts—shows you how to use the gear and teaches the most effective squid-catching techniques. That “how” matters more than you’d think. Squid fishing is not like throwing a line in and hoping. You need to understand how the bait is presented, how you handle the rod and reel, and what to do once you feel a bite.

If you’re a first-timer, the best thing you can do is pay attention early. Get comfortable with the basic motions before you expect yourself to perform. Once you start getting the pattern, the whole thing turns from confusing into straightforward.

Also, the group size is capped at 30 travelers, which helps. On larger tours, instructions can get rushed. Here, you’re more likely to get real help while you’re figuring things out.

The boat meal: why eating squid onboard changes the whole tone

Squid Fishing Tour at Nhon Ly, Vietnam - The boat meal: why eating squid onboard changes the whole tone
The highlight for a lot of people is not only the fishing—it’s what happens right after. Once you catch some squid, you can enjoy a freshly prepared squid dish cooked on the boat by talented chefs who know how to bring out the best flavor of the squid.

That’s a big deal for two reasons.

First, timing. You’re eating something fresh while the night is still happening. That makes the dish feel earned, not simply purchased after the fact.

Second, simplicity. This isn’t a buffet with ten options where the local element gets lost. It’s a single food focus: the squid you caught. That keeps the experience anchored to the purpose of the trip.

If you’re the type who likes “experiences with an outcome,” this part is for you. You don’t just learn a skill—you end up with dinner.

Weather can’t be ignored: what happens if waves get rough

Squid Fishing Tour at Nhon Ly, Vietnam - Weather can’t be ignored: what happens if waves get rough
Reality check: this is weather-dependent. If conditions are poor, the tour may be canceled. In that case, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That policy isn’t just fine print; it’s essential for a sea activity like this.

But there’s also a more human detail from real-world experience: when weather didn’t cooperate and waves were too rough to go out fishing, Tri asked if it was okay to modify the plan to a more inland experience. The group agreed, and the trip turned into one of the best times of their lives.

So when you book, think of this tour as flexible entertainment with a fishing goal. You’re going for a night out with a local guide, equipment, and food. Fishing is the main event, but the experience is built to survive a change in conditions.

My advice: keep your schedule open if you can, and don’t plan this tour as your only non-refundable evening in Quy Nhon.

Price and value: what $58.96 really covers

Squid Fishing Tour at Nhon Ly, Vietnam - Price and value: what $58.96 really covers
At $58.96 per person, this is not a “cheap add-on” tour. But it also isn’t overpriced for what’s included, because the experience packages several things together:

  • Pickup offered from your hotel
  • English-speaking guide to teach technique
  • Fishing gear and free bait
  • A boat outing (weather permitting)
  • A freshly prepared squid dish after catching squid

When you price out those pieces separately, the value looks more sensible. The gear and bait alone can cost extra on many activities, and guided instruction is usually part of what you pay for with local tours.

Also, group discounts may apply, which can make the per-person cost even better if you’re traveling with friends or family.

One more value point: small-group size (up to 30) plus teaching time. You’re not just handed a ticket and left on your own.

If you like experiences where you leave with a story that includes food, this fits the bill. If you’re only interested in passive sightseeing, you might find it a bit more work than you expected.

Who this squid fishing tour is best for (and who should skip it)

Squid Fishing Tour at Nhon Ly, Vietnam - Who this squid fishing tour is best for (and who should skip it)
This tour makes the most sense for you if you want:

  • a hands-on night activity in Quy Nhon
  • an experience that mixes fishing with a local food payoff
  • a guide-led lesson with English support

It’s also great for couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers who like learning something tangible. The cap of 30 travelers helps keep it social without becoming chaotic.

You may want to think twice if:

  • you’re not comfortable being on a boat during choppy conditions
  • you prefer dry, fully controlled activities (since weather plays a role)
  • you’re expecting a sightseeing-focused itinerary

The fitness requirement is listed as moderate, so if you have mobility issues, consider whether you’ll be able to stand and move around onboard comfortably.

Timing details that help you plan smoothly

Squid Fishing Tour at Nhon Ly, Vietnam - Timing details that help you plan smoothly
This tour runs about 5 hours 30 minutes, starting with a 5 PM hotel pickup and then moving to Nhon Ly for boarding. Because it’s an evening activity, you’ll likely want to plan an easy meal earlier in the day, then treat this squid meal as your main dinner.

Also, it’s commonly booked a few days ahead (on average about 5 days). If you’re traveling during peak times, I’d book sooner rather than later so you can lock in your preferred date.

Should you book the Nhon Ly squid fishing tour?

If you want a Quy Nhon experience that feels real—like you’re doing something rather than just looking at it—this is a strong yes. The combination of gear included, an English-speaking guide (Tri), and a fresh squid meal cooked on the boat is a rare triple win. Even better, the experience can adapt when the sea doesn’t cooperate, so you’re not guaranteed to lose the entire night.

Book it if you’re curious, comfortable trying new things, and you’re okay with weather being part of the deal. If that sounds like your travel style, you’ll probably walk away with a great story and a dinner you didn’t just order—you earned it.

FAQ

What time does the squid fishing tour start?

The tour begins at 5 PM with pickup from your hotel.

Where does the tour take place?

It takes place in Nhon Ly, in the Quy Nhon area.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 5 hours 30 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Do I need to bring fishing equipment?

No. The tour provides fishing lines, rods, and reels, and bait is included (free).

Does the guide speak English?

Yes. The local guide speaks fluent English and teaches you squid-catching techniques.

Is there a limit on group size?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 30 travelers.

Is the tour physically demanding?

The tour requires a moderate physical fitness level.

What happens if weather makes sea fishing difficult?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. In at least one case, the guide asked to modify the plan to a more inland experience when waves were too rough.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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