Joining island-hopping tours, taking high-speed speedboats to Hon Mun or Hon Tam (Nha Trang), or renting glass-bottom boats to admire coral reefs in Vinh Hy Bay are among the most rewarding and energizing experiences in the expanded Khanh Hoa Travel Handbook. However, the space on a tourist boat or high-speed speedboat is a unique communal environment that demands exceptionally strict technical safety standards. Equipping yourself with essential knowledge and civilized etiquette when traveling by boat not only helps safeguard your personal well-being but also demonstrates respect for those working diligently to ensure your trip is safe.
Show absolute respect for the boat captain and crew
Captains (helmsmen) and crew members understand the local sea currents, wind directions, and maritime conditions better than anyone else. They bear the highest responsibility for the safety of every passenger on board. Therefore, the cardinal rule is to always listen attentively and adhere strictly to all safety instructions provided by the crew.
Upon boarding, quickly move to your assigned seating area to help balance the vessel's load. Never stand up, walk around, jump across seats, or climb onto the bow or gunwales to take photos while the speedboat is cruising at high speed. These reckless behaviors can easily lead to accidental falls overboard when the vessel suddenly hits unexpected swells or wake.
Practice good etiquette in shared spaces on the water
A tourist boat typically accommodates multiple different groups of passengers. Maintain cleanliness and a peaceful communal atmosphere: refrain from talking loudly or playing music at high volumes through personal speakers, which can drown out safety announcements from tour guides. Always wear your life jacket properly (fastening all buckles securely) throughout the sea journey, and do not remove it without permission from the captain, regardless of how strong a swimmer you are.
If you are prone to seasickness, proactively take motion sickness medication at least 30 minutes before boarding, choose a seat near the stern—where there is less motion compared to the bow—and keep your gaze focused straight ahead toward the distant horizon. If you feel nauseous, discreetly use a plastic bag prepared in advance or ask the crew for assistance; under no circumstances should you vomit directly into the bilge or toward the upwind side of the boat, which can severely affect surrounding passengers.
Quick checklist:
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Always listen attentively and strictly follow all safety instructions from the boat captain and crew.
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Wear your life jacket correctly and stay seated throughout the duration of the boat ride at sea.
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Never climb onto the boat's gunwales or bow to film or take photos while the vessel is in motion.
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Maintain public hygiene, pack all personal trash into bags, and do not discard any items directly into the ocean.
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Proactively take seasickness medicine 30 minutes before departure and choose a seat in the rear rows of the boat.
