Located to the east of Côn Sơn Island, Bay Canh Island covers 683 hectares and is one of the most pristine destinations in the entire archipelago. The island consists of two landmasses connected by a natural sandbar known as Bãi Cát Lớn, surrounded by turquoise waters and lush tropical forest.
A Haven of Island Biodiversity
The entire island is blanketed by tropical maritime rainforest, home to a remarkable array of rare and endemic wildlife such as the Côn Đảo black squirrel, the long-tailed macaque, monitor lizards, pythons, and several species of seabirds.
At Bờ Đập Beach lies a 5.1-hectare primary mangrove forest, uniquely formed on a substrate of sand and dead coral. Despite its modest size, this mangrove ecosystem plays a crucial role in connecting the island’s ecological systems—tropical rainforest, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and coastal wetlands.
Bay Canh’s surrounding marine zone is designated as a strictly protected ecological area, owing to its extraordinary biodiversity:
- Vibrant coral reefs
- Giant clams, sea snails, sea cucumbers
- Reef fish of all shapes and colors
- Seagrass meadows
- Sea turtles and marine algae
This is one of the most important conservation sites within Côn Đảo National Park.
Vietnam’s Largest Sea Turtle Nesting Ground
Bãi Cát Lớn on Bay Canh Island is one of 14 turtle-nesting beaches in Côn Đảo—and the busiest of them all.
During the nesting season (April to September), visitors may witness:
- 1–2 mother turtles nesting on a quiet night
- 20–30 mother turtles nesting during peak nights
Hundreds of hatchlings are released back to the ocean each season, contributing to the long-term conservation of the endangered green sea turtle.
The Historic Bay Canh Lighthouse
Perched on the island’s northeastern cliffs is the Bay Canh Lighthouse, built by the French in 1884. The lighthouse remains operational today, guiding vessels through the surrounding maritime routes.
Visitors can follow a forested trail up the mountain to reach the lighthouse—where sweeping views of the sky and the vast Côn Đảo sea await.
Recommended Ecotour Itinerary
Bay Canh Island is part of an organized marine ecotourism route operated by Côn Đảo National Park’s Visitor Center. Activities include:
- Swimming and snorkeling over coral reefs
- Exploring the primary mangrove forest
- Wildlife observation and scenic viewing
- Learning about marine and forest conservation
- Watching sea turtles nest (seasonal, at night)
- Observing “tank crabs” foraging in mangroves (night activity)
- Releasing baby turtles back into the sea
- Hiking to the lighthouse viewpoint
Tour requirements:
- Suitable clothing for forest and marine activities
- Life jackets and snorkel masks (available for rent at the Visitor Center)
- Mandatory accompaniment by a national park guide or licensed community guide
Duration: 4–6 hours or overnight
Carrying capacity: Up to 48 guests during daytime; 20–25 guests at night
