Everything you need to know about Sea Lion Luxury Cruise on Halong Bay — from pricing and booking to onboard facilities and activities.

Booking & Pricing

How much does Sea Lion Cruise cost?

$49/person (self-transfer to marina), $58 (Hanoi shuttle bus included), or $64 (Hanoi limousine bus included). All packages include the same 6-hour cruise with buffet, Jacuzzi, activities, and sunset party.

How do I book Sea Lion Cruise?

WhatsApp +84 981 886 155 (fastest), email [email protected], or phone +84 981 886 155. Booking confirmation is sent within 1–4 hours.

How far in advance should I book?

Peak season (Oct–Dec): 3–5 days. Summer (May–Aug): 1–2 days. Same-day booking possible when availability allows.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation 24+ hours before departure. Within 24 hours: full charge. Weather cancellations (typhoons, sailing bans): full refund or free rescheduling.

Are there group discounts?

Groups of 10+ receive group pricing. Groups of 3+ with shuttle package get a free one-way airport transfer worth $25–$35. Contact for volume rates on 20+ guests.

The Cruise Experience

What’s included in the ticket?

Seafood buffet lunch (30+ dishes), Jacuzzi pool access, Ti Top Island visit, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave kayaking, sunset cocktail party, welcome drink, beach towels, waterproof phone bag, English-speaking guide.

What time does the cruise depart and return?

Departs Sun World Marina at 12:00 noon, returns 6:00 PM. From Hanoi: pickup 7:30 AM, return 9:00–9:30 PM.

How long is the cruise?

6 hours on the water (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM). Total from Hanoi including transfers: approximately 14 hours.

Is the Jacuzzi pool really heated?

Yes — maintained at 36–38°C year-round. The pool is on the rooftop deck with 270° views of Halong Bay’s karsts. Fits 8–10 guests comfortably. Access included in all tickets.

What happens if it rains?

Sea Lion operates in light rain — the restaurant and Jacuzzi are covered. Only government-issued typhoon warnings or sailing bans cause cancellation (2–3 days per year). Full refund or rescheduling provided.

Children & Families

What’s the children’s pricing?

Ages 0–4: FREE (1 free child per 2 adults, shared seat). Ages 5–8: 75% of adult fare. Ages 9+: full adult price. Age calculated by birth year.

Is Sea Lion safe for children?

Yes. Ti Top beach has calm, roped-off swimming. Kayaking uses calm water with mandatory life jackets. The Jacuzzi is 1.2m deep. Life jackets available in all sizes.

Food & Dietary

What’s on the buffet menu?

30+ dishes: fresh prawns, grilled squid, Vietnamese pho, spring rolls, grill station, pasta, salads, tropical fruit, desserts. See our full menu guide.

Are vegetarian/vegan/halal options available?

Vegetarian: always available (3–4 dishes). Vegan: 24-hour notice required. Halal: 48-hour notice. Allergies: notify at booking.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

No. Outside food/drinks not permitted. Buffet lunch and welcome drink are included. Additional drinks from the onboard bar: beers $3–$5, cocktails $6–$10.

Transport & Logistics

How do I get from Hanoi to Sea Lion Cruise?

Shuttle bus ($58 package) or limousine ($64 package) from Old Quarter at 7:30 AM. Or self-transfer ($49 package) — drive or taxi to Sun World Marina, arrive by 11:30 AM. See our transport guide.

Where does Sea Lion depart from?

Sun World Marina, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province — approximately 160 km east of Hanoi (2.5 hours by expressway).

What should I bring?

Swimwear (wear under clothes), sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes for cave steps, camera/phone. Sea Lion provides: towels, waterproof phone bags, life jackets. See our insider tips.

Can I use a drone on the cruise?

No. Drone flying is prohibited in Halong Bay (regulated airspace). Leave drones at your hotel.