Haikou Volcanic Caves

Holiday Beach Artificial Reef

Haikou food culture reflects its status as Hainan’s capital with influences from across the island and mainland China. The famous Qilou Old Street is lined with traditional Hainanese coffee shops, noodle houses, and snack stalls serving local specialties. Hainanese chicken rice originated in this region, and numerous restaurants serve their own interpretations. Seafood is prominent with daily catches from the north coast fisheries, prepared in Cantonese and Hainanese styles. The night food markets offer an incredible variety of grilled seafood, tropical fruits, and regional desserts. Local coffee culture is surprisingly strong, with traditional Hainanese coffee brewed with condensed milk being a must-try experience.

Haikou Mission Hills Resort

Holiday Beach Hotel

Haikou Old Town Boutique Hotel

Dongzhai Mangrove Lodge

Haikou and Hainan’s north coast offer a distinctly different diving experience from the tropical south, with volcanic geological formations, artificial reef projects, and a fascinating mix of cultural heritage and marine conservation. The volcanic coastline around Haikou features unique basalt formations that create underwater caves, ledges, and channels colonized by colorful soft corals and sponges. The Holiday Beach area provides accessible shore diving with artificial reefs attracting diverse marine life including octopus, cuttlefish, and schooling reef fish. Further east, the Dongzhai Harbor Mangrove Reserve offers a rare opportunity to dive in mangrove ecosystems where freshwater meets saltwater, creating unique biodiversity hotspots. The north coast’s artificial reef program, one of China’s most extensive, has created thriving underwater habitats around sunken concrete structures and decommissioned fishing vessels. Water temperatures are slightly cooler than Sanya, and visibility can be affected by seasonal plankton blooms, but the unique volcanic geology, mangrove ecosystems, and proximity to Haikou’s excellent cultural attractions make this region a rewarding addition to any Hainan diving itinerary. The region also serves as the main gateway to Hainan with Haikou Meilan International Airport.

Hainan – Haikou & North Coast

Optimal diving with warm water, excellent visibility, and calm seas.

Cooler winter months or typhoon-prone summer period with reduced visibility.

Good conditions with slightly cooler water and fewer crowds.

Explore the historic arcade-style colonial architecture and street food

Haikou Qilou Old Street walking tour

Tour the dormant volcanic craters and geological museum near Haikou

Volcanic Crater Park visit

Walk the elevated boardwalks through pristine mangrove forest ecosystems

Dongzhai Mangrove Reserve boardwalk

Enjoy Haikou most popular beach with swimming and basic snorkeling

Holiday Beach sunset swimming and snorkeling

Discover Hainan history, Li and Miao ethnic minority culture exhibits

Hainan Provincial Museum cultural visit

Scenic coastal walk with ocean views, fishing villages, and local food stalls

Baishamen Park coastal hike

Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) is the main gateway with extensive domestic connections and some international routes. Haikou is well-connected by high-speed rail to Sanya (1.5 hours) and other Hainan cities. Local dive sites are accessible by car or taxi from the city center within 20-40 minutes.

Dive Sites in Hainan – Haikou & North Coast

Haikou Volcanic Caves

Holiday Beach Artificial Reef