While cruising showcases the bay's beauty, Cat Ba Island itself offers several accessible beaches for swimming and sunbathing. The most famous are the trio of Cat Co Beaches (1, 2, and 3), located near Cat Ba Town and connected by a scenic cliffside walkway. Cat Co 1 and 2 are generally calmer, while Cat Co 3 can have stronger waves.

Other options include Tung Thu Beach, known for being quieter and closer to town, or taking a short boat trip to beaches on nearby islands like Monkey Island (Cat Dua Beach). Exploring the best beaches Cat Ba Island provides a classic seaside experience.