Halong Bay 1/2 day cruise questions

[Charlie Chan]

I have read through the many threads on this topic really thoroughly, but still have a couple of questions. Thanks to the many people who have already provided great advice.

 

We are on the Volendam in December, and arrive in Halong Bay at 10.00am, and leave at 11.00pm. We want to take a 4 hour cruise around the Bay, preferably from 1.00pm to 5.00pm. We don't want lunch included - one of the group has a severe sea food allergy and we can't risk any cross contamination.

 

All of the links I have followed for 1/2 day tours seem to include transfers from/to Hanoi and lunch. Can anyone recommend a local company that will take 1/2 day tours in the afternoon? We would prefer to book something - we are worried that it may be difficult to arrange it on the spot because of our arrival time. We don't have to opportunity to book it with touts the day before, as has been suggested.

 

I don't know how the tendering process works here. It appears that there are considerable port fees that have to be paid. Would a tour pick us up in a restricted area, or are we able to meet up with a tour guide outside the 'port' area?

 

Any advice greatly appreciated.

 

CC