Scuba diving in Cambodia – Everything you need to know

Cambodia is the perfect amalgamation of modern and ancient elements that put you through an adventure that you cannot experience anywhere else in the world. This old town charm is not just about historical monuments and lush green fields. It is also one of the best places to explore marine life as you find your way around these pristine oceans.

Why you should consider Scuba diving in Cambodia?

1. The water condition is considered ideal for long hours of underwater exploration given the temperature of the water varies from 27-31 degree celsius during the dry months (November-May)
2. Most of the diving sites are comparatively shallow which makes it comfortable for beginners. These sites are generally just about 48 ft deep.
3. Visibility during the dry months can go up to 131 ft
4. The currents are generally gentle during clear days which makes it an easy spot to learn diving
5. There are so many options. The coastline has over 30 dive centers to choose from.

Here’s a list of the top spots for Scuba diving in Cambodia

• Koh Pring
• Condor Reef
• Koh Tang
• Koh Rong Samloem
• Koh Rong
• Koh Tas
• Koh Sdach Archipelago
• Koh Kong
• Koh Ta Kiev
• Shark Island

Koh Pring

The best part about scuba diving in Koh Pring is its location. This diving spot is tucked away in a remote island 64 km away from Sihanoukville. You can either dive to see sharks in winter or just enjoy the good old scuba diving experience on any one of its beaches. It’s a perfect escapade from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.

How to get there: You can take a speedboat from Sihanoukville which will get you to the island in about 1.5 hours

Average cost: It would cost about INR 7200 per dive per Adult

Condor Reef

Many travellers claim that Condor Reef is the best spot for Scuba diving in Cambodia. Thanks to its breathtakingly beautiful natural shore reefs and diverse marine life. One of the main reasons why it’s such a popular dive site is because of the shipwrecks. You might just come across reef sharks and reef whales while you’re underwater.

How to get there: Hop onto a boat that takes you to King Island from the mainland

Average cost: It costs about INR 8800 per dive per Adult

Koh Tang

This is a great spot to discover marine life because the water here is extremely clear. Many advanced divers like to dive here as well because of the visibility. You can spot a variety of crustaceans and even Triggerfish while you’re here.

How to get there: You can take any high-speed ferry that leaves to Koh Tang from Sihanoukville. It would take about 2 hours to get here

Average cost: It would cost around INR 5000 per dive per Adult

Koh Rong Samloem

A visit to this beautiful island is a perfect getaway from the city life. The location is extremely convenient which makes it a great day trip from Sihanoukville. There are plenty of dive spots to choose from based on what kind of species you would want to discover. There is also the famous victoria’s secret garden for the diving enthusiasts while anyone can attend a diving class at Nudibranch heaven.

How to get there: Get on a ferry that leaves Sihanoukville and it would take approximately 45 mins one way

Approximate cost: One dive could cost about INR 4800 per Adult making this one of the most economical diving spots in the country

Koh Rong

This is a paradise for both beginners and advanced divers. The diversity in marine life here is mind blowing. The diving spots are conveniently shallow and deep based on the kind of dive you pick. The boulders and mesmerising landscape call for the perfect backdrop for your vacation photos.

How to get there: Take a ferry that leaves Sihanoukville that would take about 45 mins to get here or you can also book a private Yacht to get to Koh Rong either from Kong Rong Samloen or from the mainland

Average cost: The cost per dive for an adult could be anywhere around INR 5000

Koh Tas

This underdeveloped island is home to one of the most beautiful reefs which makes it all the more an interesting scuba diving experience in Cambodia. It’s a tiny island that you can find your way around in just about 2 hours. It’s the perfect place to spot large snappers and anemones. You can also choose to go snorkelling while you’re here.

How to get there: Board a yacht that leaves from Samloem or Koh Rong and passes the eighter

Average cost: It would cost about INR 5500 per adult per dive

Koh Sdach Archipelago

This undiscovered group of 12 islands is what scuba diving dreams are made of. If that’s a thing, but you get the point. The visibility is unbeatable and you will come across species of fishes that you have never seen before. Given this place is tucked away, it’s a perfect spot for anyone who’s looking to get away from the crowds and just want to do scuba diving in Cambodia in peace.

How to get there: Once you reach Koh Kong, the dive sites are accessible by road

Average cost: One dive for an adult would cost somewhere around INR 6200

Koh Kong

If you’re all about the vibrant marine life, this is probably where you need to be. With colourful corals surrounded by parrotfish, this is a dreamy place to go scuba diving in Cambodia. Although the size of these diving sites are small, the diversity in marine life is unbeatable.

How to get there: Hop on to a bus from Phom Penh and it would take about 6 hours to get there

Average cost: It would cost about INR 6500 per adult per dive

Koh Ta Kiev

This hidden gem is all about exploring fascinating marine life while being surrounded by lush green forests. This tiny island has a very few residents and untouched beaches that are a treat to just lay around and relax.

How to get there: Hop on to a long tail boat from Otres

Average cost: The cost per adult for a dive would be around INR 6500

Shark Island

If you love sharks, this is your place to be and if you don’t love sharks, you will start loving them after your visit to Shark Island. This super cool island is not only home to the most fascinating variety of sharks such as the blacktip reef sharks or the bull sharks but also some unique sea birds.

How to get there: Can be reached via a watercraft that you can board from Sihanoukville.

Average cost: The cost per dive for an adult would cost somewhere around INR 3500

A few tips:

• Schedule your dive at least 24 hours before or after your flight. You will not be allowed to dive otherwise.
• Have a light meal before you go scuba diving
• Listen to the instructions very carefully
• Pick the right kind of dive. You can also pick one where the instructor will accompany you.
• Stay hydrated especially right after the dive
• Do not forget to put on some sunscreen. The tropical weather might just give you sunburns
• The best time to scuba dive would be during the dry months which is from November- May
• Scuba diving is weather dependent, check with the operators before you leave your room especially if you are traveling during monsoon

Whether you are an adventure junkie or not, you will thoroughly enjoy Scuba diving in Cambodia at these spots. The visibility and the variety offered in Cambodia are endless and the marine life is absolutely stunning. Scuba diving is one of the most relaxing adventure activities you can do. Being able to do this in a pristine environment is what makes it so special.

Head over to Pickyoutrail.com and pick your favourite Cambodia travel packages or feel free to create your own. You can also speak to their in-house destination experts and get a personalised itinerary made. Pack and get ready to explore the wonders of the sea while Pickyourtrail takes care of the rest.