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Cambodia is well-known not only for the mystery Angkor complex but also for its beautiful diving areas, which attract ocean exploration fans. Koh Ta Kiew and Koh Rong Samloem offer spectacular coral reefs and diverse marine habitats. Koh Tang and Koh Prins islands are suitable for anyone looking for deep diving adventures with the life of fish and swimming alongside the ocean’s gentle giants, the whale sharks.
Cambodia offers the best conditions for anyone who loves diving or snorkeling from beginner to professional. Here are the top five diving spots in Cambodia you shouldn’t miss this summer!
The climate of Sihanoukville in Cambodia is a distinctly tropical monsoon with two distinct seasons: dry and rainy. The region has hot and humid weather all year round, with an average temperature of roughly 30°C.
The weather in Cambodia is pleasant in the early months of the year (Source: Timbuktu)
You should come to Diving spots in Cambodia between November and April to have the finest experience possible. During this season, the weather is reasonably mild, with clear skies, bright sunshine, and minimal rain, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other beach activities. However, it is best to avoid visiting Cambodia from July to August, as this is the peak of the rainy season, which brings storms and potentially dangerous conditions.
One of the most popular diving spots in Cambodia, Koh Rong Samloem is well known for its stunning coral reefs. Visitors can marvel at amazing marine life and see schools of fish moving over glistening clean seas as they dive on this lovely island. Fascinating little stingrays, seahorses, and scorpionfish call the shallow seas around the island home.
Koh Rong Samloem boasts crystal-clear waters (Source: Booking)
Thanks to its great visibility, Koh Rong Samloem is also among the greatest spots in Cambodia to practice scuba diving. From Sihanoukville, the island is about forty minutes by speedboat or two hours by ordinary boat. While Cobia Point is a great place for advanced divers, some of the top dive spots are Lazy Beach & Sunset Beach for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Snorkeling to see coral reefs at Koh Rong Samloem Island (Source: Luhanh)
One of the very unusual experiences at Koh Rong Samloem is seeing colorful plankton glow at night. When the resorts turn off their lights, the sea illuminates with a stunning blue radiance, producing an extraordinary spectacle.
A trip to Cambodia wouldn’t be complete without visiting Koh Rong, a stunning and enchanting island known as a paradise for swimming and diving. While the island’s best dive spots are located a bit further offshore, the journey is well worth it. Here, you can admire breathtaking scenery and encounter rare marine species such as leopard sharks and blue-spotted stingrays.
Koh Rong is dubbed the paradise on earth of Cambodia (Source: Znews)
Koh Rong has the best conditions for beginners to professional divers. Just a small distance from Sihanoukville, the island offers shallow coral reefs perfect for beginners, as well as deeper dive sites and drift diving spots for experienced and advanced divers.
Koh Rong is famous for its crystal-clear beaches (Source: The News)
Besides diving, visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, including Jet Skiing. For these activities, you can head to Golden Bungalows or Monkey Island Resort. To reach Koh Rong, you can take a bus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, then a ferry to the island.
Read more: Sihanoukville Koh Rong Tour 3 Days: Exotic Island Excursion
Another must-see diving destination in Cambodia is Koh Ta Kiew, an immaculate island with a distinctive aquatic life. Ocean enthusiasts will find this island ideal, sometimes referred to as a diving paradise. One of its most enchanted evenings is when bioluminescent plankton light the seas, producing an enigmatic scene. One of the best diving spots in Cambodia, visitors may also swim along energetic schools of fish and explore amazing marine life in this unspoiled paradise.
The enchanting beach paradise of Koh Ta Kiew (Source: Expedia)
While camping is not allowed on the island, visitors can still rent hammocks or bungalows for an unforgettable night under the stars. With its unspoiled beauty, Koh Ta Kiew is a must-visit destination for those seeking tranquility and adventure.
Explore the fascinating underwater world (Source: Ivivu)
Important note: There is no internet, electricity, or running water on the island. However, this simplicity adds to its charm, making it a perfect escape for those craving an off-the-grid adventure.
Despite its remote setting, Koh Ta Kiew does offer seaside bars for visitors to unwind. For a unique experience, don’t miss a visit to the Syn Absinthe distillery, where you can taste high-quality spirits and even bring home a bottle as a souvenir.
When talking about top diving spots in Cambodia, Koh Tang is a must-visit destination. This island offers an incredible underwater world filled with diverse marine life and stunning turquoise waters. Koh Tang is famous for its rich biodiversity and is home to rare and exotic marine species.
Discover the marine creatures beneath the ocean in Koh Tang (Source: Viator)
With shallow waters, this island is an ideal spot for beginner divers. Even if you have no prior diving experience, you can still explore the vibrant underwater world with ease.
The island still retains its pristine beauty in Koh Tang (Source: Pelago)
If you're lucky, you'll get to see colorful fish and rare coral reefs listed in the Red Book. Besides diving, you can also relax by the beach, admire breathtaking sunsets, and sip on a refreshing drink.
Another remote treasure of Cambodia, Koh Prins consists of three islands: the main island Koh Prins, Naked Island, and Koh Moan (Chicken Island). The journey to Koh Prins takes approximately 5 to 6 hours from the mainland, but it is the perfect destination for those seeking seclusion and pristine diving spots in Cambodia.
The rarest experience among diving spots in Cambodia (Source: Tripadvisor)
The dive sites are filled with colorful corals, sea cucumbers, trumpetfish, and large solitary barracudas. From December to May, you might be lucky enough to spot the majestic whale shark as it migrates across the islands! You can book a trip to Koh Prins from dive shops in Koh Rong.
Discover a variety of marine creatures beneath the ocean in Koh Prins (Source: Luhanh)
Must-Visit Dive Sites in Koh Prins:
Another popular and highly regarded Diving Spot in Cambodia is the spectacular Condor Reef, which is known for its underwater scenery that ranges from rectangular rock formations to walls and domes. It is home to a wide variety of marine life, including turtles and reef sharks, with the occasional sighting of spectacular whale sharks cruising by.
Seeking treasure from old warship (Source: Holidify)
As one of the top diving Spots in Cambodia, Condor Reef contains several fascinating 350-year-old shipwrecks to investigate, including a Chinese warship. This site continues to attract treasure hunters from all over the world, drawn by the prospect of finding gold coins and porcelain relics. Some of these discoveries date back to 1660 and have been shown at the National Museum of Phnom Penh.
Diving in Cambodia is an exciting activity that every visitor should experience. The feeling of immersing yourself in the ocean and exploring vibrant marine life at diving spots in Cambodia is truly unforgettable. Don't miss the chance to discover the hidden underwater treasures of this beautiful country!
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