10 Best Diving & Snorkeling Spots in Cambodia
Cambodia's underwater world is Southeast Asia's last frontier. While not yet rivaling Thailand or the Philippines, the waters around Koh Rong archipelago offer excellent visibility, diverse marine life, and the thrill of diving sites that few others have explored.
What are the best diving snorkeling in Cambodia?
Koh Rong Sanloem has the best snorkeling (clear water, coral gardens). Koh Kon (near Koh Rong) offers the best diving with seahorses and nudibranch. A PADI Open Water course costs $350–$450.
Koh Kon & Koh Bong
Twin islands with Cambodia's best dive sites. Hard and soft corals, seahorses, nudibranchs, and excellent visibility (15–25m) in protected waters.
💡 Insider Tip: Book with Dive Shop Koh Rong or Scuba Nation. Best visibility Dec–Apr.
Lazy Beach Reef
A house reef directly off Lazy Beach with excellent snorkeling — no boat needed. Clownfish, pufferfish, and healthy hard corals in crystal-clear water.
💡 Insider Tip: Snorkel at high tide for best access. Bring your own gear or rent from the resort ($5/day).
Saracen Bay Reef
Easy snorkeling from the beach with a variety of reef fish, sea stars, and occasional sea turtles. Calm, clear water ideal for beginners.
💡 Insider Tip: The reef starts 50m from shore on the east end. Morning has the calmest water.
Koh Sdach Archipelago
Remote diving around fishing islands with untouched coral gardens. Virtually no other divers — you'll likely have every site to yourself.
💡 Insider Tip: Only one dive operator services this area. Book well in advance. Accommodation is basic.
The Japanese Wreck
A WWII-era Japanese patrol boat resting at 20m depth. Covered in soft corals and home to large groupers and barracuda schools.
💡 Insider Tip: Advanced Open Water certification required. Best visibility in dry season.
Police Beach Reef
A pristine reef off a military-controlled beach on Koh Rong's north side. Excellent hard coral coverage and diverse fish life.
💡 Insider Tip: Only accessible by boat dive. Ask about current access — military permissions vary.
Long Set Bay Snorkeling
The main bay offers easy snorkeling with good coral patches near the rocky headlands on each end of the beach.
💡 Insider Tip: Swim to the rocky points at either end for the best coral and fish life.
Koh Tang & Koh Prins
Remote islands 30km from Koh Rong with pristine diving. Historical significance as the site of the 1975 Mayaguez Incident. Advanced divers only.
💡 Insider Tip: Long boat ride required. Only a few operators go here. Best for experienced divers.
Koh Ta Kiev Reef
Decent snorkeling around this off-grid island. The east side has healthy coral patches and good fish diversity.
💡 Insider Tip: Bring your own snorkel gear — the island has no rental facilities.
Song Saa Private Island
A luxury resort with its own marine conservation area. Guided snorkeling in protected waters with regenerated coral and abundant marine life.
💡 Insider Tip: Non-guests can sometimes arrange snorkeling tours. Contact the resort directly.
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