Koh Rong Diving & Snorkeling Guide
Warm water, affordable PADI courses, and uncrowded reefs—Koh Rong is one of Southeast Asia's best-value diving destinations with coral gardens, a Japanese wreck, and the occasional whale shark.
Overview
Koh Rong sits in the Gulf of Thailand surrounded by coral reefs, underwater pinnacles, and a WWII wreck. The diving here won't rival the Maldives, but it delivers something increasingly rare: uncrowded sites, personal attention from dive masters, and prices that make PADI certification genuinely accessible.
For snorkelers, the island's clear, shallow waters along the western beaches offer easy access to coral and tropical fish without needing a boat. Some of the best snorkeling is literally steps from shore.
Best Dive Sites
| Site | Depth | Level | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Kon | 5–18m | Beginner-Intermediate | Coral gardens, schools of barracuda, and occasional seahorses. Best visibility site. |
| Koh Rong Samloem Reef | 8–22m | Intermediate | Large table corals, lionfish, moray eels, and nudibranch. The most biodiverse local site. |
| Japanese Wreck | 15–25m | Advanced | WWII-era wreck colonized by soft corals. Resident barracuda school and occasional whale shark sightings. |
| Three Kings Rock | 10–30m | Intermediate-Advanced | Underwater pinnacles with strong currents bringing pelagic visitors. Best for experienced divers. |
| The Garden | 5–12m | Beginner | Shallow reef with hard corals, clownfish, and pufferfish. Perfect for new divers and snorkelers. |
Snorkeling Spots
You don't need a boat or dive gear to see Koh Rong's marine life. The best shore-accessible snorkeling spots:
- Long Set Beach (north end): Rocky outcrops with coral, clownfish, and parrotfish. Walk in from shore—no boat needed
- Coconut Beach: Calm, sheltered bay with shallow reef. Best for beginners and families
- Koh Rong Sanloem (day trip): The best snorkeling in the archipelago. Clear water with 10–15m visibility near Saracen Bay
Snorkeling Gear
Bring your own mask and snorkel if possible—rental quality varies. Dive shops rent good-quality sets for $5–8/day. Fins cost an extra $3–5. Rash guards are recommended for sun protection over long sessions.
Dive Shops
Dive Shop Cambodia
PADI 5-Star center. Best equipment and most experienced instructors on the island.
Koh TouchScuba Nation
Budget-friendly PADI courses. Good for Open Water certification.
Koh TouchKoh Rong Dive Center
Small, personal operation with local dive masters who know every site intimately.
Long Set BeachPADI Courses
Koh Rong is an excellent place to get certified. Small class sizes (2–4 students), warm water, and low prices make it attractive for beginners:
| Course | Duration | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discover Scuba | Half day | $80–100 | Pool session + 1 ocean dive |
| Open Water | 3–4 days | $350–450 | Certification, 4 dives, all equipment |
| Advanced Open Water | 2 days | $300–400 | 5 adventure dives including night dive |
| Fun Dives | Half day | $35–50/dive | Equipment, boat, guide. Discounts for 3+ |
Conditions & Seasons
- Best season: October–May. Calm seas, 10–20m visibility, water temp 28–31°C
- Peak visibility: February–April. Crystal-clear water with 15–20m vis
- Wet season (Jun–Sep): Rougher seas, 3–8m visibility. Diving possible on calm days but less reliable. Ferries may be cancelled
- Water temperature: 28–31°C year-round. 3mm shorty wetsuit or rash guard is sufficient
- Currents: Generally mild. Three Kings Rock and outer sites can have moderate currents—dive shops assess daily
Marine Life
Koh Rong's waters support a healthy ecosystem despite increasing tourism pressure:
- Common: Clownfish, parrotfish, triggerfish, moray eels, barracuda, lionfish, pufferfish, nudibranch
- Regular: Sea turtles (hawksbill and green), bamboo sharks, cuttlefish, seahorses
- Rare: Whale sharks (Jan–Apr), manta rays, eagle rays
- Night diving: Bioluminescent plankton, hunting lionfish, octopus, and sleeping parrotfish
Prices
🤿 Diving
- Fun dive: $35–50
- 2-dive package: $65–90
- Night dive: $50–65
- Equipment rental: included
🏊 Snorkeling
- Boat trip (half day): $15–25
- Full day with lunch: $25–35
- Gear rental: $5–8/day
- Shore snorkeling: free
Frequently Asked Questions
You Might Also Like
Get Cambodia Travel Updates
Visa changes, travel tips, and destination guides delivered to your inbox.
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.