Overview
Cambodia's southern coast offers surprisingly good snorkeling, with coral reefs surrounding the islands in the Gulf of Thailand. While not as famous as neighboring Thailand's dive sites, Cambodia's reefs are less crowded and increasingly protected, offering an intimate underwater experience.
The best snorkeling is found around the Koh Rong archipelago, particularly Koh Rong Sanloem and the more remote Koh Tang. Waters warm year-round (26-30°C) make snorkeling comfortable without a wetsuit.
$20-45
Per trip (with tour)
Half or Full Day
Typical tour duration
Nov - May
Best season
Best Snorkeling Spots
From easily accessible beach entries to boat-only remote reefs, Cambodia offers diverse snorkeling experiences for all skill levels.
| Location | Visibility | Highlights | Difficulty | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Rong Sanloem | Excellent (15-25m) | Coral gardens, tropical fish, clear water | Easy | |
| Koh Tang | Very Good (10-20m) | Pristine reefs, larger fish, less crowded | Moderate | |
| Koh Rong (Long Beach) | Good (8-15m) | Easy access, coral formations | Easy | |
| Koh Ta Kiev | Good (10-15m) | Rocky outcrops, diverse fish | Easy | |
| Koh Thmei | Very Good (10-20m) | Untouched reefs, mangroves nearby | Easy to Moderate |
Hidden Gem: Koh Tang
Marine Life to See
Cambodia's reefs host a diverse array of tropical marine life. Here's what you can expect to encounter during your underwater adventures.
| Species | Commonality | Best Spot |
|---|---|---|
| Clownfish | Very Common | All islands |
| Parrotfish | Very Common | Koh Rong Sanloem |
| Butterflyfish | Common | Coral areas |
| Angelfish | Common | Koh Tang |
| Sea Urchins | Very Common | Rocky areas |
| Moray Eels | Occasional | Koh Tang |
| Seahorses | Rare | Seagrass beds |
| Sea Turtles | Occasional | Koh Rong Sanloem |
Reef Conservation
Tours & Operators
Joining an organized tour is the easiest way to experience Cambodia's best snorkeling spots, especially for reaching boat-access-only locations.
| Operator | Location | Tours | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dive Shop Cambodia | Koh Rong | Half-day, full-day snorkeling | From $25 | Equipment, lunch, guide |
| Scuba Nation | Sihanoukville | Island hopping snorkel trips | From $35 | Boat, equipment, BBQ lunch |
| The Dive Shop | Koh Rong Sanloem | Reef tours, night snorkeling | From $20 | Equipment, guide |
| Eco-Sea Dive | Sihanoukville | Eco-friendly snorkel tours | From $40 | All equipment, conservation talk |
What to Bring
Essential Items
- • Reef-safe sunscreen (required)
- • Rash guard or swim shirt
- • Waterproof camera or phone case
- • Towel and dry bag
- • Water and snacks
- • Motion sickness pills (if needed)
Optional but Recommended
- • Own mask and snorkel
- • Underwater flashlight
- • Reef-safe insect repellent
- • Hat and sunglasses
- • Cash for tips and purchases
- • Aqua shoes for rocky entries
Frequently Asked Questions
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