Quick Answer
The best diving sites in Cambodia are Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem, and the reefs around Sihanoukville, where you can find coral formations, wrecks, and diverse marine life. Recommended PADI centers include Dive Cambodia in Koh Rong and Blue Marlin Dive in Sihanoukville, offering Open Water courses for around $40-50 when booked directly with local shops.
Best for
Budget-friendly certification courses and calm, warm waters suitable for beginner to intermediate divers.
Main advantage
Affordable PADI courses combined with relatively uncrowded dive sites compared to other Southeast Asian countries.
Main tradeoff
Limited marine biodiversity and visibility can be lower during the rainy season (May to October).
Good alternative
If you want more advanced dive sites and better visibility, consider diving in nearby Thailand’s Similan Islands or Malaysia’s Perhentian Islands.
Cambodia may be better known for its ancient temples and lush landscapes, but its coastal waters present an intriguing option for diving enthusiasts. The country's dive sites provide a chance to see diverse marine life across coral reefs, wrecks, and underwater caves. From the islands near Sihanoukville to the less crowded shores of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem, diving in Cambodia is gaining recognition. This guide covers some of the best dive locations and PADI centers throughout the country to help you plan your underwater adventure.
Expect to pay around $40-50 for a PADI open water certification in Cambodia, but booking directly with local dive shops rather than resorts can save you up to 20%.
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What are the top diving sites in Cambodia?
The best diving sites in Cambodia include Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem, and the reefs around Sihanoukville, each offering clear waters and rich marine biodiversity.
Koh Rong is about 25 kilometers off the coast of Sihanoukville and is known for dive spots like Koh Toch and Koh Koun with visibility often reaching 15-20 meters. Koh Rong Sanloem, roughly 4 kilometers from Koh Rong, features sites such as Saracen Bay, where divers can encounter reef sharks and turtles. Around Sihanoukville, dive operators run trips to sites like the Victory Wreck, a WWII shipwreck located approximately 12 kilometers offshore, accessible within a 30-minute boat ride. Dive site fees typically range from $25 to $50 per dive, depending on location and equipment rental.
Koh Rong is about 25 kilometers off the coast of Sihanoukville and is known for dive spots like Koh Toch and Koh Koun with visibility often reaching 15-20 meters. Koh Rong Sanloem, roughly 4 kilometers from Koh Rong, features sites such as Saracen Bay, where divers can encounter reef sharks and turtles. Around Sihanoukville, dive operators run trips to sites like the Victory Wreck, a WWII shipwreck located approximately 12 kilometers offshore, accessible within a 30-minute boat ride. Dive site fees typically range from $25 to $50 per dive, depending on location and equipment rental.
Book your dives at least one week in advance online or through local dive shops to ensure availability for popular sites like Koh Rong and the Victory Wreck, especially during high season from November to April.
Which PADI centers in Cambodia are recommended for diving courses?
Several reputable PADI centers operate mainly in Sihanoukville and on Koh Rong, providing courses from beginner to professional levels.
Blue Bay Divers in Sihanoukville features PADI Open Water Diver courses starting at $380, which include theory, confined water sessions, and four open water dives. On Koh Rong, Dive Cambodia provides similar PADI certification courses with prices around $400, including gear rental. Both centers have multilingual instructors and small class sizes, with course durations typically lasting 3-4 days. Advanced courses and specialty certifications are also available, with prices ranging from $250 to $350.
Blue Bay Divers in Sihanoukville features PADI Open Water Diver courses starting at $380, which include theory, confined water sessions, and four open water dives. On Koh Rong, Dive Cambodia provides similar PADI certification courses with prices around $400, including gear rental. Both centers have multilingual instructors and small class sizes, with course durations typically lasting 3-4 days. Advanced courses and specialty certifications are also available, with prices ranging from $250 to $350.
From Siem Reap, take a direct bus or minivan to Sihanoukville (around 10-12 hours) and then a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride to Blue Bay Divers for the most affordable route to start diving courses.
How accessible are Cambodia’s diving locations from major cities?
Most popular diving spots are accessible via Sihanoukville, which is about 230 kilometers southwest of Phnom Penh, with onward boat transfers to islands.
From Phnom Penh, the drive to Sihanoukville takes approximately 4-5 hours by private taxi or bus, with costs between $15 and $30. From Sihanoukville’s Serendipity Pier, boats to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem run regularly; the boat ride to Koh Rong takes about 45 minutes and costs around $18 one way. For travelers coming from Siem Reap, direct flights to Sihanoukville are available with an average flight time of 1 hour and ticket prices starting at $50. This connectivity facilitates easy access to diving hubs from Cambodia’s main urban centers.
From Phnom Penh, the drive to Sihanoukville takes approximately 4-5 hours by private taxi or bus, with costs between $15 and $30. From Sihanoukville’s Serendipity Pier, boats to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem run regularly; the boat ride to Koh Rong takes about 45 minutes and costs around $18 one way. For travelers coming from Siem Reap, direct flights to Sihanoukville are available with an average flight time of 1 hour and ticket prices starting at $50. This connectivity facilitates easy access to diving hubs from Cambodia’s main urban centers.
Plan your diving trips between November and April for the clearest waters and best visibility around Sihanoukville’s islands, as the rainy season from May to October often reduces underwater clarity.
What marine life can divers expect to see in Cambodia’s waters?
Divers in Cambodia can encounter reef sharks, giant groupers, sea turtles, and a variety of tropical fish species.
The coral reefs around Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem support over 100 species of fish and several types of hard and soft corals. Spotting blacktip reef sharks and hawksbill turtles is common, especially near protected marine areas. Macro enthusiasts can find nudibranchs and seahorses at shallower reef sites. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 20 meters, with water temperatures averaging 28°C throughout the year, providing comfortable diving conditions.
The coral reefs around Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem support over 100 species of fish and several types of hard and soft corals. Spotting blacktip reef sharks and hawksbill turtles is common, especially near protected marine areas. Macro enthusiasts can find nudibranchs and seahorses at shallower reef sites. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 20 meters, with water temperatures averaging 28°C throughout the year, providing comfortable diving conditions.
When paying for dives near Koh Rong, use US dollars in small denominations ($1, $5, $10) for easier transactions and to avoid unfavorable exchange rates at local dive shops.
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Are night dives and wreck dives available in Cambodia?
Yes, night dives and wreck dives are offered by dive operators mainly around Sihanoukville and the nearby islands.
The Victory Wreck near Sihanoukville is a popular site for wreck diving, lying at a depth of 18-30 meters and accessible to advanced divers. Night dives are commonly arranged at sites like Koh Toch on Koh Rong, where divers can observe nocturnal marine life such as lobsters and crabs. Night dive prices typically add an extra $10 to $20 to standard dive rates. Operators provide necessary lighting equipment and briefings to ensure diver safety during these specialty dives.
The Victory Wreck near Sihanoukville is a popular site for wreck diving, lying at a depth of 18-30 meters and accessible to advanced divers. Night dives are commonly arranged at sites like Koh Toch on Koh Rong, where divers can observe nocturnal marine life such as lobsters and crabs. Night dive prices typically add an extra $10 to $20 to standard dive rates. Operators provide necessary lighting equipment and briefings to ensure diver safety during these specialty dives.
Combine a night dive at Koh Toch with a daytime wreck dive at the Victory Wreck in one day through operators offering package deals to save on overall costs and maximize your diving visit.
What is the best time of year for diving in Cambodia?
The ideal diving season in Cambodia runs from November to May, coinciding with the dry season for clearer waters and calmer seas.
During these months, underwater visibility can reach up to 20 meters, while water temperatures range between 26°C and 30°C. The rainy season, from June to October, usually brings lower visibility and rougher sea conditions, making diving less favorable. Booking dives during the high season may cost slightly more, with day trips around $50 compared to off-season prices closer to $40.
During these months, underwater visibility can reach up to 20 meters, while water temperatures range between 26°C and 30°C. The rainy season, from June to October, usually brings lower visibility and rougher sea conditions, making diving less favorable. Booking dives during the high season may cost slightly more, with day trips around $50 compared to off-season prices closer to $40.
What should divers know about safety and regulations in Cambodia?
Diving in Cambodia is regulated by the Ministry of Tourism, and safety standards align with international PADI guidelines at certified centers.
Divers must have a valid certification for open water diving or higher to participate in most dive trips. Dive operators conduct thorough briefings and equipment checks before each dive. Medical insurance covering diving activities is highly recommended as local medical facilities for dive-related emergencies are limited. Environmental protection rules prohibit touching or collecting marine life and encourage responsible diving to preserve reef health.
Divers must have a valid certification for open water diving or higher to participate in most dive trips. Dive operators conduct thorough briefings and equipment checks before each dive. Medical insurance covering diving activities is highly recommended as local medical facilities for dive-related emergencies are limited. Environmental protection rules prohibit touching or collecting marine life and encourage responsible diving to preserve reef health.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The prime diving season runs from November to May when seas are calmer and visibility is at its best, often reaching 15-20 meters. The rainy season between June and October can bring rougher waters and reduced visibility.
Yes, several PADI centers, especially in Sihanoukville and Koh Rong, offer beginner-friendly Open Water Diver courses. These typically last 3-4 days and include theory, pool sessions, and open water dives.
Bring lightweight swimwear, a rash guard or wetsuit depending on water temperature, sunscreen, and certification cards if you have them. Most dive shops provide gear rentals, but personal masks and snorkels are recommended.
You can take a 4-5 hour taxi or bus ride from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, then transfer via regular boats to Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem. Flights from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville are also available and take about an hour.
Yes, dive site fees typically range from $25 to $50 per dive, which may include marine park conservation fees. Equipment rental and boat transfers are usually charged separately.
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“While Cambodia’s dive sites are less crowded than many in Southeast Asia, the marine life here is surprisingly rich. Divers often find healthy coral reefs and can spot reef sharks, turtles, and a variety of tropical fish, especially around Koh Rong and the Victory Wreck.”
Sophea Chan/ Local Dive Instructor, Blue Bay Divers
What are useful resources for traveling in Cambodia?
PADI - Professional Association of Diving Instructors
The global authority for recreational diving certifications and standards, including course details and dive center locations.
Cambodia Tourism Official Website
Official government site providing travel information and updates on Cambodia’s tourism sectors, including coastal destinations.
Sihanoukville – Wikipedia
Background information on Sihanoukville, the main gateway to Cambodia’s diving sites and coastal islands.
