Best Cambodia Diving Spots To Put In Your Travel Plans
The amazing temples of Angkor Wat, the energetic capital city of Phnom Pehn, and the serene Sihanoukville shore - are you familiar with these names? These are the main attractions of Cambodia, but how much do you know about the country's scuba diving scene? Be sure to visit some of these amazing dive locations underwater if you're planning a topside trip to Cambodia!
Suba diving is a fantastic way for everyone who enjoys getting away from the everyday grind to discover the wonders of the ocean. Peace and quiet are brought about by the calm atmosphere. Cambodia diving with its pristine seas and crystal-clear waterways, you will definitely have a wide variety of aquatic species to discover. Scuba Diving Cambodia is valuable not only because of its clear waters but also because it's reasonably priced. Don't pass up the opportunity to experience something if you have that zeal within of you and want to try something new.
Is There Good Diving In Cambodia?
Yes, traveling to Cambodia, you might have great Cambodia diving experiences beyond your imagination. Blessed with warm tropical waters and diverse marine life, travelers can sink yourself in the cool waters while being able to see and interact with a multitude of species underwater. The country's underwater environment is ideal for both beginners and experienced divers, featuring vibrant coral reefs, intriguing underwater landscapes, and occasional encounters with larger marine species like reef sharks and whale sharks.
5 Best Diving In Cambodia For Travelers
Koh Tang
When mentioning Cambodia diving, Koh Tang is the top of mind place that travelers cannot miss if you are interested in suba diving. Located further offshore, Koh Tang offers some of the best diving conditions in Cambodia.
Koh Tang is on our list of the finest places to dive in Cambodia for a reason: in addition to its vibrant corals and marine life, this location is renowned for its amazing visibility! Imagine being able to view the underwater high definition of the marine life that calls this location home, which primarily consists of trigger fish, huge barracuda, nudibranchs, and other crabs! Isn't it cool? In addition to being a great place for divers of all skill levels, Koh Tang is a real island retreat with its pristine waters, gentle beaches, and uninhabited island.
Koh Tang
Condor Reef
Another well-liked location for scuba diving Cambodia is Condor Reef, which many people rank among the top dive spots. Why? Excellent visibility, shipwrecks, amazing underwater natural architecture, and an abundance of marine life may all be found at this one spot. If you're lucky, you might see turtles, reef sharks, and even whale sharks during some dives! This diving site is a clear favorite because of its unique natural surroundings and large pelagic fish. In the depths of the sea, you will discover enormous rectangular rocks, terraces, miniature walls with enormous kettles, and arches.
Condor Reef
Koh Rong Samloem
Koh Rong Samloem Island, one of the most popular spots in Cambodia diving, is a stunning dive location for macro animals.
Known for its excellent visibility, Koh Rong Samloem is regarded as one of the greatest locations in Cambodia to learn to dive. Koh Rong Samloem has a plethora of vibrant seahorses, horned starfish, seahorses, scorpion fish and stingrays. To see some of them, you'll simply need to always keep an eye out! Because of its shallow waters and excellent visibility, this dive site is ideal for every diver and offers an amazing variety of marine life. With the island just 40 minutes away from Sihanoukville by speed boat or two hours away by diving boat, it is also incredibly easy to get to.
Koh Rong Samloem
Koh Prins
The three large islands - the “big” island (Koh Prins), the Naked Island and the Chicken Island (Koh Moan) - that make up Koh Prins, one of the most remote islands, provide superb diving conditions. The pure seas and colorful, exotic coral reefs combine to create an amazing and unforgettable sight. You will undoubtedly find a variety of marine life at this top spot, which is covered with both soft and hard corals.
In some months, the underwater fauna includes whale sharks, nudibranchs, gigantic barracuda, and triggerfish. Shark Point, Anemone Garden, and Drop Off are the top diving locations here. A stunning free-diving experience may be had from the drop-off, a 30-meter granite cliff overlooking the ocean.
Koh Prins
Shark Island
While there are many scuba diving locations in Cambodia, Shark Island is unquestionably special. The island's name comes from the blacktip reef sharks that are frequently seen off its northwest tip. This is the place to be if you're a shark lover.
You might run into bull sharks or, if you're lucky, a whale shark! The spot has excellent visibility throughout the year because of its isolated location in the ocean. Additionally, because it is a seamount with a large bird population, the cawing seabirds perched on the rock can make noise up top!
This site is best suited for more seasoned divers or those who have completed several dives because it is a deep dive. When diving here, travelers should be aware of strong currents and it can be vulnerable to you if you are not careful.
Shark Island
Suitable Cambodia Diving Season
The best time for Cambodia diving is from November to May because of the beautiful skies and quiet currents, which facilitate diving and sea exploration. Whale sharks are also known to visit the area from December to May, which makes diving during this time much more exciting.
In the dry season, you have a better chance of seeing migratory whale sharks from December to May because that is when they migrate. If you're looking for breathtaking visibility, windless days, and calm seas, now is the best time of year to dive in Cambodia.
Underwater temperatures range from 20°C to 29°C all year long, making it the perfect place for short wetsuit diving.
Scuba Diving Cambodia Costs
Cambodia diving is relatively affordable compared to other diving destinations in Southeast Asia. The cost varies depending on factors like the dive center, the location, and the type of dive experience you choose.
- Fun Dives: For certified divers, a normal fun dive typically costs between $25 - $40 per dive.
- Introductory Dives: For beginners trying scuba diving for the first time, introductory dives range from $50 to $70, which includes basic training and equipment rental.
- PADI Open Water Course: A full certification course costs around $350 to $450, including all materials, equipment, and instructor fees.
- Equipment Rental: If not included in the dive package, equipment rental costs approximately $10 to $15 per day.
- Dive Packages: Multi-day diving trips or liveaboard experiences are available and usually start at around $200, depending on the number of dives and included amenities.
The cost for experiencing scuba diving is easily affordable
Conclusion
The Cambodia diving scene is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its unspoiled reefs, abundant marine life, and serene island settings, it offers a unique and fulfilling underwater adventure. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned diver, the country’s dive sites provide something for everyone.
So pack your gear, dive into the turquoise waters, and uncover the magical world beneath the surface. Cambodia’s underwater treasures are calling – don’t miss the chance to explore them!
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