Koh Rong
One of Cambodia’s best dive sites, Koh Rong and neighboring Koh Rong Samloem are a hit with divers.
Explore Sihanoukville
Nestled along Cambodia’s southern coast, Sihanoukville offers an enchanting diving experience that is both accessible and exhilarating. This vibrant beach town serves as a gateway to the idyllic islands scattered across the Andaman Sea, where the waters are calm and visibility is exceptional. Divers are drawn to this region for its wealth of marine biodiversity and a variety of dive sites that cater to all skill levels. From rocky walls and dramatic drop-offs to breathtaking coral reefs and intriguing shipwrecks, the underwater landscapes are as diverse as they are stunning.
During the peak diving season, from November to April, the sea comes alive with a dazzling array of marine life. Expect encounters with colorful coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, and the thrill of spotting larger species like barracuda, marlin, and even the majestic whale shark. For those seeking a more remote adventure, liveaboard trips to less-visited islands reveal pristine reefs and unique sights like seahorse breeding grounds. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned diver, Sihanoukville's underwater realm promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the ocean.
Places to explore
Dive Activity
Diving in Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville, a coastal gem in Cambodia, boasts some incredible dive sites. One of the must-visit spots is the Koh Rong Samloem's wreck dive, where divers can explore an artificial reef teeming with diverse marine life. This site offers an intriguing glimpse into the underwater world and is perfect for those interested in historical undersea adventures.
For shore diving enthusiasts, the beaches of Sihanoukville provide easy access to vibrant coral gardens and abundant fish species. Night dives reveal stunning bioluminescent displays and nocturnal marine behaviors, offering a unique underwater spectacle. While shore diving is readily available, liveaboard options enable divers to reach more remote sites, ensuring a balanced diving experience that caters to various preferences.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville, located on Cambodia's southern coast, offers divers a vibrant array of marine life. The warm waters are teeming with various species of reef fish such as butterflyfish, angelfish, and clownfish. These colorful residents are frequently encountered around the coral reefs, providing a picturesque underwater experience. Seasonal highlights include the occasional sightings of blacktip reef sharks, especially during the cooler months. Green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles are also observed, primarily around the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. Rays, such as the blue-spotted ribbontail ray, are a delightful surprise for divers, often spotted in sandy areas adjacent to reefs. While encounters with these larger species are less predictable, they add excitement to diving excursions.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
29 Sightings
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0
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0
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6
A
0
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0
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0
J
4
A
3
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0
O
11
N
5
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
25 Sightings
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8
F
0
M
4
A
0
M
3
J
0
J
1
A
2
S
0
O
2
N
4
D
1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
25 Sightings
J
3
F
1
M
0
A
0
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0
J
0
J
1
A
6
S
4
O
0
N
7
D
3
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
18 Sightings
J
4
F
0
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0
A
1
M
0
J
2
J
0
A
0
S
4
O
1
N
6
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 28
Udo Kefrig
Clownfish
227 Sightings
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41
F
26
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29
A
15
M
12
J
1
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11
A
15
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7
O
15
N
48
D
7
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 3000
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch
161 Sightings
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39
F
17
M
33
A
16
M
13
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1
J
3
A
4
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1
O
3
N
21
D
10
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
144 Sightings
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44
F
10
M
13
A
8
M
7
J
1
J
9
A
11
S
4
O
9
N
22
D
6
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 130
Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish
106 Sightings
J
23
F
2
M
10
A
7
M
7
J
1
J
1
A
11
S
3
O
6
N
29
D
6
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 130
AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish
97 Sightings
J
6
F
2
M
3
A
13
M
10
J
2
J
11
A
8
S
10
O
7
N
16
D
9
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
81 Sightings
J
14
F
3
M
8
A
4
M
2
J
0
J
7
A
7
S
0
O
7
N
28
D
1
The best Months to dive in Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville offers year-round diving opportunities with warm tropical waters. Water temperatures typically range from 28°C to 30°C/82°F to 86°F throughout the year, providing comfortable conditions for divers. Visibility generally varies from 5 to 15 meters/16 to 49 feet, with the best clarity often found during the dry season.
The dry season, from November to April, brings calmer seas and better visibility, ideal for diving. Conversely, the wet season, spanning May to October, introduces stronger winds and currents, which can reduce visibility and increase surface chop. Despite these changes, diving remains possible year-round, though the wet season is considered less favorable due to rougher conditions.
