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KOH RONG Island

Snorkeling & Diving on Koh Rong

Last fact-checked: September 2026

Koh Rong is not a world-class dive destination, but its shallow reefs are relaxed, uncrowded and well suited to beginners. Since 2018 the waters around the island have been part of the Koh Rong Marine National Park, Cambodia's first marine national park.

What you can see

Most reefs are shallow, with hard and soft corals, sponges and rocky pinnacles. Typical sightings include parrotfish, angelfish, pufferfish, scorpionfish, stingrays, moray eels and many kinds of nudibranchs, the colorful sea slugs the area is known for. Small bamboo sharks sometimes rest under the rocks, and a sea turtle is a lucky bonus.

Conditions

  • Visibility: Usually about 5-15 meters, more on the best days. After heavy rain the water turns greenish.
  • Water temperature: About 28-30°C all year, so a thin shorty or a rash guard is enough.
  • Best season: November to May, when the sea is calmer and the water clearer. In July and August trips may be cancelled in rough weather.

Diving on Koh Rong

Koh Rong Dive Center in Koh Touch village, a PADI 5 Star center with its own pier, is the island's main dive operator. It runs daily boat dives to sites around Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem and PADI courses from a first try dive to Divemaster. Approximate prices (2025-2026):

  • Two fun dives: about $95-110 including equipment
  • PADI Open Water course (3 days): about $500
  • Half-day snorkeling trip: about $30
  • Koh Rong Sanloem: a few dive resorts on the neighboring island dive the same area

Snorkeling

You do not need a boat to start: the rocks at the end of White Beach and the rocky ends of Long Set Beach can be reached from the shore. For better reefs, join a boat trip to the small islands near Koh Touch. Most evening tours ($20-30) include a snorkeling stop, and gear can be rented for about $5 a day.

Protect the reef

  • Do not stand on or touch corals, and do not feed the fish.
  • Use reef-safe sunscreen, or better, a rash guard.
  • Do not take shells or coral: the area is a protected marine national park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Koh Rong good for diving?

It is good for relaxed, beginner-friendly diving on shallow reefs with plenty of small marine life such as nudibranchs. Visibility is modest (about 5-15 m), so experienced divers looking for big fish may prefer other destinations.

Can I learn to dive on Koh Rong?

Yes. Koh Rong Dive Center in Koh Touch offers PADI courses from a try dive to Open Water (about 3 days, roughly $500) and beyond.

When is the best time to dive on Koh Rong?

From November to May, when the sea is calm and visibility is best. The rainy months, especially July and August, bring rougher seas and murkier water.