Best Snorkeling Spots
The most accessible corals can be found around Koh Rong Sanloem. Saracen Bay offers direct beach access with coral formations at depths of 2 to 5 meters. The northeastern point of the island, around Lazy Beach, is more preserved.
Around Koh Rong, the most interesting spots require a boat. Island hopping tours typically include 2-3 snorkeling stops with masks and fins provided.
Scuba Diving
Several PADI centres operate from Sihanoukville and Koh Rong. The best-known dive sites are around the Kong Krao island group (islets 1-2 hours by boat). You may see barracuda, moray eels, stingrays and sometimes nurse sharks.
Coral formations are recovering after bleaching episodes — they won't rival the Maldives, but offer decent diving in a pleasant, uncrowded setting.
Guided Snorkeling Tours
The most practical option is an island-hopping boat tour with 2-3 snorkeling stops, lunch and return included. These tours leave in the morning from Sihanoukville or directly from island accommodations.
Snorkeling & island hopping — boat from Sihanoukville, masks and fins included.
Trips from Koh Touch or around the spots listed above:
Snorkeling & diving — boat days from the main village.
Practical Tips
Prefer mineral sunscreen (zinc or titanium) over chemical — the reefs will thank you. Avoid touching corals, even accidentally. Cambodian reefs are fragile and still recovering.
Questions fréquentes
Yes, basic water comfort is necessary. Most tours provide life jackets for non-swimmers, but the best spots require you to be able to move 20-30 meters. If you can’t swim, stay in the shallow bay of Saracen Bay.
Honestly, Cambodian corals are not among the most spectacular in Southeast Asia. They have suffered from bleaching episodes and rapid coastal development. But in good visibility conditions (high season), you can find beautiful formations and diverse marine life — and especially almost no one in the water.