Scuba Diving in Koh Rong: Everything You Need to Know Before Taking the Plunge
Scuba diving in Koh Rong is a magical experience.
It’s a thrilling plunge into a world where colorful marine life swirls around vibrant coral reefs.
The chaos of daily life dissolves with each gentle bubble you exhale.
This tropical island paradise, located in the Gulf of Thailand just off the coast of Sihanoukville, has quickly become one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated scuba diving destinations.
With warm waters year-round, rich biodiversity, and increasingly sophisticated dive operations, Koh Rong offers a world-class diving experience without the hefty price tag.
Whether you’re exploring coral gardens, gliding alongside schools of snapper, or catching a glimpse of elusive seahorses, scuba diving in Koh Rong delivers unforgettable moments beneath the waves.
At the heart of this marine haven is Koh Rong Dive Center, a 5-Star PADI certified dive center located right in Koh Touch (also known as Koh Toch) Village.
With a seasoned team, a passion for ocean conservation, and some of the most affordable dive packages in the region, they’ve earned a reputation as one of the go-to dive centers on the island.
In this post, we’ll dive deeper into what makes Koh Rong an incredible place to explore the underwater world and give you everything you need to know about scuba diving with Koh Rong Dive Center.
Why Scuba Diving in Koh Rong Should Be on Your Bucket List
Koh Rong is Cambodia’s second-largest island, and its natural beauty—both above and below the surface—is absolutely stunning.
The waters surrounding the island are home to an impressive range of marine life.
On any given dive, you might spot parrotfish, barracudas, angelfish, scorpionfish, nudibranchs, stingrays, pufferfish, and even the occasional bamboo shark.
Visibility varies throughout the year, typically ranging from 5 to 15 meters.
The best visibility tends to occur between November and May, which is also the dry season.
The water temperature hovers around a comfortable 28–30°C (82–86°F), making it ideal for long, relaxing dives.
Koh Rong offers dive sites suitable for all levels.
Whether you’re a complete beginner eager to experience your first breath underwater or an advanced diver looking to explore new environments, you’ll find a dive site that fits your level of experience.
The coral reefs around the island are in relatively good condition.
Many sites are teeming with soft and hard corals, anemones, and sponges.
A few dive sites also feature artificial reefs and wrecks, adding to the diversity of the underwater landscape.
Scuba Diving in Koh Rong with Koh Rong Dive Center
If you’re considering scuba diving in Koh Rong, look no further than Koh Rong Dive Center.
It’s a long-established dive shop that opened its doors in early 2012.
Under new management since October 2019, the dive center has only grown in reputation, known for its professionalism, safety, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like part of the family.
Located right on its own pier in Koh Touch Village, Koh Rong Dive Center is ideally positioned for easy access to nearby dive sites.
The center is a 5-Star PADI Certification dive center.
This means it meets the highest standards in training, safety, and dive operations.
One of the unique features of the center is that they operate two boats—a smaller one during the quieter low season and a larger one during the busy high season.
If they’re fully booked, they’ll even operate both boats simultaneously to ensure everyone gets the chance to dive.
This flexibility makes them a reliable choice year-round.
The team is made up of experienced dive instructors and divemasters from all over the world, and many have been with the center for years.
They genuinely love what they do and go above and beyond to ensure each diver has a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience.
Dive Packages: Something for Everyone
Koh Rong Dive Center offers a variety of packages tailored to meet the needs of every type of diver—from total beginners to seasoned pros.
All dive packages include equipment rental and boat fees, so there are no hidden costs to worry about.
Fun Dives
These are perfect for certified divers looking to explore the underwater beauty around Koh Rong.
Prices are very competitive, especially when compared to other Southeast Asian destinations.
- One Dive – $90 USD
- Two Dives – $105 USD
- Three Days (Six Dives) – $265 USD
- Five Days (Ten Dives) – $405 USD
- Night Dive – $105 USD
- Refresher Dive – $105 USD
The Fun Dives are designed for convenience and value.
Whether you want to dive just once or plan a full multi-day diving adventure, the pricing is structured to make it accessible and affordable.
The Night Dive is a particularly thrilling experience, offering a completely different perspective of the reef and its nocturnal creatures.
From bioluminescence to hunting predators, the underwater world after dark is truly fascinating.
The Refresher Dive is an excellent option for those who haven’t been diving in a while and want to brush up on their skills before joining a deeper dive.
Courses with PADI Certification
If you’re looking to get certified or take your diving skills to the next level, Koh Rong Dive Center has you covered.
All courses include PADI certification, boat transport, and full equipment rental.
- Scuba Diver (2 Days) – $335 USD
- Open Water Diver (3 Days) – $510 USD
- Advanced Open Water (2 Days) – $430 USD
- Rescue Diver (3 Days) – $555 USD
These prices are among the most affordable in the world for PADI-certified training.
It makes Koh Rong a smart choice for budget-conscious travelers who still want the highest standard of dive education.
The Open Water Course, in particular, is ideal for those ready to take the plunge and become fully certified divers.
Over three days, you’ll learn the theory of diving, practice skills in shallow water, and complete a series of open water dives under the guidance of a professional instructor.
The Advanced Open Water Course allows certified divers to explore more specialized areas like deep diving, navigation, and even night diving.
And if you’re serious about diving and want to be prepared for emergencies, the Rescue Diver Course teaches you how to prevent and manage problems in the water.
It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding step in your diving journey.
Other Activities: Snorkeling and Media Services
Not quite ready to commit to scuba diving?
Koh Rong Dive Center also offers half-day snorkeling trips for just $30 USD.
This is a great option for families or those who prefer to stay closer to the surface while still exploring the island’s underwater beauty.
Want to remember your dive forever?
You can also purchase Photos and Videos of your dive for just $20 USD.
Their photographers are skilled at capturing the magic of your underwater adventure, whether it’s your first dive or your fiftieth.
What to Expect: A Day in the Life at Koh Rong Dive Center
Your day usually begins at the dive center around 8:30 AM, where you’ll meet your dive instructor and fellow divers.
After a quick check-in, you’ll go over the day’s dive plan, safety protocols, and equipment fitting.
Depending on the dive site and the day’s schedule, you’ll head out on either the large or small boat.
The boat rides are generally short—15 to 45 minutes—giving you more time in the water and less time commuting.
Surface intervals are spent relaxing on the boat, enjoying fresh fruit, and sharing dive stories.
After your final dive of the day, you’ll return to Koh Touch Village, where you can log your dives, chat with your instructors, or grab a drink at one of the nearby beach bars while watching the sunset.
Practical Information
- Location: Koh Touch (Koh Toch) Village, Koh Rong, Cambodia
- Phone: +855 96 560 7362
- Website: www.kohrongdivecenter.com
- Email: info@kohrongdivecenter.com
When to Go:
The best time for scuba diving in Koh Rong is between November and May, when the seas are calm and visibility is at its best.
However, the dive center operates year-round and uses a smaller boat during the rainy season, so you can dive almost anytime, weather permitting.
Final Thoughts: Why Koh Rong Should Be on Your Diving Bucket List
Scuba diving in Koh Rong offers the perfect blend of adventure, affordability, and natural beauty.
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or taking your first breath underwater, the experience is nothing short of magical.
With an experienced and passionate team, competitive pricing, and access to some of the best dive sites in Cambodia, Koh Rong Dive Center is the ideal place to begin or continue your diving journey.
Add to that the island’s laid-back vibe, stunning beaches, and warm local hospitality, and you’ve got a diving destination that’s as unforgettable on land as it is below the surface.
So, what are you waiting for?
Pack your bags and get ready to experience the wonders of scuba diving in Koh Rong.
Whether you’re exploring coral reefs, earning your certification, or simply snorkeling in the warm tropical waters, Koh Rong is ready to welcome you to its underwater world.
See you in the blue! 🌊🐠
Ready for your next adventure?
Discover hidden gems, unforgettable experiences, and must-do activities in Phnom Penh and beyond.
👉 Explore more adventures in Koh Rong
🇰🇭 Or uncover other epic destinations across the Kingdom of Wonder at Cambodia Bucket List
