Hi.
I'm currently in Cambodia and thought I would just search here on Scubaboard to see what other divers thought of the diving here. Since my search didnt come up with much, I thought I would contribute a little (for once!), so others might plan a trip here if they should so wish.
Four years ago I traveled through Cambodia and worked a few months for EcoSea, one of the dive companies here. Back then I was really not very impressed with the diving. The diving was pretty similiar to the rest of the Gulf of Thailand, so in other words much like diving at Koh Tao, Pattaya, Koh Chang and so on. A bit better than a good day in Stoney in other words =) ... The visibility of course depends on weather and season, but Id say that three days out of four, its between five and ten meters. The dive shops will probably tell you otherwise, but in my humble experience you should always take visibility claims with a bit of salt, if you hear it from dive operators.
There are three dive shops in Sihanoukville, which as far as I know is the only place in Cambodia, where SCUBA diving is going on. The shops are The Dive Shop Cambodia, Scuba Nation and EcoSea diving. The latter two are the oldest, but its my impression is that all three are roughly of the same standard, and are primarily oriented at bargain-seeking backpackers. All three dive operators go to the same dive sites.
A few weeks ago, I was passing through Sihanoukville again, and got to do a few PADI open water courses for EcoSea because I accidentally stepped into the store to say hi while a group of young Danes who wanted to learn to dive was in there. As it happens, Im Danish as well, so it was quickly decided Id teach them. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised about the equipment, as it was mostly brand new and in good service. A clear improvement from four years ago, but the dive shop is under different management now, so perhaps thats why?
Diving and courses are generally very inexpensive. There is a pretty fierce competition between the stores, which of course is great for the customers. You can take the PADI Open Water + Advanced, and get four days of room and board on Koh Rung Sanloem Island, for just 600 USD all inclusive! I noticed that there seems to always be a handful of divemaster candidates as well (no idea about price for an internship, sorry.) Two fun-dives cost $ 60 including all equipment, guide, breakfast and lunch. Please note these are the prices at EcoSea. I'm not sure about the exact prices at the other two stores, but they're bound to very similar.
The diving takes place around the island of Koh Rung Sanloem, and is mostly macro diving. Theres more fish life now than four years ago, but I am still not exactly overwhelmed by it. However, there are plenty of seahorses and other small critters to enjoy. Interesting bottom topography as well. If you want to go, and can spare the time and money, you really should head further out on Koh Tang (located approx. 4 to 5 hours by boat from Sihanoukville) The diving there is pretty cool - the visibility is much better (20 + m for the most part) There not too much to look at, but if you love steep drop offs, walls and excellent visibility, it is worth a few dives I'd say.
Ecosea dive has some very basic but charming bungalows on Koh Rung Sanloem where you can stay overnight. Scuba Nation has a small live aboard instead, and the Dive Shop Cambodia mostly run day trips it seems.
Sadly, every dive starts with one of the guys on the boat dropping a big heavy anchor straight down onto to the corals. It makes you want to scream! However, all three dive shops unanimously say that fishermen steal their bouys when they try to make permanent anchoring-bouys.
I would dive in Cambodia if:
I was there anyway
I loved macro life and critters
I was looking for cheap diving courses
I was looking for a cool place to take my DMT
I would avoid diving in Cambodia if:
All I wanted to see was big stuff - turtles, large rays and sharks are hardly ever seen
I specifically went to Asia for diving - then I'd probably go to the Philippines, Malaysia or Indonesia instead.
I'm currently in Cambodia and thought I would just search here on Scubaboard to see what other divers thought of the diving here. Since my search didnt come up with much, I thought I would contribute a little (for once!), so others might plan a trip here if they should so wish.
Four years ago I traveled through Cambodia and worked a few months for EcoSea, one of the dive companies here. Back then I was really not very impressed with the diving. The diving was pretty similiar to the rest of the Gulf of Thailand, so in other words much like diving at Koh Tao, Pattaya, Koh Chang and so on. A bit better than a good day in Stoney in other words =) ... The visibility of course depends on weather and season, but Id say that three days out of four, its between five and ten meters. The dive shops will probably tell you otherwise, but in my humble experience you should always take visibility claims with a bit of salt, if you hear it from dive operators.
There are three dive shops in Sihanoukville, which as far as I know is the only place in Cambodia, where SCUBA diving is going on. The shops are The Dive Shop Cambodia, Scuba Nation and EcoSea diving. The latter two are the oldest, but its my impression is that all three are roughly of the same standard, and are primarily oriented at bargain-seeking backpackers. All three dive operators go to the same dive sites.
A few weeks ago, I was passing through Sihanoukville again, and got to do a few PADI open water courses for EcoSea because I accidentally stepped into the store to say hi while a group of young Danes who wanted to learn to dive was in there. As it happens, Im Danish as well, so it was quickly decided Id teach them. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised about the equipment, as it was mostly brand new and in good service. A clear improvement from four years ago, but the dive shop is under different management now, so perhaps thats why?
Diving and courses are generally very inexpensive. There is a pretty fierce competition between the stores, which of course is great for the customers. You can take the PADI Open Water + Advanced, and get four days of room and board on Koh Rung Sanloem Island, for just 600 USD all inclusive! I noticed that there seems to always be a handful of divemaster candidates as well (no idea about price for an internship, sorry.) Two fun-dives cost $ 60 including all equipment, guide, breakfast and lunch. Please note these are the prices at EcoSea. I'm not sure about the exact prices at the other two stores, but they're bound to very similar.
The diving takes place around the island of Koh Rung Sanloem, and is mostly macro diving. Theres more fish life now than four years ago, but I am still not exactly overwhelmed by it. However, there are plenty of seahorses and other small critters to enjoy. Interesting bottom topography as well. If you want to go, and can spare the time and money, you really should head further out on Koh Tang (located approx. 4 to 5 hours by boat from Sihanoukville) The diving there is pretty cool - the visibility is much better (20 + m for the most part) There not too much to look at, but if you love steep drop offs, walls and excellent visibility, it is worth a few dives I'd say.
Ecosea dive has some very basic but charming bungalows on Koh Rung Sanloem where you can stay overnight. Scuba Nation has a small live aboard instead, and the Dive Shop Cambodia mostly run day trips it seems.
Sadly, every dive starts with one of the guys on the boat dropping a big heavy anchor straight down onto to the corals. It makes you want to scream! However, all three dive shops unanimously say that fishermen steal their bouys when they try to make permanent anchoring-bouys.
I would dive in Cambodia if:
I was there anyway
I loved macro life and critters
I was looking for cheap diving courses
I was looking for a cool place to take my DMT
I would avoid diving in Cambodia if:
All I wanted to see was big stuff - turtles, large rays and sharks are hardly ever seen
I specifically went to Asia for diving - then I'd probably go to the Philippines, Malaysia or Indonesia instead.