Dolphin Reef (Koh Tang) – Koh Tang & Outer Islands Dive Site
Site Overview
Dolphin Reef (Koh Tang) is a south Koh Tang reef with spinner and bottlenose dolphins, green turtles, reef sharks, and healthy coral communities in clear offshore waters dive site in the Koh Tang & Outer Islands region of Cambodia, situated among the diverse reef systems and island formations that make this Southeast Asian nation one of the Gulf of Thailand's most emerging diving destinations. The site features depths from 10 to 22 meters with an average depth of 16 meters, offering an extraordinary underwater experience showcasing the remarkable combination of fringing reefs, offshore islands, and historical wrecks that Cambodia's waters are celebrated for among adventurous divers seeking less-crowded tropical diving. Renowned for its encounters with Dolphin, Green Turtle, Whitetip Reef Shark and other remarkable marine species, Dolphin Reef (Koh Tang) attracts divers seeking thrilling underwater adventures in one of Southeast Asia's most distinctive and developing diving destinations. The Cambodian coast creates a fascinating underwater landscape of fringing reefs, rocky islands, artificial reef structures, and natural coral communities that provide habitat for diverse marine life in the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. The unique geography of Cambodia's coastline with its chain of offshore islands creates varied habitats supporting abundant marine life including tropical reef fish, sharks, rays, and pelagic visitors found in few other destinations. Visibility typically ranges between 5 and 30 metres depending on site location and season with the outer island sites offering the clearest water. Water temperatures range from 26 to 31 degrees Celsius year-round making a 3mm shorty standard equipment. Dolphin Reef (Koh Tang) consistently ranks among the top dive sites in the Koh Tang & Outer Islands region, drawing dedicated divers who seek exceptional reef diving experiences combining rich marine biodiversity with the excitement of exploring Cambodia's developing underwater frontier.
Dive Briefing
"A typical dive at Dolphin Reef (Koh Tang) begins with entry from the dive boat, descending to the main formation at approximately 16 meters while orienting yourself and equalizing before exploring the remarkable Cambodian underwater landscape. Once established on the main formation, divers should swim along the reef structure or wreck exploring diverse habitats, moving between coral encrustations, swim-through sections, and sandy areas while maintaining excellent buoyancy control to protect the marine life colonising the structure below. The most productive depth zone is between 6 and 17 meters where the highest concentration of reef fish species and photographic opportunities are abundant. Navigate along the reef or wreck edge watching for pelagic species in the surrounding water, and check the overhangs, crevices, and ledges where moray eels, groupers, and larger reef fish shelter from the current. Cambodia's reef and wreck environments require careful awareness of marine life hazards and potential entanglement when exploring interior sections. Monitor depth and NDL particularly near 22 meters on the deeper sites, and always maintain a conservative approach to dive planning given the distance to the nearest hyperbaric facilities. Scan the surrounding water for approaching pelagic species including eagle rays and barracuda that patrol the reef edges. Conclude the dive with a slow ascent and a generous safety stop at 5 meters, deploying your DSMB before surfacing and signaling the dive boat for pickup."
Signature Marine Life
Dolphin
Stenella sp.
Best: November, December, January
Green Turtle
Chelonia mydas
Best: November, December, January
Whitetip Reef Shark
Triaenodon obesus
Best: November, December, January
Soft Coral
Dendronephthya sp.
Best: November, December, January
Gorgonian Sea Fan
Muricella sp.
Best: November, December, January
Snapper
Lutjanus sp.
Best: November, December, January
Batfish
Platax orbicularis
Best: November, December, January
Barracuda
Sphyraena barracuda
Best: November, December, January
Safety & Hazards
- Strong currents at outer islands particularly Koh Tang and Koh Poulo Wai requiring drift diving awareness and DSMB deployment
- Extended boat transfers of 2-4 hours to outer islands requiring seasickness preparation and sun protection
- Deeper dive profiles at Koh Tang walls and pinnacles requiring careful depth management and conservative dive planning
- Limited emergency medical facilities with nearest hyperbaric chamber in Sihanoukville or Bangkok requiring comprehensive dive insurance
- Remote location with limited communications requiring self-sufficient dive equipment and emergency planning
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Dolphin Reef (Koh Tang) is best suited for Advanced Open Water certified divers comfortable with moderate depths and current conditions at this Cambodian site. The site rewards experienced divers with dramatic reef structures, diverse marine communities, and the possibility of encounters with larger species including groupers, rays, and pelagic fish patrolling the surrounding water. Underwater photographers will find exceptional wide-angle opportunities with dramatic reef landscapes and wreck silhouettes as backdrops, while macro enthusiasts can document the extraordinary diversity of critters colonising the structures. Divers should be comfortable with drift diving techniques and DSMB deployment as conditions may require careful navigation.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Scuba Nation Diving Centre
- Chez Claude Dive Center
- Cambodia Dive Shop
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, dolphins, reef
Nearby Stay
Sokha Beach Resort
Sihanoukville • 5km away
Sahaa Beach Resort
Otres Beach • 8km away