Prins Pinnacle – Koh Tang & Outer Islands Dive Site
Site Overview
Prins Pinnacle is a deep pinnacle rising from 30 metres at Koh Prins (Prince Island) with large pelagics, dogtooth tuna, sailfish sightings, and dramatic open-ocean diving 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 15 to 30 meters with an average depth of 22 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 Dogtooth Tuna, Sailfish, Grey Reef Shark and other remarkable marine species, Prins Pinnacle 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. Prins Pinnacle 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 Prins Pinnacle begins with entry from the dive boat, descending to the main formation at approximately 22 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 12 and 25 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 30 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
Dogtooth Tuna
Gymnosarda unicolor
Best: November, December, January
Sailfish
Istiophorus platypterus
Best: November, December, January
Grey Reef Shark
Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos
Best: November, December, January
Jack
Caranx melampygus
Best: November, December, January
Giant Trevally
Caranx ignobilis
Best: November, December, January
Soft Coral
Dendronephthya sp.
Best: November, December, January
Gorgonian Sea Fan
Muricella sp.
Best: November, December, January
Big-eye Trevally
Caranx sexfasciatus
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?
Prins Pinnacle is best suited for Advanced Open Water certified divers with experience in stronger currents and deeper environments. The site rewards experienced divers with dramatic deep reef walls, complex structures, and encounters with large pelagic species including schooling barracuda, eagle rays, and giant groupers in one of the Gulf of Thailand's most compelling reef diving environments. Experienced divers will appreciate the accessible wall sections and pinnacle formations that showcase decades of coral growth and structural features. Given the distance to the nearest hyperbaric chamber, thorough equipment checks, conservative dive planning with extended safety stops, and comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage are essential prerequisites for diving at this advanced Cambodian site.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Scuba Nation Diving Centre
- Chez Claude Dive Center
- Cambodia Dive Shop
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, pinnacle, pelagic, deep
Nearby Stay
Sokha Beach Resort
Sihanoukville • 5km away
Sahaa Beach Resort
Otres Beach • 8km away