Sihanoukville Harbour Wrecks – Sihanoukville – Coastal & Nearshore Reefs Dive Site
Site Overview
Sihanoukville Harbour Wrecks is a several small sunken fishing boats and tugs at 10 to 20 metres, silty conditions but great for photography with dramatic wreck silhouettes and marine colonisation dive site in the Sihanoukville – Coastal & Nearshore Reefs 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 20 meters with an average depth of 15 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 Batfish, Soft Coral, Gorgonian Sea Fan and other remarkable marine species, Sihanoukville Harbour Wrecks 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. Sihanoukville Harbour Wrecks consistently ranks among the top dive sites in the Sihanoukville – Coastal & Nearshore Reefs 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 Sihanoukville Harbour Wrecks begins with entry from the dive boat, descending to the main formation at approximately 15 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 5 and 15 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 20 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
Batfish
Platax orbicularis
Best: November, December, January
Soft Coral
Dendronephthya sp.
Best: November, December, January
Gorgonian Sea Fan
Muricella sp.
Best: November, December, January
Lionfish
Pterois miles
Best: November, December, January
Moray Eel
Gymnothorax sp.
Best: November, December, January
Bannerfish
Heniochus sp.
Best: November, December, January
Snapper
Lutjanus sp.
Best: November, December, January
Nudibranch
Chromodoris sp.
Best: November, December, January
Safety & Hazards
- Variable visibility from 5 to 20 metres near the coast due to sediment runoff requiring careful buoyancy and buddy awareness
- Marine life hazards including lionfish, stonefish, and fire coral requiring careful hand placement on reefs and wrecks
- Boat traffic in Sihanoukville harbour and coastal shipping channels requiring DSMB deployment and surface awareness
- Moderate currents at some offshore sites requiring drift diving awareness and DSMB deployment
- Hot tropical climate requiring hydration management and sun protection between dives
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Sihanoukville Harbour Wrecks 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: silhouette, wreck, macro
Nearby Stay
Sokha Beach Resort
Sihanoukville • 5km away
Sahaa Beach Resort
Otres Beach • 8km away