A lovely tropical island located between four and five hours from the Cambodian mainland and a quick 2 ½ hours or so southwest of Koh Rong Samloem, Koh Tang is uninhabited but for a small group of military personnel. With vibrant reefs and excellent marine life, the reefs that surround this little island are a fantastic place to set your cares adrift as you marvel at the beauty of the underwater world. There are quite a few dive sites in the area; here are five of the best.
Giraffe Lookout
You won’t find any giraffes at Giraffe Lookout, but if you look up at the cliffs that tower over the waterline here, you will see a tree that looks just like one of the long-necked beauties. Beneath the water, the reef is a marvel, with hard and soft corals in a rainbow of colors that create a fantastic backdrop for the many butterfly fish and angel fish, tangs, Moorish idols and others fish that inhabit it. In addition, there are nudibranchs, crustaceans, and intriguing marine worms everywhere, and along the outside of the site, you’ll see schooling trevally, cobia, jacks, and other large fish. Maximum depth is about 20 meters, depending on the tide.
Explosion Reef
Offering exceptional visibility most of the time, Explosion Reef is hidden between Koh Tang and a smaller uninhabited island to its west. Composed of huge rocky outcroppings, big coral bommies that act like little planets where juvenile fish swirl as though on an endless carousel ride, and magnificent fields of staghorn coral in shallow water, the reef truly explodes with color. Besides a resident Titan triggerfish, you’ll find brilliant butterfly and angel fish, lots of wrasse and anthia, and plenty of shrimp, crabs, and other little crustaceans. Depths range from 6 to 18 m, and there is a slight current that keeps everything looking brilliant.
3 Bears
Named for a series of two little caves separated by a third larger one that can be seen in the cliffs above, three bears is a favorite site with everyone who visits Koh Tang. Beginning at a depth of only two meters, the reef eventually slopes away to meet the sandy seabed at a depth of sixteen meters. Lush soft coral and big hard coral formations add ambience to the intriguing underwater topography, and the fish are fantastic. Schooling batfish, lots of colorful tropical species, and plenty of nudibranchs, marine worms, and crustaceans can be seen along the reef, and on its outer perimeter, you’ll encounter larger species, like barracuda and jacks.
The Steps
Named for its underwater topography, with huge ledges that look like steps carved for a giant to climb, The Steps rise up from the sandy bottom, which is at a depth of just 12 meters. The second step is at 10 meters, and the third at seven meters. The uppermost ledge is in only 3 to 4 meters of water. Brilliant corals and sponges blanket this magnificent underwater staircase, and at its base, big coral bommies rise up from the seabed. The site is a nursery for juvenile spotted sweetlips and other fish, and there is lots of macro life waiting to be discovered. Be careful; there are a lot of sea urchins here!
Fly By Reef
While the rest of the sites we’ve explored are suitable for all divers, only those with plenty of experience and courage should dive Fly By Reef, which is washed by a strong current most of the time. The reef is clean and beautifully lit from above, with its best features at about 12 meters. In the shallower areas, you’ll find a wealth of tropical fish, while out beyond its edge, at a depth of 20 meters or so, you’ll find large pelagics enjoying the current.
A trip to Koh Tang is a wonderful experience; one you’ve got to plan for in advance. There are a few dive operators in Cambodia who offer trips to the island; they also offer diving instruction and equipment rentals. While you can dive all year here, the best diving and visibility up to 30 meters can be had between late October and the end of June. Grab your favorite dive buddy – adventure is waiting!