Diving atCoral Bay 2 (Cambodia)
Offering typically good visibility, Coral Bay 2 is a vibrant dive site on the east side of Koh Koun island, Cambodia. Divers can anticipate conditions where visibility ranges from 10-25 meters, providing clear views of its diverse underwater topography. This site accommodates various skill levels with both shallow coral reef exploration and opportunities for muck diving in areas away from the island. Boat entry simplifies access, making it a convenient destination for exploring Cambodian waters.
As evening covers Coral Bay 2, the local air temperature is measured at 29.1°C. The current wave height at the surface is recorded at 0.5m. These late-day readings characterize the surface conditions for the night.
Dive Site Coordinates
10.6311, 103.3039
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
Descending into Coral Bay 2 reveals a welcoming aquatic landscape, particularly on Koh Koun island's east side. Dive boats typically anchor in a shallow bay, offering an easy start over the sandy bottom, ideal for novice divers.
From this point, divers can explore the surrounding vibrant coral reef, teeming with various hard and soft corals. For experienced divers and photographers seeking a different experience, there's also the option to venture away from the island for specialized muck diving. This type of diving often uncovers a fascinating array of macro-life, which might include elusive seahorses, pipefish, and nudibranchs.
The maximum depth at Coral Bay 2 is approximately 12 m (39 ft), making it suitable for recreational divers and those undertaking initial certifications like PADI Open Water Diver. Water temperatures remain consistently warm, generally ranging between 27-31°C (81-88°F) throughout the year.
Visibility here typically ranges from 10 to 25 meters, allowing for clear observation of the reef's inhabitants and topography. While the site is praised for its calm entry points, divers should be mindful of potential currents that can occur around the islands, sometimes enabling drift diving experiences. It's a comprehensive site, blending accessible reef diving with intriguing macro opportunities.
Best Time to Dive
Optimum visibility often characterizes the dive season for Coral Bay 2, generally from late October through June. During these months, divers typically encounter the most favorable conditions, aligning with lower rainfall and calmer seas. Specifically, January to April consistently offer excellent dive scores, with average air temperatures staying comfortably warm, around 27-29°C (81-84°F). Rainfall during this peak period remains minimal, averaging less than 3 mm, which contributes to clearer water. As the season progresses into May and June, conditions remain good, though average wave heights might increase slightly. Moderate dive scores are reported in July, which sees the highest average rainfall at around 20 mm and increased wave activity, potentially affecting visibility. For divers seeking to spot larger pelagics like whale sharks, December through May are noted as potential months, especially for sites further offshore. However, excellent conditions generally persist from late fall through early summer, providing consistent opportunities to explore Coral Bay 2.
Climate Historical Averages
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Navigating the waters around Coral Bay 2 can present varied current dynamics, which may influence the dive experience. While many areas, particularly near the boat anchorages in the shallow bay, offer calm conditions, currents around Koh Koun island can make it an ideal place for drift diving. Diver experience will dictate the suitability of dive sites, with operators often selecting locations based on prevailing winds and sea state. Typically, maximum depth for this site is a recreational 12 m (39 ft). Water temperatures are consistently warm, staying within a comfortable range of 27-31°C (81-88°F). Visibility often sits between 10-25 meters, allowing divers clear views of the extensive hard and soft coral formations. Boat entry is the primary method for accessing Coral Bay 2. Whether exploring the fringe reef or undertaking a muck dive, conditions generally support a relaxed and rewarding underwater exploration.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Approaching any dive site demands adherence to established safety protocols to ensure a secure experience. At Coral Bay 2, divers should always follow their dive master's instructions, especially concerning potential currents around the islands. Small group sizes are standard for guided dives, ensuring personalized attention from qualified PADI professionals. These professionals are trained in first aid and maintain a commitment to high international safety standards. Before entry, confirm your equipment is properly functioning and suited for the conditions, particularly if opting for a muck dive which may require specific buoyancy control. Always carry a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) for safety and to alert boat traffic of your position after surfacing. Divers should also be mindful of their surroundings and avoid touching marine life or corals, helping preserve the delicate ecosystem. Staying within established recreational depth limits of 12 m (39 ft) is also a critical guideline.
Recommended Equipment
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
Divers who spend more time observing marine life often prefer slightly warmer gear.
The water around Coral Bay 2 is currently holding at approximately 31°C (88°F), setting the tone for today's dives. Surface air temperatures are resting at 29°C (84°F). Water temperatures in this range are often well suited to diving with dive skin or rash guard. A hood or vest is suggested for sensitive divers due to surface winds.
Environmental conditions appear stable for the near future.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
KHR
Nearest Airports
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Marine Life at Coral Bay 2
The underwater landscape of Coral Bay 2 supports a rich variety of marine species across its coral reef and sandy bottom areas. Exploring the vibrant reef sections often reveals an array of reef fishes amidst extensive hard and soft corals. For divers focused on macro photography, the muck diving opportunities here are particularly rewarding. Keep an eye out for interesting creatures like seahorses, pipefish, and devil-scorpionfish nestled amongst the substrate. Numerous nudibranch species, octopus, worms, and various crustaceans also inhabit these waters. While larger pelagics such as stingrays, moray eels, and cobia might be spotted, especially in slightly deeper or adjacent areas, the site is particularly celebrated for its abundant macro-life, offering intricate discoveries for patient observers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum depth at Coral Bay 2?
This dive site reaches a maximum depth of 12 meters (39 feet). Such depth makes it suitable for recreational divers and ideal for beginners completing their Open Water Diver certification.
What types of diving can I experience at Coral Bay 2?
Divers can explore vibrant coral reefs or opt for muck diving, particularly appealing for photographers. The site features both extensive hard and soft corals and sandy bottom areas.
What marine life might I see?
While exploring, look for seahorses, pipefish, devil-scorpionfish, and a wide variety of nudibranchs. The reefs also host numerous reef fish, and occasionally larger species like stingrays and moray eels.
When is the best time to dive here?
The prime diving season generally runs from late October to the end of June, with excellent conditions often found from January to April. During these months, expect lower rainfall, calmer seas, and better visibility.
What are the typical water conditions?
Water temperatures are consistently warm, ranging from 27-31°C (81-88°F) throughout the year. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 25 meters, though this can vary with weather and currents.
Is Coral Bay 2 suitable for beginner divers?
Yes, with shallow boat entry points over a sandy bottom, it's very suitable for beginners. Many choose to explore the vibrant coral reef, and it's an excellent location for Open Water Diver training.
What equipment is recommended for diving here?
A rash guard or light wetsuit is often sufficient for thermal comfort. A camera is highly recommended for capturing the macro-life and reef scenery, along with a Surface Marker Buoy for safety.
Are currents usually present at the site?
While some areas are calm, currents can occur around the islands, which can sometimes allow for drift diving experiences. Dive operators select sites based on conditions and diver experience.
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