Diving atKoh Touch East (Cambodia)
Koh Touch East provides a sheltered reef and sandy bottom dive accessible by boat, reaching a maximum depth of 8 meters (26 feet). Positioned off Koh Rong island, the site caters to a range of experience levels, from introductory dives to more advanced certifications. Its proximity to the main village on Koh Rong makes it a readily available dive destination.
As evening covers Koh Touch East, the local air temperature is measured at 29.8°C. The current wave height at the surface is recorded at 0.42m. These late-day readings characterize the surface conditions for the night.
Dive Site Coordinates
10.6709, 103.2924
Dive Site Characteristics
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
While modest in size, Koh Touch East, whose name translates to 'Small Island,' presents substantial diving opportunities across its shallow reef and sandy expanses. Divers frequently encounter expansive anemone gardens here, often hosting resident clownfish, which remain a consistent highlight for photographers and marine life enthusiasts alike.
The reefs surrounding Koh Touch East are designated protected areas, a status contributing to a notable diversity of marine encounters awaiting exploration, from small reef inhabitants to occasional larger visitors. This protected status underscores the importance of responsible diving practices to preserve its delicate ecosystem. Its calm waters make it particularly suitable for those undertaking initial dive experiences, serving as a valuable spot for introductory PADI Discover Scuba Diving programs where fundamental skills are practiced in a comfortable setting.
Certified Open Water and Advanced Open Water divers also find excellent conditions here. Open Water divers find a safe, shallow environment ideal for skill refinement and buoyancy practice, while Advanced Open Water divers can leverage the varied reef and sandy transitions for navigation training or simply extend their bottom time within recreational limits.
Snorkeling is frequently supported by site conditions, providing excellent options for non-diving companions to enjoy the vibrant shallow areas, often with similar marine sightings as those seen by divers. Surface intervals are typically calm, enhancing the overall experience for groups with mixed interests and skill levels.
Best Time to Dive
Optimal conditions for diving at Koh Touch East typically span from January through April and again in October, November, and December. During these months, the dive scores are consistently rated as 'Excellent' or 'Good', with minimal rainfall, often less than 5 mm (0.2 inches) in January, February, March, and December. Air temperatures during these periods are comfortably warm, ranging from 27.2°C (81°F) to 29.1°C (84°F). Wave heights also tend to be lower, generally below 0.5 meters (1.6 feet), contributing to calmer surface conditions. While diving is possible year-round, the wetter season from June to September sees increased rainfall and slightly higher wave activity, which can affect visibility and overall comfort, reducing the dive score to 'Moderate' in July.
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
Reaching a maximum depth of 8 meters (26 feet), Koh Touch East is an excellent location for beginner divers or those seeking shallower, longer bottom times. A mix of reef and sandy bottom environments defines the site, offering varied topography within its recreational depth range. Its position often provides protection from stronger currents, allowing for a consistently more relaxed underwater experience compared to more exposed locations. Such calm underwater conditions prove conducive for initial certification dives, refresher courses, or for divers focusing on underwater photography without contending with drift. Water temperatures are not consistently reported, but generally follow the warm tropical climate of the region, making a rash guard or a shorty wetsuit suitable for thermal protection year-round. Visibility often varies depending on seasonal plankton blooms and recent rainfall, but good conditions typically offer views up to 10-15 meters (33-49 feet), allowing for ample light penetration in these shallower sections.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Divers visiting Koh Touch East should be mindful that the reefs around the island are protected areas, necessitating careful interaction with the environment. Adhering to responsible diving practices, such as maintaining buoyancy control and avoiding contact with marine life, is crucial here. Given the site's maximum depth, it is suitable for divers holding a PADI Open Water Diver certification or even those participating in Discover Scuba Diving experiences. Advanced Open Water training is also listed as useful, suggesting there may be aspects of the site that benefit from enhanced skills, such as navigation. There are no specific hazards reported for this site; however, standard dive safety procedures, including diving within certified limits and buddy system protocols, should always be followed.
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
Dive skin or rash guard usually provides adequate warmth in water around this temperature. A hood or vest is suggested for sensitive divers due to surface winds. Those diving at Koh Touch East today will likely encounter water temperatures in the region of 31°C (88°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 30°C (86°F).
Environmental conditions are expected to remain consistent in the short-term outlook.
Conditions can vary slightly across different parts of the same dive site.
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
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Nearest Airports
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Marine Life at Koh Touch East
Diving at Koh Touch East often immediately draws attention to its extensive anemone gardens, which frequently serve as home to clownfish. These interactions offer consistent photo opportunities. Beyond the anemones, divers may also spot other common sightings such as various reef fish inhabiting the mixed reef and sandy habitats. While less frequent, broader pelagic sightings like sharks, whales, dolphins, and turtles have been reported in the wider area, though these are not guaranteed on every dive at this specific site.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum depth at Koh Touch East?
The maximum depth recorded for diving at Koh Touch East is 8 meters (26 feet). This makes it an ideal spot for entry-level divers and those preferring shallower profiles.
Is Koh Touch East suitable for beginner divers?
Yes, Koh Touch East is well-suited for beginners. PADI Discover Scuba Diving and Open Water Diver training are listed as useful, indicating its accessibility for less experienced divers due to generally calm conditions and shallower depths.
What kind of dive site is Koh Touch East?
It's primarily a reef and sandy bottom dive site, classified as an ocean dive. It offers a combination of hard and soft corals on the reef structures, alongside sandy patches.
What marine life can I expect to see?
Divers often encounter clownfish residing within large anemone gardens. The site's protected status also contributes to a variety of other reef fish and potentially larger marine life like turtles, though sightings of sharks, whales, and dolphins are less common closer to the reef itself.
What are the best months to dive at Koh Touch East?
The period from January to April and again from October to December typically offers the best diving conditions. These months feature excellent dive scores, lower rainfall, and calmer seas.
Are there strong currents at Koh Touch East?
Koh Touch East is generally well protected from strong currents, allowing for relaxed and enjoyable dives. This makes it a comfortable environment for divers of all skill levels.
Is the site accessible from shore or by boat?
Access to Koh Touch East is primarily by boat. This ensures easy entry to the prime dive areas around the small island.
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