Koh Rong Samloen Snorkeling with Bioluminescent Plankton
3.6

Koh Rong Samloen Snorkeling with Bioluminescent Plankton

By Karmakazi
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Koh Rong Samloem, a charming island off the coast of Sihanoukville, is host to an extraordinary natural phenomenon: bioluminescence. Thousands upon thousands of tiny marine organisms have evolved to give off light and, as you move through the water, they sparkle and glisten like a starry sky. Experience it on this early evening snorkeling trip with a certified instructor and essential equipment provided, setting out from Saracen Bay.

Ages 5-95, max of 20 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
  • See the ocean gleam with the light of a thousand tiny stars: bioluminescence
  • Travel by boat from Koh Rong Samloem in a group capped at just 20 travelers
  • Tour includes snorkeling gear—and lifejackets
  • Stay safe, even in the dark, with an experienced instructor

  • Certified instructor
  • Use of Snorkelling equipment
  • Life jackets
  • 1 x 45min/1 hour snorkelling locations
What's not included
  • Ferry to/from Koh Rong Samloem


  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 57313P5

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • May be operated by a multilingual guide
  • Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
  • The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 57313P5

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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
  • Karmakazi
    4.5 of 5 bubbles126
    Cambodia
    Joined in May 2017
  • 889holliel
    0 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Never happened!
    We booked two spots for the bioluminescent plankton snorkeling tour and our guide didn't show up. Waited until 7.10. Really disappointing.
    Written December 20, 2021
  • worldtraveller888888
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great service
    Nice people good tour would recommend them in the future if they are still there .. nice South African guy running the place .. would recommend
    Written October 28, 2020
  • 478stephang
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful experience
    I’ve been on a morning trip and a nigh trip with Karmakazi it was a beautiful experience. The boat lady was very sweet and kind and also very professional with the memebers of the boats. Perfect to enjoy the amazing scenery of Saracen bay.
    Written March 1, 2020
  • J9776VY_
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Surprising day
    We had a great day with Karmakazi. Boat trip by sea around the shock surroundings, perfectly organised snorkelling, beach stop for lunch and walk. If you want to get a lot of impressions and pleasure, you to them! Thanks for your service and ours emotions 😘
    Written February 25, 2020
  • Rusty_Ninja
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Plankton trip
    Booked a trio via tge resort we where staying at and the service by katarina awas lovely this is a MUST do absolutely beautiful well worth the $12
    Written January 14, 2020
  • panjisemarang1
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    snorkelling
    my family planned a holiday in Pulau Kapas but we took a chalet on the mainland as it offer a lot more choices and the prices were also competitive. We stayed at Fishermen Village Premium Homes. It didnt score A but overall it won for spacious, comfortable and cleanliness, definitely can be one of the choices to be consider. I would like to stress on the prices for snorkelling in Pulau Kapas. The boat service itself will cost you rm40 (snork not incl) and it you prefer to snork in the Taman Laut, need to add another rm15. For me, if you like to feed fishes, no need to be in Taman Laut. near the shores also there a plenty of them. The coral there also nice to look at. In Taman Laut, the corals of course are everywhere with the same colourful fish you found elsewhere. bring your own goggle set and save rm15 for that!
    Written August 13, 2019
  • 771walterk
    0 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fine but not special
    Snorkeling was ok but we have done much nicer snorkling in the past at other places... Only small place where you could see some fishes
    Written August 6, 2019
  • craftinganexpatlife
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Magical Plankton
    What a cool experience to jump into the water and see the plankton light up all around you. The more you move, the more spectacular it is. I’m sure glad we didn’t cancel due to the rainy weather scattered with lightning and thunder all day long. Thankfully the weather cooperated for our trip and because the cloud cover was so heavy and dark the plankton were exceptionally visible. The atmosphere of the tour was relaxing and enjoyable. We felt very satisfied with the easy-going vibe of the evening tour. Just the right amount of time spent out in the water splashing around and never felt rushed at all. It’s definitely worth the time and the money to experience this while you’re on the island. Too bad you can’t get good pictures of this magical time!
    Written July 30, 2019
  • gabrieladI9933EF
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A very nice experience
    We very much enjoyed the 5 hour snorkelling tour (2 x 45 min snorkelling at 2 different locations, plus lunch). Relaxing atmosphere and a nice tour guide (Ryan).
    Written July 12, 2019
  • Kroybazza
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Epic !!
    Mate - just do it ! This was my boys first experience on air - we are totally coming back to get our PADI tickets. Love the laid back approach - totally safe - all the info you need but no sales pitches or drama. The dive sites are fabulous - loads to see - good variation in depth - no massive currents. Lunch was good - great Turkish food .. When you are not diving you can be chillin on the boat or snorkeling ... These guys are the people you can trust your family with - they were always close but not overbearing - I was happy to trust my boys to them !
    Written July 8, 2019
  • jadenwhittle
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Surface to air supply diving & plankton
    Great experience! Fun, chilled vibes, good atmosphere as well as very professional. I highly recommend either of their adventures. Located just off Soon Neong/Paradise Pier on Koh Rong Sanloem you will find a small hut on the beach. With (currently) either Ryan or Catarina, two well versed, very easy to communicate with, professional & experienced adventure seekers. They are clearly passionate about their jobs, keeping things lively, fun & interesting. I was even introduced to some of their friends on different parts of the island which expanded my experience here even more. Never a feeling of being rushed with these two! A great change from the hustle & bustle of Sinoukville. You won't regret it ;)
    Written July 3, 2019
  • LollapaloozaSG
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Reliable and Qualified
    Booked the night plankton snorkeling with them through Klook, then we ended up also booking the day snorkeling with them when we were there. Both activities are highly recommended and you see different things. They pick us up from our hotel by boat so it is convenient. Their shop is at the end of of beach which is quite a walking distance so will strongly suggest to book and arrange pick up through email or whatsapp, unless you don’t mind walking 10-30mins to their shop depending on which hotel you are staying. Walking from Orchid resort to their shop takes around 30mins. Friend was sea sick after arriving saracen bay and we were able to postpone the plankton trip to the following day without any difficulty. They have specially chosen the spots to do snorkeling different from other local providers so it is not crowded in the waters. Water is clear and we can see corals and fishes. Katerina went with us on both trips, making sure our life vests and snorkels are worn correctly and working. Been to so many snorkeling trips around asia but this is the first time we were taught how to use to snorkel properly. Katerina swam with us throughout to make sure we are safe in water and also brought us to the right spots to view sea creatures and corals. She even helps to clean up the ocean by picking up the rubbish she saw. The plankton snorkeling trip was amazing! You must do this at least once in a lifetime and this can’t be done everywhere in the world. So it’s definitely one of the must-do activity at saracen bay. Kamakazi rates may be higher but you pay for quality service and safety. After having a few bad experience with local operators where safety is not a priority and very poor service, we really don’t mind paying more to have a better experience. Since Katerina and her partner are both foreigners, they speak good English, hence it is easy to communicate with them.
    Written July 2, 2019
  • demileevanrooyen
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Snuba!!
    The snuba outing with Karmakazi was AMAZING! At first I was really scared on going underwater because I am cluster phobic but Ryan went step by step with me so I would be comfortable. We went to two locations, the first one Ryan was my partner and swam the whole way with me so that he knows I would be fine and also know that I would enjoy the sea life, he explained everything thoroughly and answered every question that I had. The second location I went with someone else but Ryan kept watch every second. I came up to the top the one time because I burst out laughing at my partner….. Ryan didn’t think twice to jump in the water and swim to my partner and I to make sure that we were okay. Our safety was taken very seriously. I recommend to make time and go out with the Kamakazi’s it was the best experience ever and if I come back I will do it again.
    Written June 22, 2019
  • LindaKahts
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ultimate SNUBA experience!
    SNUBA!! Being a qualified diver, I thought snorkeling would be boring. Never in my wildest dreams did I know that snorkeling can be so much fun when u combine it with a scuba tank. Ryan is a very experienced and patient guide and our safety was of utmost importance. The long tail boat was my “Cambodian dream” come true. My daughter has never even snorkeled in her life and was terrified by the idea. At our first location, Ryan thoroughly explained everything and made sure everyone was comfortable in the water. Back on board the boat, a rainstorm was on its way and we headed to nearby M’Pai Bay for an awesome lunch while waiting for the storm to pass. Second location on our way back to Saracen Bay was a spectacular spot. I would definitely recommend a snuba trip with KarmaKazi, it was the highlight of our Island tour.
    Written June 21, 2019
  • ShashankA165
    0 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    worthles!!
    We booked our trip with them , and infact not one but two of them , evening plankton tour as well as island tour. Both the tours were not professional at all. Specially their tour leader, she was too busy to enjoy herself!! Not recommended!
    Written April 14, 2019
See all 126 reviews
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


3.6
3.6 of 5 bubbles18 reviews
Excellent
9
Very good
1
Average
2
Poor
3
Terrible
3

mcdonaldjoseph
Newcastle, Australia6 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Not the best activity for less nimble people. We left later than told waiting for a few walk ups to pay. The “guide “ spoke little to no English other than beer and snorkel. When we got to the destination there was some plankton but nothing like photo shop to enhance. The ladder to get in and out of the boat was short and rusty
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi you have reviewed the wrong company, I know this for 3 reason's. 1. Either myself or my colleague are always on my boat and are both English and instructors. 2. I don't promote drinking on my boat as this is a safety risk so would not and do not offer beer or any other brain numbing fluids. 3. I have a stainless steel ladder which does not rust. So please be certain in future you have the right business before giving reviews. And thank you for pointing out why I do not recommend the other business. Thank you and regards Ryan Morris
Written February 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

patcheah
George Town, Malaysia196 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2018 • Couples
We when to this trip in June 2018. We gather as the shop and the pick up from the shop was almost an hour late. We were suppose to be transferred to the boat at a local village but the tuk tuk driver appointed by the shop did not know where to go. The driver started asking us for direction and of cause we have no clue where it was.
Finally, we manage to get to the local village where we were suppose to board the traditional boat and the tuk tuk diver asking the ride fare from us. Of cause we did not pay him as we have paid for the tour.
Next, we were ask to board a traditional boat and there was a total of 4 of us to join the tour. There is only 1 boatman who is the captain and there was no one else. The boatman could not even speak english. Imagine how we feel about our safety.
As for the plankton, it was a no show but that is ok as nature come and go ask they like.
However, when we when back to the village, there was no pickup to go back to the shop or any instruction on where to go to get a tuk tuk. It was heavy rain and we were just drop on the village and to find our own way back in the middle of a heavy rain.
Overall, the trip was a disappointment and not because of the no show of the plankton but the way it was organized by the company. The trip consist on 2 asian, 1 American and 1 British and we were afraid of our safely.
Written June 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Maddieb92
Williamsburg, VA130 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2018 • Friends
I took the Plankton tour from Koh Rong Samloen and it was simply incredible. This is an experience that can't really be photographed, you just have to see it. Honestly, this tour was the best $10 I've maybe ever spent while traveling. The trip itself was very no-frills (not even really a tour per se). They just take you out to a very dark part of the bay that they know is safe (no jellyfish, rocks, etc) and give you some snorkel gear. The picture on this page isn't really accurate, but pay no mind; it's still breathtaking. The glowing plankton is a bit like being covered in hundreds of glittering fairy lights when you move through the water.
Written June 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

kimberlyazkids
Dublin, Ireland1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2017 • Friends
Did two trips with Karmakazi! Both were fantastic! Really amazing, great staff, great trips. Don't miss out and join the snorkelling evening with the glittery plankton. Amazing experience not to be missed
Written December 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Richard254
Hebden Bridge, United Kingdom308 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2019 • Couples
We didn't take an organised tour, but just swam off the sandy shore alongside the places we were staying, on moonless nights at about 9pm. Perhaps we were lucky in the timing (late January and early February 2019) but we saw lots of phosphorescence every time. It was much better with a mask +/- snorkel. Our arms and legs lit up like sparklers. No need to go in beyond waist depth. I can't imagine that it could have been better in the places they take you to on the boat trips. Our first experience was on the aptly named Plankton Beach on Koh ta Kiev (staying at the excellent Kactus), but we saw very similar displays on Sunset Beach, Koh Rong Samloen and 4K Beach on Koh Rong. My guess is that any of the beaches would have been OK, as long as there's not too much background light. What a fabulous experience!
Written February 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sophia V
Perth, Australia7 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2018 • Solo
Did not have much interaction with Karma-Kazi besides meeting at the shop. I was directed to a bike that took me to another beach. The trip was on a small local taxi boat. The guide did not talk at all except to say "snorkel here" or "7 pm we see plankton." and "Jump in now" kind of thing. The photo is very misleading - the density of the phytoplankton is very low, so it's more like seeing little glowing bubbles as one moves their hand in front of their face under water. If you're going to Koh Rong, you can grab a taxi boat to go and swim with phytoplankton for $7 and actually leave when it's dark if you want to save a few dollars and just do the phytoplankton without the snorkeling and waiting for the sun to set part.
Written June 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Julia2017Patrick
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We did the trip with Karmakazi and it was just breathtaking. You start around 4:30pm an head to a nearby private island. After an hour snorkeling in the setting sun you watch the sunset from the boat. Alcohol free drinks are included and you can purchase a beer for just 1$. You jump back into the water when it is really dark (we had a night with out moon) and see the plankton light up when you touch it. It is like swimming with thousands of fireflies. Our great tour guide Nicole guided us to the best spots and told us many inreresting things about the area. Important is to book directly through Karmakazi to get a tour guide. There are others who offer the same tour but only with a local boat captain who does not neccessarily speaks english. We booked directly at the office in otres1 and organized the 3 island tour as well. Highly to recommend as well. Overall fantastic trips with a great team.
p.s. to take pictures you need a very professional camera as the light is difficult to see from the boat and is only visible for a few seconds. Better just jump in the water relax and enjoy.
Written March 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wise words there Julia, Lets take our faces out of the screens and enjoy something you can only take back in memories and dreams.
Written April 11, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Aik L
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Had a great adventurous trip with my family (kids of 5 and 9). The hostess is a real pro, the boat with its captain not really. The experience of swimming and snorkeling in the dark itself is an adventure on its own, but the luminating plankton is something different. What a great show nature gives away!
Worth the 12 dollar/pax and kids are free.
Written August 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Donna W
The Hague, The Netherlands3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2018 • Family
Had high expectations, but was blown away by the experience. You NEED to get into the water with the mask and snorkel to truly see!! One of my kids described it as "too much for my brain to process". Am planning another trip back in December.
Written April 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Billy O
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Had a great time swimming with the planton. The tour guide was very helpful informative and was also a rescue diver which was quite reasuring.
We got to go snorkeling followed by a chill out for sunset which the provided local fishing rods to us to try our luck at catching a bite.
On the side note the guys at the shop also are involved in several community volunteering programs such as teaching the local kids how the swing and a weekly trash collecting day. Well worth the simple drop in to say hello.
Written April 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

Koh Rong Samloen Snorkeling with Bioluminescent Plankton provided by Karmakazi

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