Castle Rock Dive Site in Komodo

Crystal Rock is a standout dive site in Komodo National Park, celebrated for its stunning underwater topography and vibrant marine life. This submerged pinnacle, located in the northern region of the park, offers divers an exhilarating experience with a chance to see an array of pelagic species. The site is named for its clear, crystalline waters that provide exceptional visibility, often exceeding 30 meters.

Diving at Crystal Rock, you'll encounter a bustling underwater ecosystem. The site is frequented by white tip reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and schools of jacks and trevally. The coral gardens here are rich with both hard and soft corals, creating a colorful backdrop teeming with life. Nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and frogfish are some of the macro delights awaiting keen-eyed divers. The currents can be strong, adding to the thrill and making this site best suited for experienced divers.

The dive typically starts with a negative entry, descending quickly to avoid being swept away by the currents. As you navigate the reef, you'll witness a symphony of marine life, from the vivid coral formations to the schools of fish darting through the water. The pinnacle rises to within a few meters of the surface, making the safety stop equally mesmerizing with the shallow coral gardens.

Located in the narrow passage between Gili Lawa Laut and Gili Lawa Darat, The Cauldron in Komodo is not for the faint-hearted. This dive site is renowned for its exhilarating currents that spiral through faults in the reef, creating an adrenaline-pumping experience. The dive site features a large sinkhole, aptly named The Cauldron, reaching depths of 22 meters. Divers can expect to see an array of marine life including reef sharks, giant trevally, schooling jacks, and even manta rays.

The site’s unique topography, with walled edges, overhangs, and crevices covered in both soft and hard corals, makes for a visually stunning dive. Divers can cross the channel to a rubble plateau at 12 meters and observe the vibrant marine activity. The Shot Gun and Sling Shot sections of the site provide an exhilarating ride through strong currents, ending in the calm, shallow waters of Gili Lawa Laut.

For non-divers, the surrounding islands offer spectacular viewpoints, pristine beaches, and opportunities for snorkeling, making The Cauldron a perfect destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike.