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Site description
Castle Rock is regarded as one of the best dive sites not only in Komodo National Park but in all of Indonesia. It’s a dramatic underwater pinnacle rising close to the surface (around 4 meters depth) and descending to about 30 meters, creating a stunning wall dive environment. Located north of Komodo Island near Gili Lawa Laut, it is famous for its strong currents that attract an abundance of marine life, including reef sharks, giant trevally, tuna, barracuda, and large schools of fusiliers. The currents provide nutrients which feed a vibrant ecosystem teeming with predators and prey alike.
Divers often start the dive up-current of the pinnacle to drift down along the reef, reef-hooking at key spots to enjoy the marine life show. The site is popular on liveaboard trips due to its remote location and challenging conditions. Besides big pelagics and reef sharks, divers can find colorful nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and other macro species hiding among gorgonians and sponges.
Castle Rock is only recommended for experienced divers comfortable with strong currents, negative entries, and deep diving techniques
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Dive types
Wall Diving
Drift Diving
Underwater Photography
Pelagic Encounter
Best time to dive
April to December offers best conditions and visibility; strong currents mean timing dives around slack tide is critical.
Marine life
Baracudda
Black-Tip Reef Shark
Eagle Ray
Green Sea Turtle
Grouper
Manta Ray
Napoleon Wrasse
Nudibranch
Octopus
Scorpionfish
Seahorse
Tuna
White-Tip Reef Shark
Frequently asked questions
Why is Castle Rock considered Komodo's best big-animal dive site?
How do I get to Castle Rock in Komodo National Park?
Is Castle Rock appropriate for beginners?
What is the best time to dive Castle Rock?
What marine life is Castle Rock famous for?