Komodo National Park Dive Sites

Castle Rock North Komodo | A current-swept pinnacle packed with life — where big fish and beauty collide.

8º 25' 50.6" S, 119º 33' 36.5" E

Overview

Castle Rock is one of Komodo’s most iconic dive sites — a towering submerged pinnacle just 4 meters below the surface, rising from the depths in open blue water north of Komodo Island. Famous for its swirling currents, schooling predators, and spectacular soft corals, this site is a magnet for experienced divers seeking action and abundance.

Due to its exposure, Castle Rock is best suited for advanced divers. The topography and water movement create natural feeding zones, making it one of the best places in the park to see pelagics up close. Properly timed, it’s also one of Komodo’s most photogenic dives — with vibrant sea fans, shimmering batfish, and blue water that stretches forever.

Learn More

Fast Facts

Dive Type: Pinnacle / Blue Water / Drift
Experience Level: Advanced
Depth Range: 4–40m+
Best Time to Dive: March–October
Key Features: Submerged seamount, open ocean entry, strong currents, top-side shelter
Marine Life Highlights: Schooling barracuda, jacks, mackerel, batfish, pygmy seahorses, reef sharks

Tips for Divers

Plan a blue water entry approximately 50 meters upcurrent — descend quickly to depth (~30–40m) where currents are manageable.
Bring a reef hook for watching the action unfold safely at the sweet spot.
The top of the rock is a safe place to complete your safety stop with a view.
Great wide-angle site — bring a camera if you can handle it in current.

Marine Life

Castle Rock is alive with movement. Descend through blue water and you’re often met by a welcoming committee of batfish, followed by schooling barracuda, giant trevallies, and Spanish mackerel. Reef sharks circle below, and the deeper zones offer encounters with tuna, snapper, and even passing rays.

The rock itself is blanketed with soft corals and sea fans, especially around 20 meters, where you’ll find pygmy seahorses hiding in the branches. The top of the rock — just 3 to 4 meters below the surface — provides a calm current break, making it the perfect place for a safe, scenic ascent surrounded by anthias and reef life.

About Lotus Liveaboards

Lotus Liveaboards offers immersive, small-group dive expeditions in the heart of Komodo National Park, operating out of Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia. As the liveaboard division of Azul Komodo — the first PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center (IDC) in Komodo and a certified Green Fins member — we specialize in high-quality, eco-conscious diving experiences aboard our handcrafted wooden vessels.

From our flagship Blue Lotus Phinisi to the beloved day boat Biru Asmara, our fleet blends traditional Indonesian craftsmanship with modern dive functionality and comfort. Every journey is guided by experienced crew and PADI professionals who are passionate about marine life, conservation, and creating unforgettable underwater adventures.

Whether you’re here to complete your next certification, encounter Komodo’s famous manta rays, or simply relax between dives with fresh, chef-prepared meals, Lotus Liveaboards delivers personalized service and five-star experiences — both above and below the surface.

TC_BOTB_transparent_BF Logo_LL_2024_CMYK