Exploring Castle Rock:
Reef type: Seamount
Maximum depth: 35m
Current: Mild to strong
Visibility: 10-35m
Castle Rock is an ideal location for experienced divers seeking an exhilarating adventure. This dive site is known for its pelagic creatures, and is characterized by a seamount reef type with a maximum depth of 35m. The current can vary from mild to strong, making it an exciting destination for adventure seekers.
During your descent, you will pass by White Tip Reef Sharks and Giant Trevally. Once you reach your depth, you will encounter large Grey Reef Sharks, Dogtooth Tuna, and schools of Surgeonfish patrolling the area. Hawksbill turtles and the graceful Napoleon Wrasse are also residents of the area.
As your dive progresses, let the current take you back to the shallower part of the seamount. Keep your eyes peeled for sleeping White- & Black Tip Reef Sharks and Bamboo Sharks. Once you reach the protected side of the seamount, you’ll discover an abundance of marine life, including Nudibranch, Leaf Scorpion fish, Octopus, Crocodile fish, and more.
Overall, Castle Rock is an exciting dive location that offers a unique opportunity to encounter a diverse range of marine life.
Exploring Crystal Rock:
Reef type: Seamount
Maximum depth: 35m
Current: Mild to strong
Visibility: 10-35m
Crystal Rock is a noteworthy dive site for good reason. Its name was inspired by incredible visibility that often exceeds expectations. At low tide, the main seamount surfaces above the water, creating a small rock formation. The dive site is larger than Castle Rock, a nearby site, and features two smaller pinnacles connected by a plateau at 22 meters.
Crystal Rock is famous for its running currents, which make for an exciting diving experience. For optimal air and bottom time, it is typically dived with a negative entry and fast descent. This approach is necessary if you want to explore the smaller pinnacles. The area is rich with marine life such as Reef Sharks, Bamboo Sharks, Giant Trevally, Napoleon Wrasse, Spotted Eagle Rays, Octopus, schools of Tuna, Snapper and Batfish.
While crossing the plateau, be sure to look out for the sea fans and search for the tiny Pygmy Seahorse. In shallower areas, you can also enjoy searching for macro critters. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the diverse and beautiful underwater world of Crystal Rock.
Exploring The Cauldron:
Reef type: Coral slope / sandy bottom / channel
Max. depth: 25m
Current: mild to very strong
Visibility: 10-30m
Located in the North, The Cauldron, or famously known as “The Shotgun,” is a small yet thrilling dive site situated between Gili Lawa Laut and Gili Lawa Darat Island. Before diving, it’s essential to approach the site carefully and take advantage of the falling tide. Here’s what you can expect:
Start your dive on the reef side, where you’ll find many coral bommies. As you enter The Cauldron, the bottom drops to 22 meters, and the passage becomes narrower, measuring around 30 meters wide. On the right side, a stunning soft coral wall with caves and crevices awaits. Meanwhile, the left side features canyons with hard coral formations, home to schools of Sweetlips, Trevally, and Midnight Snappers. If you’re lucky, you might spot Mantas and Sharks playing with the current. The current can be quite strong, but it’s best to go with the flow and stay close to your guide to avoid getting separated. Finally, exit the main current flow and head left to enjoy a safety stop in the vibrant coral garden.
This dive site offers a unique and exhilarating experience for any diving enthusiast.
Exploring the Golden Passage:
Reef type: Coral Garden / sandy bottom / channel
Max. depth: 25m
Current: mild to very strong
Visibility: 10-30m
If you’re looking for an exciting dive, then Golden Passage (or Darat Passage) is a must-visit site. The passage is situated between Gili Lawa Darat and Komodo Island and is characterized by a drift dive with mild to very strong currents. The best time to dive here is during a rising tide when the current runs from east to west.
The dive begins in a shallow bay where the current will take you to the west towards a stunning coral garden. As you venture deeper, you’ll cross the channel and encounter various marine life, including Sweetlips, Trevally, Bumphead Parrotfish, Black- and White-Tip Reef Sharks, Turtles, Garden Eels, and sometimes even a Manta Ray.
The site boasts excellent visibility ranging from 10-30 meters, making it possible to appreciate the diverse landscape. After an exhilarating dive, you’ll complete your safety stop in a colorful Coral Garden.
