Castle Rock is a seamount north of Komodo Island, a long way from Labuan Bajo. The top is about 3–4 m and the dive plateau is about 15–20 m, then the flanks drop to 30–40 m. The current usually runs east and is stronger at the surface than at depth.
At the right moment, this is a gathering place for whitetip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, dogtooth tuna, giant trevally, and barracuda. At the wrong moment, the current runs down an edge with nothing to hold. This dive is for divers who are already calm in current, and it usually follows a narrow tidal window.
Around 20 m there is soft coral and sea fans. Pygmy seahorses are on those fans. The shallow top of the rock is used for the safety stop because it is more sheltered from the current.
- Map coordinate
- −8.43072, 119.56014
- Dive type
- Wall
- Entry
- Boat
- Depth
- The plateau is about 15–20 m. The flanks reach 40 m.
- Water
- Salt water
Marine life
Whitetip reef shark
They gather in the current at the right moment. Do not swim to the edge to get closer.
Grey reef shark
They gather in the current at the right moment. Do not swim to the edge to get closer.
Dogtooth tuna
In the open water beside the seamount, often at 30–40 m.
Trevally
In the open water beside the seamount, often at 30–40 m.
Barracuda
In the open water beside the seamount, often at 30–40 m.
Batfish
Often curious and following around the top.
Macro life
The fans on the side of the seamount are where the pygmy seahorses are. For macro photos, use a macro lens and a focus light, without leaving the group.
Pygmy seahorse
They cling to the sea fans around 20 m.
An animal on this list is not guaranteed on every dive.