Batu Bolong Komodo - Komodo

Cray’s Crack in Fiordland, it’s a site that really delivers on that true New Zealand vibe. We love dropping into the cool, dark water, the kelp stalks swaying above like a curtain. The real show starts at about 10 meters, where the rocky slope transforms into a proper wall. This isn't your vibrant tropical reef, but the colours here are subtler, deeper – the glow of orange zoanthids, the deep purple of kina, and of course, the famed black coral. We’ve found the best time to visit is often on an overcast day; the ambient light filtering through makes the black coral truly pop. Keep an eye out for those big crayfish tucked into crevices – they’re everywhere here, giving the site its name. Our favourite moments have been spotting schools of butterfly perch flitting amongst the coral branches and watching lazy dogsharks cruise by. The visibility can be hit or miss, usually around 10-12m, but it only adds to the moody, mysterious feel. It’s a straightforward dive to about 18m, making it a great pick for intermediate divers looking for that classic Fiordland experience without extreme depths or currents.

Location
Komodo, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.536700, 119.613700
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Komodo

Best Time to Dive in Komodo

The warmest water temperatures in Komodo occur in November, averaging 30.3°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 27.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.2°C
  • February: 28.9°C
  • March: 29.4°C
  • April: 29.7°C
  • May: 29.4°C
  • June: 28.9°C
  • July: 28.1°C
  • August: 27.9°C
  • September: 28.2°C
  • October: 29.2°C
  • November: 30.3°C
  • December: 30.2°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Komodo

Nearest Dive Centres to Batu Bolong Komodo

Marine Life in Komodo

Home to 220 recorded species including 95 reef fish, 92 hard corals, 13 seagrass & algae, 5 sharks & rays, 4 sea cucumbers, 3 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Batu Bolong Komodo

Based on average water temperature of 29.1°C, currents 5 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Batu Bolong in Komodo?
At Batu Bolong Komodo, divers can expect a maximum depth of 24 meters. This world-class dive site is primarily a reef dive, offering diverse marine life throughout its depth range.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see at Batu Bolong Komodo?
Divers at Batu Bolong Komodo can anticipate an incredible array of marine life. You have great chances to spot huge schools of fish, many pelagic fish, and different kinds of sharks in the deeper parts. Specific sightings often include giant trevally, nudibranchs, moray eels, hawksbill sea turtles, tuna, scorpionfish, reef sharks, shrimps, Napoleon wrasse, and groupers. For more information on marine species, visit our Wildlife Database.
How difficult is diving at Batu Bolong Komodo, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Batu Bolong Komodo is considered suitable for advanced and/or experienced divers. This is primarily due to the strong currents often present at this world-class site in Komodo. Therefore, it is not recommended for beginners.
When is the best time of year to dive Batu Bolong in Komodo for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Batu Bolong Komodo for optimal conditions. For general information on diving seasons in the region, please consult our When to Dive guide.
What dive certifications are required or recommended for diving Batu Bolong Komodo?
For diving Batu Bolong Komodo, it is highly recommended that divers are advanced and/or experienced. This recommendation stems from the challenging conditions, particularly the strong currents, found at this exceptional dive site in Komodo.
What are the typical current conditions and challenges divers face at Batu Bolong Komodo?
Divers at Batu Bolong Komodo should be prepared for typical current conditions that are often strong. These powerful currents are the primary challenge and are why the site is recommended for advanced and/or experienced divers. Despite the currents, the site offers incredible marine life in Komodo.