Cannibal Rock - Komodo

Cannibal Rock, just south of Rinca, is one of those sites that always delivers. You’ll spot the breaking waves above the pinnacle, a subtle hint of the action below. Drop in, and you’re immediately enveloped by the sheer volume of soft corals-purples, pinks, and oranges just explode from the rock. Look for pygmy seahorses tucked into gorgonians, and keep an eye out for nudibranchs, often in shades we’ve never seen anywhere else. It’s a site that rewards a slower pace, letting you really appreciate the smaller critters, though we’ve also seen schooling snappers drift by in the mild currents. A good pick for macro lovers who appreciate a vibrant, lively reef.

Location
Komodo, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.775000, 119.491700
Type
pinnacle
Maximum Depth
10-30m

Marine Protected Area: Parc national de 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 Cannibal Rock

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 Cannibal Rock

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 depth range for diving at Cannibal Rock?
Diving at Cannibal Rock typically ranges from 10 to 30 meters. As a pinnacle dive, the site offers varying depths allowing divers to explore different sections of this vibrant underwater structure. You can learn more about this incredible site at Cannibal Rock.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see at Cannibal Rock?
Divers at Cannibal Rock can expect to encounter phenomenal marine life diversity, making it a truly world-class site. Specifically, you'll find enormous green and blue magnificent anemones in the deeper sections to the south. Explore more about the incredible creatures you might see in our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving at Cannibal Rock, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
Diving at Cannibal Rock is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it offers incredible experiences, it is best suited for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners due to potential currents or specific site conditions. For more details on this dive, visit the Cannibal Rock page.
What is the best time of year to dive at Cannibal Rock?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Cannibal Rock. However, Komodo generally offers excellent diving conditions for much of the year. For general information on seasonal diving in the region, please consult our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are required or recommended for Cannibal Rock?
The specific diving certifications required or recommended for Cannibal Rock are not detailed in the provided information. Given its intermediate difficulty, divers should ensure they are comfortable with varying conditions and depths. We recommend checking with local dive operators in Komodo for the most up-to-date requirements.
What are the typical water temperatures, visibility, and current conditions at Cannibal Rock?
The provided data does not include specific details on typical water temperatures, visibility, or current conditions for Cannibal Rock. However, as an intermediate dive site in Indonesia, divers should generally be prepared for dynamic conditions. For current conditions, it's always best to consult with local dive centers in Komodo.