Castle Rock Komodo - Komodo
Francisco Reef is one of those spots we love to kick off a trip to Raja Ampat. It’s a gentle introduction to the region's colours. Dropping down onto that shallow rock, you’re instantly surrounded by clouds of anthias and fusiliers, so thick they almost block the light – a proper Raja Ampat welcome. We’ve found the maximum depth around 20 metres, making it a relaxed dive, good for stretching out your bottom time. The visibility here can vary, but we’ve generally seen around 14 metres, sometimes more. It’s perfect for slowing down, really scanning the reef. Keep an eye out for blue-spotted stingrays tucked into the sand patches. For the macro enthusiasts, this is a real treat; we’ve spotted pygmy seahorses here on multiple occasions, clinging to their gorgonian fans. Don't forget to peer under the shallow overhangs – we've often found wobbegong sharks patiently waiting. The coral here is healthy, a mix of hard and soft, supporting a genuinely impressive number of smaller reef fish. It’s a great site for photographers or anyone wanting a relaxed, vibrant dive.
- Location
- Komodo, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
- Coordinates
- -8.433300, 119.566000
- 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
- 3 Sisters
- Amelia (reef)
- ARDADELDALI - 0m (wreck)
- Bahuluang Wall (reef)
- Batu Bolong
- Batu Bolong Dive Site
- Batu Bolong Komodo (reef)
- Batu Bolong Komodo (reef)
- Batu Tiga (drift)
- Batu Tiga (reef)
- Batu Tiga Dive Site
- Bhayangkara (reef)
- Bhayangkara
- Bidadari (reef)
- Bidadari (reef)
Nearest Dive Centres to Castle Rock 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
- Boring Clam (Tridacna crocea) - Clams & Mussels
- Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
- Small giant clam (Tridacna maxima) - Clams & Mussels
- Staghorn coral (Acropora hyacinthus) - Hard Corals
- Staghorn coral (Acropora solitaryensis) - Hard Corals
- thalassia (Thalassia hemprichii) - Seagrass & Algae
- seagrass (Halophila ovalis) - Seagrass & Algae
- Black sea cucumber (Holothuria atra) - Sea Cucumbers
- Species code: Ea (Enhalus acoroides) - Seagrass & Algae
- Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) - Reef Fish
- chocolate chip sea star (Protoreaster nodosus) - Starfish
- Pinkfish (Holothuria edulis) - Sea Cucumbers
- Bristle-toothed Surgeonfish (Ctenochaetus striatus) - Reef Fish
- Common Mushroom Coral (Fungia fungites) - Hard Corals
- Bowl coral (Halomitra pileus) - Hard Corals
- Blue-lined Surgeonfish (Acanthurus lineatus) - Reef Fish
- Fluted clam (Tridacna squamosa) - Clams & Mussels
- halodule (Halodule uninervis) - Seagrass & Algae
- Feather Coral (Polyphyllia talpina) - Hard Corals
- Species code: Si (Syringodium isoetifolium) - Seagrass & Algae
Recommended Packing List for Castle Rock 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