Komodo: Cannibal Rock Dive Site – Komodo National Park

Site Overview

Cannibal Rock is widely regarded as one of the most biodiverse dive sites in Komodo National Park and possibly all of Indonesia, located off the south coast of Rinca Island in the southern section of the park. The site is a large submerged rock rising from approximately 30 meters to just 3 meters below the surface, and is covered in an extraordinary density of invertebrate life sustained by the cold, nutrient-rich waters that flow from the Indian Ocean through the southern channels. The thermoclines at Cannibal Rock can drop the water temperature to 20°C or below, which creates ideal conditions for an incredible profusion of soft corals, gorgonian sea fans, crinoids, sponges, tunicates, and hydroids that encrust every available surface. This invertebrate richness supports an equally diverse community of small marine life, making Cannibal Rock a paradise for macro photographers. Pygmy seahorses can be found on the gorgonian fans, dozens of species of nudibranch patrol the surfaces, frogfish camouflage among the sponges, and countless species of shrimp, crab, and other crustaceans inhabit the crevices. Larger marine life is also well represented, with whitetip reef sharks resting on the ledges, schooling barracuda and surgeonfish in the current, and Napoleon wrasse cruising along the rock face. The site is best dived from April through December and is accessible from Labuan Bajo by speedboat as part of a southern Komodo day trip or liveaboard itinerary.