Crystal Rock

Crystal Rock is a submerged rocky pinnacle in Komodo National Park that rises from the seafloor, with its tip sometimes breaking the surface at low tide. The site is famed for very clear water, steep sloping walls and extensive coral cover including table corals, giant sea fans and barrel sponges; the dive combines action and macro life, with frequent sightings of white-tip and grey reef sharks, passing pelagics such as giant trevally and batfish, and macro subjects like pygmy seahorses. Access is by boat only. The pinnacle extends from near the surface down to about 30 m, though most recreational dives go to roughly 25 m and divers commonly shelter around 20-25 m on the leeward side. Conditions feature strong currents and excellent visibility (often 20-30 m) with water temperatures in the mid-to-high 20s °C; dives typically begin with a quick descent to the sheltered depth, finish the ascent on the calmer side of the rock, and have limited bottom times of around 40-50 minutes. Strong currents are the main hazard, so the site is recommended for advanced, well-briefed divers; guides commonly use reef hooks and divers must monitor depth and air and maintain buoyancy around the rocky outcrops.