About This Place
Cannibal Rock is a submerged mound in Loh Dasami, the sheltered bay between southern Rinca and Nusa Kode. Its protected position and cold, nutrient-rich upwelling produce a dive that feels very different from the blue-water pinnacles of north Komodo.
Soft coral, sponges, sea fans, sea apples, feather stars and other invertebrates cover the rock. The site is especially valued for frogfish, pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, Coleman shrimp and unusual scorpionfish, while snapper, surgeonfish, turtles and occasional rays provide larger subjects.
Current is often milder inside the bay than at exposed Komodo sites, but surge, low visibility and changing flow still require a local briefing. The remote southern location means Cannibal Rock is normally reached by liveaboard and is frequently paired with other Nusa Kode dives.
At a Glance
- Also known asBatu Buas, Nurdin Spirit, Cannibal Rock Komodo
- TypeDive Site
- Inside Komodo National ParkYes
- How to get thereLiveaboard
- Travel time from Labuan BajoUsually reached on a southern Komodo liveaboard itinerary
- LandingMooring / dinghy
- Last checked2026-09-12
What to Expect
The pinnacle rises to within a few metres of the surface and slopes toward sand at roughly 25–30 metres. A slow circuit lets divers search coral heads and sea fans rather than cover distance.
Small subjects are the reason to move carefully: pygmy seahorses and shrimp are easy to miss, while frogfish and scorpionfish rely on camouflage. The cold upwelling that feeds this life can also lower water temperature and visibility.
Night dives may be scheduled in the protected bay, but only when the operator has a clear tender, navigation and separation plan.
Crowds and Timing
Cannibal Rock is remote and usually less congested than central Komodo. Several liveaboards can still share Horseshoe Bay in the southern season. Because the site is compact, guides should space entries rather than place multiple groups on the same coral head.
Dive and Snorkel Profile
- Depth range5-30 m
- CurrentModerate
- Dive typePinnacle, Slope, Night
- Visibility10-25 m
- CertificationAdvanced
- EntryBackroll
How to Visit
Plan it as part of a southern Komodo liveaboard itinerary. Day boats from Labuan Bajo rarely have enough time and flexibility for this run. Southern sea conditions are commonly more practical from roughly October through May, but the captain makes the final decision from wind, swell and park access.
Boats That Sail Here
Compare 12 bookable boats that include Cannibal Rock on published itineraries.
Who This Suits
Best for Advanced divers who have precise buoyancy and patience for slow observation. The site can be calm enough for less experienced divers on the right day, but remoteness, colder water and limited visibility justify a conservative operator decision.
What to Bring
- Dive computer and delayed surface marker buoy
- A 5 mm wetsuit or the exposure protection advised by the operator
- Primary and backup lights for a scheduled night dive
- Macro camera rig with secure clips and no loose accessories
- Magnifying mask or lens if useful for small subjects
Safety Notes
Use exposure protection for southern water that may be markedly cooler than central Komodo. Monitor no-decompression time and gas while concentrating on small subjects, and remain close enough to the guide to follow an altered route.
Do not touch sea life, kneel on the reef or handle a subject for a photograph. Night dives require a primary light, backup light, clear buddy contact and a tender tracking the group's position.
Photography Notes
Macro lenses suit frogfish, nudibranchs, shrimp and pygmy seahorses; wide angle works for coral-covered rock and sea apples. Use careful finning and avoid placing a pointer or camera on living growth. Ask the guide to show a subject, then photograph without crowding or repositioning it.
Entrance Fee
This site is inside Komodo National Park. Statutory park, activity and vessel charges may apply and can be separate from the operator fare. Ask the operator to itemise the current charges before payment; conditions and permitted activities are confirmed through the park and operator process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cannibal Rock?
It sits in Loh Dasami, also called Horseshoe Bay, between southern Rinca and Nusa Kode inside Komodo National Park.
How deep is Cannibal Rock?
The seamount rises to a few metres below the surface and slopes to sand around 25–30 metres. Guides can keep most of a dive within recreational depth.
Is the current strong?
The bay is often more sheltered than north Komodo, but surge and current still change with tide and weather. Conditions are checked before every entry.
Why is it famous with photographers?
Dense invertebrate life supports frogfish, pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, Coleman shrimp, sea apples and unusual scorpionfish.
Is the water cold?
Southern upwelling can make it noticeably cooler than central or northern Komodo. Temperature varies, so ask the operator about recent readings and suit thickness.
Can beginners dive it?
A calm window may look easy, but the remote setting and precise buoyancy needed around fragile coral make Advanced experience the safer standard.
Can Cannibal Rock be a night dive?
Yes, some liveaboards use the protected bay for night diving. It depends on conditions, guide planning and the group's night-diving experience.
How do I reach it?
The practical route is a southern Komodo liveaboard. It is too remote for most normal day-boat schedules from Labuan Bajo.
What the Park Costs
| What you pay | Amount | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Park entrance, foreign visitor | Rp 250,000 ≈ $14 | per person, per day The statutory Class I entrance rate. The 150% holiday rule applies to Indonesian visitor and student rates, not this foreign visitor rate. |
| Park entrance, Indonesian visitor, normal day | Rp 50,000 ≈ $3 | per person, per day The normal-day Class I entrance rate. |
| Park entrance, Indonesian visitor, holiday or collective leave | Rp 75,000 ≈ $4 | per person, per day 150% of the normal Indonesian visitor rate on the dates covered by the statutory holiday rule. |
| Indonesian student group, normal day | Rp 25,000 ≈ $1 | per person, per day For Indonesian student groups of at least five people. |
| Indonesian student group, holiday or collective leave | Rp 37,500 ≈ $2 | per person, per day 150% of the normal student-group rate; the minimum group size remains five. |
| Scuba diving activity | Rp 25,000 ≈ $1 | per diver, per day A separate activity charge in addition to the applicable entrance fee. |
| Motorised vessel entry | Rp 100,000–200,000 per boat, per day | Rp 100,000 for 40–100 HP, Rp 150,000 for 101–500 HP, and Rp 200,000 above 500 HP. |
| Drone use | Rp 2,000,000 ≈ $112 | per unit, per day A separate special-use charge. Complete the required SiOra/SIMAKSI process before travel. |
- SiOra is the park’s e-ticketing and SIMAKSI system. Reserve before travel; Ministry guidance recommends completing the reservation by H-1. An operator can assist, and self-service is available at the Komodo Visitor Center and KP3 terminal.
- Payment is cashless through the methods available in SiOra, including BRIVA or bank transfer and supported e-wallets. Keep the e-ticket and ensure the traveller details are correct.
- A 1,000-visitor daily quota has applied since 1 April 2026 to the main visitor islands and 23 dive sites. Availability therefore depends on the travel date and registered itinerary.
- The final SiOra total can include entrance, activity, vessel and special-use charges. Ask the handling operator for an itemised total before issuance.
- Official public guidance does not state one universal refund or rescheduling rule for every reservation. Confirm the current SiOra terms in writing before the ticket is issued, including treatment of weather disruption.
Statutory fees under Peraturan Pemerintah No. 36 Tahun 2024, in force since 30 October 2024. Verified 31 August 2026 against the official PP 36/2024 schedule, the Ministry of Forestry SiOra notice and the Ministry’s 2026 quota notice. Amounts are payable in rupiah; dollar figures are courtesy estimates converted at Rp 17,900 and rounded.
Marine Life
Activities
Cruise Areas
Location
Cannibal Rock, Loh Dasami, Nusa Kode, southern Rinca, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
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