Dive Site: Nudi Rock

About Nudi Rock

Nudi Rock, situated in the Misool area of Raja Ampat, gains its distinctive name from a prominent rock formation above the waterline that bears a striking resemblance to a nudibranch. This site is part of a cluster of small islands east of Fiabacet island, renowned for its diverse marine ecosystem and vibrant topography. It offers a captivating blend of underwater landscapes, making it a highlight for any diver exploring Raja Ampat. The underwater terrain at Nudi Rock features steep vertical walls plunging to significant depths, gentle sloping reefs, and various small pinnacles. These structures create an ideal habitat for an abundance of marine life, thriving with intricate coral formations and a spectrum of colors. A coral ridge at around 28 meters connects Nudi Rock to Tank Rock, with the northern side showcasing a dramatic wall adorned with soft corals, while the southern side gradually slopes into shallower waters around 7 to 8 meters. Marine life here is rich and varied, encompassing both large pelagics and intricate macro species. Divers frequently encounter schools of barracuda, hunting giant trevally, and cruising grey reef sharks. Lucky divers might also spot oceanic manta rays at cleaning stations, while pygmy seahorses, porcelain crabs, and various species of snappers, groupers, and Napoleon wrasse add to the macro diversity. Turtles are also a common sight, enhancing the beauty of the dive. Given the moderate to strong currents often present, especially on the plateau where large schools of fish gather, divers should be prepared with a reef hook for stability. The dive typically begins with a descent to about 28 meters, progressing through different depths and showcasing a wide array of coral formations. The dive concludes in shallower areas of 5 to 10 meters, where the vibrant light illuminates small reefs teeming with life. Nudi Rock caters to all levels of divers, including snorkelers, providing both thrilling pelagic encounters and exquisite macro experiences.

Dive site facts: Nudi Rock

Depth

5–24 m

Typical dive

10–24 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Liveaboard tender

Level

Open Water Diver

Dive type

Reef, macro, drift (optional)

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Misool, Raja Ampat

Coordinates

-0.5372, 130.6215

Conditions & Currents

Nudi Rock frequently experiences moderate to strong currents, which can be particularly noticeable across the coral plateau where fish schools congregate. Divers should carry a reef hook to secure themselves to rocky formations, allowing for stable observation of the rich marine life without constant finning. Visibility at Nudi Rock is typically excellent, often benefiting from the strong currents that bring clear, nutrient-rich water. Entry is usually direct from a liveaboard, and the dive profile often involves exploring various depths along walls and slopes before ascending to shallower, illuminated reefs. The presence of currents means divers should be comfortable with drift diving techniques and aware of their air consumption, making this site best suited for intermediate to advanced divers.

Marine life & sighting chances

Nudibranch

Year-round · common

Flatworm

Year-round · common

Seaslug

Year-round · common

Hairy Shrimp

Year-round · occasional

Snapper

Year-round · common

Grouper

Year-round · common

Napoleon Wrasse

Year-round · occasional

Barracuda

Year-round · occasional

Green Sea Turtle

Year-round · occasional

Pygmy Seahorse

Year-round · occasional

Ghost Pipefish

Year-round · rare

Moray Eel

Year-round · common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Nudi Rock typically begins with a descent along the main rock formation, which starts shallow at 5 meters and slopes down to a maximum of 24 meters. The dive usually proceeds by circumnavigating the rock, exploring its diverse coral formations, including soft corals, sea fans, and hard coral gardens. Many divers focus on the shallower sections for macro life, often moving slowly to spot nudibranchs, flatworms, and various crustaceans nestled among the reef. The profile allows for a gradual depth progression, with the turn point often determined by air consumption and bottom time. The safety stop is conducted in the calm, shallow waters, providing an excellent opportunity for further macro observations or wide-angle shots of the sunlit reef top.

Underwater photography

Nudi Rock is an excellent site for both macro and wide-angle photography. For macro enthusiasts, a dedicated macro lens (e.g., 60mm or 100/105mm) is essential to capture the intricate details of the numerous nudibranchs, flatworms, and other small critters. Snoots can be particularly effective here to isolate subjects against the vibrant coral background. Wide-angle photographers will find success with a fisheye or rectilinear wide-angle lens, focusing on the expansive soft coral gardens, schooling fish, and the unique rock formations themselves. Natural light can be sufficient in the shallower areas, but strobes are recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and marine life, especially at greater depths. Maintain impeccable buoyancy to avoid damaging delicate corals and disturbing macro subjects.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Tank Rock

  A submerged ridge may connect this site to Nudi Rock under favorable conditions, offering further exploration.

• Fiabacet

  Part of the same reef system, known for its vibrant corals and abundant fish life, often combined with Nudi Rock itineraries.

• Boo Windows

  Famous for its swim-throughs and scenic underwater topography, offering a different type of dive experience.

• Yulliet Kecil

  Features beautiful and relatively shallow coral slopes, ideal for extended bottom times.

• Magic Mountain

  An offshore pinnacle known for pelagic action and potential manta ray sightings at a cleaning station.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Nudi Rock, like most of Raja Ampat's remote sites, is primarily via liveaboard departing from Sorong (SOQ). Sorong is reached by domestic flights from major Indonesian hubs such as Jakarta (CGK) or Makassar (UPG). Liveaboard trips typically range from 7 to 10 days, allowing for comprehensive exploration of the Misool area, including Nudi Rock and its surrounding dive sites. A Raja Ampat Marine Park Entry Permit, costing approximately USD $100 and valid for one calendar year, is mandatory for all divers. These trips often combine the Misool region with other areas of Raja Ampat like the Dampier Strait, offering a diverse itinerary.

Safety & environment

Diving in Raja Ampat requires a strong emphasis on safety due to the region's remote nature. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Waisai, Waigeo, which is a considerable distance from Misool. In case of a diving emergency at Nudi Rock, evacuation would typically involve transport by liveaboard or local boat to the nearest medical facility, followed by air evacuation if necessary. Therefore, comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency medical treatment and evacuation is essential. Divers should maintain good buoyancy control to avoid damaging the pristine coral reefs and follow their dive guide's instructions, especially regarding currents, which can vary. Always check your gear thoroughly before each dive and ensure you are within your training limits.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Nudi Rock FAQ

Liveaboards diving Nudi Rock

These liveaboards may visit Nudi Rock on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Jaya

Indonesia

14 guests23 m

$280/day

Wellenreng

Indonesia

9 guests25 m

$427/day

Blue Manta

Indonesia

20 guests45 m

$482/day

Mari

Indonesia

14 guests32.2 m

$328/day

Situju7

Komodo, Indonesia

10 guests32.7 m

$362/day

Pindito

Indonesia

16 guests37.79 m

$533/day

Mermaid II

Komodo, Indonesia

18 guests

$391/day

Pearl of Papua

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

14 guests30 m

$303/day

Aliikai Voyage

Indonesia

15 guests40 m

$658/day

Gaia Love

Alor

20 guests

$554/day

Emperor Raja Laut

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

12 guests31 m

$413/day

Ambai

Indonesia

16 guests32 m

$453/day