Dive Site: Tank Rock

About Tank Rock

Tank Rock, also known as Batu Kecil, is a prominent dive site within the Fiabacet area of Misool, Southern Raja Ampat. This submerged pinnacle is part of a deeper underwater ridge connecting Boo and Kalig islands, renowned for its exceptional soft coral coverage and abundant marine life. The site's unique topography, combined with nutrient-rich currents, creates a thriving ecosystem that makes it a highlight of any Raja Ampat itinerary. The dive site features a main rock formation that rises from deeper waters, creating walls and slopes adorned with a profusion of colorful soft corals and large sea fans. Depths typically range from 5 to 30 meters, catering to a variety of dive profiles. The shallower sections are particularly vibrant, bathed in sunlight and showcasing the true density of coral species and reef fish. Marine life at Tank Rock is incredibly diverse, encompassing both macro and pelagic species. Divers can expect to encounter numerous species of pygmy seahorses nestled in sea fans, various nudibranchs, and occasional wobbegong sharks resting on the reef. The currents also attract schooling fish, including barracudas, jacks, and fusiliers, while reef sharks patrol the deeper edges. Diving Tank Rock offers an immersive experience into the Coral Triangle's richest waters. Its accessibility within Misool's dive groupings makes it a frequent stop for liveaboards exploring the southern region. The site consistently delivers stunning visuals, making it a favorite for underwater photographers and marine enthusiasts alike.

Dive site facts: Tank Rock

Depth

5–30 m

Typical dive

10–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Moderate to strong, variable

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

28–30°C

Entry

Tender / negative entry recommended

Level

Advanced recommended, current experience helpful

Dive type

Wall, pinnacle, coral garden

Region / port

Misool, Raja Ampat

Coordinates

-1.894, 130.295

Conditions & Currents

Tank Rock frequently experiences moderate to strong currents, typical for many nutrient-rich sites in Raja Ampat, which can necessitate negative entries. These currents are a primary factor in the site's immense biodiversity, feeding the expansive soft coral gardens and attracting large schools of fish and pelagic species. Current strength can vary with lunar cycles, often increasing during full and new moons. Divers should be prepared for drift dives and be mindful of potential downcurrents on the deeper sections of the reef. Visibility is generally very good, ranging from 15 to 30 meters, though plankton blooms, while attracting filter feeders like mantas, can occasionally reduce clarity. Proper current awareness and advanced buoyancy control are recommended to fully enjoy this dynamic site.

Marine life & sighting chances

Pygmy Seahorse

common

Nudibranch

common

Wobbegong Shark

occasional

Barracuda

common

Jack

common

Fusilier

common

Reef Shark

occasional

Soft Coral

common

Sea Fan

common

Bubble Coral Shrimp

occasional

Crinoid Shrimp

occasional

Orangutan Crab

occasional

Peacock Mantis Shrimp

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Tank Rock typically begins with a negative entry from the tender directly onto the main pinnacle, often into a mild to moderate current. The route generally involves circling the rock, starting from a deeper section at around 20-25 meters, where you can observe reef sharks and schooling pelagics. As you ascend, the vibrant soft corals become more prominent in the 8-18 meter range, draped across the walls and overhangs. Keep an eye out for pygmy seahorses in the gorgonian fans and nudibranchs on the coral. The dive often culminates in the shallower reef top at 5-10 meters, rich with reef fish and dense coral growth, before completing a safety stop while drifting gently with the current, if present.

Underwater photography

Tank Rock offers exceptional opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide-angle lens is ideal to capture the dramatic topography, dense soft coral gardens, and schools of fish, especially in the shallower, sunlit sections. Natural light is often sufficient here due to the clear water and vibrant corals, but strobes will help bring out the true colors and reduce backscatter in deeper areas. For macro enthusiasts, a 60mm or 100mm lens is essential to seek out the numerous pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and other small critters hiding among the corals. Practicing excellent buoyancy is crucial to avoid damaging the delicate soft corals, especially when focusing on macro subjects in current-swept areas.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Nudi Rock

  Another pinnacle on the same ridge with abundant macro life.

• Boo Windows

  Famous for its unique swim-throughs and rich reef life.

• Magic Mountain

  Known for manta ray cleaning stations and diverse pelagic encounters.

• Fiabacet

  A collection of pinnacles forming part of the same dive area.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Tank Rock and other Misool dive sites is predominantly via liveaboard from Sorong, the main port for Raja Ampat. Flights typically connect through Jakarta or Makassar to Sorong (SOQ). Liveaboard trips usually range from 9 to 11 nights, focusing on either Misool and Central Raja Ampat or dedicated Misool exploration routes. A Marine Park Entry Permit (approximately USD $100), valid for one calendar year, is required for all divers. These itineraries often combine several dive areas, but Misool sites like Tank Rock are usually a significant part of the southern segment.

Safety & environment

Diving at Tank Rock requires careful attention to safety protocols due to potentially strong currents and its remote location. The nearest recompression chamber is in Waisai, which is a significant distance from Misool, making immediate access difficult in an emergency. Divers must ensure they have comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation and treatment, including hyperbaric therapy. Always dive with an experienced guide, maintain excellent buoyancy control to protect the fragile corals, and adhere to dive plan limits. Satellite communication is the primary method for emergencies in this remote region, underscoring the importance of preventative safety measures.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Tank Rock FAQ

Liveaboards diving Tank Rock

These liveaboards may visit Tank 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

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

$355/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