diving nudi rock
Name: Nudi Rock
Max Depth: 28m
Viz: ~15m
Site Type: A mix of wall, sloping reef and small pinnacles
It’s hard to describe a dive site in Misool without using the words iconic or famous but, hyperbole aside, Nudi Rock really fits the bill. This well-known dive site is famed, and named, for the rock’s above-water appearance. The jagged, limestone formation protrudes from the depths in a shape akin to the colourful marine gastropods that dive geeks and nature nerds treasure. The two small trees, perfectly positioned on the rock, emulate the nudibranchs’ rhinophores, or horns, and make the similarity unquestionable.
Once submerged, this site takes on a new form. The craggy landscape continues in slopes, crevices, and sheer faces, yet divers are distracted from the topography by the abundance of corals and marine life. The reef is teeming with life. Nudi Rock is a fabulous place to encounter schooling barracuda, hunting giant trevally, grey reef sharks patrolling and the occasional oceanic manta ray cleaning. The dive is spectacular from beginning to end as the shallows are carpeted in striking pink anemones and sumptuous soft corals, which provide stunning seascapes for photographers to take advantage of the well-lit shallow water.
Challenges: Stronger currents bring in more fish but can make circumnavigating this island tricky. Make a drift from the current side around the pinnacles to the back and surface in the soft coral garden.
Essential Kit: Reef hooks can be useful for stronger current days.
Thanks to Shawn Heinrichs for the fabulous photos illustrating this article.
