North Rock

North Rock (El Nido)

North Rock is an exhilarating pinnacle and reef dive site located north of El Nido's central bay, renowned for its strong currents and abundant pelagic action. This site offers an exciting drift diving experience for those seeking encounters with larger marine life. Divers will find a submerged limestone pinnacle, often described as a current-swept structure, that attracts a diverse array of species.

Dive Conditions

North Rock is considered an intermediate dive site, primarily due to the consistently strong currents that characterize the area. We recommend an Advanced Open Water certification for divers to safely navigate these conditions and fully appreciate the site. Depths at North Rock typically range from 12 m to 30 m, with an average depth that allows for extended exploration. Water temperatures in El Nido generally range from 27°C to 30°C, providing warm and comfortable diving conditions year-round.

Divers should be aware of potential hazards, including the strong currents and occasional boat traffic in the vicinity. Always follow your instructor's guidance and maintain situational awareness.

Marine Life

North Rock is celebrated for its vibrant marine biodiversity, especially its pelagic visitors. Divers can expect to encounter impressive schools of fish and larger predators. Among the species frequently sighted are:

• Giant Trevally (Caranx ignobilis) and Bigeye Trevally (Caranx sexfasciatus)
• Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda)
• Malabar Grouper (Epinephelus malabaricus)
• Barrel Sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria)
• Blue-spotted stingrays
• Turtles
• Schools of jacks and tuna
• Occasional reef sharks, eagle rays, and devil rays
• Nudibranchs and reef octopi for macro enthusiasts
• Golden Spade fish

The site is also known for colorful corals and sponges, though recent reports indicate some areas may have been affected by storm damage.

Important Note on Current Status

While North Rock has historically been one of El Nido's signature dive sites, divers should be aware of conflicting information regarding its current operational status and coral health. One operator has reported that the site was severely impacted by heavy storm damage from Typhoon Odetta in 2022, particularly affecting shallow coral structures, and is currently not part of their regular diving schedule to allow for reef recovery. However, other more recently dated sources continue to describe it as an actively dived site with no explicit mention of damage. We strongly recommend verifying the current diveability and conditions of North Rock with a live operator in El Nido before planning your dive to ensure the most up-to-date information.