Anemonefish abundance and boulder-dominant habitat at Basalt Island.
Boat-only Sai Kung dive with anemone gardens.
Boat-only Sai Kung dive with anemone gardens.
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Basalt Island (West) is a boat-only Sai Kung dive site known for its anemone garden, boulder fields, and sheltered west-bay routes. The shallow approach leads into reef pockets and anemone-covered rock before the site opens onto sandier water and deeper edges for advanced divers. Plan it as a weather-sensitive offshore trip, because waves, tide, and pickup timing matter more here than a simple shore entry.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
4m - 20m
Depth Note
Anemone garden around 4–9 m; deeper areas can extend beyond 20 m.
Best Season
Spring and early summer are usually the calmer, clearer window, though the sheltered west bay can work much of the year.
Typical Conditions
Offshore site with a sheltered west bay, boulder walls, and rougher water around the exposed edges.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
Use a local captain or guide, keep an SMB available, and stay mindful of swell and tidal changes around the island edge.
Access Restrictions
Boat-only in normal planning, with chartered speedboat access from Sai Kung the practical route. Kayak access is only for very experienced paddlers with guides.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Advanced scuba divers can work the walls, boulders, and deeper plateau; calmer days are best.
Freediving
Free divers can use the sheltered west bay on calm days, but the exposed edge gets rough quickly.
Snorkeling
Snorkelling works best in the sheltered sections on calm days, though the more open edges are less forgiving.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Anemonefish abundance and boulder-dominant habitat at Basalt Island.
Boat-only access, no island facilities, wave/tide sensitivity, and popularity for divers and free-divers.
West-bay dive routing, marine life, and Hong Kong seasonal visibility context.
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