Basalt Island

Basalt Island is one of Port Shelter's top dive locations, including shallow and deep regions to explore. The sheltered harbor on the west side of the South point is the most popular spot for dove virtually all year.

Several massive "teeth"-like gorges carved into sheer cliff sides that plummet into the ocean. Diving begins at about 5 meters, where these walls meet the beach.

Huge rocks that have fallen from the walls throughout time serve as launching platforms for lionfish and scorpionfish on the hunt of Basalt Island. Boxing shrimp, blue-ringed octopus, and frogfish all live among the rocks.

The bottom is covered in anemones and their clown fish inhabitants at a depth of 6-8 meters. Angel fish, butterfly fish, and cowfish, as well as large cuttlefish, are frequently observed here. The gigantic black coral shrubs that offer home to many fish, cowrie slugs, and occasionally xeno crabs are definitely worth the trip to the deeper plateau about 15 meters.

Even on rough days, anchoring in the sheltered South-West Bay is extremely easy. On calm days, the northeast and southeast offer excellent diving.

Location: part of Hong Kong Global Geopark

Depth: 8m