Dive Site: Andy’s Bus Stop

About Andy’s Bus Stop

Andy's Bus Stop is an exceptional wall dive located in the southern part of Alor, renowned for its stunning and dense coral coverage. The reef is blanketed in a kaleidoscope of colours, making it a truly immersive experience for divers. This site is particularly celebrated for its prolific anthias population, which create a living, breathing tapestry over the reef. While the vibrant reef life is captivating, the dive also offers opportunities for encounters with larger marine species. Divers should regularly scan the open water for pelagic action, as hunting giant trevallies, tuna, and Napoleon wrasse are occasionally spotted patrolling the wall. The currents in Alor are a consistent feature, influencing the marine biodiversity and offering dynamic drift dives. Conditions at sites like Andy's Bus Stop can be more robust, especially around new and full moon phases, which can enhance the chances of pelagic encounters. However, planning dives around the half-moon phase generally offers milder conditions. This site caters to divers seeking healthy coral ecosystems and the thrill of potential pelagic sightings, making it a highlight in Alor's diverse underwater landscape. It exemplifies the rich blend of reef and pelagic life that characterises diving in this region.

Dive site facts: Andy’s Bus Stop

Depth

8–30 m

Current

Moderate to strong

Visibility

15–40 m

Water temperature

26–30 °C

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Wall, coral garden, pelagic

Region / port

Alor, East Nusa Tenggara

Coordinates

8.4410° S, 124.5760° E

Conditions & Currents

Diving at Andy's Bus Stop, like many Alor sites, is significantly influenced by tidal movements in the Pantar Strait. Currents can range from mild to strong, depending on lunar phases; new and full moons typically bring more robust currents, which are ideal for drift diving and attracting larger pelagic species. Conversely, half-moon phases offer generally calmer conditions. Visibility at this wall site can range from 15 metres during the rainy season up to an impressive 40 metres in the dry season, although this can vary. Water temperatures are pleasantly warm, averaging 27-29°C, but cooler thermoclines, especially in southern Alor, may necessitate a 5mm wetsuit. Divers should be proficient in current management and maintain excellent buoyancy due to the wall topography and healthy coral ecosystems.

Marine life & sighting chances

Anthias

common

Giant Trevally

occasional

Tuna

occasional

Napoleon Wrasse

occasional

Butterflyfish

common

Snapper

common

Humphead Parrotfish

occasional

Hammerhead Sharks

September-November · rare

Thresher Sharks

October-November · rare

Mola Mola

September-October · rare

Dolphins

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Andy's Bus Stop typically begins with a boat entry directly onto the top of the wall. Upon descent, you will follow the vibrant coral wall, which extends from approximately 8 meters down to 30 meters or more. The route involves a gentle drift along the wall, allowing you to observe the dense coral growth and prolific anthias population. Maintain good buoyancy to avoid contact with the pristine corals. Keep a keen eye on the blue water, as pelagic species such as giant trevallies, tuna, and Napoleon wrasse may pass by. The dive progresses along the wall, often turning back towards the boat or continuing as a drift depending on current conditions. Your safety stop will be conducted in the shallower sections of the wall, usually between 5-7 meters, where you can further enjoy the reef activity before ascending to the surface.

Underwater photography

For capturing the vibrant reef scenes at Andy's Bus Stop, a wide-angle lens is ideal to encompass the expansive coral coverage and schooling anthias. Given the potential for pelagic encounters in the blue, this lens choice will also serve well for opportunistic shots of larger fish. For macro enthusiasts, there are intricate details within the corals, but the primary draw here is wide-angle. External strobes are recommended to bring out the true colours of the reef, especially deeper on the wall, and to properly expose fast-moving pelagics. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial to avoid damaging the healthy corals and to position yourself effectively for shots, particularly when currents are present. Be mindful of your fin kicks and respect the marine life by observing from a distance.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Bama Wall

  A steep drop-off across the Pantar Strait, known for healthy corals and schooling fish.

• Wolang Cavern

  Features two caverns with diverse creatures and an exit to a colorful soft coral wall.

• Cathedral

  Located in South Alor, known for pristine coral coverage, a swim-through, and cooler thermoclines.

• Yellow Corner

  Also known as Current Alley, famous for strong currents and pelagic encounters.

• Crucifixion

  A steep reef slope transforming into a vertical wall with pinnacles for fish action.

Getting there & logistics

Alor is located in the province of East Nusa Tenggara, accessible via Alor Mali Airport (ARD). Divers typically fly into Kupang (KOE) or Bali (DPS) and then take a connecting domestic flight to Alor. Most liveaboards and dive resorts, such as Alor Tanapi Dive Resort in Sebanjar, West Alor, offer convenient speedboat access to Andy's Bus Stop and over 40 other sites within a 30-45 minute radius. Typical dive trips often combine sites around Alor, Pura, Pantar, Ternate, Buaya, and Treweng islands, making for varied itineraries from macro to pelagic diving. There are marine park fees that contribute to conservation efforts. Trip lengths vary, but liveaboard charters exploring the Alor Archipelago often span 7 to 10 nights.

Safety & environment

Diving in Alor, including at Andy's Bus Stop, requires an understanding of potentially strong and dynamic currents. Divers should always be mindful of tidal movements and plan dives accordingly, especially around new and full moon phases. The nearest recompression chamber is likely in Bali or Makassar, making evacuation a complex and time-consuming process. Comprehensive dive insurance, covering emergency medical care and evacuation, is therefore essential. Divers should maintain excellent buoyancy control to protect the pristine coral reefs and avoid accidental contact. Always dive with a reputable operator whose team is experienced with local conditions, and ensure your dive computer, alternate air source, and surface signaling devices are in good working order. Listen carefully to your dive guide's briefing regarding current direction, entry, and exit procedures.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Andy’s Bus Stop FAQ

Liveaboards diving Andy’s Bus Stop

These liveaboards may visit Andy’s Bus Stop on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$273/day

Jaya

Indonesia

14 guests23 m

$280/day

Komodo Aggressor

Komodo, Indonesia

16 guests29 m

$312/day

Blue Manta

Indonesia

20 guests45 m

$488/day

Gaia Love

Alor

20 guests

$554/day

Emperor Raja Laut

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

12 guests31 m

$413/day

Coralia

Indonesia

16 guests48 m

$547/day

Ilike

Indonesia

16 guests40 m

$298/day

Mermaid I

Alor

15 guests28 m

$371/day

Mutiara Laut

Indonesia

14 guests46 m

$741/day

Neptune One

Indonesia

16 guests38 m

$284/day

Dewi Nusantara

Indonesia

18 guests57 m

$493/day