Seven Seas · Indonesia · 10 nights
This expedition explores the remote and pristine waters of Alor and the East of Flores, an archipelago renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity and dramatic landscapes. Divers will encounter a fascinating mix of vibrant coral gardens, diverse reef structures, and nutrient-rich waters attracting a wide array of marine life. The itinerary promises a unique blend of world-class diving, cultural encounters, and breathtaking scenery, making it an ideal journey for adventurous underwater explorers.
Upon arrival in Alor, guests will transfer to the Seven Seas liveaboard. After settling into cabins, there will be a general briefing about the trip and safety protocols, followed by refreshments and lunch. The remainder of the day is dedicated to relaxation and preparing for the exciting dives ahead.
Today's dives focus on the Alor area, known for its pristine waters and diverse marine ecosystems. The waters around Pantar Island are nutrient-rich, supporting an explosion of marine life. Guests can expect to see massive schools of jacks, barracudas, and fusiliers, along with Napoleon wrasse, giant groupers, and reef sharks. Depending on the season, encounters with schooling mobula rays or hammerhead sharks are also possible.
Dive sites: Beautiful Alor, Pura Island Wall, The Volcanic Islands of Ternata, Babylon, The Arch
Diving in the Alor area continues with a focus on its macro life and unique underwater topography. Sites like Pauli Mensiridi offer fantastic opportunities for spotting rare critters such as pygmy seahorses, frogfish, and various nudibranchs amidst vibrant soft corals. The region is also known for its beautiful bathyal bays, providing exceptional macro photography opportunities. In the afternoon, guests will visit a traditional Abui village in Takpala to experience local culture and traditions, adding a rich topside dimension to the trip.
Dive sites: Pauli Mensiridi, Bakalang Jetty
Today explores the waters around Kawula and Lewaling Bay, characterized by sloping reefs, wall dives, and healthy coral cover. Divers can expect to encounter fusiliers, snappers, anthias, and triggerfish, along with various reef sharks and eels. The area's dramatic volcanic landscape above water is mirrored by intriguing underwater terrain, making for stunning backdrops to the dives. These sites offer a peaceful and mesmerizing journey through crystal-clear waters.
The day is dedicated to diving around Pulau Komba, an active volcanic island in the Flores Sea. The underwater landscape is characterized by black sand areas, coral sections, and steep reef walls, supporting a diverse ecosystem. Divers frequently spot reef sharks, fusiliers, jackfish, and often larger pelagic fish. The volcanic activity often creates a unique underwater environment, with good visibility and opportunities for diverse macro and wide-angle photography.
Today's dives take place around Ipet and Watu Peni coastal zone, known for its steep underwater terrain and rich marine life. The area features drop-offs and wall dives, with healthy hard and soft corals. Divers can expect to see fusiliers, jackfish, snapper, and various reef fish. The region is also known for potential encounters with schooling dolphins and is a prime location for spotting rare critters like pygmy seahorses, frogfish, and octopus.
Exploring the waters off Serbete and Tanjung Gedong, this day focuses on vibrant coral reefs and abundant macro life. The area features gentle slopes and dynamic wall dives, with stunning soft corals and extensive sponge gardens. Divers often spot pygmy seahorses, ghost pipefish, and various nudibranchs. The nutrient-rich waters also attract schooling barracuda, jacks, and snapper.
Diving continues in the North East of Flores, focusing on sites like Dambila and Babi. These areas feature extensive reef flat areas that lead to dramatic underwater walls, showcasing healthy hard and soft corals. Divers can expect to see robust marine life, including various reef fish, butterflyfish, fusiliers, and bannerfish. The area is also known for excellent macro opportunities, with frequent sightings of nudibranchs and colorful critters.
Dive sites: Dambila, Babi
Today is dedicated to diving in the Flores Sea, exploring sites like Gosong Bone and Pomana Kecil. These areas boast spectacular coral gardens on shallow reef flats and intricate deep reefs, teeming with vibrant soft corals and sponges. Divers can expect exceptional visibility and encounters with reef sharks, schooling barracuda, and jacks. The diverse underwater topography, including drop-offs and nutrient-rich currents, often leads to sightings of larger pelagic species, alongside a rich array of smaller reef inhabitants.
Dive sites: Gosong Bone, Pomana Kecil
The final diving day focuses on the North Coast of Flores, particularly within the Teluk Saleh National Park area. Here, divers will explore stunning underwater plateaus and dramatic drop-offs, adorned with vibrant coral bommies and sea fans. Sites like Tanjung Sada are known for rich biodiversity, offering chances to encounter colorful reef fish, schooling barracuda, and potentially larger pelagics. The area boasts healthy reef systems and often provides excellent visibility for both wide-angle photography and critter spotting.
Dive sites: Tanjung Sada
This is the day of disembarkation in Maumere. After breakfast, guests will check out of their cabins and transfer to Maumere airport for their onward flights. The Seven Seas crew will assist with all logistics to ensure a smooth departure.