Explore Alor
Located within the Lesser Sunda Islands in Indonesia is the Alor Archipelago which houses white-sand beaches and crystal-clear bays. Alor, the archipelagos largest island, is still considered a hidden gem, with dive sites that seem to have been reserved only for you. Still relatively undeveloped with its crumbling red-clay roads, you’ll find that what Alor lacks in modern conveniences it makes up for in the plethora of reef fish, pelagics and vibrant coral reefs. Alor diving provides the opportunity to spot the elusive mimic octopus while orcas and mola mola honour you with their extraordinary presence.
Alor’s waters can be accessed by staying within the islands few dive resorts or day trips from a dive centre. Yet, often resorts and dive centres focus solely on a small area of the water surrounding Alor - the Pantar Strait - which may be perfect for those intending to take dive courses. Consider combining your visit to Alor with diving in Flores, as Kupang airport, which connects to Alor also has flights to Labuan Bajo. If the remoteness of East Nusa Tenggara discourages you from in-land travel, a liveaboard trip to Alor can also visit other stunning dive locations such as Flores, the Banda Sea, Ambon, and the flourishing reefs of Raja Ampat.
Top Alor Dive Sites
1. Mike's Delight
This site boasts vibrant multi-hued corals that create a kaleidoscope of colors. Marine life includes sea snakes, lobsters, and boxfish. The adventure level is easy to moderate, and it's suitable for scuba diving. Special features include stunning coral formations, making it ideal for underwater photography.
2. The Twilight Zone
Characterized by black volcanic sands, this site features pegasus sea moths, octopus, and Spanish dancers. It's an advanced dive site due to its unique night diving experience, accessible for scuba divers. The area is renowned for its nocturnal marine life and the colossal nudibranch, the Djibouti Giant.
3. Sharks Galore
Known for big grey reef sharks, white tips, and dog-tooth tuna, this site offers a moderate adventure level with a gentle drift dive experience. Suitable for scuba diving, the site allows divers to enjoy the thrill without strong currents, and it's a noteworthy location for observing large marine species.
4. Clown Valley
Adjacent to Sharks Galore, Clown Valley is teeming with clownfish. It's an easy site that accommodates both scuba and freediving, making it versatile for all diving levels. The site is magical with its abundant clownfish, and interactions with local freediving children enhance the unique diving experience.
5. Wolang Caves
Featuring incredible topography and fascinating rock formations, these caves are adorned with numerous nudibranchs. An advanced site, it is suitable for technical dives. Divers might encounter resting nurse sharks or marble rays, adding to the allure of its intricate cave systems.
