Explore Maumere
Maumere, located in the middle of the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara, is a largely unknown and unvisited diving destination. Due to being a neighbour to the extremely popular dive locations of Bali, Komodo and the Gilis, Maumere often isn’t given the attention that it deserves. Offering stunning wall dives covered in gorgonian fans as big as cars to muck dives which house a number of endemic species as well as frogfish and mimic octopus - Maumere is more than worth a visit! Especially considering pilot whales, sperm whales and dolphins have all been spotted off the coast.
Fly direct to Maumere from Bali to stay within one of the dive resorts or take daily trips from the few dive centres. Head to Maumere after completing dive courses in Labuan Bajo, to experience more of the surrounding Flores waters. Due to its remote location, scuba diving in Maumere is often done by liveaboards travelling the Lesser Sunda Islands.
Top Maumere Dive Sites
1. The Channel
The Channel, located near Pulau Besar, Dambilah, and Pangabatang, offers a thrilling dive experience with strong currents. Divers can see eagle rays, marble rays, and white-tip sharks. The adventure level is advanced, suitable for scuba diving. Unique features include a sandy plateau and rare marine species like whiskered pipefish and frogfish.
2. Pulau Babi - The Crack
At Pulau Babi, The Crack reveals the effects of a 1992 earthquake with a 70cm wide fissure. This site is home to flourishing corals, small fish, and sometimes hammerhead sharks and sea turtles. It is an advanced scuba diving site, with a steep wall making it a thrilling dive.
3. Pulau Babi - Babi Island Wall
Babi Island Wall offers spectacular diving where divers can encounter Napoleon wrasse and eagle rays. This scuba site is considered advanced due to its deep walls and diverse marine life, including the occasional turtle. It's a memorable spot for observing vibrant coral formations.
4. Bad Mood
Situated off the Flores mainland, Bad Mood offers a drift dive along a sloping reef. This site is perfect for observing sharks and cuttlefish, with an adventure level rated as advanced. It is suitable for scuba diving, with the added thrill of seeing diverse marine life in the currents.
5. New Ankermi Slope
Known for exceptional muck diving, New Ankermi Slope is a site for scuba enthusiasts looking for marine oddities like frogfish, mimic octopus, and ghost pipefish. The adventure level is easy, making it accessible to most divers. It's a must-visit for macro photography fans.