Alor Strait | Cruising Indonesia | The Liveaboard and Dive Specialists Alor Strait | Cruising Indonesia | The Liveaboard and Dive Specialists

Alor and Solor

Alor Strait divides two islands groups of volcanic origin with an incredible underwater topography, here the lava flow is caked with colorful corals and the black sand is packed with rare critters. The volcanic topography of the islands predisposes an underwater environment of clear waters where visibility reaches 40m and the pristine coral reefs reveal vivid colors, almost technicolor. Considered among the most beautiful diving destinations in Asia, the archipelagos of Alor and Solor are still remote and untouched. Tourism is almost non-existent and only a few divers have explored these waters, those lucky few are greeted by local children in their canoes and their extraordinary free diving performances. One of the last traditional whaling communities on the planet still lives in these magical places. Alor belongs to the Nusa Tenggara, however it is located within the Banda Sea platform, therefore whales, dolphins, great marine fauna and pelagic fish will be common encounters in the Strait of Alor.

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Technicolor coral reefs

Last update: December 15, 2022

THE STRAIT OF ALOR

Scuba diving in "technicolor" coral reefs

1. SCUBA DIVING IN ALOR STRAIT

2. ALOR DIVING SEASON

3. HOW TO GET TO ALOR

4. WHERE TO STAY TO DIVE ALOR

5. LUXURY CRUISES & CHARTERS IN ALOR & FLORES


1. SCUBA DIVING IN ALOR STRAIT

The waters around the islands of Alor and Flores are known for their strong currents, particularly in the relatively narrow strait between Pantar and Alor and also between Lembata and Pantar, with each tide large water masses are pushed through the straits causing strong upwelling.

Blue whales in Alor Strait

Alor Strait: the natural migratory path for big marine fauna

The straits between Alor and Solor play an important role in the exchange of marine life between the Indian and Pacific Ocean, a natural migratory path for the big marine fauna: marine mammals and pelagics, where whale watching is breathtaking.

Otherwise, the two oceans are divided by the long chain of Sunda islands, which runs for thousands of kilometres from Sumatra to New Guinea. The difference in height between the two oceans often causes unpredictable currents, dependent on tidal movements. The richness of nutrients carried by the currents makes the seabed among the richest in marine life in all of Asia.

Blue whales in Alor Strait

Diving environments in Maumere, Flores Island

Dive cruises depart mainly from the port of Maumere, on the island of Flores, which is well connected by air to Bali. The bay of Maumere is a diving destination in its own right, the dives are fantastic, impressive walls covered with sea fans, soft and hard corals. In deeper waters large pelagic are found, while in shallower waters small reef fish and bizarre marine creatures or "critters" represented the marine life.

Maumere has recovered very well after the devastating tsunami of September 1992, which hit and destroyed almost all the reefs in the bay.

Sailing to Alor, the islands of Adonara and Kavula also offer good diving in a large variety of wall landscapes, drop offs, caves, pinnacles, beautiful coral, large fish and critters. Some bays are home to a good number of Rhinopias and excellent macro.

School of Barracuda in Alor

The pelagic fish and the marine mammals of Alor Strait

Large schools of dolphins, pilot whales and false killer whales are common encountered in Alor, many times all together on pods of blackfish. In season, whales and even killer whales migrating towards the Antarctica pass through the Strait of Alor.

The Mola mola rise back from July to September, the hammers are present together with the barracudas and tuna. Thresher sharks are often spotted.

The scuba diving experience in Alor

The numerous dive sites in Alor offer even to the most experienced diver unforgettable scuba diving experiences: coral reefs, fields of anemones, coral walls and overhangs, coral slopes, volcanic cliffs, caves, and incredible muck diving. Excellent macro is found on the beautiful walls and sandy bottoms in Kalabahi Bay, from pegasus seamoth -pegasidae-, to mimetic octopus -thaumoctopus mimicus-, from the Rhinopias, to the pipefish -Solenostomus paradoxus-. Beangabang Bay is famous for its breathtaking dive nights. Coral reefs are mainly found along the northern coast of the Solor and Alor archipelagos island group with some coral reefs lining the channels between the major islands.

Map of Alor Strait

Alor Strait Map

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2. ALOR DIVING SEASON

Wall dives in Alor Strait

Diving season: From April to November. Rainy season: December to March. Water temperature: 28°C, with lower temperatures in the south during the months from June to September, in some dive points up to 19-20°C, then a 5mm long suit is advised and hood and booties are strongly recommended. Visibility: 10-40m. Depths: 5- >40m. Currents: On some dives in the strait can be very strong. Surface conditions: Calm, but from June to September in the south the wind can make the sea rough. Experience level: All levels, except some drift dives which are for experts only. Dive sites: >40. Length of stay: 7-10 days on a diving cruise or in one of the following diving resorts: Alor Divers, Alami Alor and the new Savu South Sea Resort. The Alor region is the departure/passage point for cruises to the Banda Sea.

3. HOW TO GET TO ALOR

Airport: The reference airport is Mali in Kalabahi, connected to Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali, with transit in Kupang. Cruises depart from Alor or Maumere; cruises to and from the Banda Sea depart from Maumere, Alor, Ambon, and Saumlaki. All ports are connected by direct or transit flights to Jakarta and Bali, which can be reached by international flights. Weather: 27-32°C. Semi-arid climate with little seasonal rain, usually between January and March. Time zone: Lesser Sunda Islands GMT +8. Transit night & connecting flight: You may need to spend one night in transit in Indonesia before and/or after your cruise, depending on your domestic and international flight schedules. We have the most competitive airfares with the most convenient flight timetables, and hotels for all budgets.

Does it seem complicated? Contact an operator who speaks your language and who can assist you in Indonesia. Feel free to contact us now!

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The Beauties of Alor

The underwater beauty of the Strait of Alor is not only in its extensive coral reefs, covered with anemones, sponges and colorful reef fish. Throughout the magnificent reefs, walls and overhangs of Alor hide a unique marine life that will delight the scuba photographer. Bizarre critters as Scorpionfish, Lionfish, Rhinopias, Stonefish and many other species from the Scorpaenidae family are well represented.

Scorpaenidae in coral reef of Alor Strait   Pterois in coral slope of Alor Strait

Pinkish Weedy Scorpionfish in Alor Strait   Pterois in coral slope of Alor Strait

Scorpionfish, Lionfish, Rhinopias, Stonefish and many other species from Scorpaenidae family are well represented in Alor Strait

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The Kids of Alor

Alor is one of the poorest and most isolated islands of the great Indonesian archipelago, the population struggles to put together 3 meals a day. Yet those who have been there could notice the joy and excitement of the children, who aboard rudimentary canoes, or from the shores, play and have fun all day in the splendid sea that they are lucky enough to have at their door step. The divers are often greeted by these happy kids who free dive with only a pair of goggles made with wood and glass bottle bottoms.

Alor kids performing free diving under their canoes   Alor kid performing free diving under his canoe

Alor young girls
in their canoes   Alor kids performing free diving

Alor Kids in their canoes and their extraordinary free diving performances

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4. WHERE TO STAY TO DIVE ALOR

The archipelagos of Alor and Solor are still among the most remote diving destinations in the Indonesian East, accessible from liveaboard or from one of the three diving resorts operating in the region: Alor Divers Eco Resort, Alami Alor Dive Resort or new Savu South Alor Resort. Follow the link to book or see details of each resort.

Alor Divers Eco Resort

Alor Diver Resort in Pantar Island

Alor Divers Eco Resort is an secluded boutique resort for only 12 guests in Pantar Island

ALOR DIVERS ECO RESORT

Alami Alor Dive Resort

Speedboats of Alami Alor Resort on Kalabahi Bay

Alami Alor Dive Resort is an intimate boutique resort for only 12 guests in Kalabahi Bay

RESERVATIONS

Savu South Alor Resort

Savu South Alor Resort infinity pool

Savu South Alor is a resort for divers and snorkelers, located inside Pantar Strait Marine Protected Area, and close to Savu Sea National Marine Park

SAVU SOUTH ALOR RESORT

5. ALOR & FLORES CHARTERS

The landscape of Alor is characterized by volcanic islands and inhabited by some of the kindest and most hospitable populations of the Indonesian archipelago. In some traditional villages the inhabitants still practice animistic religions, women spend months, sometimes years, weaving the intricately colored Ikat patterns prized by textile collectors. Traveling in this region you still breathe an air of a remote and forgotten place, and you realize that you have truly gone off the conventional tourist routes.

The populations of the region have kept up to the present day the traditions and the ancestral way of life, so it is very interesting to visit some of the traditional villages, often built on the highest point of the hills, a position necessary to defend themselves from the aggressions of the opposing tribes. The people here live on fishing and agriculture.

Traditional dance in Takpala village of Alor   Indonesian ikat weaver

Alor traditional whale hunters village   Kelimutu national park

In the villages of Lamalera and Lamakera, live the last traditional hunters of whales and sperm whales in the world. The hunt takes place aboard small wooden boats and the whales are hit with rudimentary harpoons. These fishermen are exempt from international hunting bans. In recent years, due to the use of outboard motors, hunting has become more aggressive. For some years a solution to the problem has been sought, with the regulation of fishing, through the establishment of a marine reserve.

A beautiful excursion from Maumere to the Kelimutu volcano, which houses three lakes of different colors in its crater, can be reached between beautiful landscapes of rice fields and small towns that border the Trans Flores route.

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