Liveaboard Diving in Flores
Flores Liveaboard Diving
Flores is located east of Komodo and west of the Alor Archipelago in Indonesia. The dive sites of Flores offer excellent visibility, steep walls, beautiful corals, huge gorgonian fans, and extraordinarily diverse marine life.
A Flores liveaboard diving cruise is the best way to enjoy this Indonesian dive destination. A sea safari to the islands in the Flores Sea takes scuba divers to the best dive sites. Babi Island features a healthy reef wall plunging to a depth of 50 meters. Snappers, parrotfish, angelfish, damselfish, several species of moray eel, and ribbon eels inhabit the wall. Scuba divers exploring the waters surrounding Lambata Island will discover coral-encrusted boulders and reefs harboring schools of fusiliers, angelfish, parrotfish, and pygmy seahorses. South Pangah Balang is known for its impressive soft corals and large leather corals along a sloping wall. Wai Terang is a Japanese World War II freighter lying on its side. Hard and soft corals have attracted numerous small reef fish.
Diving Flores is possible year-round, however, many liveaboard trips are limited to between April - June or August - November each year. Liveaboard.com offers great itineraries on the best Indonesia liveaboards, choose from Waow, Seven Seas, Arenui, Pindito, Damai I, and many more. So what are you waiting for? Book your Flores dive today!
Indonesia's Flores Island is a diver's paradise, offering breathtaking underwater landscapes and a wealth of marine biodiversity. Liveaboard diving around Flores allows divers to immerse themselves in the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean and discover an array of vibrant coral reefs, stunning drop-offs, and encounters with magnificent marine creatures. With its remote location, abundant marine life, and exceptional dive sites, Flores stands out as an idyllic destination for every diving enthusiast.
Diving in Flores: An Ultimate Dive Destination
Flores, in the heart of the Coral Triangle, boasts a mesmerizing underwater world that beckons divers from across the globe. With diverse diving opportunities for all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned divers, the region's unique combination of warm waters and rich marine biodiversity guarantees unforgettable experiences. Whether exploring hidden caves, encountering pelagic wonders, or marveling at colorful coral gardens, diving in Flores promises an adventure.
When is the Best Time to Dive in Flores, Indonesia?
The best time for diving around Flores, Indonesia, is during the dry season, typically from April to November. During these months, the weather remains relatively calm, and the water visibility is at its peak, providing divers with crystal-clear views of the underwater wonders. However, divers should note that Indonesia's waters are warm throughout the year, making it possible to dive and explore this captivating region at any time.
What Type of Diving can be done at Flores, Indonesia?
Flores offers an impressive variety of diving experiences to cater to every diver's interest. Pristine coral reefs near Labuan Bajo are perfect for leisurely drift dives, while the renowned Komodo National Park offers thrilling encounters with the ocean's giants, including manta rays and sharks. For those who seek smaller, fascinating critters, the black volcanic sands of Sangeang Island are ideal for macro photography. Meanwhile, the legendary sea mounts of Gili Banta present a thrilling challenge for more experienced divers, with the chance to spot reef sharks and other pelagic species.
What Marine Life Can Be Seen at Flores, Indonesia?
The waters around Flores are teeming with a remarkable diversity of marine life. One of the most sought-after encounters is with the gentle giants, the magnificent whale sharks often spotted in the area. The strong currents attract majestic manta rays, offering divers an unparalleled opportunity to witness these graceful creatures up close. Flores is also home to various shark species, including the awe-inspiring hammerhead sharks and the elusive reef sharks. Macro-life enthusiasts will be delighted by the chance to find peculiar critters such as pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and ghost pipefish hidden among the vibrant coral reefs.
Top Dive Sites around Flores, Indonesia
Komodo National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this marine wonderland offers diverse diving opportunities with encounters with manta rays, sharks, and turtles.
Kanawa Island: Ideal for novice divers, this location boasts stunning coral reefs and abundant colorful marine life.
Sangeang Island: Famous for its black volcanic sands, this spot is perfect for macro enthusiasts seeking to discover unique critters.
Gili Banta: Advanced divers will relish exploring the sea mounts and encountering larger pelagic species like sharks.
Maumere: This area provides vibrant reefs and exciting muck diving, with a chance to see rare and exotic creatures.
Conclusion
Flores, Indonesia, is an unrivaled destination for liveaboard diving, where divers can indulge in awe-inspiring encounters with marine life and explore some of the world's most stunning dive sites. With its exceptional underwater diversity and breathtaking landscapes, diving around Flores promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave divers with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Flores Diving Reviews
- 9.4 Superb
- 10.0 Exceptional
- Florian W
- Germany
We did our check-dive close to the airport. It was surprisingly good. Water not as clear as in the national park, but great macro and other marine life.
Diving Flores in August on the Blue Manta
- 9.2 Superb
- Sebastian L
- Germany
Countless sharks, impressive mantas, beautiful coral reefs, … a sight to be seen!
Diving Flores in July on the Seahorse
- 10.0 Exceptional
- Jetti G
- United States
Awesome; lots of creatures and true guides knew how to find the cool stuff and also to safely assure I had a good time (I was the least experienced diver onboard, probably doing about 20 dives total before).
Diving Flores in May on the Moana
- 8.4 Very good
- Maniam K
- Singapore
May was not the best time to dive the South islands due to poor visibility
Diving Flores in May on the Moana
- 9.6 Exceptional
- Benjamin K
- United States
excellent; so many coral and animal life! variety of life, particularly micro creatures at night
Diving Flores in May on the Lady Denok
- 10.0 Exceptional
- So-Young K
- United States
Love the mangroves. Tons of small things to see - very unique. The first time I saw many of these things
Diving Flores in May on the Moana
- 7.6 Good
- Cavan T
- Singapore
Current is moderate to strong at some dive sites, I would compare it to diving in Maldives. There are also dive sites with little current. I understand that the current conditions vary significantly by time of month and day. Overall, I think Komodo's reputation for strong current is unwarranted. Observe the normal safety procedures and you will be fine.
Diving Flores in May on the Moana
- 9.2 Superb
- Brandon L
- United States
More complex than expected with the current
Diving Flores in May on the Moana
See all liveaboards from $926 to $10,596 per trip