Alor is a little-known Indonesian diving destination situated east of Flores that is quickly being added to the bucket list of scuba enthusiasts. Unlike the well-trodden reefs of Raja Ampat and the Komodo Islands, this remote archipelago has managed to maintain a sense of untouched splendour and the underwater crowds are non-existent (for now, at least). Not only are Alor’s coral reefs flourishing but the cold upwellings attract an endless array of pelagic species.
Adding to all of this, the topside scenery is equally captivating, with enchanting villages that seemingly cling to the hillsides, some with grand churches at their heart and others with towering mosques. The local fishermen here utilise only sustainable fishing methods, avoiding the use of destructive nets and lines that can damage the delicate coral reefs. As a result, the dive sites around Alor are incredibly healthy, attracting everything from tiny critters to pygmy blue whales.
The volcanic origins of the Alor islands also contribute to the region's allure, with the dramatic underwater topography featuring everything from black sand slopes (perfect for muck diving) to towering pinnacles and walls. However, the area's strong ocean currents demand a high level of experience from divers as the conditions can be quite challenging at some of Alor's best sites. But for divers willing to take on this exciting adventure, Alor promises an unforgettable underwater experience in a truly remote corner of the globe.
In this article, we’ll share with you everything you need to know about planning a sustainable dive vacation in Alor, from the best underwater sites to eco-friendly dive resorts and the benefits of a liveaboard.
Sustainable dive vacation in Alor, Indonesia
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Best dive sites in Alor
Kalabahi Bay
Alor's best muck dive site is a treasure trove for macro enthusiasts, offering a combination of silt, mud and rubble. The area is home to a multitude of rare and remarkable species, such as the paddleflap scorpionfish, nudibranchs and flatworms. The black volcanic sand that dominates much of Kalabahi Bay provides a striking and dramatic backdrop, making this site a favourite among underwater photographers.
Biatabang
Also known as “The Hanging Gardens of Babylon”, this is a popular choice for check dives, with everything from bumphead parrotfish to Napoleon wrasse spotted. Its overhangs are blanketed in soft corals and sponges, which provide a habitat for leaf scorpionship and nudibranchs. Above the water, you can see local fishermen preparing their traditional bamboo fish traps, known as “bubu”.
Cathedral
This magnificent site is particularly prone to cold upwellings, where nutrient-rich, chilly waters from the depths rise to the surface. You'll likely pass through multiple thermoclines (abrupt changes in water temperature) as you descend from the top to the bottom of the water column. A magnificent array of hard and soft corals carpet the seafloor while large predators such as bamboo sharks and marble rays patrol the waters.
Kal’s Dream
With its near-vertical walls, this pinnacle is one of the best dive sites in Alor and a favourite for high-speed drift dives. Not only can you get up close to a huge diversity of schooling reef fish along the walls themselves but sharks, rays and even mola-mola can sometimes be seen passing by in the deep blue.
Current Alley
If you want to spot hammerheads in Alor, this is the place to go, although you’ll have to compete with the sometimes powerful currents. Reef sharks and schools of tuna can also be seen around the underwater ridge's drop-off, together with a range of other exciting pelagic species.
Clown Valley
Named after its abundance of anemones, this spectacular area of coral gardens is ideal for photography, as well as beginner divers due to its shallow waters and moderate currents. Expect to see not only clownfish but also angelfish, butterflyfish and groupers, as well as dogtooth tuna and the occasional sea turtle.
Alcatraz
Most notable for its garden of pink-hued soft corals, this beloved Alor dive site attracts underwater photographers. Along the edge of the reef is a sheer drop-off where big pelagic species can be spotted, alongside large schools of fish. The huge Gorgonian sea fans only add to the experience.
Wolang Cavern
With two caverns to explore, this is definitely one of the best dive sites in Alor and offers unexpected surprises, such as massive bamboo sharks trying to get some rest. While admiring the magnificent wall covered in soft corals, keep an eye out for colourful nudibranchs and crabs.
Best dive sites in Alor
Liveaboard vs resort-based diving in Alor
Alor offers an abundance of world-class dive sites that can be explored both from land-based resorts as well as liveaboard cruises. Each option has its own pros and cons, making the decision a highly personal one.
For those looking to make the most of their diving experience in Alor, a liveaboard may be the best choice. These specialised dive boats typically run multi-day itineraries, taking guests to over twenty different dive sites in the region and providing the opportunity for up to four dives per day. Liveaboards usually travel to dive sites during mealtimes or early in the morning, so you won’t spend lots of time on small pangas getting there and back.
On the flip side, a liveaboard doesn't have the facilities of a dive resort, whether that’s a swimming pool, a spa or just space to escape from other guests. Resort bungalows and villas are usually much roomier than liveaboard cabins and there’s the option to take a walk and stretch your legs whenever you desire.
A resort-based dive vacation in Alor may be the best option for divers who aren’t comfortable in strong currents, as you’ll have an easier time arranging to dive at calm sites than on a liveaboard. With liveaboard diving, you really have to go with what the majority of the group wants, which is often the exhilaration of a current-swept dives if you have experienced scuba enthusiasts onboard.
Best eco-friendly dive resorts in Alor
Best Alor dive resort for couples
With just six bungalows, this intimate Alor dive resort caters exclusively to couples, dive buddies and small groups seeking an off-the-beaten-path sustainable scuba vacation. It offers easy access to many of Alor’s world-class dive sites, with a custom-built fibreglass speedboat at your disposal. Locally grown, organic produce is sourced for the meals served at the resort and they are taking strident steps towards reducing non-biodegradable waste.
"A gem in paradise." - Tal (read more reviews here)
Best luxury eco-friendly Alor dive resort
SAVU is a barefoot luxury resort that seamlessly blends Alor’s ruggedly wild landscapes with refined comforts. Harnessing the power of the sun, this eco-friendly Alor dive resort is entirely solar-powered and self-sufficient, drawing fresh water from its own wells and growing an abundance of organic produce on its permaculture farm. From the charming beach cottages to the stunning cliff-side villas, every aspect of SAVU has been thoughtfully designed with an off-the-grid ethos.
"Barefoot luxury and extreme biodiversity at a lovely small dive resort." - David (read more reviews here)
Best Alor dive resort for underwater photographers
Offering a maximum capacity of just 12 divers or 14 snorkellers, Alami Alor prides itself on its ability to provide a highly personalised experience, with attentive staff dedicated to getting to know each guest on a personal level. The resort caters especially well to underwater photographers, boasting an on-site camera room and dedicated photography staff who can help guests hone their skills. Each of its seven spacious bungalows features a hardwood terrace and cosy seating area directly facing the ocean.
"I want to go back tomorrow." - Zeke (read more reviews here)
Best Alor dive resort for non-divers
Set along a 400-metre sandy beach, the design of this sustainable Alor dive resort seamlessly integrates with the surrounding environment. Each bungalow has been carefully crafted to complement the natural setting, drawing inspiration from traditional regional architecture with open-air layouts, thatched roofing and an emphasis on natural ventilation. At the core of Alor Divers' ethos is a commitment to providing guests with a high-quality, sustainable island experience, whether they arrive as divers, snorkellers or nature enthusiasts.
"Beyond amazing; one of the special trips you do in your lifetime...!" - Allan (read more reviews here)
Moko Alor Dive Resort
Best Alor dive resort with a pool
Overlooking a powdery white and pink sand beach, this eco-friendly Alor dive resort boasts a house reef teeming with life. It takes great pride in supporting the local seaweed farming industry, with the seaweed cultivation happening right at the resort's shoreline. Complementing the resort's stunning natural surroundings are its world-class amenities, including an infinity pool and an open-air restaurant that offers views of Mount Sirung Volcano.
Best dive sites in Alor
Best time to dive in Alor
The best time to dive in Alor is from April through October when you can expect clear, sunny skies, minimal rainfall and excellent visibility. Even the shoulder months of March and November can offer excellent diving opportunities, though these transitional periods may see a slightly higher frequency of rainy days, often concentrated in the afternoons.
It's worth noting, however, that the rainy season from December to February can actually be more favourable for muck diving, where divers delight in discovering the smaller, often cryptic creatures that thrive in these nutrient-rich environments.
The water temperatures in Alor are remarkably comfortable throughout the year, ranging from around 25 to 30 degrees Celsius (77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). That being said, the cold upwellings can be chilly and a 5mm wetsuit or a 3mm and extra skin may be required for the slightly cooler dive sites in the southern regions.
Sustainable dive vacation in Alor
FAQs about diving in Alor
When is the diving season in Alor?
The ideal period for diving in Alor is between April and October when you can enjoy clear skies, little rain and fantastic visibility. The shoulder months of March and November also provide great diving experiences, although you might encounter a few more rainy afternoons during these transitional times.
What is the water temperature in Alor for diving?
Generally speaking, the water temperatures in Alor are warm throughout the year, typically between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius (77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). However, the cold upwellings can be much chillier (we experienced as low as 16 degrees Celsius during our dives), so you might want to consider wearing a 5mm wetsuit or a 3mm wetsuit with an additional layer when you’re diving at the archipelago’s southern sites.
How much experience do you need to dive in Alor?
The Pantar Strait is renowned for its strong currents, which means that diving in Alor is best for experienced divers. Most resorts and liveaboards recommend that you have at least 100 dives under your belt and feel comfortable in strong currents if you want to experience everything Alor has to offer. If you haven't done that many dives yet, check directly with the resort or liveaboard before booking.
Is there diving in Alor for beginners?
Even if you’re not an experienced diver, you can still dive in the area, although you will be limited to certain sites. If you’re not comfortable diving in currents, it’s probably best to stay at a land-based dive resort (rather than on a liveaboard) where you will have a better chance of breaking away from the group if they are doing strong drift dives. To really experience what makes Alor such an exciting scuba destination, we’d recommend getting your dive tally up elsewhere before booking a trip here.
Should I stay at a dive resort or on a liveboard in Alor?
For those eager to maximise their diving adventures in Alor, opting for a liveaboard could be the ideal solution. These dedicated dive vessels typically offer multi-day trips, allowing guests to explore a greater array of sites and enjoy up to four dives each day. Liveaboards often navigate to dive locations during meal times, minimising the time spent on smaller boats traveling to and from dive spots.
However, liveaboards lack the amenities found at dive resorts, such as swimming pools, spas or simply the space to unwind away from fellow guests. Resort accommodations like bungalows and villas tend to be more spacious than boat cabins, and you have the freedom to take leisurely walks and stretch your legs whenever you wish.
For divers who may not feel at ease in strong currents, a resort-based dive vacation in Alor could be the better choice. It’s generally easier to arrange dives at calmer sites when staying at a resort compared to a liveaboard, where the group’s preferences often dictate the dive locations.
About the authors
We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we've created this resource highlighting sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.
Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans.