Do you dream of diving in clear, warm water, away from the crowds and as far from the bustle of modern life as possible? If so, consider plunging beneath Alor’s clean blue waters. Your stress will melt away as you enjoy the sometimes challenging, yet alluringly beautiful dive sites of Alor.
Diving Conditions
Alor is not considered to be a place for beginning divers, particularly due to the fact that it is in a remote area, and many of the sites there are subject to swirling eddies and sometimes strong currents. Experienced divers should not have any trouble navigating Alor dive sites, and the challenge is sure to be a refreshing change from simple house reefs and easy tourist oriented dives.
Visibility here is exceptional, and normally reaches thirty meters or so. Most features are at a comfortable level, with some of the deeper dives extending to forty meters or so. Water temperature hovers between twenty-six and thirty-two degrees Celsius, but it is not hard to catch a chill at some of the deeper, more shaded sites, so pack appropriately!
Kal’s Dream
Here, it is very likely that you will encounter pilot whales and dolphins as you travel to the dive site. Once you are beneath the waves, which can be choppy at times, you will enjoy the sight of masses of colorful coral atop a sea mount which create an astounding backdrop for swarms of anthia, schooling snappers and surgeon fish, and vast fleets of fusiliers. Watch for larger fish to emerge from the depths: big grey reef sharks, rays, and barracuda often make an appearance among the pinnacles which stretch from the seabed to about seven meters from the surface. The currents here can present a challenge, and at times there are up and down currents that can catch you by surprise. Be prepared for an adventure!
Sharks Galore
At Sharks Galore, which offers a lot less current than some other Alor dive sites, you will normally be able to enjoy a gentle drift or even just hang out watching the sharks. Dog tooth tuna accompany white tip reef sharks and huge grey reef sharks, which can make for an interesting and completely unique experience. If conditions permit, you might be able to cruise to the Clown Valley dive site, which is right next door to Sharks Galore. Here, beautiful bulb-tentacle sea anemones carpet the entire area, however, they are oddly devoid of anemonefish. You will see clownfish here, but nothing like the massive swarms that tend to cover other, similar sea anemone gardens.
The Twilight Zone
Home to weird, wonderful, and wacky creatures of all kinds, the Twilight Zone is Alor’s creepiest dive, and an incredible escape from the ordinary. Here, just off the beach at Biangabang Village, the geologic influence of what is still a living volcano is very much in evidence. You will notice steaming hot springs on the black sand beach, and the dive itself begins over a lava flow that is located on the beach’s south end.
Here, it is possible to descend to forty meters or more, however, most of the life is at shallow, muck diving depths along the north edge, or in the reef along the south edge of the dive site. Look closely and remind yourself to notice movement, because many of the critters that live here are so well camouflaged that you might not even notice them until you really start to search.
Most of these creatures are at their best after the sun goes down. You’ll find octopus seeking their dinner on coral mounds, bobbit worms waiting to snag small sleepy fish, brilliant Spanish dancers flying across the sand, and massive Djibouti Giants, which are a big, rarely spotted member of the nudibranch family. Snake eels and Pegasus Sea Moths, as well as the other worldly spearing mantis shrimp, which contemplate you via their elevated, independently moveable eyes, are examples of some of the life in the Twilight Zone.
The Arch
Like an underwater cathedral of sorts, the Arch is a massive wall with enormous crevices that combine to form an arch that is absolutely beautiful. Located at twenty to thirty meters, this incredible masterpiece of underwater architecture is festooned with all kinds of living things. Enormous gorgonians teeming with seahorses, whip corals that extend to three meters or so with clinging coral shrimp along for the ride, and a colorful profusion of soft and hard coral combine in a riot of color.
Here, you will have the opportunity to spot nudibranchs, filefish, and marble dragonets, as well as a multitude of reef fish and lots of visiting pelagics. Watch for turtles feeding in the crevices and keep an eye out for the occasional shark or ray. Fusiliers and jacks, trevally and tuna, barracuda and napoleons could emerge from the depths at any moment, so be ready!
Pertamina Pier
One of Alor’s easiest dive sites, and a relatively new discovery, is Pertamina Pier. This delightful dive site is an excellent dive, day or night, with critters everywhere you look. Watch for ghost pipefish, strange looking hairy crabs, and stealthy octopus, as well as seahorses and all kinds of shrimp. Look for nudibranchs along the pier and in the sand nearby, and don’t be surprised if you see a few visiting fish hoping to find a snack!
Alor is an amazing destination, and with these few sites, we have only scratched the surface of everything the area has to offer. Find a reliable liveaboard with a great track record, and brush up on your diving skills to get the most out of this incredible trip of a lifetime.
Last, but certainly not least, remember to always stick within the confines of your training and experience. Alor is no place to take risks, because these sites are far away from critical care facilities. Following these guidelines can help keep you safe and ensure you have an incredible and memorable experience!