Diving in Flores

Explore 20 dive sites in Flores, Indonesia. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Flores

The warmest water temperatures in Flores occur in January, averaging 30.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 30.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 30.6°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • February: 30.6°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • March: 30.6°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • April: 30.6°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • May: 30.6°C (air: 28.9°C)
  • June: 30.6°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • July: 30.6°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • August: 30.6°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • September: 30.6°C (air: 28.6°C)
  • October: 30.6°C (air: 29.3°C)
  • November: 30.6°C (air: 29.2°C)
  • December: 30.6°C (air: 28.2°C)

Marine Life in Flores

Home to 169 recorded species including 127 reef fish, 31 hard corals, 6 seagrass & algae, 2 whales & dolphins, 2 sharks & rays, 1 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Recommended Packing List for Flores

Based on average water temperature of 30.6°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 31°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Flores

  • Teluk Maumere - Nature Recreation Park (IUCN Category V)
  • Tujuh Belas Pulau - Nature Recreation Park (IUCN Category V)
  • Pulau Besar - Nature Recreation Park (IUCN Category V)
  • KK Kepulauan Alor - Marine Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • KK Laut Sawu dan Sekitarnya - Marine Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • KK di Perairan di Wilayah Kayuadi - Marine Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • KK Lembata - Marine Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • KK Flores Timur - Marine Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • Ende - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Laut Dalam Alor - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Laut Dalam Flores Timur - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • KK Lembata II - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • KK Sikka - Marine Park (IUCN Category VI)

Getting to Flores - Nearest Airports

  • Oecusse Route of the Sandalwood International Airport (OEC), Oecussi-Ambeno - 233 km away, approx 269 min travel time
  • Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL), Dili - 344 km away, approx 391 min travel time
  • Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG), Makassar - 481 km away, approx 540 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to go diving in Flores for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
For optimal water temperatures in Flores, the best time to visit is during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3, when the water consistently reaches a warm 30.65°C. While specific marine life sighting data by month is not provided, these months offer comfortable diving conditions. You can find more information on when to dive globally at DivePlnr's When to Dive guide.
What kind of unique or highlight marine life can divers expect to encounter in the Flores dive region?
The provided data context for Flores does not specify unique or highlight marine life encounters. However, given its location in Indonesia, divers can generally expect a rich biodiversity typical of coral reef ecosystems. For more general information on marine species, you can explore DivePlnr's wildlife database.
Which are considered the best dive sites in Flores, and what are their specific characteristics?
Flores offers a variety of dive sites, all categorized as intermediate difficulty. For instance, you can explore the reef at Kojadoi Diving Exotic Coral, discover a wreck at Wairterang Wreck, or experience wall diving at Ibel D’Orange. Other notable sites include the cave at The village (Babi) and the reef at Maumere, each offering unique underwater landscapes.
What are the typical diving conditions in Flores, including water temperature, visibility, and currents?
Divers in Flores can expect warm water temperatures, averaging 30.65°C during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3. The region is known for varied current conditions, ranging from gentle coral slopes to thrilling current-swept channels, offering diverse diving experiences. While specific visibility data is not provided, the dynamic environment suggests varied conditions across different sites.
Is diving in Flores suitable for all experience levels, or are certain sites recommended only for advanced divers?
Based on the provided data, all listed dive sites in Flores, such as Kojadoi Diving Exotic Coral and Wairterang Wreck, are categorized as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that while beginners might find some sites challenging, experienced intermediate divers will find a wide range of suitable options. Divers should always assess their skills and comfort level with local dive operators.
What are the most common ways for travelers to get to the main dive regions within Flores?
The provided data context does not include information on the most common ways for travelers to get to the main dive regions within Flores. We recommend consulting local travel guides or dive operators in Flores for the most up-to-date transportation details.
How do seasonal variations impact the diving experience and accessibility of dive sites in Flores?
Based on the available data, seasonal variations primarily impact water temperature, with Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3 offering consistently warm conditions at 30.65°C. The provided context does not detail how seasonal changes affect dive site accessibility, visibility, or specific marine life encounters in Flores. For more general information on diving seasons, refer to DivePlnr's When to Dive guide.
Are there specific dive areas in Flores, outside of the well-known Komodo National Park, that are highly recommended?
Flores itself is a distinct and comprehensive dive sub-region, offering varied diving experiences separate from Komodo National Park. Within Flores, you can explore a range of sites like the wreck diving at Wairterang Wreck, the wall diving at The Crack at Pulau Babi, and numerous reefs such as Kojadoi Diving Exotic Coral. These sites showcase the region's diverse underwater topography, from gentle coral slopes to thrilling current-swept channels.