Babi Island - Flores

Babi Island, off Flores, is a site that always makes us pause for thought. This place took a real hit in the 1992 tsunami, losing a thousand residents, but dive in and you'll find a wall that’s made a remarkable comeback. It drops down to around 50 metres, a healthy stretch of coral that's home to good numbers of snappers, parrotfish, angelfish, and damselfish. We've seen a few moray eels tucked into the crevices too. Visibility averages about 15 metres, though on a good day, you might even glimpse the seabed from the surface. It’s a solid wall dive, calm and reflective, suitable for most divers looking for a straightforward, pleasant exploration.

Location
Flores, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.416700, 122.416700

Marine Protected Area: Teluk Maumere

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Flores

Nearest Dive Centres to Babi Island

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Babi Island

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths for diving at Babi Island dive sites?
The reef wall at Babi Island drops down to a depth of about 50 metres. Divers can explore this healthy reef wall, which recovered remarkably well after the 1992 tsunami.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to encounter at Babi Island?
Divers at Babi Island can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life along the reef wall. Common sightings include snappers, parrotfish, angelfish, and damselfish. Additionally, several species of moray eels are present, adding to the diversity of this surprisingly healthy reef. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult are the dive sites around Babi Island, and are they suitable for beginners?
The dive sites around Babi Island are rated as intermediate difficulty. While the reef is in very healthy condition, the intermediate rating suggests it may not be ideal for absolute beginners. Divers should have appropriate experience and certifications for intermediate-level dives.
What is the best time of year to dive at Babi Island for optimal conditions and marine sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Babi Island for optimal conditions or marine sightings. For general information on dive seasons in Indonesia, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required or recommended for diving at Babi Island?
Given the intermediate difficulty rating for diving at Babi Island, it is recommended that divers possess certifications suitable for such conditions. While specific certifications are not listed, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent would generally be appropriate. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience for deeper dives and potentially varying conditions.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like when diving at Babi Island?
When diving at Babi Island, the usual visibility is about 15 metres. While it is sometimes possible to see the sea floor from the surface, divers should generally expect visibility in the 15-meter range. The provided data does not specify the usual current conditions for this dive site.