The village (Babi) - Flores

Diving the Calanques National Park isn’t your typical tropical reef scene, and that’s precisely why we love it. This is dramatic Mediterranean diving, carved by millennia of wind and water. Think limestone cliffs plunging into the cobalt blue, forming an intricate maze of canyons, swim-throughs, and caverns just begging to be explored. The geology here is the real star. We’ve drifted along walls draped in gorgonians, the sunlight dappling through cracks overhead, illuminating patches of red coral like tiny, deep-sea jewels. Keep an eye out for hefty groupers lurking in the shadows; they’re a common, welcome sight. We’ve also spotted seahorses clinging to seagrass, which is always a treat, and the occasional dogfish slinking along the rocky seabed. Visibility here can be exceptional on a good day, easily 20 to 30 meters, making those deep blue vistas truly captivating. While the currents aren't usually brutal, they can pick up, so it's best suited for divers comfortable with a bit of drift. Our favourite time to dive is early morning, before the boat traffic gets too busy, when the light penetrates the water just right. For divers who appreciate stunning underwater topography and the unique, robust marine life of the Mediterranean, the Calanques offer a truly distinctive experience. You'll navigate through ancient rock formations, encounter a surprising variety of fish and invertebrates, and finish the dive with that satisfying feeling of having explored somewhere truly special. It’s an ideal spot for anyone looking beyond the usual tropical fare, offering a rugged beauty that leaves a lasting impression.

Location: Flores, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates: -8.434000, 122.509500
Type: cave

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 The village (Babi)

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

Staghorn coral (Acropora solitaryensis) - Hard Corals
Branch coral (Acropora florida) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora cerealis) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora humilis) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora hyacinthus) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora secale) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora acuminata) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora hoeksemai) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora nasuta) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora tenuis) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora aculeus) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora selago) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora spicifera) - Hard Corals
Cleaner Mimic (Plagiotremus rhinorhynchos) - Reef Fish
Staghorn coral (Acropora yongei) - Hard Corals
Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) - Whales & Dolphins
Table coral (Acropora clathrata) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora valida) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora austera) - Hard Corals
Shortfin False Moray (Kaupichthys brachychirus) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for The village (Babi)

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