There are so many diving spots in Flores to enjoy the under water beauty of this beautiful island. Flores is not only the gateway to Komodo National Park, but also a treasure trove of underwater riches. Here, you can enjoy diving with squid, octopus and scorpio fish, or take in the colorful coral reefs just off the coast of the island’s capital Maumere. Here too you’ll see giant moray eels, reclining lobsters with their huge shells and beautiful pygmy seahorses. In addition, diving here, you can also find shipwrecks inhabited by colorful lionfish and giant trevallies. Labuan Bajo Island is also part of the Flores region and has fascinating coral gardens and caves to explore.
Nestled between the islands of Komodo and Rinca to the west and the islands of Lomblen, Pantar and Alor to the east, the island of Flores offers incredible diving, spectacular scenery and a unique blend of cultures (it was eventually named by Portuguese colonizers). This once under-explored island is in the spotlight, considered a tourism star for those looking to venture further afield than Bali, and it’s easy to see why, as it has some of the best diving spots in Indonesia. There are two main dive sites on the island, Maumere and Labuan Bajo, and Flores is considered one of the most rugged islands in the Nusa Tenggara with a collection of 14 active volcanoes. The island has become an attractive tourist attraction thanks to its stunning scenery and beautiful ikat weavings.
The island’s dive sites are widely spread along the long northern coastline, and the best way to visit them all is by liveaboard. The best time to dive in Flores is the dry season from April to December, which is sunnier with better visibility. The western part of Flores is more hilly and gets more rain and runoff, while the south is very rough, which is why most of the diving on the island is done along the north coast.
Here are some of the best diving spots in Flores;
1. Pink Beach
Credit: popbela.com
The name Pink Beach is gaining popularity among the public nowadays. The pink color of the beach sand does look unusual. It looks beautiful even from a distance.
Coming to Pink Beach, you can see the beauty of the beach decorated with pink sand. Try diving into it, and you’ll be mesmerized by the beauty of Pink Beach’s underwater world.
There are many colorful fish dancing under the Pink Beach. Not to be outdone, coral reefs of various colors also show off their colorful beauty.
In fact, there are so many coral reefs that live under the Pink Beach sea, the seabed is invisible. It’s really like a natural carpet. Yes, diving under the sea at Pink Beach will bring you into the underwater kingdom of Flores.
Actually, there are many ways to enjoy the underwater beauty of Pink Beach, apart from diving. For tourists who are afraid of swimming, enjoying the underwater with snorkeling activity is enough. Luckily, Pink Beach’s water is so clear. You can even watch the beauty of Pink Beach’s underwater world from a boat.
2. Bidadari Island
Credit: balistarisland.com
Beginner divers can try the beauty of Flores’ underwater world around Bidadari Island. This 15-hectare island is located north of Labuan Bajo, Flores. If traveled by speedboat, it only takes about 15 minutes.
A quiet atmosphere envelops the plains of Bidadari Island. Apparently, this atmosphere contrasts with the underwater conditions of Bidadari Island. There are dozens of tourists enjoying diving to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world.
It is not wrong if the underwater world of Bidadari Island is said to be suitable for divers. The current around the island is so calm. Beautiful reefs and colorful fish are not too far from the sea surface. So, you don’t need to dive deep to see its beauty.
Unique fish and other marine animals can be easily found here. Lion fish, clown fish and sea rabbits are some of the marine fauna that can be found under Bidadari Island. No need to worry about the current because the current is very calm and will not interfere your diving activity.
3. Maumere Bay
Credit: dimensiindonesia.com
Apart from Bidadari Island and Pink Beach, there is another diving spot that is sure to amaze, Maumere Bay. As the name implies, Maumere Bay is located in the Maumere region of East Flores. Maumere is the largest city in Flores Island.
Coming to this place, you can not only meet the friendly people of Maumere, but also chat with its underwater inhabitants. There are many beautiful coral reefs that are fun to play with colorful fish.
Not only that, Maumere Bay also offers a diversity of marine life that you may rarely encounter. When else can you swim with tiny seahorses? Yes, in Maumere Bay you can dive accompanied by seahorses and a variety of other beautiful fish.
Well, if you’re lucky, divers can also meet a variety of shells, such as pearl shells. You can also enjoy swimming with cute dolphins at Maumere Bay.
4. Kanawa Island
Credit: ticmpu.id
Another place in Flores that holds a stunning underwater kingdom is Kanawa Island. This island is not a populated island, but only inhabited by tourists and hotel staff.
When you come to Kanawa, you have to experience the fun of diving under the sea. Discover the colorful coral reefs and enjoy dancing with the cute fishes there.
What’s more, the Kanawa Sea can be dived by anyone from beginner to professional divers. You don’t have to go far to find a diving site filled with beautiful biota, just swim 10 meters from the shore, you have entered the gateway to Kanawa’s underwater kingdom.
Apparently, this natural beauty can also be enjoyed from the high. Kanawa Island has a high hill that can be reached via a path. From the top of the hill, you are immediately faced with a stretch of beautiful open sea.
