Indonesia is a vast nation of islands, oceans and coral reefs. More than 17,000 islands span a 3,200-mile swath of ocean that encompasses some of the most bio-diverse marine ecosystems on earth. There's a lifetime and more of diving opportunities awaiting in Indonesia, which can make planning a dive trip to this region seem somewhat overwhelming.
Liveaboard cruises provide one of the best ways to take in a generous swath of Indonesia's underwater treasures. There are three regions that are especially well-suited to liveaboard trips — two that are well-known and a third that is just gaining notoriety in dive travel circles. Here's the rundown on these prime locations.
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Komodo
This island is world-famous for its namesake Komodo Dragon, which is the world's largest lizard. The waters surrounding Komodo and other members of the Sunda chain of islands have an equally prominent reputation in diving circles, and are considered one of Southeast Asia's premier liveaboard dive destinations, as it delivers a rich mix of drift diving thrills, colorful coral reefs, abundant and diverse fish life and a wealth of macro photography opportunities.
Most dive sites lie within the marine protected area of Komodo National Park, which is designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The underwater terrain is predominantly volcanic in origin, and is a mix of walls, pinnacles and shallow reefs that display intense coral cover. Komodo is known as a top destination for manta ray encounters, and sites facing blue water draw are known for huge schools of giant trevally dogtooth tuna, mackerel and barracudas, along with frequent sightings of turtles, bumphead parrotfish and Napoleon wrasse.
There are two distinct sides to diving Komodo. Warm waters predominate in the northern area of the park, and water clarity is exceptional. This area is known for frequently strong currents, which can make for exciting drift dives, which are best conducted with the help of experienced dive guides. While some dives are conducted at slack water and in sheltered areas, Komodo is not generally considered a good region for inexperienced divers.
To the south, cold water upwellings promote plankton growth, which nurtures rich tapestries of soft corals and brings in filter feeders such as whale sharks and mantas. This region is also known for macro and muck diving, and includes some sheltered bays where critter hunters can search out unique finds such as electric rays, pygmy seahorses, leaf ghost pipefish, cuttlefish, frogfish and more.
Liveaboard itineraries typically take in a mix of open water, reef and macro sites, providing divers with a broad sampling of underwater experiences. Additionally, Komodo is relatively easy to reach from the international airport in Bali, making it an ideal first destination for first-time travelers to Indonesia, with the added attraction of a chance to view the famous dragons.
Raja Ampat
The Indonesia archipelago known as the Four Kings is known for its incredible underwater bio-diversity, which is among the highest in the world's oceans. The islands lie at the meeting of the Pacific Ocean and the Halmahera Sea, and the mixing of these waters nurtures a rich tapestry of underwater life.
Biologists have counted more than 1,500 species of fish and several thousand species of invertebrates in these waters. And with more than 600 species of hard and soft coral, Raja Ampat has a well-deserved reputation for showcasing some of the most colorful reefs on earth.
In addition to the four major islands of Raja Ampat, there are more than 1,000 smaller islands that present a diverse range of ecosystems that includes everything from mangrove shallows and critter-rich muck diving sites to walls, caverns and high-profile formations that rise from the depths. Big animal enthusiasts can dive manta ray cleaning stations, encounter reef sharks, swim into clouds of fusiliers and surgeonfish or drift sites on the edge of blue water where massive shoals of mackerel, tuna and barracuda gather. Dolphins and whales may also be encountered on some sites.
While not considered among the world's top macro and muck diving meccas, Raja Ampat also has its share of small and unusual marine life. Keen-eyed divers can hunt among the fronds of gorgonian forests in search of elusive pygmy sea horses, or search sandy bays for crevice and bottom dwellers like frogfish, stargazers, jawfish, blue-ringed octopus and an assortment of colorful invertebrates. Night dives can yield unique finds such as wobbegongs and the unique epaulette shark — aka the walking shark.
Above the water, islands of Raja Ampat are as visually stunning as the reefs. While there are a number of land-based dive resorts in the region, a liveaboard cruise is the best way to take in the full scope of the region, and there are a number of top-rated boats to choose from. While some sites may experience strong currents, there are sites for divers of all skill levels. That said, those with the equivalent experience level of advanced open water certification will likely get the most from this destination. Getting to Raja Ampat can require several connecting flights and a ferry ride, but those who know these islands say the diving rewards are well worth the journey.
Alor
While still somewhat under the diving radar, the Alor Archipelago is a rising star in the liveaboard diving arena. The region's namesake is the largest of a 92-island group that lies some 600 miles east of Bali, and 350 miles from Komodo. Like Raja Ampat, the Alor group combines stunning topside scenery with vibrant reefs and the added attraction of excellent muck diving in sheltered bays lined with black volcanic sands.
Alor sees far less diver traffic than Indonesia's other popular dive destinations, and the reefs remain in excellent condition and sustain an abundance of fish life, thanks in part to sustainable harvesting practices adopted by local fishermen. Tidal flows and the mixing of warm surface waters and cooler upwellings create nurturing currents that promote explosive coral growth.
There are two distinct dive experiences in Alor. Kalabahi Bay is a muck diving mecca, and is becoming known as one of the best destinations in the Indo-Pacific for nudibranchs, and is home to extensive anemone fields. Move offshore into the waters of the Pantar Strait and the underwater landscape transitions to reefs covered in vibrant hard and soft corals, big walls, stand-alone pinnacles and intriguing formations created by volcanic action.
Open water sites are known for excellent water clarity, and divers can expect plenty of sharks, turtles, rays and seasonal whale sightings. Offshore pinnacles attract swirling schools of fish and passing hammerheads, and these waters also hold a resident population of mola mola. Most all dive sites in the Pantar Strait are washed by moderate to strong currents, making this a destination best suited for more experienced divers.
Want to learn more about Indonesia? Vist our pages on Cultural Actvities, Snorkeling, and Wellness.
If you are ready to make a Indonesia liveaboard your next great diving adventure, Caradonna is ready to make it happen. Our agents can put together a package that suits your budget and diving expectations, while taking care of airfare and all the details to make your trip enjoyable and easy. To learn more, give us a call at 800-330-6611 or send us an email to sales@caradonna.com.