Explore The Wonders Of Indonesia

Seven Seas Update

Komodo, Raja Ampat, Banda, East of Flores, Forgotten Islands, Alor, Maumere & more!

The Summer of Love!

By Lori Pottinger. Photos by David George.

Marine life in Flores

It’s the Summer of Love all over again, flowing with psychedelic colors and random couplings under the sea–hot pink disco clams, fire urchins in a host of pulsating metallic colors, mating nudibranchs in green and red and black, spawning sponges, sexy shrimp, preening peacock mantis shrimp (their flared tail can almost pass for bellbottoms when they stand up to check you out). The waters East of Flores are surely a paradise for old hippies to relive their bohemian past. Even the crinoids seem to come in more colors than we’ve ever seen in one place.

Every dive brings something unusual, even for this seasoned group of divers (some of whom are on the Seven Seas for the fourth time).

First, some macro highlights. A tiny yellow pair of dice with black dots entertain us against the backdrop of a dark crevice in the wall—baby yellow boxfish just learning to navigate as “odd shaped swimmers.”

A gang of Pegasus sea moths scoot about on a night dive. Schools of tiny convict blennies form baby bait balls. Solo dragonets, their red-checked suits well set off by their bright yellow fin-shoes. Two tiny urchin clingfish do their best imitation of a free-swimming micro-eel. A stunning juvenile ornate ghost pipefish shows off its delicate tailfin and comes out to play so everyone gets a good look.

But if the land of the small was enchanting, East of Flores also abounds with super-sized critters. Three-inch-long nudibranchs aren’t uncommon. A huge cuttlefish greets night divers one evening. An especially big slashing mantis shrimp gets hold of a diver’s pointer and won’t let go for about a minute. Didn’t know that pufferfish came in extra-large. Then there’s the pair of massive lionfish we spot on a couple of dives at The Ledge. And the biggest frogfish in memory—dinner plate size—gives one photographer a jolt when it swims right after her (I’m done with my close up, Mr. DeMille).

Two experiences will surely have a special spot in our collective memory. First in terms of awe-inspiring is the Jetty, where we saw as many as five Rhinopias scorpionfish (the weedy variety were especially beautiful). Graceful in coloring and texture, they are anything but when it comes to moving about—really, it’s more of a flopping about. Nearby, their uglier cousin, the devil scorpionfish, walks about a bit more gracefully on scary spider legs. And the other unique spot is Anemone City—a veritable national park for anemones of every size, color, and shape.

The Boardroom site is so rich with eels it will forever be called “Eel-iicious” in my mind. A pair of mismatched, open-mouthed young ones in one hole are quickly followed by two holes each with a gigantic moray in them. A free-swimming black ribbon eel undulates across the reef like an extra-large bit of ribbon candy, then disappears into a tiny hole. Blue ribbon eels galore. A snowflake eel moving rocks to create that perfect entry to its lair. And everywhere, there are “plain vanilla” scorpionfish dotting the rocks. One patient photographer manages to get one mid-lunge, capturing its lunch.

Topside has its charms too, from paddling about on standup paddleboards in the shadow of a hulking volcano (quiet for now), to kayaking to a spot of an island near the boat, to watching the stars from the top deck. Buying ikat cloth from the local ladies—thanks to cruise director Karl for educating us about the different weaves and dyes and history of this lovely art form. Certainly the highlight, though, is the half-day visit to visit Latifui village, where the Aboi hill tribe people perform traditional dances. We also visit a market, which is authentic and colorful and full of oddities we’ll not see at home.

The Summer of Love: Exploring Marine Life in Flores with The Seven Seas Liveaboard

It’s the Summer of Love all over again—only this time, it’s underwater. In the heart of Indonesia’s coral triangle, marine life in Flores explodes with psychedelic colors, rare species, and surreal sea creatures that seem straight out of a dream. Diving here aboard The Seven Seas Liveaboard is like entering a living kaleidoscope—hot pink disco clams, shimmering sea urchins, and flamboyant nudibranchs welcome you to their wild underwater world.

Marine life in Flores offers an unmatched diversity that even seasoned divers find astonishing. Every dive is a revelation, especially around the lesser-known but biologically rich regions east of Flores Island. One day you’re floating above a coral garden pulsing with anthias and butterflyfish, the next you’re scanning the shadows for rare macro life tucked between the reefs.

Tiny Creatures, Big Personalities

One of the biggest joys of discovering marine life in Flores is witnessing the bizarre and beautiful macro critters. On a recent trip with The Seven Seas Liveaboard, our group encountered:

A tiny yellow pair of dice-shaped boxfish with black polka dots
A juvenile ornate ghost pipefish showing off its translucent tailfin
Schools of convict blennies swarming like baby bait balls
Pegasus sea moths gliding like winged dragons in the dark

And of course, the classic crowd-pleasers: dazzling nudibranchs in every color imaginable, preening mantis shrimp, and shy seahorses camouflaged perfectly against the coral branches.

For macro lovers, marine life in Flores feels like nature’s treasure hunt—with every dive offering new surprises.

Supersized Surprises Beneath the Surface

But the magic doesn’t stop with the small stuff. Marine life in Flores also brings out the giants. One night, a cuttlefish the size of a watermelon hovered before our lights like an alien spacecraft. Another time, a lionfish the size of a child’s backpack lazily drifted across our path.

The most memorable moment? A dinner-plate-sized frogfish stared straight at our photographer before jetting off, giving him a proper underwater jump scare. “I’m done with my close-up, Mr. DeMille,” he laughed into his regulator.

These larger species add a thrilling unpredictability to every dive—and they’re part of what makes the marine life in Flores so legendary among divers worldwide.

Why Dive Flores with The Seven Seas Liveaboard?

The Seven Seas experience goes beyond just great diving—it’s about storytelling, comfort, and exploration. Each trip is carefully curated to explore remote sites where marine life in Flores thrives, undisturbed by mass tourism.

Dive sites are chosen based on seasonal marine activity.
Expert dive guides point out creatures you’d never spot alone.
Night dives are magical (and safe!) thanks to experienced crews.
Meals on board are gourmet, and cabins are cozy yet elegant.

Plus, sailing through Flores on a traditional phinisi boat adds an extra layer of cultural beauty to your underwater adventure.

A Photographer’s Paradise

For underwater photographers, marine life in Flores is a dream. The lighting conditions, shallow reef plateaus, and abundance of rare species make it ideal for both macro and wide-angle shots.

Don’t forget to bring:

A red light for night dives (to avoid startling sensitive critters)
A macro lens—you’ll use it more than you think
Extra batteries: you’ll be taking hundreds of photos per dive

Whether you’re chasing the perfect shot of a yawning Rhinopia or a pair of mating mandarinfish, Flores delivers.

Conclusion: Fall in Love with Marine Life in Flores

There’s a reason divers return to Flores year after year. The marine life in Flores is not only abundant—it’s magical, weird, colorful, and alive in ways few places on Earth can offer. From tiny treasures to giant surprises, diving here is a sensory overload that never gets old.

Book your journey with The Seven Seas Liveaboard, and experience for yourself why the marine life in Flores is considered one of the world’s finest.

I could go on… about the gorgeous boat, the fabulous staff, the wonderful food (some of the best we’ve had on a liveaboard). Two weeks seemed a long time when we boarded, and all too short by the time the last days were upon us. Thanks, Seven Seas folks, for the amazing adventures!

The season of love is back—this time not on land, but in the depths of the ocean. In the heart of the world’s coral triangle, the marine life of Flores showcases extraordinary marine biodiversity. Diving with The Seven Seas Liveaboard offers a magical experience: from neon-colored nudibranchs to cute little boxfish, every dive feels like exploring another world.

The summer of love is back—but this time, beneath the waves. In the heart of the Coral Triangle, marine life in Flores showcases extraordinary biodiversity. Diving with The Seven Seas Liveaboard offers a magical experience: from neon-colored nudibranchs to adorable tiny boxfish, every dive feels like entering another world.

According to WWF Indonesia, the Flores region is one of the world’s richest marine biodiversity hotspots, making it a paradise for divers and underwater photographers alike.

Exploring marine life in Flores is a dream come true for divers and marine enthusiasts. Located in Indonesia’s Coral Triangle, Flores boasts one of the richest underwater ecosystems in the world. Diving with The Seven Seas Liveaboard gives you access to pristine reefs, vibrant coral gardens, and rare marine species that make Flores a top destination for underwater adventures.

If you want to learn more about our liveaboard packages, check out the detailed itinerary and dive sites on our website.\