Explore The Wonders Of Indonesia
Alor – Labuan Bajo Exploration 12 nights
Explore from Komodo to Alor through Flores
This journey is a true odyssey across some of Eastern Indonesia’s most spectacular and remote waters. Starting among the extraordinary reefs of Alor, exploring isolated islands such as Pulau Rusa and Pulau Komba, following the volcanic coastline of Flores and ending among the legendary reefs and dramatic landscapes of Komodo National Park.
We begin in Alor, where spectacular coral reefs, dramatic walls and an extraordinary diversity of marine life provide an unforgettable start to the expedition. Schooling fish, beautiful coral gardens, abundant reef life and exceptional underwater scenery make every dive different as we explore one of the most fascinating diving regions in Eastern Indonesia.
From Alor, we begin our journey west towards Pulau Rusa, a remote island surrounded by beautiful reefs and rarely visited waters. This is true expedition diving, far from Indonesia’s more established routes and in places where encountering another liveaboard is still unusual.
Our route then takes us to Pulau Komba, an isolated volcanic island rising dramatically from the sea. The volcanic character of the region continues beneath the surface, creating fascinating underwater landscapes and a very different diving environment before we continue towards Flores.
Reaching Flores, we take a break from the underwater world for one of the great land experiences of the journey: Kelimutu National Park. Travelling inland through the lush highlands, we reach the famous three coloured volcanic lakes, surrounded by forest, mountain scenery and traditional villages. It is a completely different side of Indonesia and a remarkable contrast to the days spent exploring beneath the surface.
From here, we continue west along the quiet and little travelled north coast of Flores. At Kulambu Bay, the focus shifts towards the smaller inhabitants of the reef, with excellent macro diving and the chance to find seahorses and a fascinating variety of unusual critters. Remote beaches and sandbanks also provide beautiful places to step ashore, swim and enjoy the sunsets against the volcanic backdrop of Flores.
As we continue west, the final stage of our journey brings us into the legendary waters of Komodo National Park, where some of Indonesia’s most celebrated diving provides a spectacular finale to the expedition. Vibrant coral reefs reveal huge schools of fish, reef sharks, turtles and an extraordinary abundance of marine life, surrounded by dramatic underwater landscapes.
Above water, we also go ashore for a trek through the National Park to encounter the famous Komodo dragons, one of Indonesia’s most iconic wildlife experiences and a fitting way to complete our journey across the archipelago.
Our adventure eventually comes to an end in Labuan Bajo, after travelling all the way from Alor through some of the most remote islands and volcanic landscapes of Flores before reaching the extraordinary reefs of Komodo.
From the spectacular reefs of Alor to the remote volcanic islands of Eastern Indonesia, from hidden macro sites and the highlands of Flores to the legendary marine life and dragons of Komodo, this expedition brings together an extraordinary variety of Indonesia in a single journey, where every day reveals something different, above and below the surface.
A journey through the best of Eastern Indonesia
We begin in Kalabahi Bay and the Alor region, one of the most spectacular and diverse diving areas in Eastern Indonesia. Beautiful coral reefs, walls, schooling fish and an extraordinary variety of marine life provide the perfect introduction to a journey that will take us west across some of the most remote waters of the Indonesian archipelago.
Leaving Alor behind, we reach Pulau Rusa, a remote island that offers beautiful diving and a genuine sense of exploration. Far from Indonesia’s busier diving routes, this part of the journey is about discovering reefs and islands that very few visitors ever get the chance to experience.
Continuing west, we reach Pulau Komba, an isolated volcanic island rising dramatically from the sea. The diving here offers a fascinating reminder that this entire region has been shaped by volcanic activity, with the opportunity to explore underwater landscapes around the volcano and experience a very different side of Eastern Indonesia.
From Pulau Komba, we continue towards Flores, where we leave the boat for a full day excursion to Kelimutu National Park, home to the famous three coloured volcanic lakes. The journey into the highlands takes us through lush landscapes and traditional villages before reaching one of Flores’ most remarkable natural landmarks.
We then continue west along the quiet and little travelled north coast of Flores. Along the way we reach Kulambu Bay, a hidden area known for high quality macro diving, where seahorses and other unusual critters can often be found. Just a couple of hours from Kulambu, we can also stop at a remote sandbank, a beautiful place to relax, swim and enjoy the sunset.
As we continue west, the journey combines beautiful scenery, small coastal communities and dive sites rarely visited by other liveaboards. Gradually, we make our way towards the legendary waters of Komodo National Park for the final stage of our expedition.
In North and Central Komodo, crystal clear waters and vibrant coral reefs are home to an extraordinary abundance of marine life. After travelling through some of the quieter and more remote regions of Eastern Indonesia, Komodo provides a spectacular finale, with its famous reefs, schooling fish and remarkable underwater diversity. Here we also go ashore for a trek to see the famous Komodo dragons, one of the highlights of any journey through the National Park.
Our final day brings us into Labuan Bajo, where this remarkable journey across Eastern Indonesia comes to an end after travelling all the way from Alor through the volcanic islands and coastlines of Flores to the legendary waters of Komodo.
From the extraordinary marine diversity of Alor to remote volcanic islands and the hidden reefs of Flores, and finally to the legendary diving and dragons of Komodo, this is a true journey across some of the most beautiful and least travelled parts of Eastern Indonesia.
Alor to Komodo, from extraordinary marine biodiversity and pristine coral gardens to remote volcanic islands, vibrant reefs, and the legendary manta sites of Komodo.
Tentative Itinerary
The itinerary may be adjusted at the discretion of the captain and cruise director based on weather conditions, which can sometimes be unpredictable, as well as the group’s overall experience. The goal is to offer the best possible diving and snorkeling sites according to the group’s interests and skill levels.
Day 1 - ALOR
Flight to Alor from Kupang. Transfer to the Seven Seas, setting up gear meanwhile we are steaming out and afterwards we’ll do a general briefing, after some refreshments and lunch and we’ll do our check out dive.
Day 2 - ALOR
Volcanic Walls, Coral Gardens and Underwater Architecture
Today we explore the spectacular reefs surrounding Ternate Island and nearby Ula, where dramatic volcanic topography, crystal-clear water and thriving coral ecosystems combine to create some of the finest diving in the Pantar Strait.
From towering walls and natural swim-throughs to pristine coral gardens and white sand slopes, every dive reveals another side of this remarkable archipelago.
Babylon Wall: Our day begins at the legendary Babylon Wall, one of the signature dive sites of the Alor Archipelago.
This spectacular vertical wall begins among shallow coral gardens before descending into the deep blue. Covered in vibrant soft corals, giant sea fans and colourful sponges, the reef supports large schools of fusiliers, anthias and snappers, while giant trevallies, Napoleon wrasse and occasional pelagic visitors patrol the open water. With visibility often exceeding 30 metres, Babylon offers one of the finest wide-angle dives in the region.
The Arch: Our second dive explores The Arch, one of Ternate’s most iconic underwater landmarks.
A magnificent natural volcanic archway has been carved into the reef, forming an impressive swim-through surrounded by healthy coral growth. The steep walls are decorated with large sea fans, whip corals and colourful soft corals, providing shelter for countless reef fish and macro species.
Outside the arch, trevallies, reef sharks and eagle rays frequently cruise through the blue, creating an unforgettable combination of dramatic scenery and abundant marine life.
Ula: Our final dive takes us to Ula, one of the Pantar Strait’s most beautiful sloping reefs.
The reef gently descends towards a pristine white sand beach, where colourful coral bommies are scattered across the seabed like an underwater garden. Magnificent hard corals, vibrant soft corals and expansive coral gardens create one of the most spectacular reefscapes in the region.
The reef teems with schools of fusiliers, butterflyfish, angelfish, sweetlips and parrotfish, while green turtles are frequent visitors and larger predators occasionally appear in the blue.
The contrast between brilliant coral colours, crystal-clear water and white sand makes Ula a favourite among underwater photographers and one of the most visually stunning dives of the expedition.
Evening On Board
As Seven Seas anchors between the volcanic islands of Ternate and Pura, guests reflect on another unforgettable day exploring some of the Pantar Strait’s most celebrated reefs.
From towering walls and dramatic underwater arches to vibrant coral gardens and pristine white sand, today’s dives perfectly showcase the extraordinary beauty and diversity that have made the Pantar Strait one of Indonesia’s premier diving destinations.
Day 3 - ALOR
Big fish, dramatic walls and Legendary drift diving
Today we head to the northern reaches of the Pantar Strait, where powerful currents, dramatic underwater topography and nutrient-rich waters combine to create some of Alor’s most exhilarating diving. From deep walls and exhilarating drift dives to thriving coral reefs teeming with life, this is a day dedicated to big fish encounters, spectacular scenery and some of the archipelago’s most iconic dive sites.
Munaseli: Situated near North Pantar Island, is widely regarded as one of Alor’s standout dive locations, offering a challenging deep-water experience shaped by moderate to strong currents. Its steep drop-offs and constant flow of nutrient-rich water from the depths draw in an impressive concentration of pelagic life and large schools of fish. Divers often encounter hammerheads, silvertip, grey reef and blacktip sharks, along with eagle rays, mobula rays, great barracudas, and powerful dogtooth tuna, creating a thrilling, high-energy dive environment.
Bama wall: Known for its towering wall that descends beyond 40 metres, revealing a striking underwater landscape and exceptional clarity. The site is alive with color and movement, with currents that can shift from gentle drifts to fast-moving flows. Typical sightings include Napoleon wrasse, bumphead parrotfish, sea snakes, bluefin trevallies, and dense formations of schooling fish, making Bama a spectacular and diverse underwater setting.
The Boardroom: Our next is one of the Pantar Strait’s finest drift dives, where nutrient-rich currents sustain an extraordinary abundance of marine life.
Located on the northwestern corner of Pura Island, this beautiful sloping reef is covered with healthy hard corals, colourful soft corals, giant barrel sponges and sea squirts, creating one of Alor’s most vibrant reef systems.
Schools of fusiliers, surgeonfish, batfish and midnight snappers fill the water column, while Napoleon wrasse, bumphead parrotfish, giant trevallies, reef sharks and eagle rays are frequent visitors to the deeper reef.
Hidden among the corals, photographers may also discover coral crouchers, yellow-spotted scorpionfish, nudibranchs and other cryptic reef species.
With its exceptional coral cover, exhilarating drift and abundant marine life, The Boardroom is a perfect showcase of everything that makes the Pantar Strait one of Indonesia’s premier diving destinations.
Day 4 - PULAU RUSA
Untouched Reefs and Rare Encounters
Leaving the Alor area behind, we begin travelling west and explore the remote waters surrounding Pulau Rusa, where pristine reefs and nutrient rich currents support exceptionally healthy coral ecosystems.
At Watu Balu, just off the southwest coast of Pulau Rusa, we find some of Indonesia’s healthiest and least disturbed coral reefs.
The reef is covered with vibrant hard corals, enormous table corals and colourful sponge formations, attracting yellow snappers, fusiliers, surgeonfish, rainbow runners and red snappers.
Beneath coral ledges, bamboo sharks are frequently encountered, while lucky divers may even spot the elusive wobbegong shark.
During the cooler months there is also the exciting possibility of encountering Mola Mola, or ocean sunfish.
At Rainbow Ridge, an underwater ridge extending into deeper waters southeast of Pulau Rusa, nutrient rich oceanic currents attract large schools of fusiliers, surgeonfish and reef fish, while Napoleon wrasse and occasional pelagic visitors patrol the deeper sections.
Beautiful patches of hard and soft corals make this a rewarding combination of spectacular reef scenery and abundant fish life.
Day 5 - PULAU KOMBA
Where the Flores Sea Meets the Banda Sea
Rising dramatically from the open ocean, Pulau Komba is one of the most extraordinary and remote destinations of our expedition.
The island is dominated by Mount Batutara, an active volcano that regularly releases smoke and ash, creating a spectacular backdrop during navigation, surface intervals and dives.
Beneath the surface, Komba reveals an equally dramatic underwater world.
Rocky volcanic slopes, black sand, colourful coral gardens and steep reef walls combine to create a unique seascape shaped by centuries of volcanic activity. Healthy hard and soft corals, giant sponges and lava formed rock formations provide habitat for a rich diversity of marine life.
The surrounding waters are alive with schools of fusiliers, surgeonfish, snappers and giant trevallies, while moray eels, leaf scorpionfish and other cryptic reef species hide among the volcanic reef.
Depending on the season and conditions, dogtooth tuna, white tip reef sharks and other pelagic visitors may also cruise through the blue.
With excellent visibility, pristine reefs and the constant presence of one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, Pulau Komba offers an unforgettable combination of diving and raw volcanic scenery.
Day 6 – SERBETE
Tanjung Gedong, Serbete and the Flores Coast
Continuing west, we reach Pulau Serbete and Tanjung Gedong.
Tanjung Gedong offers a diverse underwater landscape, with a gentle reef slope leading into sandy bottoms dotted with large coral bommies. Deeper areas are covered in soft corals and broad table corals, while stingrays and ghost pipefish can be found around the sand.
Lionfish, moray eels and angelfish inhabit the reef, while healthy staghorn coral formations dominate the shallows.
Nearby, Pulau Serbete Ridge offers a dynamic dive along a broad underwater reef structure covered in vibrant hard and soft corals and barrel sponges.
Schools of fusiliers, butterflyfish and angelfish move across the reef, while blacktip and whitetip reef sharks and turtles are regularly encountered.
Depending on the timing and conditions, we can also enjoy a night dive at Anatuka, where the shallow sandy bottom comes alive after sunset with frogfish, octopus, squat lobsters and a variety of nocturnal crustaceans.
Day 7 -IPET
Diving, Beaches and Flying Foxes
Our westward journey brings us to the Ipet and Watu Peni coastal zone, on the northeastern coast of Adonara Island.
This volcanic coastline features steep slopes, rocky outcrops and a seafloor that drops rapidly into deep water.
Ipet Drop Off offers dramatic wall diving, while Ipet Ridge provides a gentler profile with hard and soft corals, sea fans and sponges.
White tip and blacktip reef sharks, fusiliers, trevallies and turtles are among the marine life regularly encountered here.
Closer to shore, Watu Peni offers excellent macro diving, particularly after dark. Its sloping reef, coral bommies and sandy areas provide habitat for decorator crabs, bobtail squid, cuttlefish, octopus, sleeping parrotfish, moray eels, frogfish and bluespotted stingrays.
After a full day of diving, we head ashore for snacks and drinks and wait for one of the area’s wonderful natural spectacles.
As the sun begins to set, flying foxes emerge from the coastal forest, moving overhead as they cross the strait in search of food.
A peaceful and memorable end to another day of exploration.
Day 8 -KULAMBU
Flores Sea
Continuing west along the north coast of Flores, we reach Kulambu Bay, an extraordinary playground for macro enthusiasts.
Inside the bay, a gently sloping black sandy reef creates the perfect habitat for a fascinating collection of unusual marine life.
Ornate ghost pipefish drift among feather stars, frogfish disappear almost perfectly against their surroundings, while fire sea urchins shelter Coleman’s shrimps and zebra crabs.
Decorated crabs, nudibranchs and other unusual critters reward careful observation, while seahorses can often be found clinging to sea fans.
Kulambu Bay is a dream for underwater photographers and critter lovers, where every dive feels like a treasure hunt.
After our dives, we can also visit a remote sandbank, a beautiful place to swim, relax and enjoy the sunset before The Seven Seas continues west towards Komodo.
Day 9 - KOMODO
Ranger Station, Sebolon and North Komodo
We arrive in the legendary waters of Komodo National Park, beginning with an experience above the surface.
At the ranger station, we go ashore for a guided walk in search of the world famous Komodo dragons in their natural habitat.
Walking through the rugged landscape also gives us the opportunity to encounter other wildlife, including water buffalo, megapodes and deer.
After our time ashore, we return to the sea and begin exploring the reefs of Komodo.
At Sebolon, calm crystal clear waters and pristine coral gardens provide a beautiful contrast to the more energetic dive sites ahead. Schools of reef fish fill the corals, turtles glide across the reef and occasional pelagic visitors may pass through the blue.
After days spent travelling through some of Eastern Indonesia’s most remote islands, arriving in Komodo marks the beginning of a spectacular final chapter to the expedition.
Day 10 - KOMODO
Gili Lawa
Today we explore Gili Lawa, in the northeast of Komodo Island, home to some of the National Park’s most celebrated dive sites.
At Castle Rock, an underwater seamount attracts dense schools of giant trevallies, Napoleon wrasse, surgeonfish and other predatory fish, while reef sharks patrol the surrounding waters.
Crystal Rock rises close to the surface and combines excellent visibility with constant fish activity. Snappers, sweetlips and jacks swirl around the reef, while the more sheltered areas reveal colourful hard coral formations and smaller reef species.
Another possibility is The Cauldron, or Shotgun, an exhilarating drift through a narrow channel between two islands. Timing the tides is essential here and creates one of Komodo’s most memorable underwater experiences.
Above water, a secluded beach or a hike to one of the area’s panoramic viewpoints provides a beautiful way to end the day.
Day 11 - KOMODO
Central Komodo National Park
Central Komodo is one of Indonesia’s premier diving regions, offering everything from relaxed coral reefs to more energetic sites with larger marine life.
Depending on tides and conditions, possibilities include Karang Makassar, Tatawa Besar, Tatawa Kecil, Siaba Besar, Batu Bolong and Seven Seas Secret.
At Karang Makassar, manta rays frequently visit cleaning stations above the broad shallow reef.
Tatawa Besar offers colourful soft corals, schools of fish and regular turtle encounters, while Tatawa Kecil combines more complex coral topography with trevallies and occasional sharks.
At Batu Bolong, one of Komodo’s most iconic sites, an extraordinary concentration of hard and soft corals attracts anthias, snappers, fusiliers, surgeonfish, turtles, reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse and giant trevallies.
And at Seven Seas Secret, our own signature dive reveals a beautiful hard coral garden descending towards pristine white sand. Manta rays, turtles and reef sharks are all possible visitors and, with a little luck, even the elusive dugong may make an appearance.
Day 12 - KOMODO
Sebayor and the Final Dives
Our final diving day takes us towards Sebayor, where warm, clear water and colourful reefs provide a relaxed and beautiful conclusion to the expedition.
A vibrant shallow reef filled with anthias and damsels gives way to gently sloping hard coral gardens buzzing with marine life.
Schools of yellow snapper move along the reef, green and hawksbill turtles are regular visitors and eagle rays may occasionally cruise past in the blue.
After travelling all the way from Alor through Pulau Rusa, Pulau Komba, Flores and finally Komodo, these last dives provide the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the extraordinary diversity of the journey one final time.
Weather and timing permitting, we can finish with a visit to a pristine beach for drinks and snacks, watching the sun set as The Seven Seas begins her final approach towards Labuan Bajo.
A fitting end to twelve nights crossing some of the most remarkable waters of Eastern Indonesia.
Day 13 - LABUAN BAJO
Disembarkation
After breakfast, we disembark in Labuan Bajo and transfer to the airport or onward accommodation.
From the extraordinary reefs and macro life of Alor to Pulau Rusa and the active volcano of Pulau Komba, across the remote coastline of Flores and finally into the legendary waters of Komodo, our journey from Alor to Labuan Bajocomes to an end.
