Explore The Wonders Of Indonesia
Global Conservation Diving & Exploration
Discover Alor: Where Oceans, Volcanoes and Ancient Traditions Meet
Hidden between Flores, Timor and the Banda Sea, Alor occupies a privileged position at the meeting point of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Here, immense tidal exchanges transport nutrient-rich water through narrow volcanic channels, creating one of Indonesia’s most productive marine ecosystems.
The result is an extraordinary diversity of underwater habitats packed into a surprisingly compact area. In a single expedition you may dive vibrant hard coral gardens, dramatic walls, submerged pinnacles, black volcanic sand slopes, colourful soft coral reefs and exhilarating drift dives washed by crystal-clear blue water.
Unlike many destinations where long overnight crossings separate the best dive sites, Alor offers exceptional variety within relatively short cruising distances. This gives our expedition team the flexibility to adapt every day according to tides, currents, visibility and marine life activity, selecting the very best sites under the best possible conditions.
Above the surface, towering volcanic islands rise dramatically from the sea, while traditional fishing villages preserve cultures and customs that have changed little over generations. This combination of spectacular landscapes, vibrant local communities and world-class diving creates an expedition that is as rewarding above the water as it is below.
Although Alor has become increasingly recognised among experienced divers, it remains one of Indonesia’s least explored regions. Visitor numbers are still remarkably low compared with destinations such as Raja Ampat or Komodo, allowing divers to experience reefs that often feel completely untouched.
For underwater photographers, marine life enthusiasts and adventurous travellers alike, Alor represents one of the last places where exploration still feels genuine.
A Cultural Journey Beneath and Beyond the Surface
There are very few places left in Indonesia where nature, culture and exploration remain so deeply connected.
Situated between the Banda Sea and the Indian Ocean, the Alor Archipelago lies at the crossroads of powerful oceanic currents that nourish one of the richest marine ecosystems within the Coral Triangle. This unique geography creates an extraordinary diversity of underwater habitats, from vibrant coral gardens and dramatic volcanic walls to black sand slopes, colourful soft coral forests and exhilarating drift dives.
Every day beneath the surface reveals a different side of Alor. One morning may be spent drifting effortlessly over current-swept ridges surrounded by schools of fusiliers, giant trevallies and reef sharks, while the afternoon may unfold over black volcanic sand in search of Rhinopias, frogfish, ghost pipefish, pygmy seahorses, mimic octopus and countless other rare macro treasures.
Yet Alor’s magic extends far beyond its reefs.
Towering volcanic islands rise directly from the sea, while traditional fishing villages preserve a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations. The archipelago is also one of Indonesia’s most culturally diverse regions, home to dozens of ethnic groups and languages. Ancient traditions continue to thrive through colourful ceremonies, storytelling, the famous Lego-Lego dance and beautifully handcrafted ikat textiles, all reflecting a rich cultural heritage passed down through the centuries.
Whenever the itinerary allows, guests may have the opportunity to experience selected cultural encounters, always approached with respect for local communities and their traditions. These moments remind us that conservation is not only about protecting coral reefs, but also about preserving the people, customs and knowledge that have coexisted with these waters for generations.
Beginning and ending in Kalabahi gives us something increasingly rare: the freedom to dive according to tides rather than schedules, revisit exceptional sites when conditions are perfect, and fully immerse ourselves in both the extraordinary underwater world and the rich cultural heritage that make Alor one of Indonesia’s last truly wild frontiers.
This is not simply a crossing.
It is a complete exploration of one of Indonesia’s most remarkable and least explored destinations.
Global Conservation Diving and Exploring the Archipelago East of Flores. Indonesia October 3 – October 14, 2026
You are invited to an exclusive diving and exploration experience in the Archipelago East of Flores, hosted by Global Conservation aboard the majestic Seven Seas liveaboard. Upon arriving in Maumere from Jakarta or Bali, we will spend eleven days and twelve nights exploring the incredible underwater world of eastern Flores.
Expect vibrant walls and coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, hammerhead sharks, dolphins, and melon-headed whales. Flores Sea and its surrounding waters are one of the ocean’s last hidden treasures — a rare gem waiting to be discovered.
Led by Dr. Dadang Mujino (Director of GC Indonesia), Dr. Greg Asner (GC Advisor and Head of ASU Global Discovery) and Michael Sutton, President of the Goldman Prize, this incredible journey takes you far from the tourist areas of Raja Ampat, deep into the Indonesian Coral Triangle, accompanied by one of the most experienced crews and a world-class diving and touring vessel – the Seven Seas.
For more on the Seven Seas, see: www.thesevenseas.net
Come dive in the Archipelago East of Flores and remember what it feels like to fall in love with the ocean all over again.
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 - KALEBAHI BAY
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 - NORTH ALOR AREA
Pulau Pura and Ternate
In the heart of the Alor Strait lies Pura, a small volcanic island where every dive pulses with energy and life. Here, the ocean is raw, powerful, and wildly beautiful.
The waters around Pura are renowned for their nutrient-rich waters, which attract an explosion of marine life. Massive schools of jacks, barracudas, and fusiliers swirl in silver tornadoes, while Napoleon wrasses, giant groupers, and reef sharks glide through deep canyons and coral-covered slopes.
During the right season, lucky divers may even encounter Mola mola (sunfish) or hammerhead sharks. But what truly sets Pura apart is its biodiversity: pristine coral gardens, dramatic drop-offs, and muck diving sites teeming with bizarre and beautiful critters: rhinopias, mimic octopus, pygmy seahorses, and an endless variety of nudibranchs.
Clown Valley (aka Apuri Bay): Home to one of the largest concentrations of anemones and clownfish on the planet.
Pura Island Wall: A world-class vertical reef wall off Pura Island, starting around 8 m and plunging to depths well below recreational limits. Rich with sea fans, whip corals, and sponge gardens, this wall often attracts eagle rays, manta rays, and various shark species patrolling the depths.
The volcanic islands of Ternate, in the Alor Strait, lies one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets: a series of dive sites where thriving reefs, and where every descent feels like a front-row seat to a marine symphony.
Babylon: Located on the southern coast of Ternate Island, this site is a classic vertical wall dive, descending from shallow coral gardens into depths of 25 to 30 m or more, with exceptional visibility often reaching 25–30 m, a sloping reef full of soft corals, reef fish, and occasional pelagic visitors.
Day 3 - ALOR AREA
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 - ALOR AREA
Coral Gardens, White Sand and Volcanic Caves
Today we explore three of the Pantar Strait’s most diverse dive sites, each revealing a different face of Alor’s extraordinary underwater world. From colourful sloping reefs and pristine white sand beaches to dramatic volcanic caverns, this is a day that perfectly showcases the remarkable diversity of the archipelago.
Plakang: We begin the day at Plakang, a beautiful sloping reef renowned for its exceptional coral cover and abundant fish life.
Healthy hard corals and colourful bommies create a thriving habitat for schools of fusiliers, surgeonfish and snappers, while giant trevallies, dogtooth tuna, rainbow runners and reef sharks patrol the blue beyond the reef.
With excellent visibility and gentle to moderate currents, Plakang offers the perfect balance between relaxed diving and exciting pelagic encounters, making it an ideal introduction to another unforgettable day in the Pantar Strait.
Ula: Our second dive takes us to Ula, one of Alor’s most picturesque 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 life. Schools of fusiliers, butterflyfish, angelfish, sweetlips and parrotfish move effortlessly above the corals, while 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.
Wolang Cave (Goa Wolang): Our final dive explores Wolang Cave, one of Alor’s most unique and adventurous dive sites.
Located along the southern coastline of Alor, this remarkable site features two volcanic caverns connected by dramatic swim-throughs, sculpted over thousands of years by volcanic activity. One of the caverns even contains a natural air pocket, adding a true sense of exploration to the dive.
The cave entrances are often filled with schools of glassfish and bluefin trevallies, while the rocky walls provide shelter for lobsters, shrimps, crabs, nudibranchs and electric clams. Divers may even encounter nurse sharks resting inside the caverns, together with their distinctive egg cases, while reef sharks occasionally patrol the reef just outside the entrance.
Emerging from the caves, the dive continues along a spectacular wall covered with brilliant orange soft corals, giant sea fans and colourful sponges, providing a breathtaking finale to the day’s exploration.
Combining cavern exploration, volcanic topography and vibrant reef life, Wolang Cave is one of Alor’s true hidden gems and an unforgettable conclusion to a remarkable day beneath the surface.
Evening On Board
As Seven Seas anchors beneath the volcanic peaks of the Pantar Strait, guests gather on deck to reflect on another extraordinary day of exploration.
From healthy coral gardens and pristine white sand to hidden volcanic caves and thriving marine life, today’s dives perfectly capture the incredible diversity that makes Alor one of Indonesia’s most spectacular and least explored diving destinations.
Day 5 - ALOR AREA
Coral Gardens, White Sand and Volcanic Caves
Today we explore three of the Pantar Strait’s most diverse dive sites, each revealing a different face of Alor’s extraordinary underwater world. From colourful sloping reefs and pristine white sand beaches to dramatic volcanic caverns, this is a day that perfectly showcases the remarkable diversity of the archipelago.
Plakang: We begin the day at Plakang, a beautiful sloping reef renowned for its exceptional coral cover and abundant fish life.
Healthy hard corals and colourful bommies create a thriving habitat for schools of fusiliers, surgeonfish and snappers, while giant trevallies, dogtooth tuna, rainbow runners and reef sharks patrol the blue beyond the reef.
With excellent visibility and gentle to moderate currents, Plakang offers the perfect balance between relaxed diving and exciting pelagic encounters, making it an ideal introduction to another unforgettable day in the Pantar Strait.
Ula: Our second dive takes us to Ula, one of Alor’s most picturesque 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 life. Schools of fusiliers, butterflyfish, angelfish, sweetlips and parrotfish move effortlessly above the corals, while 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.
Wolang Cave (Goa Wolang): Our final dive explores Wolang Cave, one of Alor’s most unique and adventurous dive sites.
Located along the southern coastline of Alor, this remarkable site features two volcanic caverns connected by dramatic swim-throughs, sculpted over thousands of years by volcanic activity. One of the caverns even contains a natural air pocket, adding a true sense of exploration to the dive.
The cave entrances are often filled with schools of glassfish and bluefin trevallies, while the rocky walls provide shelter for lobsters, shrimps, crabs, nudibranchs and electric clams. Divers may even encounter nurse sharks resting inside the caverns, together with their distinctive egg cases, while reef sharks occasionally patrol the reef just outside the entrance.
Emerging from the caves, the dive continues along a spectacular wall covered with brilliant orange soft corals, giant sea fans and colourful sponges, providing a breathtaking finale to the day’s exploration.
Combining cavern exploration, volcanic topography and vibrant reef life, Wolang Cave is one of Alor’s true hidden gems and an unforgettable conclusion to a remarkable day beneath the surface.
Evening On Board
As Seven Seas anchors beneath the volcanic peaks of the Pantar Strait, guests gather on deck to reflect on another extraordinary day of exploration.
From healthy coral gardens and pristine white sand to hidden volcanic caves and thriving marine life, today’s dives perfectly capture the incredible diversity that makes Alor one of Indonesia’s most spectacular and least explored diving destinations.
Day 6 - ALOR AREA
Alor’s Hidden Macro Treasures
Today we leave the current-swept reefs behind to discover another extraordinary side of Alor. Sheltered bays, black volcanic sand and thriving muck habitats reveal a world where patience is rewarded with some of the rarest and most fascinating marine life in the Indo-Pacific.
This is a day dedicated to macro photography, unusual critters and the remarkable biodiversity hidden beneath seemingly simple volcanic landscapes.
Our day begins in Limaharing Bay: One of Alor’s premier macro destinations and a favourite among underwater photographers.
The gently sloping black volcanic sand provides the perfect habitat for an astonishing variety of cryptic marine life. With a careful eye, divers may discover Rhinopias scorpionfish, frogfish, ghost pipefish, flamboyant cuttlefish, mimic octopus, blue-ring octopus, dragonets, nudibranchs and countless species of shrimps and crabs.
Every dive is a treasure hunt, where the smallest details often reveal the greatest surprises.
Abila: Our second dive takes us to Abila, a beautiful volcanic slope where black sand gradually gives way to coral bommies and patches of healthy reef.
This unique combination of habitats attracts an impressive diversity of marine life. Leaf scorpionfish, frogfish, juvenile sweetlips, crocodile fish, octopus and ornate ghost pipefish are regularly encountered, while colourful reef fish occupy the scattered coral heads.
Abila perfectly combines Alor’s celebrated muck diving with vibrant reef scenery, offering exceptional opportunities for both macro and wide-angle photography.
Mucky Mosque: We conclude the day at the legendary Mucky Mosque, widely regarded as one of the finest muck dives in the Alor Archipelago.
Its dark volcanic substrate and coral rubble provide an ideal environment for some of the Indo-Pacific’s most sought-after macro subjects. Rhinopias, frogfish, ghost pipefish, pygmy pipehorses, seamoths, nudibranchs, mantis shrimps and countless cryptic species reward patient observation and slow exploration.
No two dives at Mucky Mosque are ever the same, making every descent an exciting opportunity to discover something new.
Evening On Board
As Seven Seas settles quietly at anchor in the calm waters of Kalabahi Bay, guests gather to review the day’s extraordinary photographs and compare the remarkable creatures discovered beneath Alor’s volcanic seabed.
Today’s dives are a reminder that some of the archipelago’s greatest treasures are not found in the blue, but hidden in the sand, waiting to be discovered by those willing to slow down and look closely.
Day 7 - KOMBA ISLAND
Komba Island. 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 the expedition. Located off the northern coast of Lembata, 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, divers may also encounter dogtooth tuna, white-tip reef sharks and other pelagic visitors cruising through the deep blue.
With its excellent visibility, pristine reefs and the constant presence of one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, Pulau Komba offers a truly unforgettable diving experience where the raw forces of nature continue to shape both the landscape above and the vibrant marine ecosystem below.
Day 8 - KAWULA
LewalingBay at North Kawula: Pristine Walls Beneath an Active Volcano
Nestled along the northern coast of Kawula Island, Lewaling Bay is one of the hidden gems of the Alor region, offering a spectacular combination of healthy sloping reefs, dramatic walls and crystal-clear visibility. Towering above the bay, the active Mount Lewotolok volcano provides a breathtaking backdrop, making this one of the most scenic diving locations of the expedition.
The reefs begin in shallow water before plunging into the deep, their walls adorned with colourful soft corals, giant sea fans and vibrant sponges. Depending on the tides, gentle to moderate currents create beautiful drift dives along the reef face.
The bay supports an abundance of marine life. Schools of fusiliers, snappers, anthias and triggerfish fill the water column, while green turtles, reef sharks and leaf scorpionfish are frequent sightings among the corals.
One of the area’s highlights is Cardinals, a shallow dive site perfect for extended bottom times. Named after its extraordinary concentration of cardinalfish, the reef is home to several different species living side by side among coral heads, rocky outcrops and sheltered crevices. The combination of vibrant reef life, exceptional visibility and the dramatic volcanic landscape above the surface makes Lewaling Bay one of the most memorable diving destinations of the expedition.
Day 9 - ALOR AREA
Pulau Rusa & Beangabang. Untouched Reefs, Rare Critters and Authentic Island Life
Today we explore the remote waters surrounding Pulau Rusa and Beangabang, where pristine reefs, nutrient-rich currents and black volcanic sand combine to reveal two completely different sides of Alor. From exhilarating reef dives alive with pelagic action to world-class muck diving and genuine cultural encounters, this is one of the expedition’s most diverse days.
Watu Balu: Just off the southwest coast of Pulau Rusa, Watu Balu is surrounded by some of Indonesia’s healthiest and least disturbed coral reefs. Exposed to the open Indian Ocean, nutrient-rich currents support an exceptional abundance of marine life.
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 the coral ledges, bamboo sharksare 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 (ocean sunfish).
A spectacular sponge-covered wall gradually transitions into coral terraces, creating an unforgettable dive for both wide-angle photographers and marine life enthusiasts.
Rainbow Ridge: Our second dive explores Rainbow Ridge, an underwater ridge extending into deeper waters southeast of Pulau Rusa.
Influenced by nutrient-rich oceanic currents, the ridge attracts 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 cover the ridge, providing habitat for colourful reef fish, invertebrates and countless macro subjects, making every dive a rewarding combination of reef scenery and fish life.
Beangabang: This afternoon we arrive at Beangabang, one of Alor’s premier muck diving destinations and a favourite among underwater photographers.
Its black volcanic sand, coral rubble and calm conditions create the perfect habitat for an extraordinary variety of macro life. Divers may encounter frogfish, pygmy and thorny seahorses, mimic octopus, wonderpus, ghost pipefish, dragonets, snake eels and countless nudibranchs, together with fascinating crustaceans including the distinctive hairy orangutan crab.
Nearby, a beautiful shallow reef and sloping wall covered in healthy soft corals and colourful reef life provides a striking contrast to the volcanic seabed, offering a relaxed and colourful conclusion to the day’s diving.
Beangabang Village
Beyond its remarkable diving, Beangabang offers a rare opportunity to experience the authentic culture of coastal Pantar.
A walk through the village provides a glimpse into everyday island life, where visitors may see fishermen drying their catch, families preparing food, coconuts being harvested and children greeting arriving boats with warm smiles and genuine curiosity.
It is a reminder that Alor’s greatest treasures are found not only beneath the surface, but also within the communities that have lived alongside these waters for generations.
Evening On Board
As Seven Seas anchors off the quiet coastline of Pantar, guests reflect on a day that perfectly captures the essence of an expedition through Alor.
From spectacular coral reefs and pelagic encounters to rare macro subjects and authentic cultural experiences, today’s journey reveals the extraordinary diversity that makes this remote corner of Indonesia so truly unforgettable.
Day 10 - ALOR AREA
Pulau Pura & Ternate. Volcanic Islands at the Heart of the Pantar Strait
In the heart of the Pantar Strait lies Pulau Pura, a small volcanic island where every dive pulses with energy and life. Here, powerful tidal currents and nutrient-rich waters create one of Alor’s most spectacular marine ecosystems.
The waters surrounding Pura are renowned for their extraordinary fish life. Massive schools of jacks, barracudas and fusiliers swirl through the blue, while Napoleon wrasse, giant groupers and reef sharks patrol deep canyons and coral-covered slopes.
During the right season, lucky divers may even encounter Mola mola (ocean sunfish) or hammerhead sharks. Yet Pura is equally celebrated for its remarkable biodiversity, combining pristine coral gardens, dramatic drop-offs and world-class muck diving, where Rhinopias, mimic octopus, pygmy seahorses and countless species of nudibranchs reward careful observation.
Clown Valley (Apuri Bay): One of Alor’s most iconic dive sites, Clown Valley is home to one of the largest concentrations of sea anemones and clownfish on the planet. Thousands of colourful anemones blanket the reef, creating an unforgettable underwater landscape and one of the finest wide-angle photography opportunities in Indonesia.
Babylon Wall: Crossing to nearby Ternate Island, we arrive at the legendary Babylon, one of the finest wall dives in the Alor Archipelago.
This beautiful vertical wall and sloping reef descends into crystal-clear water, often with visibility exceeding 30 metres. Covered in vibrant soft corals, sea fans and thriving reef life, Babylon supports large schools of fusiliers, snappers and anthias, while giant trevallies and pelagic visitors occasionally patrol the blue.
The Arch: Our final dive takes us to The Arch, one of Ternate’s most distinctive underwater landmarks.
Hidden beneath the waters of the Pantar Strait, a magnificent natural archway has been carved into the volcanic reef, creating a dramatic swim-through surrounded by colourful coral growth. The steep wall is home to large sea fans, soft corals, reef fish and countless macro species, while the deeper blue often reveals trevallies, reef sharks and eagle rayscruising past the entrance.
Evening On Board
As Seven Seas anchors between the volcanic islands of Pura and Ternate, guests reflect on another unforgettable day exploring two of the most celebrated diving destinations in the Alor Archipelago.
From vast anemone fields and dramatic walls to natural underwater arches and thriving coral reefs, today’s dives perfectly capture the incredible diversity that has made the Pantar Strait one of Indonesia’s premier diving destinations.
Day 11 - ALOR AREA
Pulau Pura & Takpala Village Visit
Pasir Merah (Red Sand): Located north of Pura, Pasir Merah is one of Alor’s most distinctive dive sites, featuring volcanic red sandy slopes with natural bubbling gas vents, a unique hallmark of Pura’s volcanic seabed.
The site is teeming with exceptional macro life, including mandarin fish, hairy shrimp, and, in deeper sections, the possibility of encountering bamboo sharks and nurse sharks.
Bakalang Jetty: Dive beneath the weathered pillars of Bakalang Jetty, where soft corals transform the structure into a vibrant underwater tapestry and frogfish blend perfectly into their surroundings.
Beyond the jetty, rays and schools of batfish may drift through the blue, while the reef itself hides an extraordinary variety of macro life. With clear water, gentle conditions and exceptional critter hunting, Bakalang Jetty is a favourite among underwater photographers and a perfect introduction to Alor’s renowned muck diving.
Cultural Visit – Takpala Village
After our final dive, we leave the ocean behind to visit Takpala, a traditional Abui village nestled in the hills above Kalabahi.
The village has preserved centuries-old traditions, with houses built entirely from natural materials surrounding a central ceremonial area. Here, we are welcomed by the local community with traditional dances, including the famous Lego-Lego, and have the opportunity to learn about their culture, rituals and way of life.
On our return to the harbour, those still full of energy may enjoy a short visit to Kalabahi’s local market, offering a final glimpse into everyday island life before returning to Seven Seas.
Day 12 - KALEBAHI BAY
Disembarkation in Kalebahi, Alor. Flight to Bali via Kupang.
About Global Conservation
At Global Conservation, we believe that merely designating marine protected areas to achieve the 30×30 goal is insufficient for safeguarding nature. To reach the 30×30 target, we must secure funding and enhance local capacity to effectively protect what we have already recognized as special and important – Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), National Marine Parks, UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, and Community Fishing Refuges.
Our oceans are under siege, and Global Conservation is on the frontlines of marine protection.
Our aim is to implement our Marine Protection model in every endangered and viable Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the developing world, targeting deployment in 100 MPAs by 2035.
Every boat has a radar, and we believe every MPA should have a radar.
We facilitate effective marine protection and ensure financial sustainability so that Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and their unique, priceless ecosystems can thrive in the future. Otherwise, they will simply remain ‘Paper Parks’.
For many years, countries have established new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) with great fanfare, but few are truly well-protected against illegal fishing, reef destruction, trawling, pollution, overfishing, and marine wildlife poaching. Few MPAs even have an operational patrol vessel and a marine warden team to enforce the existing fishing laws. Without real enforcement and penalties for our endangered MPAs, the oceans will continue to be ravaged.
Global Conservation is working to implement park and wildlife protection in the world’s most endangered National Marine Parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in developing countries. When oceans are healthy, local communities thrive. Coastal fisheries provide food, income, and livelihoods, especially in developing countries, where 85% of fishing is conducted by small-scale fishers in coastal waters.
In Marine Protection, we focus on sustainable island and coastal fisheries, collaborating with marine protection teams, local communities, and fishers to maintain healthy and intact marine ecosystems.
Of the hundreds of GC Assessments conducted on existing MPAs, we choose to support those that have strong local leadership, an effective rule of law, government commitment and co-funding, as well as operational patrol vessels and marine ranger teams. We provide them with the systems, equipment, and training necessary for strategic and rapid responses to illegal activities.
What’s at stake is not just our collective natural heritage, represented by marine biodiversity, but also the future of coastal communities. Well-protected areas contribute to flourishing oceans and more prosperous local populations.
Global Conservation focuses on empowering marine wardens, local communities, and fisheries to enhance law enforcement in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Fishing Refuges, including the Rāhui system in French Polynesia and Refugios Pesqueros in Latin America.
We implement our effective, cost-efficient Global Park Defense (GPD) model for Marine Protection and Community Protection methodologies, which collaborate to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of marine protection.
Our Global Park Defense Marine Protection tools comprise innovative Marine Monitor (M2) radar systems, long-range surveillance cameras, drones, satellite monitoring, and SMART Patrolling and EarthRanger systems designed to combat illegal fishing and protect marine life from poaching. Combining technology and community empowerment is key to success.
Almost every vessel is equipped with radar, and we believe that every MPA should also possess marine radars to monitor traffic and illegal activities. The combination of technology and community empowerment is essential for success.
This enforcement improvement strategy, along with empowering local communities and stakeholders to become long-term stewards, is crucial for success and has produced excellent results over Global Conservation’s 4-5 year program in support of marine protection.
About Econusa Foundation
EcoNusa is the largest and most effective indigenous NGO in Eastern Indonesia, with 55 staff members in 9 local offices, leading efforts to save the world’s third largest rainforest while protecting marine resources and biodiversity in the heart of the coral triangle region, particularly on the islands of Papua and the Maluku Archipelago.
EcoNusa has raised nearly USD $25 million from the Norwegian Government (NICFI)/RFN, Packard Foundation, CLUA, Wedgetail Foundation, SWIFT Foundation, London Stock Exchange Foundation (LSEG), Walton Family Foundation, and the Rainforest Trust. See: www.econusa.id
Global Conservation Diving and Exploration of Alor and Flores Sea (October 3rd – October 14th 2026)
Contacts
Jeff Morgan
Executive Director
Global Conservation
[email protected]
+1 (650) 814-2045
Kelsey Tatum
Director of Operations
Global Conservation
[email protected]
+1.810.542.0913