Maumere - Maumere Bay, Lomblen, Adonara & Pantar Straits & Alor – Maumere

The mysterious and isolated far east. East of the island of Flores the straits between the islands resemble the komodo strait with a greater touch of places to be discovered.....and on top of that Maumere Bay where you can muck dive for rarities, wall dive, drift dive and wreck dive all in one single day!!

Bay of Maumere: It is extremely interesting to dive in waters that once were considered exceptional, the headquarters of the most reputed World Championship of Underwater Photography, until in 1992 an earthquake followed by a tsunami wave hit with anger all the area. Ten years later the walls that surround these islands have managed to recover in their totality from that natural disaster to the scientists surprise and they actually offer excellent dives in mild currents, with a healthy population of gorgonias and sponges, with big groupers lurking in crevices, antias and butterfly fish. In the blue big tuna and carangids patrol the depths seeking for their prey.

Straits of Alor: Like Komodo and Rinca, the straits between the islands of Pantar and Alor, East of Flores, are simply superb. The currents are not for beginners, but with good chase boats taking care and our well trained crew, we will dive with security through these beautiful and deep straits home of the greater biodiversity of the planet. The macro lovers will enjoy the colourful chromodoris nudibranchs, the curious shrimps and strange crabs, while those of you watching the blue will frequently make out large groupers, rays, and black tip sharks, as well as occasionally grey tips, silver tips and at times even Whale Sharks. In the anchorages of the islands of Adonara and Lomblen great dives at less depth and in more protected waters can be done, with the classical exuberant coral gardens and schools of tropical fish. The straits are also the place to see large whales in transit. In this area we have sighted dolphins of various types, pilot whales and even killer whales.

LAND EXCURSIONS: additionally to the traditional fish barbecue in the beach, in this route the following visits are carried out:
- Climbing of the Lewotolo Volcano of 460 m of height in whose skirt there is an abandoned village which was inhabited by merchants who traded with the sailors of these seas. In this village we can still find the remainders of that commerce: Chinese porcelains, elephant ivory and old tusks, a cannon from an old Portuguese schooner, drums and spears. The excursion takes some 3 hours, and has some magnificent views on the surrounding bay.
- Lamalera is a village dedicated to the traditional hunting of sperm whales and other whales. This hunting is carried out from small rowing boats with a small and simple sail. The harpooner literally jumps from the bow digging the harpoon in the whale with his weight. The villagers make good use of every single part of the whale body and their culture is completely impregnated with rites and superstitions. Whale's teeth, harpoons forged by hand and fabrics with marine motives, like whales, manta rays and turtles can be bought directly to the artistic villagers.
- A third excursion will be decided on the spot depending on the group likings, but it will probably be a walk through one of the quiet Christian villages in the area to see their interesting crafts or a visit to some hot water springs in Alor.

* Before or after the charter an optional excursion can be organized to the National Park of Kelimutu in the Flores island, one of the most visited natural wonders in Indonesia. The Kelimutu is a volcano situated some 85 km from Maumere. This drive can take several hours along the narrow and winding roads of Flores. The spectacular view at dawn on the three lakes in the crater, each one of different colour, one black, one red and one green, is not only one of the greater tourist attractions of the region, but also a very important region of myths and legends.