Indonesia is quite unique in that it boasts all manner of reefs on which to dive; fringing reefs, barrier reefs and atolls are all spread across the archipelago. Difficulty levels vary enormously from shallow, clear lagoons with little current through to deep, open sea pinnacles with surface waves and adrenaline pumping currents. Indonesian reefs boast over 500 species of coral, 10,000 species of invertebrates and sea plants and over 3,000 species of fish. They are home to 6 out of 7 of the World’s turtle species and form part of the migratory routes of over 30 species of marine mammals. Indonesian waters also accommodate more than one third of all whale and dolphin species and support the most varied and abundant marine life on Earth.
Scuba Diving Indonesia
Coral Reefs in Indonesia
The Best Regions for Scuba Diving Indonesia
There is certainly no shortage of incredible options when you are trying to decide where to go diving in Indonesia. Here a few of our top picks:
The Banda Sea
The Banda Sea is one of the best areas for those who want to see sea snakes or hammerheads while scuba diving Indonesia.
Most of the diving around the Banda Sea involves excellent wall dives, and great macro sites, but the biggest draws are the resident sea snakes at Manuk and Gunung Api islands, and the chance to see schooling hammerheads.
In addition to incredible marine life, cruising and diving in the Banda Sea delivers excellent visibility and dramatic topography. The region is remote and only accessible by water – it’s an ideal cruising destination for divers and you’ll also enjoy lush vibrant reefs and having dive sites to yourself.
We tailor make all itineraries and it’s possible to combine parts of the Banda Sea with Raja Ampat for those who prefer a longer cruising experience.
Alor and the Savu Sea
When researching scuba diving Indonesia, little is written about Alor in comparison to Bali, Komodo, Banda and Raja Ampat but it’s one of our favorite destinations.
Alor is a region for adventure, exploration and phenomenal scuba diving. The currents here are caused by water being forced between the main land masses of Alor, Ternate and Pantar. This constant flow of nutrient rich water results in spectacular coral reefs that are teeming with life and bursting with colour.
This off-the-beaten-path destination offers a mix of both world-class and wide-angle worthy reefs along with fascinating macro sites that are packed with critters. Pristine coral reefs, steep walls, sub-marine sea mounts, sloping muck sites – the diving in Alor is incredibly diverse. There’s no doubt that Alor will excite even the most discerning divers and underwater photographers.
For a longer cruise experience on board El Aleph, we can tailor make an itinerary that combines Alor and Komodo or the Banda Sea.
Komodo Marine Park
The Komodo Marine Park is not only a marine protected area, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and it’s beautifully positioned for scuba diving cruises.
Best known for its population of over 5,500 Komodo dragons, Komodo is a world class destination that features on many divers’ bucket lists when it comes to scuba diving Indonesia.
The islands that are in the park are rugged and wild – much like the diving. Think of thrilling drift dives with kaleidoscopic corals and an absolute mass of fish – that’s what awaits you in Komodo. Marine life comes in all shapes and sizes, from exquisite nudibranch through to reef sharks, manta rays and seasonal mola. For those who enjoy drift diving and currents, diving in Komodo is an exhilarating adventure that is rich in sea life from start to finish.
Some of Komodo’s most pristine reefs are not accessible by land-based operators and many liveaboards in the region follow the same well-known routes. El Aleph’s spirit of adventure and pioneering cruises ensure that you and your guests dive at the best sites – many of which are unknown to others.
Raja Ampat & Misool
Raja Ampat and the Misool region – including Misool Eco Resort’s no-take zone, are considered the jewel of scuba diving in Indonesia.
This is the chance to explore the ocean like nowhere else on earth. Marine biomass is beyond belief with fish densely packed into schools, manta rays performing underwater ballets, and corals that are competing for space on the reefs that are awash with colour.
Raja Ampat was created for sea exploration, the vast region has so much to offer that it simply makes sense to cruise the region to maximize your diving opportunities. Our experienced team know the Raja Ampat islands like the back of their hands, they know the best dive sites and they’ll take you to areas where other vessels haven’t ventured to before.
The stunning seascapes of Raja Ampat are breathtaking, and the region is well known for its migrating whale sightings, pods of dolphins, dugong, numerous species of shark (wobbegong, white tip, black tip, grey nurse, bamboo, epaulette and the list goes on). On the smaller end of the scale, you’ll see tiny pygmy seahorses, nudibranch, cowries, tiger shrimps, flying gurnards, Pegasus sea moths and so much more!
Scuba Diving Indonesia Aboard El Aleph
As Indonesia’s most lavish and exclusive phinisi yacht, our onboard service is nothing short of exemplary. Not only will your every need be taken care of, but they will also be anticipated before you even know you have them. Our dive services are no different – you won’t need to change a tank, set up your gear, or rinse your equipment, unless you want to! Our service driven team are on standby and will ensure that your gear is prepared anytime you want to dive. Our comfortable zodiac tender is also ready at any time to whisk you away to the nearest underwater paradise. The most you’ll have to do is zip up your wetsuit – and we can help with that too.
Bespoke Itineraries
Unlike other liveaboards that have strict dive time schedules, we cater specifically to your wants and needs. If you know you want to make 2 dives in the morning, or one in the morning and one in the afternoon, or if you simply don’t want a schedule and want to dive whenever the urge takes you, that’s what we’ll ensure happens. If you want to make sunrise dives, sunset dives, night dives we’ll have your gear and our tender ready to go. This is your diving adventure in Indonesia, and we will make sure it happens as you want it to.
It’s not just your scheduling that you decide. If there are particular dive sites that you want to visit, we’ll seamlessly weave them into your cruising itinerary. If there are certain marine species that you’d like to see, we can ensure that you visit the sites where you have the best possible chances of an encounter.
Our Dive Team
Our Dive Guides are among the most experienced in Indonesia with an in-depth knowledge of all regions, the best way to dive the sites, and they are experts at reading the conditions. With thousands of dives under their belts, the have an extensive knowledge of Indonesia’s marine life and where to find different species.
Safety is of paramount importance to us and all guides are trained in rescue scenarios and have been certified in first aid, CPR and emergency oxygen administration.
Scuba Diving Indonesia: What We Offer
For more experienced divers
El Aleph is the only phinisi built to this level of luxury in Indonesia that can cater for tech divers, tec-rec, decompression and sidemount divers:
- Onboard facilities for underwater photographers including fresh water for cameras, camera storage, charging points
- Nitrox
- Sidemount divers catered for
- Poseidon Rebreathers
- Trimix (helium) Technical diving
For Groups Diving in Indonesia
For groups of divers who are looking for a more bespoke experience than what can be offered by liveaboards, our experienced Cruise Director and dive team will coordinate your dives and work with you pre-charter to plan your dive schedule ensuring that you dive at the sites you want to – and they will provide you with additional site suggestions that are literally off the map!
If you have a taste for adventure and don’t want to compromise on the finer things in life, then a bespoke cruise onboard el Aleph guarantees exemplary service, luxurious and spacious cabins, privacy, and of course – the very best experience of snorkeling Indonesia.
For reservations or enquiries, please contact us using our contact form – or email us at info@elalephcruising.com and we will promptly reply.
Please note that we are not a yacht agency — your enquiry will be addressed directly by el Aleph’s owner. All of our charters and land excursions are custom designed to suit your tastes and interests. For your comfort and privacy, we accept bookings for full boat charter only — not by the cabin.